20 Quick, Convenient, and Budget-Friendly Ground Beef Recipes

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Ground beef is the ultimate budget-friendly hero, delivering both convenience and flavor in every dish. Whether you’re making Beef Burritos for a quick weeknight dinner or whipping up The BEST Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe with Ground Beef for an easy family meal, these recipes won’t break the bank. Looking for comfort? Goulash and Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe are both hearty and affordable. For an easy, one-pan wonder, try Taco Pasta Casserole or Taco Spaghetti (ONE POT!). Want to make dinner even simpler? Instant Pot Hamburger Mac and Cheese and Crockpot Cheeseburgers are the perfect set-and-forget meals. From Beef Lettuce Wraps to Tamale Pie, these recipes are all about keeping things easy, delicious, and budget-conscious.

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

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A white dish containing baked pasta topped with melted cheese and ground beef.
Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average

Sour Cream Beef and Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food in one dish. Tender egg noodles mingle with a creamy sauce, savory ground beef, and sausage, making this baked casserole a surefire crowd-pleaser your family will ask for time and time again.

Get the Recipe: Beef Noodle Casserole

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

Fritos corn chips smothered in chili with jalapeños and chopped tomatoes.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili turns humble chips into a party sensation. Topped with hearty chili con carne, this dish is a favorite for both kids and adults, and it’s easy to scale up for any tailgate or gathering!

Get the Recipe: Frito Pie

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

The image shows a plate of shepherd's pie and a side salad on a white dish, set on a rustic wooden table.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Seasoned ground beef is simmered in a rich beef and red wine gravy, then topped with a creamy blend of mashed russet and sweet potatoes, finished with a broil to melt cheddar cheese on top—comfort in every bite!

Get the Recipe: Cottage Pie

Beef Burritos

a homemade burrito cut in half and stacked on top of each other.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Beef Burritos are a quick and easy meal that tastes just like your favorite restaurant! Seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, rice and salsa are loaded into flour tortillas for a hearty and satisfying dish. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Beef Burritos

The BEST Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe With Ground Beef

Ground Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe on foodiecrush.com #beef #healthy #stuffed #peppers #healthy #dinner #recipes
Photo credit: Foodie Crush

These classic stuffed bell peppers are the perfect family-friendly meal! Filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and veggies, they’re a healthy and satisfying dinner option. Top with cheese and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: The BEST Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe With Ground Beef

Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of zucchini noodles topped with bolognese sauce, fresh parmesan and basil.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

Craving a comforting bowl of spaghetti but want to keep it light? This Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti Bolognese is the perfect solution! It swaps traditional pasta for zucchini noodles, creating a low-carb and gluten-free version of the classic Italian dish.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Spaghetti Bolognese

Taco Pasta Casserole

a serving of taco pasta casserole being lifted from a baking dish.
Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Taco Pasta Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal, combining the best of both worlds! It features juicy beef, beans, and pasta smothered in a creamy, enchilada-esque sauce. Top it off with your favorite taco toppings for a customizable and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Casserole

Goulash

Bowl of american goulash with a spoon, ready to serve.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This American Goulash recipe features savory beef and pasta cooked in a rich tomato sauce with peppers and onions. Ready to serve in just 40 minutes, this is a comforting and quick dinner option! Top with freshly grated cheddar cheese for the perfect finish.
Get the Recipe: Goulash

Beef Ramen Noodles (Stir Fry)

Asian beef noodles in a bowl with chopsticks, scallions, red peppers, and extra hoisin sauce
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

These Beef Ramen Noodles are incredibly comforting and quick to make! The dish features a delicious, addictive sweet and savory peanut sauce that perfectly complements the ground beef and ramen noodles. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Beef Ramen Noodles (Stir Fry)

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A bowl of rice topped with a colorful mixture of ground meat, cabbage, tomatoes, and herbs. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley and served with a fork on the side.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

Craving cabbage rolls but short on time? This unstuffed version by Cooking Classy delivers all the comforting flavors of the traditional dish in a fraction of the time. Hearty, healthy, and packed with protein, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and also makes great leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Instant Pot Hamburger Mac and Cheese

bowl of electric pressure cooker hamburger macaroni and cheese with fork
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This Instant Pot hamburger mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 30 minutes! Made entirely in your electric pressure cooker, this recipe requires no draining of the macaroni. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hamburger Mac and Cheese

Meatballs in a Cream Sauce

white bowl with several beef meatballs in a creamy white wine Dijon sauce and parsley garnish
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

These Meatballs in Cream Sauce are tender and beefy, smothered in a rich and buttery cream sauce. Flavored with white wine, Dijon mustard, and a hint of nutmeg, this dish is sure to impress. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes for a comforting and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs in a Cream Sauce

Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Parmesan Crust

Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Parmesan Crust | www.downshiftology.com
Photo credit: Downshiftology

This Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Parmesan Crust is made with high-quality ingredients and no fillers. Seasoned with dried basil and thyme, topped with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese, this meatloaf is a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve this for a delicious and comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatloaf with Marinara Parmesan Crust

Taco Spaghetti (ONE POT!)

The best Taco Spaghetti in a pot with tongs about to scoop some up.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Taco Spaghetti is a quick and easy dinner that your family will love! Made in one pot, this recipe is packed with the flavors of taco-seasoned beef and saucy spaghetti. Top with cheddar cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti (ONE POT!)

Taco Bowl

taco bowls.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

Craving a delicious and easy Mexican-inspired meal? These taco bowls are the perfect solution. They’re packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and your favorite fresh toppings, making for a healthy and satisfying dinner that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bowl

Hamburger Recipe

Hamburger shown on homemade bun with lettuce, cheddar, tomatoes and pickles.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This classic hamburger recipe provides multiple cooking methods, including stovetop, grill, and oven, ensuring a perfect, juicy burger every time. With simple ingredients and customizable toppings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to enjoy the quintessential American sandwich!
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Recipe

Moussaka

An authentic, delicious recipe for Eggplant Moussaka- with a Tomato lamb sauce, and creamy béchamel sauce. Vegetarian Adaptable! Can be made ahead and baked prior to serving.#eggplantmoussaka
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Moussaka recipe is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Layers of eggplant and a rich tomato meat sauce are topped with a creamy bechamel, creating a symphony of flavors. It’s also easily adaptable for vegetarian and vegan diets, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka

Crockpot Cheeseburgers (Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes)

side view of crockpot cheeseburgers on a round wooden cutting board.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot Cheeseburgers are a fun twist on a classic favorite! These Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes are made easily in the slow cooker and will wow everyone with their flavor. This recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or your next game day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheeseburgers (Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes)

Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

A single scoop serving of Shepherd's pie.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

This easy shepherd’s pie recipe is a classic comfort food dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Made with simple ingredients like ground lamb or beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s so good, you’ll want to make it far beyond St. Patrick’s Day!
Get the Recipe: Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Beef Lettuce Wraps

The finished beef lettuce wraps, beautifully presented with fresh toppings and packed with delicious, savory flavor.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick and healthy meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Featuring flavorful ground beef, a vibrant mix of veggies, and a zesty coconut lime jasmine rice, these wraps are a delicious and light dinner option. Don’t forget the quick pickled shallots for an extra burst of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Beef Lettuce Wraps

Tamale Pie

 Tamale Pie with cornbread crust.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Tamale Pie recipe features a hearty meat, bean, and veggie stew, topped with a golden cornmeal crust that’s baked to perfection. Adaptable for vegan diets, this comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for potlucks or easy weeknight dinners. It’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite!
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pie

Cheesy Parmesan Meatball Soup Recipe

Meatball Parmesan Soup with pasta, parmesan meatballs, and more
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Cheesy Parmesan Meatball Soup is comfort in a bowl! Hearty meatballs swim in a rich tomato broth, topped with melted cheese and fresh basil. It’s a fun twist on meatball parmesan that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Parmesan Meatball Soup Recipe

Pineapple Burger Bowl with Sweet Fig Mayonnaise

Pineapple Burger Bowl with Sweet Fig Mayonnaise | www.downshiftology.com
Photo credit: Downshiftology

This Pineapple Burger Bowl with Sweet Fig Mayonnaise is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a burger without the bun! This recipe features seasoned ground beef, arugula, pineapple, avocado, and a unique sweet fig mayonnaise. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Burger Bowl with Sweet Fig Mayonnaise

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!

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