25 Delicious Recipes to Make with Ground Beef

Ground beef is a versatile and affordable staple that can be used to make endless quick, hearty, and delicious meals. From casseroles and tacos, to meatballs and burgers, the possibilities are endless when cooking with ground beef. This article explores 25 amazing recipes to make using ground beef.

Why Cook with Ground Beef?

There are many reasons why ground beef is a great ingredient to keep on hand:

• Flavor – Ground beef has a rich, meaty, beefy flavor that enhances any dish. It adds hearty savoriness.

• Texture – The soft, crumbly texture of ground beef is perfect in casseroles, tacos, pasta sauces, and more.

• Affordability – Buying ground beef in bulk is an economical way to have meat on hand for family meals. It provides more affordable meals than steak or roasts.

• Versatility – Ground beef can be molded into burgers and meatballs, sautéed for tacos and pasta sauce, and used as a base for casseroles and chilis.

• Convenience – No chopping or slicing required! Ground beef saves prep time.

With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why ground beef is a smart choice for home cooks. Keep reading for 25 amazing ways to put ground beef to use.

1. Classic Cheeseburgers

A juicy cheeseburger is one of the best ways to enjoy ground beef. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and other spices, then grill or pan-fry. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments.

2. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Homemade meatballs are special. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and Italian seasonings then simmer in tomato sauce over spaghetti. Basil, Parmesan, and garlic bread complete the meal.

3. Beef Tacos

Ground beef is perfect for tacos. Brown the beef with taco seasoning and spoon into tortillas along with lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, and more. Serve with Spanish rice and beans.

4. Shepherd’s Pie

The hearty combo of ground beef, veggies, and mashed potatoes makes shepherd’s pie a cozy dinner. Sauté onions, carrots, peas, and corn with the beef. Top with mashed potatoes.

5. Chili

A pot of beef chili is comfort food at its finest. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic. Simmer in tomato sauce with beans and chili seasoning. Garnish with cheese, onions, or Fritos.

6. Sloppy Joes

These crowd-pleasing sandwiches come together fast. Sauté ground beef with onion, garlic, ketchup, and spices for the saucy filling. Pile onto burger buns for a handheld meal.

7. Beef Stroganoff

Transform ground beef into this Russian classic of tender beef strips in creamy sauce. Cook egg noodles and serve the stroganoff over top.

8. Lasagna

Making lasagna from scratch is easier than you think with a quick meat sauce of sautéed ground beef, onion, tomato paste, and seasonings. Layer the meaty sauce between noodles, cheese, and spinach.

9. Beef Enchiladas

Latin-spiced ground beef tucked into cheesy, saucy enchiladas makes for an amazing Tex-Mex meal. Stuff tortillas with the beef and Monterey Jack then smother in enchilada sauce.

10. Tater Tot Casserole

This kid-friendly bake combines ground beef with the charm of tater tots. Brown the beef with onion and garlic, mix with cream of mushroom soup then top with frozen tater tots and cheese.

11. Meatloaf

Homemade meatloaf is comfort food at its best. Mix ground beef with bread crumbs, egg, and seasonings then shape into a loaf and bake. Smear with ketchup or gravy before serving.

12. Hamburger Helper

For a quick weeknight meal, brown ground beef with veggies then stir into boxed Hamburger Helper. Kids and adults alike love the cheesy, noodley flavors.

13. Beef and Broccoli

This takeout classic is easy to make at home. Cook broccoli florets and slice beef into strips. Toss with a savory sauce of garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Serve over rice.

14. Salisbury Steak

Transform ground beef into satisfying patties for Salisbury steak. Shape beef into oval patties, brown them in a pan, then smother with onion gravy.

15. Meatballs Subs

Meatball subs are always a hit. Simmer meatballs in tomato sauce then pile them onto sub rolls. Top with cheese and toast until melted.

16. Beef Empanadas

These handheld meat pies are perfect party food. Fill dough circles with spiced ground beef, onions, and olives then seal and bake until golden.

17. Skillet Lasagna

All the flavors of lasagna without the fussy assembly. Cook noodles right in the pan with meat sauce and cottage cheese. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.

18. Beef and Potato Casserole

This hearty, from-scratch casserole feeds a crowd. Brown ground beef with veggies then mix with cream soup, potatoes, and cheese.

19. Cabbage Rolls

Flavored ground beef wrapped snugly in tender cabbage leaves makes a satisfying meal. Stuff leaves with beef, rice, onion, and tomato sauce then bake.

20. Stuffed Peppers

Ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese tucked into bell peppers makes an easy baked dinner. Stuff pepper halves and bake until peppers are tender.

21. Beef and Barley Soup

Nourishing beef barley soup is pure comfort. Simmer beef and veggies in broth then mix in pearl barley. Season with thyme, rosemary, and parsley.

22. Greek Stuffed Tomatoes

Big, beefy stuffed tomatoes are perfect summer fare. Mix ground beef with rice, feta, olives, garlic, and dill. Stuff into tomato halves and bake.

23. Philly Cheesesteaks

These irresistible sandwiches are easy to recreate at home. Cook sliced beef in peppers and onions then pile onto hoagie rolls with melted cheese.

24. Bolognese Sauce

This rich meat sauce takes spaghetti to new levels. Sauté ground beef in olive oil with onions, garlic, tomatoes, wine, and cream. Toss with hot cooked pasta.

25. Chili Mac

Kid-friendly chili mac is a one-pot wonder. Cook elbow macaroni right in the pan with tomatoey beef chili. Top with shredded cheddar for the finishing touch.

With countless ways to put it to use, it’s clear why ground beef is a smart staple for every home cook. This versatile meat can be used in casseroles, tacos, pasta dishes, soups, and so much more. Keep ground beef on hand for easy, budget-friendly meals your whole family will love.