15 Ground Beef Recipes for Hearty and Delicious Meals

Are you looking for some tasty, crowd-pleasing ground beef recipes to add to your weekly meal rotation? You’ve come to the right place! Ground beef is an incredibly versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that can be transformed into countless delicious dishes.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of easy ground beef recipes that are sure to become family favorites. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick weeknight dinner like cheesy beef and tomato skillet, or looking to impress with a showstopper dish like flavorful cabbage rolls, we’ve got you covered.

Get ready to fire up those taste buds and discover new ways to enjoy this protein-packed staple!

So let’s dive into these beefy delights. Your tummy (and your wallet) will thank you!

1. Classic Meatloaf

Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Meatloaf! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings back memories of family dinners. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices, this meatloaf is topped with a tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
4. Spread the additional ½ cup of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
5. Bake for 1 hour, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is caramelized.

Serve with: Mashed potatoes, Green beans

Drink with: Red wine or iced tea

2. Ground Beef Chili

Nothing warms you up quite like a bowl of hearty Beef Chili. This classic dish is packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a medley of spices that create a rich, flavorful stew. It’s perfect for a chilly day or a casual gathering with friends. Serve it with cornbread and a dollop of sour cream for the ultimate comfort meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat and let it cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Serve with: Cornbread, Sour cream

Drink with: Beer or a bold red wine

3. Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a nostalgic favorite, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. These sandwiches are made with ground beef simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. Piled high on soft buns, they’re messy, fun, and absolutely scrumptious. Serve with a side of coleslaw and potato chips for a classic diner experience.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, until the sauce is thickened.
5. Serve the beef mixture on hamburger buns.

Serve with: Coleslaw, Potato chips

Drink with: Soda or a light beer

4. Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie is a classic comfort food that combines savory ground beef, vegetables, and a rich gravy, all topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and brings warmth and nostalgia to the table. Pair it with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine for a satisfying meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 2 tbsp butter (for mashed potatoes)
• ¼ cup milk (for mashed potatoes)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens.
6. Stir in the frozen peas and carrots.
7. Transfer the beef mixture to a baking dish and spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
8. Dot the mashed potatoes with butter and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Serve with: Green salad

Drink with: Red wine

5. Lasagna

Lasagna is an Italian-American favorite that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. This classic lasagna is sure to become a family favorite, making any meal feel like a special occasion.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 package lasagna noodles
• 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
7. In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce. Add a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce.
8. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 45 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Serve with: Garlic bread, Caesar salad

Drink with: Chianti or iced tea

6. Beef Tacos

Beef Tacos are a quick and delicious way to bring the flavors of Mexico to your dinner table. Seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas make for a fun and customizable meal that everyone will love. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or any night of the week, these tacos are sure to be a hit.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• ½ cup water
• Taco shells or tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup salsa
• Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Warm the taco shells or tortillas according to package instructions.
4. Assemble tacos by adding seasoned beef to the shells, then topping with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
5. Serve with lime wedges.

Serve with: Mexican rice, Refried beans

Drink with: Margarita or soda

7. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers are a colorful and nutritious meal that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing. Bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices, then baked until tender and topped with melted cheese. It’s a wholesome, all-in-one dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff the bell peppers with the beef mixture and place them in a baking dish. Add water to the bottom of the dish.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
7. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve with: Side salad, Crusty bread

Drink with: Red wine or sparkling water

8. Cheeseburgers

Cheeseburgers are a timeless favorite, perfect for a backyard BBQ or a casual dinner. Juicy beef patties topped with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and all your favorite condiments make for a mouthwatering meal. Serve them with crispy fries and a cold drink for the ultimate burger experience.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices cheese (cheddar, American, or your choice)
• 4 hamburger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Pickles
• Ketchup and mustard
• 1 tbsp oil (if using a skillet)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Form the ground beef into 4 patties and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the patties on the grill or skillet for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
4. Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt.
5. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in the skillet.
6. Assemble the burgers by placing the beef patties on the buns and adding lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.

Serve with: French fries, Coleslaw

Drink with: Soda or beer

9. Meatballs

Homemade Meatballs are a versatile and comforting dish, perfect for pasta, subs, or as an appetizer. These meatballs are tender, flavorful, and easy to make. Simmer them in marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti for a classic Italian-American meal that everyone will love.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Form the mixture into small meatballs.
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides.
5. Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and bake for 20 minutes.

Serve with: Spaghetti, Garlic bread

Drink with: Red wine or sparkling water

10. Hamburger Soup

A hearty and comforting soup made with ground beef, vegetables, and pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add carrots and celery, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, corn, peas, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Serve with: Crusty bread

Drink with: Red wine or iced tea

11. Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce is a rich and hearty Italian meat sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Slow-cooked to perfection, this sauce combines ground beef, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and a hint of red wine for depth of flavor. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup red wine
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve with: Spaghetti or tagliatelle, Parmesan cheese

Drink with: Chianti or another red wine

12. Keema Curry

Keema Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish from India, featuring ground beef cooked with spices, peas, and tomatoes. This curry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or naan. The warm spices and tender meat make it a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until the onion is softened.
3. Stir in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and peas, simmering for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.

Serve with: Basmati rice, Naan bread

Drink with: Chai or a cold beer

13. Picadillo

Picadillo is a classic dish from Latin America and the Philippines, made with ground beef, tomatoes, olives, and raisins. This sweet and savory mixture is perfect for filling tacos, empanadas, or serving over rice. It’s a delicious and versatile recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, olives, raisins, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Serve with: White rice, Plantains

Drink with: Red wine or a mojito

14. Beef Bulgogi

Beef Bulgogi is a delicious Korean BBQ dish featuring marinated beef that’s grilled to perfection. The sweet and savory marinade, made with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, infuses the meat with incredible flavor. Serve it with steamed rice and kimchi for an authentic Korean meal that will wow your taste buds.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (if using a skillet)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Add the beef and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
3. Cook the beef in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, until caramelized and cooked through.
4. Serve hot.

Serve with: Steamed rice, Kimchi

Drink with: Soju or green tea

15. Moussaka

Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish that’s rich, hearty, and full of flavor. Layers of eggplant, ground beef, and a creamy béchamel sauce are baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole is perfect for a special dinner and pairs beautifully with a Greek salad and a glass of red wine.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants, sliced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups béchamel sauce (butter, flour, milk, nutmeg)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes until tender.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. In a baking dish, layer half of the eggplant slices, then the beef mixture, and top with the remaining eggplant.
6. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve with: Greek salad, Pita bread

Drink with: Red wine

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