Are you tired of the same old thing and wondering what to make with ground beef? I’ve got the BEST ground beef recipes from quick and easy meals for busy weeknights to elaborate meals to impress your guests. If you’re in the mood for a classic burger, a comforting bowl of chili, or want to try something new, there’s something for everyone!
What Can I Make with Ground Beef?
In my personal life and on places like Facebook and Reddit, I see the same question over and over again – what can I make with ground beef? While it’s an ingredient most people have in their fridge or freezer, it seems that people are always looking for new ways to prepare it. I’ve got you covered with 30 of the BEST ground beef recipes!
1. Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Easy-to-make ground beef lettuce wraps boast a tasty combination of ground beef, aromatics, and a sweet but tangy sauce. The wraps are beautifully held together with crispy lettuce for a light and refreshing meal you will love.
2. Taco Pasta
Savor the cheesy and mouth-watering flavor of taco pasta! This 30-minute meal incorporates ground beef and al dente pasta brought to life with cheese, aromatics, and spices. Plus, it’s an excellent way to make the most of your ground beef stash.
3. Homemade Tacos with Ground Beef
Get ready to bring back what my family calls American taco nights with homemade tacos with ground beef served with vegan mexican rice. Juicy, seasoned ground beef mixes with onions, garlic, and homemade taco seasoning to fill warm corn tortillas. And with the option to customize toppings to your liking, these tacos will make even the pickiest of eaters happy at mealtime.
4. Peruvian Beef Noodles
A hearty broth infused with aromatic herbs and spices is the perfect complement to tender ground beef and al dente pasta, resulting in a comforting bowl of Peruvian beef noodle soup or sopa criolla. Made with ground beef, angel hair pasta, and the perfect touch of aji panca, a smoky and mildly spicy Peruvian chili pepper that adds subtle heat to the dish, this delicious soup is an excellent addition to your ground beef recipe collection!
5. Keto Cheeseburger Soup
Creamy keto cheeseburger soup is a low-carb take on classic American comfort food; this fuss-free, one-pot meal is ready in 30 minutes from start to finish for a family-friendly meal everyone will love.
6. Ground Beef Taco Salad
Say hello to your new go-to recipe for when you need a quick and easy meal on the fly. Made with tomato salsa, avocado slices, lettuce, and taco-seasoned ground beef, this recipe for ground beef taco salad is an excellent way to use the ground beef sitting in your fridge.
7. Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff
Prepare to indulge in a rich and creamy masterpiece, Instant Pot ground beef stroganoff. The juicy ground beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and velvety sauce form the flavors that make stroganoff an all-time favorite. Plus, since it cooks in the Instant Pot, the meal is ready and on your table in no time.
8. Healthy Sloppy Joes
Enjoy a healthy twist on the classic American Sloppy Joe with this healthy Sloppy Joe’s recipe featuring lean ground beef, low-sugar ketchup, and the perfect touch of smoky BBQ sauce; these sandwiches are packed with flavor while keeping things light. And if you need help deciding what to serve with Sloppy Joes, we’ve got you covered there too.
9. Homemade Italian Meatball Sub Dip
Use the ground beef in the back of your freezer to elevate your appetizer game with a homemade Italian meatball sub dip. Think deconstructed meatball sub deliciously loaded with savory Italian-spiced ground beef meatballs and gooey melted cheese for an easy-to-make dip that’s the perfect addition to any big game or get-together.
10. Vietnamese Noodle Stir Fry with Beef
Discover delicious Vietnamese flavor with nui xao bo, a Vietnamese noodle stir fry made with beef. Perfectly cooked macaroni noodles, ground beef, onions, and peas are tossed together in a luscious umami-rich sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and budget-friendly.
11. Italian Wedding Soup
Italian wedding soup is overflowing with tender homemade meatballs, crisp vegetables, and tiny pasta for a comforting bowl of soup you’ll want to enjoy year-round.
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12. Aloo Keema
Treat yourself to authentic, one-pot aloo keema, a delicious combination of seasoned ground beef and tender potatoes sautéed in a rich blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and warm Indian spices. And because we love transparency around here, this is our family’s go-to way of using ground beef, especially if we are short on time to make dinner.
13. Beef Picadillo
In just 30 minutes, you can create deliciously flavored Cuban beef picadillo, a tasty meal that’s also a perfect addition to casseroles, soups, or pastries like empanadas. The best part? You only need one pan to whip up this hearty and satisfying meal. And if you’re interested in another variation, make picadillo con papas or Mexican picadillo.
14. Spaghetti and Meatballs
No roundup for ground beef recipes is complete without spaghetti and meatballs! If you don’t have a go-to recipe for it already, this one is a true family favorite, featuring tender and juicy meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce.
15. Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders
Quick, easy, and cheesy ground beef sliders made with a gooey seasoned ground beef mixture topped with a sriracha aioli and melty cheddar cheese.
16. Instant Pot Beef American Goulash
When you’re short on time, reach for family-friendly Instant Pot beef American goulash. This old-fashioned one-pot wonder is quick and easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
17. Meatballs with Chimichurri Sauce
Treat yourself to the robust flavor of succulent ground beef Meatballs drenched in fresh chimichurri sauce for an appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining. If you don’t have a go-to recipe for the zesty green sauce, then try our chimichurri with cilantro.
More Meatball Recipes:
18. Bobotie
Casseroles are the perfect way to use ground beef, as they provide a convenient and versatile platform to showcase this delicious protein. And since we’re talking about it, enjoy hearty and comforting bobotie; the dish is brimming with curried ground beef, fruit, and a savory egg custard topping baked in the oven until golden.
19. Baked Beans with Hamburger
Southern-style baked beans with hamburger aren’t just a tasty side for a BBQ or potluck; by combining baked beans with ground beef and bacon, it transforms the traditional American side into a filling and complete meal – all you need is a buttery side of cornbread!
20. Ground Beef Taquitos
Packed with ground beef, tangy cheese, and fragrant spices, crunchy ground beef taquitos are the perfect party snack. And the best part? They’re so easy to make; all you have to do is roll the filling in a tortilla, fry until golden, and serve them with guacamole and chunky salsa.
21. IKEA Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Experience IKEA Swedish meatballs in the comfort of your home. The meal is carefully crafted with hand-mixed meatballs cooked in a luscious béchamel sauce infused with savory beef broth, parsley, dill, and tangy Worcestershire. And if you’re curious about what to serve with Swedish meatballs, we’ve got the sides to complete the meal.
22. Ultimate Stuffed Peppers
Ground beef is a popular ingredient in many recipes primarily because it is so affordable, and these ultimate stuffed peppers are a great way to use what you have in your fridge. The peppers feature a hearty combination of rice, protein-rich ground beef, fiber-packed black beans, and sweet corn- they are bursting with flavor!
23. Hamburger Soup
Savor the goodness of hamburger soup, made with ground beef and fresh vegetables that cook in a flavorful and robust tomato-based broth; this satisfying one-pot meal is a breeze to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
24. Polenta Beef Casserole
Appreciate the irresistible flavors of Slavonia with polenta beef casserole, a hearty, mouthwatering casserole that will sustain you through winter, but it’s light enough to enjoy year-round.
25. Stuffed Peppers
These easy-to-bake stuffed peppers are brimming with ground beef, fluffy rice, and tangy tomato soup, then topped with a generous helping of melty mozzarella cheese. The vibrant bell peppers add a pop of color to your plate and provide a fresh and crisp texture to complement the savory filling.
26. Moroccan Meatballs
Bursting with the fragrant spices of cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon, these juicy Moroccan meatballs simmer to perfection in a rich tomato gravy infused with onion, garlic, and ginger. But that’s not all – our recipe also features a secret ingredient that takes these meatballs to the next level: sweet and chewy dates provide a delightful contrast to the savory spices.
27. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
If you’re looking for a warm and satisfying meal that’s healthy and delicious, try sweet potato shepherd’s pie. This classic comfort food features creamy sweet potato mash layered over a hearty beef and vegetable filling; this wholesome dinner is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for cozy comfort.
28. Jamaican Beef Patties
Bite into the golden turmeric-colored crust and savor the irresistible aroma of the spiced ground beef and vegetable filling that makes up Jamaican beef patties. Whether you’re feeling snacky or crave a hearty meal, these patties are a perfect treat.
29. Koobideh Kabob
If you’re a fan of grilled meat, then koobideh kabob is the meal for you! This mouthwatering Iranian dish is a labor of love that combines ground beef, grated onion, salt, and pepper to form kabobs that we top with saffron butter for an irresistible flavor and aroma. Grilled over an open flame – the kabob’s come out tender and juicy, with a crispy char that adds smokiness to every bite.
30. Zucchini Lasagna
Are you craving the comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna but want to cut back on carbs? Try zucchini lasagna with layers of tender zucchini ribbons, rich tomato sauce, ground beef, and creamy cheese sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ground beef taste better?
• Spices: Salt, garlic powder, taco Seasoning, paprika, cumin, garam masala, curry powder, Slap Ya Mama’s Seasoning recipe, cayenne, red pepper flakes, and Goya.
• Herbs: Cilantro, thyme, oregano, and parsley.
• Sauce: Oil, ghee, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, and peanut butter.
• Aromatics: Garlic, onions, scallions, and shallots.
How long does ground beef last in the fridge?
Store leftover ground beef in an airtight container. Depending on the added ingredients, it will keep for 3-4 days.
Elizabeth S
Wednesday 31st of May 2023
I cannot wait to give these a try! Thank you for such a great variety of recipes!
Maggie
Sunday 23rd of October 2022
They all look so yummy. I really want to try your beef picadillo recipe. I'm a sucker for olives!
Tressa Jamil
Sunday 23rd of October 2022
Thank you, and beef picadillo is one of our favorites and honestly it's mostly because of the olives! They are so salty and perfect.