12 Ground Beef Recipes That Make Weeknights Easier

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy + disclosures for details.

Ground beef lovers, unite! This collection is packed with mouthwatering meals like Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and that ultimate comfort dish, Traditional Cottage Pie. For something extra hearty, you can’t go wrong with Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats or the classic Hamburger Helper, made from scratch for the ultimate comfort. Whether you’re in the mood for a tangy Thai Larb Salad or a cozy bowl of Simple Chili Mac, these ground beef recipes are here to satisfy all your cravings in the most delicious way possible.

Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs.

Baked Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs are the perfect quick and easy appetizer to throw together for Game Day! The meatballs are mixed in one bowl, come together easily, and are packed with flavor. Plus, they’re gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs.

Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Spaghetti and Meatballs | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is simple, quick, and easy to make, perfect for holiday entertaining or a cozy family night. Made with lean ground sirloin, whole wheat pasta, and a jar of marinara sauce, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Top it off with mozzarella and parmesan for a truly delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili

overhead photo of Frito Pie Casserole on a tray
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food! A hearty chili con carne meets America’s favorite corn chips for a fun twist on a classic casserole. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions.
Get the Recipe: Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili

Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

overhead shot of Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Ukrainian Holubtsi, or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, are a comforting labor of love that’s well worth the effort. Ground beef, rice, and spices are nestled in tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or special occasion!
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

close-up of a shallow bowl with homemade spaghetti sauce over top of spaghetti
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is easy to make and perfect for meal prepping! With classic, rich flavors from beef, pork, and a medley of vegetables, this meat sauce for pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it anytime.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Thai Larb Salad

Tahi larb salad in a bowl
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Thai Larb Salad recipe is bursting with flavor! Fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy lime dressing come together in this vibrant and healthy dish that can be served as lettuce wraps or with jasmine rice. It’s easily customizable with your choice of ground meat or tofu.
Get the Recipe: Thai Larb Salad

Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed zucchini boats with ground beef and taco toppings.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

These taco stuffed zucchini boats are a healthy and delicious Mexican-inspired meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. The zucchini is filled with a flavorful taco filling that’s both light and surprisingly filling. Top it off with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and lime for the perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed Peppers

Close-up of stuffed bell peppers filled with ground beef and melted cheese, garnished with fresh parsley, with a fork taking a bite.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These stuffed peppers by Chelsea’s Messy Apron are a quick and easy dinner that roasts to perfection in the oven. Filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, rice, and spices, topped with cheese and fresh parsley. You’ll love this no-fuss, healthy meal!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Traditional Cottage Pie

Close-up of a shepherd's pie featuring a golden-brown mashed potato topping. Below, there's a mixture of cooked ground meat, peas, carrots, and other vegetables, all in a brown gravy, served on a white plate.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Traditional Cottage Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food! With a savory beef filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Bake it until golden for a comforting, classic meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Cottage Pie

Hamburger Helper

A skillet with hamburger helper and a black serving spoon.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This homemade hamburger helper is a creamy, cheesy, and beefy dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Skip the boxed version and make this family favorite from scratch for a comforting and quick dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Helper

Simple Chili Mac

a bowl of chili mac with a spoon
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This simple chili mac recipe combines the best of both worlds: hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese! This one-pot wonder uses simple ingredients like lean ground beef, chili powder, and elbow macaroni, all simmered together in a rich, flavorful sauce. Top it off with Mexican blend cheese for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal!
Get the Recipe: Simple Chili Mac

Beef Ramen Noodles (Stir Fry)

ground beef and ramen noodles in two bowls
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

These Beef Ramen Noodles are quick, easy, and incredibly comforting! The star is the addictive sweet and savory peanut sauce that coats the ground beef, veggies, and ramen noodles. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Beef Ramen Noodles (Stir Fry)

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *