Ground beef is a fundamental component in many kitchens, offering ease of preparation, affordability, and adaptability. Its versatility allows for an astonishing array of culinary creations, with possibilities seemingly endless. In the following compilation, we’ve curated 35 mouth-watering recipes to serve as a starting point for your gastronomic endeavors.
35 Recipes to Make with Ground Beef
Classic Beef Burgers
The quintessential summer delight, a perfectly grilled beef burger is a treat that never goes out of style. The simplicity of its preparation belies its flavorful impact: simply combine ground beef with salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings, then form into patties before cooking on the grill or stovetop.
Beef Tacos
Transform your taco Tuesday into a mouthwatering experience by starting with a flavorful foundation – browned ground beef seasoned to perfection with taco seasoning. From there, build upon the savory goodness with crunchy taco shells, melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and an array of zesty toppings like tangy salsa and creamy guacamole.
Spaghetti Bolognese
A staple of Italian cuisine, this comforting dish is a warm hug in a plate. To make it, start by browning ground beef with sautéed onions and garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Next, add in a rich tomato sauce, along with some fresh herbs and spices to give it a burst of flavor. Finally, serve the mixture over al dente spaghetti for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Beef Enchiladas
Savory ground beef is wrapped snugly within the folds of a flour tortilla, followed by a generous layering of rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. As the dish emerges from the oven, the aroma of toasted tortillas and bubbling cheese wafts through the air, signaling a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
Ground Beef Lasagna
Ground beef lasagna is a quintessential comfort food that never fails to hit the spot. The harmonious union of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella creates a delightful tapestry of flavors and textures. When you take a bite, the al dente pasta sheets provide a satisfying base for the medley of savory elements to meld together, making it an ideal choice for feeding a gathering of friends and family.
Shepherd’s Pie
Indulge in a satisfying culinary experience by preparing a hearty savory pie that combines the flavors of tender ground beef, an array of sautéed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes. To complete this comforting dish, simply place it in the oven and let the heat transform the ingredients into a crispy, golden-brown masterpiece.
Ground Beef and Potatoes
The quintessential pairing of ground beef and potatoes is a match made in heaven. This dynamic duo boasts versatility, affordability, and widespread appeal. Whether you’re craving a flavorful skillet dish or a comforting casserole, this classic combination is sure to satisfy.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Combine cooked ground beef with cooked rice, melted cheese, and a blend of fresh herbs. Stuff this savory mixture inside bell peppers, ensuring they’re filled to the brim. Place the peppers on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven until the bell peppers are tender and their natural sweetness is balanced by the savory flavors within.
Beef Stroganoff
To elevate the dish, thinly slice high-quality beef and combine it with a rich and creamy sauce made by sautéing sliced mushrooms in butter until they’re tender and fragrant. Then, add a generous amount of sour cream to the pan, stirring until well combined. Finally, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the beef and mushroom mixture over a bed of egg noodles, allowing the pasta’s subtle texture to provide a pleasant contrast to the hearty sauce.
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
To create a savory and aromatic dish, start by browning ground beef with the pungent flavors of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Once the beef is cooked to your liking, introduce the crunch and nutritional benefits of steamed broccoli, and finally serve it all over a bed of fluffy rice.
Swedish Meatballs
Combine ground beef with a blend of breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and aromatic spices, allowing the mixture to absorb the flavors before gently simulating it in a rich, velvety sauce crafted from high-quality beef broth and a dollop of tangy sour cream. Serve the hearty dish alongside a sweet and tart lingonberry jam and creamy mashed potatoes, indulging your senses with each satisfying bite.
Beef Chili
Transform brown ground beef by infusing it with a blend of aromatic spices, including the bold flavors of chili powder, earthy undertones of cumin, and subtle smokiness of paprika. Next, add a medley of sautéed tomatoes, beans, and other vegetables to create a rich and savory base. Allow the mixture to simmer until it reaches the perfect balance of thickness and flavor, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish.
Sloppy Joes
Transforming the humble burger into a culinary masterpiece begins with a flavorful foundation. Start by browning ground beef with sautéed onions and pungent garlic, imbuing the mixture with depth and richness. Next, introduce the sweet and tangy combination of ketchup and brown sugar, perfectly balancing the savory notes. Add other seasonings to taste, allowing the unique flavor profile to unfold. Finally, serve the masterpiece on toasted buns, topped with melted cheese and a crunchy garnish of pickles, bringing the dish full circle.
Meatloaf
Combine ground beef with a blend of breadcrumbs, eggs, and savory spices. Form into patties or desired shape, and bake in a preheated oven until cooked through and golden brown. For a comforting accompaniment, pair with creamy mashed potatoes and rich, meaty gravy.
Hamburger Helper
The iconic Hamburger Helper dish has been a staple of comfort food for many years. This convenient meal consists of a combination of ground beef, pasta or rice, and a seasoning packet that’s easy to prepare. To make it, simply brown the ground beef, add the mix and water, then simmer until the flavors meld together. Once ready, stir in the gravy to complete the dish. What’s great about Hamburger Helper is its versatility – feel free to customize with different proteins, such as turkey or chicken, and add your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Korean Beef Bowls
For a flavorful and savory meal, start by browning ground beef with the pungency of garlic and the warmth of ginger. Next, add a splash of soy sauce for depth and richness, followed by a drizzle of sesame oil to tie everything together. Serve this savory mixture over a bed of fluffy rice, garnishing with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Beef Goulash
When it comes to hearty and flavorful dishes, a traditional Hungarian stew is hard to beat. This beloved recipe combines tender beef, rich paprika, sautéed onions, and juicy tomatoes for a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for serving over noodles or potatoes.
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Combine ground beef with cooked macaroni, a blend of melted cheeses, and crunchy breadcrumbs. Place the mixture in a baking dish and let it transform into a savory delight as it bakes to a golden brown perfection in the oven.
Greek Beef Pitas
Transform the flavors of Greece into a mouthwatering meal by browning ground beef with aromatic notes of garlic, oregano, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve this savory mix within crispy pita breads alongside a refreshing dollop of tzatziki sauce and crunchy cucumber slices for a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
Beef Quesadillas
Transforming the flavors of brown ground beef with sautéed onions and peppers into a mouthwatering dish is as simple as combining it with melted cheese and tangy salsa within crispy tortillas. Simply cook the mixture in a pan until golden and bubbly, allowing the textures and tastes to meld together in perfect harmony.
Beef and Bean Burritos
To create a satisfying and flavorful dish, begin by combining seasoned ground beef and beans within tortilla wraps. Next, add a layer of melted cheese on top before baking in the oven until the mixture is golden brown and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Beef and Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
Combine cooked ground beef with cooked rice, aromatic seasonings, and a hint of magic, then carefully fill bell-shaped vegetables with the savory blend. Allow the pepper-based dishes to simmer in a rich, velvety tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously until the peppers reach tender perfection.
Beef and Cabbage Rolls
Transforming a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef and rice into a delicious dish, wrap it in crisp cabbage leaves and simmer them in a rich tomato-based sauce until they’re fully cooked and fall-apart tender.
Beef and Bean Chili Mac
Unleash the flavors by marrying ground beef with the boldness of chili seasoning, the comforting familiarity of beans, and the satisfying bite of macaroni pasta, resulting in a richly textured and filling one-pot culinary experience.
Beef and Vegetable Kabobs
Transforming the classic combination of ground beef and colorful vegetables into a convenient and flavorful meal, consider threading them onto skewers before grilling or broiling to achieve a delightful eating experience.
Beef and Spinach Lasagna
A satisfying meal can be crafted by combining the rich flavors of layering ground beef, wilted spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and tender lasagna noodles with the tanginess of tomato sauce and the melted goodness of mozzarella cheese. The result is a comforting baked pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Transform the humble ground beef into a flavorful and nutritious meal by stir-frying it with a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables and a rich, savory sauce. Serve this culinary creation over a bed of fluffy rice or a springy noodle dish to create a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
Beef and Rice Burrito Bowls
Transform the classic taco into a hearty, customized meal by cooking white or brown rice to perfection, then topping it with savory ground beef that’s been seasoned with your preferred spices. Add some protein-rich black beans, sweetness from corn, and a tangy kick from salsa. The best part? Let everyone get creative with their favorite toppings, whether it’s diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Beef and Cornbread Casserole
Transforming a humble blend of ground beef and vegetables into a satisfying casserole, topped with the warmth and crunch of cornbread, yields a truly comforting and filling dish.
Beef and Zucchini Boats
Transform zucchinis into a delicious and nutritious meal by hollowing out their halves and filling them with a flavorful mixture of seasoned ground beef. Next, top the zucchini boats with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, then bake until golden brown. This low-carb dish is a game-changer for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing taste.
Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells
To create a satisfyingly cheesy pasta dish, start by filling cooked pasta shells with a savory blend of ground beef, wilted spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese. Next, place the filled shells in a baking dish and cover them with a rich tomato sauce, followed by a generous sprinkling of melted mozzarella cheese. The resulting combination of flavors and textures is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Beef and Rice Noodle Salad
Blending ground beef with cooked rice noodles, vibrant fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing creates a revitalizing and airy Asian-inspired salad that’s perfect for warm weather. The combination of textures and flavors results in a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to devour.
Beef and Black Bean Tostadas
Transform the humble tostada into a satisfying meal by topping crispy shells with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy black beans, fresh lettuce, and your preferred toppings. The combination of textures and flavors will leave you craving more.
Beef and Tomato Risotto
Transform a classic Italian dish into a hearty, comforting meal by cooking ground beef with Arborio rice, juicy tomatoes, and a savory broth that simmers together to create a rich, creamy risotto. The slow-cooked mixture yields a tender, velvety texture that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Beef and Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Transform acorn squash by hollowing out its halves and filling them with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and herbs. As the squash bakes until tender, the filling will be infused with its natural sweetness, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. This unique dish is just one example of how versatile ground beef can be. Whether you’re in the mood for classic comfort foods like burgers and tacos or more adventurous options like shepherd’s pie and Korean beef bowls, there’s an endless array of possibilities when it comes to cooking with ground beef. The next time you’re pondering what to serve for dinner, consider trying one of the many mouthwatering recipes that feature this crowd-pleasing ingredient.