Looking for the best ground beef recipes to make this week? You're in the right place. Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen: affordable, hearty, and easy to cook with. That's why I've rounded up over 45 of the very best ground beef recipes you can make at home. From cozy classics like meatloaf and chili to easy weeknight dinners like tacos and stuffed peppers, these recipes prove that ground beef can do it all - and taste amazing while doing it.
When it comes to versatility, ground beef is hard to beat. It works in everything from quick 30-minute meals to slow-cooked comfort food and even lighter, veggie-packed dinners. Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week ahead, or making a crowd-pleasing dish for friends, there's a ground beef recipe here for every occasion.
This collection was inspired by my love for creating simple, flavor-packed ground beef recipes that never disappoint. If you love these recipes, be sure to check out my 60+ Easy Dinner Ideas next. They're just as easy and satisfying.
Ground Beef Classics
Classic ground beef recipes never go out of style. From juicy burgers to lasagna and meatloaf, these timeless favorites are hearty, comforting, and always guaranteed to please.
Italian Meatballs
Quick, easy homemade Italian meatballs are juicy, flavourful, and delicious, simmered in a rich and savoury tomato sauce. Make them in just 30 minutes.
Classic Juicy Hamburgers
Better than the steakhouse, these classic juicy hamburgers are perfectly seasoned, so flavourful and delicious. Make them on the grill or on the stove.
Easy Meat Lasagna
Classic easy meat lasagna is the ultimate Italian comfort food with layers of tender lasagna, meaty tomato sauce, cheese filling and melted cheese on top.
Classic Meatloaf
This hearty classic meatloaf with a caramelized glaze will nourish your body and soul. Feed the whole family with a simple yet flavourful classic.
Ground Beef Meat Pie
Ground beef meat pie with a flaky puff pastry double crust pie is filled with ground beef cooked with vegetables and seasonings. The ultimate comfort food.
Cheeseburger Sliders
Easy Cheeseburger Sliders have the classic flavor of your favorite burgers in bite-size form without the fuss of forming or grilling a single burger patty!
Spaghetti Bolognese
Quick easy spaghetti bolognese with a rich, thick, delicious and flavourful meat sauce is a family favourite ready in 30 minutes. Best weeknight dinner.
Comfort Food Favorites
When you're craving something cozy and indulgent, these ground beef comfort food recipes deliver. Think cheesy casseroles and baked pasta that warm you from the inside out.
Lasagna Roll Ups
Lasagna roll ups are a twist on traditional lasagna. Lasagna noodles are filled with cheese and meat sauce and rolled up. Make ahead and freezer-friendly!
Skillet Shepherd's Pie
Skillet shepherd's pie is a savoury and hearty traditional comfort food. With flavourful beef and fluffy potatoes, this cozy meal it will warm you up.
Baked Ravioli
Baked Ravioli is simple delicious comfort food that is perfect for a weeknight family dinner or for entertaining. It's hearty, comforting, and kid-friendly.
Tater Tot Casserole
This Tater Tot Casserole is classic comfort food that incorporates delicious layers of tater tots, melted cheese and a creamy beef and vegetable mixture.
Phyllo Meat Pie (Egyptian Goulash)
Phyllo meat pie (Egyptian goulash) is a savory pie made of well-seasoned ground beef that lies between layers of flaky, crispy, golden phyllo pastry dough.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals
Busy weeknights call for fast and fuss-free dinners. These quick ground beef recipes come together in 30 minutes or less without skimping on flavor. Perfect for busy nights.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Homemade hamburger helper is a family favorite but you can make a cheaper, healthier, and way tastier version at home, ready in just 30 minutes.
Mexican Ground Beef Tacos
Spice up Taco Tuesday with these delicious, authentic, and easy-to-make Mexican ground beef tacos. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fiesta! Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
Swedish Meatballs
Delicious, comforting homemade Swedish meatballs are seared and smothered in a creamy gravy sauce and taste so much better than IKEA meatballs.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Oven-baked loaded sheet pan nachos topped with cheddar cheese are a crowd pleaser for an easy weeknight dinner or a crave-worthy appetizer to serve on game day.
One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
This Chili Mac and Cheese recipe combines two of the best classic comfort dishes using one-pan only in just 30 minutes. A family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Sweet and sour meatballs are quick, easy, delicious, and flavorful, tossed in a bell peppers and pineapple stir fry with homemade sweet and sour sauce.
Homemade Crunchwrap
Homemade Crunchwrap is a crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed meal inspired by the fast-food favorite - only better! Easy to customize and freezer-friendly too.
International-Inspired Dishes
Ground beef shines in cuisines all around the world. From Mexican burritos to Chinese dumplings and Middle Eastern kebabs, these dishes bring global flavors to your kitchen.
Beef Empanadas
Homemade Beef Empanadas are a celebration of bold Latin-inspired flavors, featuring a savory, spiced ground beef filling wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry.
Spicy Dan Dan Noodles
Toss thin wheat noodles in a spicy chili oil sauce and top with seasoned ground beef to make numbing, spicy Sichuan Dan Dan noodles in under 15 minutes.
Beef Kofta Kebabs
Mediterranean Beef Kofta Kebabs are juicy, tender, flavorful, and well seasoned. These grilled ground beef skewers are quick and easy to make in 30 minutes.
Beef Potstickers (Dumplings)
Homemade Chinese beef potstickers (dumplings) are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy inside packed with a delicious beef filling.
Homemade Taquitos
Homemade Taquitos are crispy, delicious, and flavorful. These rolled tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef and melty cheese and can be fried or baked!
Mapo Tofu
Mapo tofu is quick, easy, delicious, flavorful, spicy, and numbing that is ready in just 20 minutes. Serve it with steamed rice on busy weeknights.
Beef and Bean Burritos
Hearty and filling beef and bean burritos are easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and take just 30 minutes for restaurant-quality Mexican food at home.
Chinese Beef Dumplings with Celery
Chinese Beef Dumplings are filled with juicy ground beef, finely chopped celery, and a blend of aromatic seasonings. Make them steamed, boiled or pan-fried!
Meatball Recipes
Meatballs are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food. From Asian-inspired flavors to sweet holiday glazes, these recipes show just how versatile ground beef meatballs can be.
Easy Baked Meatballs
Easy Baked Meatballs are juicy, tender, loaded with flavor, and kid-friendly. Enjoy delicious homemade meatballs in under an hour using simple ingredients.
Teriyaki Meatballs
Teriyaki meatballs are our latest go to weeknight dinner - quick and easy to cook in the air fryer or oven, saucy and flavorful, and freezer-friendly.
Cranberry Meatballs
Cranberry Meatballs are sticky, sweet and tangy. These delicious bites are the perfect holiday appetizer, or a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce.
Greek Meatballs
Baked Greek meatballs are juicy, tender, flavorful, and delicious. They are quick and easy to make in 30 minutes, and freezer-friendly.
Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs
Sticky honey garlic meatballs are a delicious and flavourful 30-minute meal to add to your weekly dinner rotation. A total crowd please. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Healthy and Lighter Options
Ground beef isn't just for heavy dishes, it can be light and wholesome too. These recipes pair beef with fresh vegetables and simple seasonings for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Ground beef stuffed peppers are delicious, healthy, and filling. Stuffed with beef rice and veggies, they're easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly.
Beef Taco Salad
Beef taco salad is a simple, filling, and delicious meal loaded with ground beef seasoned with homemade taco seasoning, veggies, your favorite taco fillings, and a creamy lime dressing. Make it in 20 minutes.
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a fun, low carb dinner filled with a hearty meat sauce, topped with cheese, and baked until melty and bubbly. This classic dish is perfect for the height of zucchini season, and a true family favorite!
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Skip the stuffing process with this easy Stuffed Pepper Casserole and cook the peppers with beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices for a delicious one pot meal.
Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Mexican stuffed peppers are a delicious, wholesome, low-carb, healthy meal loaded with fun Mexican flavors. It freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.
Soups and Stews
Warm, hearty, and nourishing, ground beef soups are a comforting staple year-round. These cozy bowls are perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is a twist on a classic Italian recipe with all the same delicious comforting flavors in the form of a hearty one pot soup.
Hamburger Soup with Macaroni (Goulash Soup)
Hamburger soup with macaroni is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that's wholesome, filling, comforting and nutritious with beef broth. Prep, cook and serve under an hour.
Beef Cabbage Barley Soup
Hearty beef cabbage barley soup is wholesome, filling and flavourful. This one pot meal can be made ahead and is freezer-friendly. Prep it in 10 minutes.
Beef Taco Soup
Beef taco soup is a delicious take on tacos, transforming it into a hearty, wholesome, filling soup topped with all the taco fixings. Ready in 30 minutes.
Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Hearty slow cooker beef chili is an easy, comforting, low-maintenance dinner in fall and winter months. It's a family favourite crockpot chili.
How to Store Ground Beef
Store any leftover ground beef recipes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Most of these dishes are also freezer-friendly, simply transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy again, and depending on the recipe card, most can reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 5-10 minutes, in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge (or at room temperature for a few hours) before reheating for best results.
Substitutions for Ground Beef
You can easily substitute ground beef with other ground meats like ground turkey, chicken, or pork in most of these recipes. Ground turkey and chicken are leaner options that lighten up the dish while still keeping it flavorful, while ground pork adds extra richness. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may cook faster and can dry out more easily, so adjust the cooking time and seasonings as needed for the best results.
Make It Tonight
What makes ground beef so special is how approachable it is. A single pound can stretch into tacos for the whole family, simmer into a hearty soup, or transform into something impressive like homemade empanadas. It's the kind of ingredient that invites creativity, whether you're cooking something nostalgic or trying a new cuisine.
Beyond its versatility, ground beef has a way of bringing people together. A pot of chili on game day, a bubbling lasagna shared at the table, or even simple sliders on a weeknight - these meals often become the moments we remember most.
So while ground beef may seem like an everyday staple, it's anything but ordinary. With a little inspiration, it can anchor meals that are comforting, exciting, and always delicious.
FAQ
Ground beef is one of the fastest proteins to cook, so it's perfect for quick meals. Tacos, burritos, sheet pan nachos, or a simple skillet stir-fry can be ready in under 30 minutes. You can also make quick soups like beef taco soup or whip up cheeseburger sliders when you need something fast. Even a homemade hamburger helper or chili mac can come together on a busy weeknight without much effort.
If all you have on hand is ground beef, you can still create a satisfying meal. Season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then serve it over rice, pasta, or wrapped in tortillas. You can also shape it into patties for simple burgers or make a quick stir-fry by adding frozen veggies from your freezer. Ground beef is so versatile that even on its own, it can become the base for something delicious.
The healthiest ground beef option is typically lean or extra lean beef, such as 90/10 or 93/7 blends (that's lean meat versus fat). These options reduce overall fat and calories while still keeping enough flavor and juiciness for most recipes. Grass-fed beef is also considered healthier because it's often higher in omega-3 fatty acids and contains fewer additives. No matter which you choose, pairing lean ground beef with lots of vegetables is a great way to make your meals lighter.
The best method depends on the dish you're making, but generally sautéing in a skillet is the most versatile. Cooking ground beef in a hot pan allows you to break it into crumbles, develop flavor, and control doneness. For burgers or meatballs, grilling or baking works well for sealing in juices. Always drain excess fat if needed and season generously to bring out the best flavor.
To make a hamburger healthier, start with lean ground beef or a mix of beef and veggies (like mushrooms or zucchini). Skip the heavy toppings and load up with lettuce, tomato, avocado, or grilled vegetables instead. Opt for a whole wheat or lettuce bun to cut down on refined carbs. Pairing your burger with a side salad instead of fries also makes a big difference in keeping the meal balanced.
Yes, ground beef can fit into a weight loss plan when eaten in moderation. Choosing lean ground beef helps reduce calorie and fat intake while still giving you plenty of protein to keep you full. Stick to portion sizes of about 4 ounces per serving and balance your meal with vegetables or whole grains. Cooking methods like grilling, baking, or sautéing without heavy oils also make ground beef healthier for weight loss.
Eating ground beef daily is generally not recommended, especially if it's higher in fat content. While it's a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, moderation is key for a balanced diet. Experts often suggest enjoying beef a few times per week and mixing in other proteins like chicken, fish, beans, or lentils. If you do eat it often, opt for leaner cuts and healthier cooking methods.
Ground beef takes on seasoning really well, so don't be shy with herbs and spices. Garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning can transform basic beef into something bold and delicious. You can also mix in fresh herbs, soy sauce, Worcestershire, or chili paste for extra depth. Browning beef properly in a hot skillet before adding sauces is another easy way to build rich flavor.
More Recipe Collections
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Recipe
Ground Beef Recipes: Italian Meatballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Discover 45+ best ground beef recipes for every occasion, from classic comfort foods to quick weeknight meals, hearty soups, casseroles, and more. One of our favorite recipes is this Italian Meatballs.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the tomato sauce:
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (2 cups)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 3-4 bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine beef with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix well and form the mixture into a uniform consistency.
- Take 2 spoonfuls of the beef mixture at a time and roll them into meatballs. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or shallow saucepan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until the hot oil sizzles. Slowly add the meatballs and gently stir to cook until browned on all sides, about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to stir gently to prevent meatballs from disintegrating. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside (Note that the meatballs are not fully cooked at this point).
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover the lid and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beef
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
This round up was originally posted in 2021 and was updated with new recipes.
Liz says
Was looking for inspiration and found this page. Just made Swedish meatballs, they were delicious- and simple ingredients I had on hand - now we must try the rest of the recipes
Walker says
Awesome, thanks! Technically I think it is Cottage Pie (beef) rather than Shepherds Pie (lamb) but delicious either way.
Clinton Merica says
Made the swedish meatballs, over pasta. Have always enjoyed the dish but never attempted it myself. Recipe looked simple enough so I tried. AMAZING. I did double the meatball recipe, wasn't necessary after all..lol.
Diane Moon says
These not only look amazing, but actually are. Easy and quick to prepare. Yummm.
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks Diane!
Jenni says
Great list! I use this often when meal planning.
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you Jenni! Enjoy!
Lisalia says
I made the Swedish meatballs and loved them at dinner time with rice. So easy and flavorful. I can't wait to give more of these recipes a try. Thanks for such a great collection!
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thank you Lisalia! Let me know if you make any more. =)