35 Quick Easy Meals to Make with Ground Beef (Cheap Dinners with Hamburger Meat!)
Ground beef, also known as hamburger meat, is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a wide variety of delicious and budget-friendly meals. Whether you're cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for simple yet satisfying dinners, ground beef is your go-to ingredient. Here are 35 quick and easy meal ideas to inspire your next culinary adventure:
1. Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
A hearty tomato-based sauce with ground beef served over spaghetti noodles.
2. Beef Tacos
Seasoned ground beef served in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese, then baked until tender.
4. Cheeseburger Macaroni
A one-pot dish combining ground beef, macaroni pasta, cheese, and tomatoes for a comforting meal.
5. Beef and Bean Chili
A spicy chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and chili spices, perfect for chilly nights.
6. Meatloaf
Ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings, shaped into a loaf and baked until golden brown.
7. Beef Quesadillas
Flour tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese, toasted until crispy and served with salsa and sour cream.
8. Shepherd's Pie
A casserole with a layer of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes baked until bubbly and golden.
9. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Quick-cooked ground beef with stir-fried vegetables and soy sauce, served over rice or noodles.
10. Sloppy Joes
Ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce, served on hamburger buns.
11. Beef and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground beef, rice, onions, and seasonings, simmered in tomato sauce.
12. Beef Enchiladas
Rolled tortillas filled with ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce, baked until bubbly.
13. Beef and Potato Skillet
Ground beef cooked with potatoes, onions, and seasonings in a skillet until tender and golden brown.
14. Korean Beef Bowls
Ground beef cooked with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, served over rice and topped with green onions and sesame seeds.
15. Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
Ground beef and mushrooms cooked in a creamy sauce flavored with sour cream and served over egg noodles.
16. Beef Empanadas
Flaky pastry filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, and spices, baked until golden.
17. Beef and Broccoli
Stir-fried ground beef with broccoli florets in a savory sauce served over rice.
18. Beef and Black Bean Burritos
Burritos filled with seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheese, and salsa, wrapped in tortillas and baked until heated through.
19. Beef and Spinach Lasagna
Layers of lasagna noodles, ground beef, spinach, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce baked until bubbly.
20. Beef and Sweet Potato Hash
Ground beef cooked with sweet potatoes, onions, and bell peppers until crispy and golden brown.
21. Greek-Style Beef Pitas
Ground beef seasoned with Mediterranean spices, served in pita pockets with cucumber, tomato, and tzatziki sauce.
22. Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Stir-fried ground beef with shredded cabbage, carrots, and soy sauce, served over rice or noodles.
23. Beef and Rice Soup
A comforting soup with ground beef, rice, vegetables, and broth, simmered until flavors meld.
24. Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Zucchini halves filled with a mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese, baked until tender.
25. Beef and Cornbread Casserole
A layered casserole with ground beef, corn, beans, cheese, and topped with cornbread batter, baked until golden brown.
26. Tex-Mex Beef Skillet
Ground beef cooked with corn, black beans, salsa, and cheese, served over rice.
27. Italian Wedding Soup
Meatballs made with ground beef, pasta, vegetables, and broth, simmered until flavors meld.
28. Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers filled with a mixture of ground beef, rice, cheese, and tomatoes, baked until tender.
29. Beef and Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
Ground beef stir-fried with cauliflower rice, vegetables, and soy sauce, for a low-carb option.
30. Beef and Potato Tacos
Seasoned ground beef served in taco shells or tortillas with diced potatoes and your favorite toppings.
31. Beefy Tomato Soup
A comforting tomato soup with ground beef, pasta, and vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.
32. Beef and Bean Nachos
Tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and jalapeños, baked until cheese melts.
33. Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers filled with a mixture of ground beef, quinoa, vegetables, and cheese, baked until tender.
34. Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps
Ground beef cooked with Thai spices, served in lettuce leaves with shredded carrots, cucumber, and a peanut dipping sauce.
35. Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Pasta shells filled with a mixture of ground beef, ricotta cheese, spinach, and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
These 35 quick and easy meals showcase the versatility of ground beef, offering something for every palate and occasion. Whether you're in the mood for comfort food, international flavors, or a quick weeknight dinner, ground beef is a reliable ingredient that delivers delicious results without breaking the bank. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and creating your own variations to suit your taste preferences!