Photo credit: Mary's Whole Life.
Ground beef is one of those ingredients I always have on hand, but I’m not always sure what to do with it. If you’re in the same boat and can’t face another plain salad for dinner, this list is here to help. These 30 simple ground beef recipes are fast, filling, and packed with flavor. From skillet meals to baked casseroles, there’s something for every kind of weeknight. Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be good—sometimes, all it takes is a little beef and the right idea.
Shipwreck Casserole
Photo credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
This casserole mixes beef, potatoes, and vegetables into a one-dish meal that’s great for make-ahead lunches or dinners. It bakes all in one pan and doesn’t take much effort once it’s in the oven. The mix of textures makes it feel more like comfort food than a typical meal prep recipe. It’s especially handy when you need something that feeds several people without a lot of cleanup. It keeps things interesting when greens just aren’t cutting it.
Get the Recipe Here: Shipwreck Casserole
Cuban Picadillo
Photo credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
This stovetop meal brings together ground beef, tomatoes, olives, and spices for a bold yet balanced dinner. It comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a strong weeknight option. You can serve it over rice, in a bowl, or even tuck it into tortillas. The ingredients are easy to find and pantry-friendly. It’s a flavorful switch-up when you’re tired of greens on repeat.
Get the Recipe Here: Cuban Picadillo
Cheeseburger Soup
Photo credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
With ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this soup has all the flavors of a classic burger in spoonable form. It’s thick, hearty, and comes together in under an hour. You can keep it simple or load it up with toppings like pickles or bacon. It’s a good option for nights when you want something warm and easy without grabbing takeout. Great when you’re craving something more comforting than cold greens.
Get the Recipe Here: Cheeseburger Soup
Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Photo credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
This recipe gives you all the flavor of classic stuffed peppers without needing to fill each one individually. The ingredients cook together in a single dish and reheat well throughout the week. Ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and seasonings bring warmth and substance to the table. It’s budget-friendly and easy to scale up. When you’re ready for a break from salad-heavy meals, this one makes a smart pivot.
Get the Recipe Here: Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Homemade Hamburger Helper
Photo credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
This stovetop dinner is quick, creamy, and way better than the boxed version. Ground beef, noodles, and a creamy sauce make it a family-friendly choice that’s done in about 30 minutes. It cooks in one skillet, which keeps dishes to a minimum. This one’s great for busy nights when you need dinner fast but still want something filling. A helpful break from salad repetition without overthinking dinner.
Get the Recipe Here: Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ground Beef Taco Soup
Photo credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Packed with beans, ground beef, and taco seasoning, this soup is hearty enough to stand alone. It cooks in one pot and can easily be doubled for meal prep. The ingredients are flexible, so it’s easy to swap based on what’s on hand. You can top it with cheese, avocado, or tortilla chips for extra texture. This one brings warmth and variety when salads just aren’t cutting it.
Get the Recipe Here: Ground Beef Taco Soup
Zucchini Lasagna
Photo credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
This layered dish swaps out noodles for sliced zucchini, but still brings the comfort of a hearty lasagna. It bakes in one pan and keeps well for leftovers. Ground beef adds depth to the filling, keeping it filling and balanced. It’s simple enough to throw together after work, but still feels like a proper dinner. A nice way to break away from salad-heavy days without much extra prep.
Get the Recipe Here: Zucchini Lasagna
Mexican Picadillo Tacos
Photo credit: Muy Bueno.
These tacos come together fast with seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and a light tomato base. They work well for weeknight dinners when time is short. You can dress them up or keep them basic with a handful of toppings. The filling also stores well for lunches or another round the next night. They’re a strong way to change things up when you’re reaching for something different than another salad.
Get the Recipe Here: Mexican Picadillo Tacos
Mexican Picadillo
Photo credit: Muy Bueno.
Ground beef and diced potatoes simmer in a mildly spiced tomato sauce that works well over rice or in tacos. This stovetop meal is filling and easy to prepare with pantry staples. You don’t need a ton of ingredients or effort to make it work. It’s ideal when you want a warm meal without a long grocery list. Definitely not something you’d call a backup plan when salads start feeling like a chore.
Get the Recipe Here: Mexican Picadillo
Creamy Baked Spaghetti
Photo credit: Comfort Cooks.
This baked pasta dish brings together ground beef, tomato sauce, and a creamy layer of cheese. It’s baked in one dish and slices easily for serving or saving as leftovers. It feels familiar but still different from plain spaghetti night. Great for weekends or nights when you want something warm and crowd-pleasing. Way more satisfying than another salad with dressing on the side.
Get the Recipe Here: Creamy Baked Spaghetti
Asian Ground Beef
Photo credit: Comfort Cooks.
A quick skillet meal with ground beef, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, this dish works great with rice or noodles. It’s done in under 30 minutes and doesn’t require anything fancy. You can add vegetables if you have them, or keep it simple. This one’s good for meal prep or nights when takeout is tempting. Much better than reaching for the same bowl of greens again.
Get the Recipe Here: Asian Ground Beef
Thai Style Ground Beef Bowls
Photo credit: Healthy World Cuisine.
This dish has a nice balance of spice and sweetness, with beef that pairs well with rice, noodles, or lettuce cups. It’s quick to cook and easy to portion out for lunches. The seasoning brings plenty of flavor without needing a long ingredient list. You can add chopped veggies or herbs to stretch it further. A solid go-to when you’re ready for something warm and easy that isn’t a salad.
Get the Recipe Here: Thai Style Ground Beef Bowls
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Photo credit: The Flat Top King.
Ground beef and noodles come together in a sauce with garlic, ginger, and brown sugar for something rich but simple. It’s a one-pan meal that’s done in around 30 minutes. You don’t need any special ingredients and it tastes just as good the next day. It’s a good way to bring variety into your weeknight dinners without complicating things. Definitely a change of pace from salads and cold leftovers.
Get the Recipe Here: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Korean Beef Bowls
Photo credit: Evolving Table.
These bowls combine seasoned ground beef with rice and whatever toppings you have on hand, like cucumbers or green onions. The beef cooks quickly with a touch of sweetness and heat. They’re easy to batch for lunches or a fast dinner at home. They also reheat well, which makes them a solid choice for meal prep. A clear win when you’re looking to change it up from basic salad routines.
Get the Recipe Here: Korean Beef Bowls
Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Photo credit: Evolving Table.
This one-pan taco-inspired skillet combines ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese for a fast dinner that doesn’t need much cleanup. It works well on its own or scooped into tortillas or over rice. It’s flexible enough to adjust based on what’s in your fridge. The whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes. Definitely a smart pick when you want something easy and hearty that isn’t another bowl of lettuce.
Get the Recipe Here: Ground Beef Taco Skillet
Crockpot Beef Chili
Photo credit: Love From The Oven.
This slow cooker chili takes minimal prep and simmers low and slow into a hearty, flavorful meal. Ground beef, beans, and spices create a warm dinner that’s great for batch cooking or game day. It’s easy to set and forget, which makes it a helpful option for busy days. The leftovers freeze well and can be used in different ways throughout the week. A clear break from the usual salad rotation without adding work.
Get the Recipe Here: Crockpot Beef Chili
Enchilada Pasta
Photo credit: Love From The Oven.
Enchilada pasta mixes the comfort of cheesy pasta with the bold flavor of a Tex-Mex dinner. It’s a one-pan meal that takes under 40 minutes from start to finish. Ground beef, cheese, and sauce give this dish a stick-to-your-ribs quality that works for weeknights or leftovers. It’s family-friendly and easy to make without a lot of cleanup. A smart pick when you’re ready to swap greens for something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe Here: Enchilada Pasta
Ground Beef Stew
Photo credit: Unicorns in the Kitchen.
This stovetop stew blends ground beef with hearty vegetables and broth for a warm, comforting dinner. It simmers in one pot and doesn’t require constant attention. The recipe is flexible, so you can use what you already have on hand. It’s ideal for cooler nights or when you want a dinner that feels more like a meal than a side. Definitely a strong change-up when salads start to feel repetitive.
Get the Recipe Here: Ground Beef Stew
Whole 30 Sloppy Joes In A Bowl
Photo credit: Mary's Whole Life.
This bowl-style recipe brings you all the messy, bold flavor of sloppy joes without the bun. It’s cooked in one pan and served over simple vegetables or rice, depending on what you like. Ground beef, onions, and tomato paste bring a familiar comfort without needing extra fuss. It’s great for weeknights or when you want something hands-off. When a cold salad isn’t enough, this is a grounded option that still keeps things simple.
Get the Recipe Here: Whole30 Sloppy Joes In A Bowl
Beef Taco in a Bowl
Photo credit: Mary's Whole Life.
This taco-inspired bowl comes together fast and lets you customize with toppings like cheese, salsa, and avocado. Ground beef adds a hearty base that works well over rice or shredded lettuce. It’s easy to prep and makes solid leftovers for lunch the next day. Everything goes in one bowl, so cleanup stays minimal. A go-to choice when you’re over another salad lunch.
Get the Recipe Here: Beef Taco in a Bowl
Korean Beef Bowl
Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.
This meal takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, with sweet and savory flavors that pair well with rice. Ground beef cooks quickly and holds up well with simple sauces and toppings. It’s great for dinner or meal prep and uses ingredients you probably already have. The portion size is flexible, and the leftovers are just as good the next day. When greens aren’t cutting it, this bowl keeps things easy but flavorful.
Get the Recipe Here: Korean Beef Bowl
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.
Stuffed pepper soup brings ground beef, rice, and bell peppers together in a one-pot meal that’s warm and cozy. It has the flavor of classic stuffed peppers without all the work. It’s freezer-friendly and great for batch cooking. Everything cooks together, so cleanup stays minimal. A great swap when you’re looking for something with more substance than another salad.
Get the Recipe Here: Stuffed Pepper Soup
Ground Beef Fajitas
Photo credit: Maple + Mango.
This quick stovetop recipe uses seasoned beef strips, peppers, and onions for a simple meal that comes together fast. You can serve it in tortillas, over rice, or straight from the pan. It works well for busy weeknights or a casual dinner that still feels complete. No long list of steps or ingredients needed. Much more interesting than repeating salad again.
Get the Recipe Here: Ground Beef Fajitas
Zucchini Boats With Ground Beef
Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.
These zucchini boats use halved zucchini as a base for seasoned ground beef and cheese. They bake in under 30 minutes and are easy to prepare ahead of time. The dish has the feel of a full meal without being too heavy. It’s good for using up extra vegetables and doesn’t take much cleanup. An easy fix for nights when you’re done with cold greens.
Get the Recipe Here: Zucchini Boats With Ground Beef
Beef Burrito Bowl
Photo credit: On My Kids Plate.
This build-your-own bowl starts with seasoned ground beef and layers on rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and great for meal prepping. You can change it up depending on what’s in the fridge. It’s fast enough for weeknights but still feels more complete than your usual go-to salad. A nice way to keep meals interesting without extra effort.
Get the Recipe Here: Beef Burrito Bowl
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.
This one-pan dinner mixes seasoned beef, rice, and vegetables for a fast meal that covers all the bases. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and reheats well for leftovers. The ingredients are budget-friendly and cook up without much fuss. It’s great for feeding the whole family or packing up lunches. A better alternative when salad just isn’t doing the job anymore.
Get the Recipe Here: Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Ground Beef Fajitas
Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.
These stovetop fajitas combine ground beef, bell peppers, and onions in a quick dinner that’s big on flavor. You can serve them in wraps, over rice, or on a plate with toppings. The whole thing cooks fast and doesn’t require complicated prep. It’s flexible and works for small or big batches. A helpful option when you’re ready to trade in another salad bowl.
Get the Recipe Here: Ground Beef Fajitas
Taco Soup
Photo credit: Modern Honey.
Taco soup uses ground beef, beans, corn, and spices to create a warm, flavorful meal in one pot. It’s fast to prep and perfect for slow days or quick weeknights. You can serve it as-is or top with chips and cheese. It also freezes well for future meals. It brings something heartier to the table when salads just don’t sound good.
Get the Recipe Here: Taco Soup
Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet
Photo credit: Modern Honey.
This one-skillet meal uses rice, ground beef, cheese, and taco seasoning to create a bold dinner in under 40 minutes. It’s filling without being over-complicated and uses pantry staples. Everything cooks in one pan, so you won’t be stuck with a pile of dishes. It’s a strong pick for a low-effort meal that feels complete. Especially useful when another salad just doesn’t cut it.
Get the Recipe Here: Mexican Cheesy Taco Beef and Rice Skillet
Lipton Onion Soup Mix Meatloaf
Photo credit: Crayons & Cravings.
This classic meatloaf recipe uses onion soup mix to add flavor without needing a long list of spices. It’s easy to mix, shape, and bake, and makes enough for leftovers. The texture is moist without being too heavy, and it slices neatly for reheating. Great for a weekend dinner or to make ahead for busy nights. When you’re burned out on light salads, this brings things back to basics in the best way.
Get the Recipe Here: Lipton Onion Soup Mix Meatloaf
