35 Ground Beef Recipes to Stretch Your Budget and Please Your Crowd

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Ground beef is a staple in many home freezers, and for good reason – it’s affordable, versatile, and can be used in a wide range of delicious dishes. But sometimes, it’s easy to get stuck in a recipe rut. That’s why I’ve gathered 35 of my favorite ground beef recipes from trusted home cooks, featuring everything from classic comfort food to international inspirations. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or a weekend meal prep pro, these recipes are sure to become new favorites. Additionally, they’re perfect for anyone looking to mix things up in the kitchen, so go ahead, get creative, and beef up your meal routine! 😉

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

Ground beef cottage pie with a russet and sweet potato crust topping.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Spoil yourself and your family and bake up a Traditional Irish Cottage Pie! This easy ground beef main dish features perfectly seasoned ground beef that comes together in a rich beef broth and red wine gravy, topped with a vibrant duo of creamy mashed potato crusts made from russet and sweet potatoes. Broil during the final minutes of the bake with shredded cheddar cheese, and oh my word! Baked to a golden-brown perfection, this hearty and flavorful cottage pie is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen!

GET THE RECIPE: Cottage Pie

Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

A stuffed cabbage roll cut in half exposing the ground beef rice mixture inside.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the perfect choice if you’re craving something comforting and homemade. These rolls are a labor of love, filled with a hearty combination of ground beef, rice, and chopped onion and baked in a homemade sauce made with pantry ingredients and spices. The dish has a sweet and savory flavor profile and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, beets, sweet and sour onions, or a loaf of hearty Challah or other egg bread. Give this ultimate comfort food a try and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

GET THE RECIPE: Cabbage Rolls

One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta mixed with ground beef, tomato sauce, and diced bell peppers, garnished with fresh parsley.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

This One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta is a delicious family-dinner recipe that is ready in under 30 minutes. Enjoyed by the whole family, fussy eaters included, this dish is comforting and filling, and so easy to make too. GET THE RECIPE: One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta

Easy Summer Bolognese with Fresh Tomatoes

A plate of spaghetti with meat sauce, fresh basil leaves, grated cheese, edible flowers, and a fork to the side.
Photo Credit: Salted Mint.

This Summer Bolognese is a light yet flavorful comfort food dish made with fresh tomatoes. Combined with ground meat and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying summer meal.
GET THE RECIPE: Easy Summer Bolognese with Fresh Tomatoes

One-Pot Beef Orzo

Close-up of a bowl of pasta with ground beef, diced red peppers, garnished with grated cheese and chopped parsley. A fork is resting in the dish.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

One-Pot Beef Orzo made with ground beef and tomatoes and a hint of oregano. It’s a creamy and comforting dish that can be served all year round and makes a good alternative to risotto. So delicious and easy to make! GET THE RECIPE: One Pot Beef Orzo

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish with tomato sauce.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

These Italian Stuffed Peppers are a delicious combination of bell pepper, tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce, crowned with Parmesan cheese which makes for a delicious crispy topping. This is easy and satisfying food perfect for a weeknight meal, especially when served with warm Garlic Bread. Buon appetito!

GET THE RECIPE: Stuffed Peppers

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Beef and noodle casserole up close with lots of sauce.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Experience the ultimate in comfort food with this delicious Sour Cream Beef and Noodle Casserole recipe! Tender egg noodles are cooked to perfection and then smothered in a creamy sauce before being baked with ground beef and sausage for a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal. Your family will love this classic dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

GET THE RECIPE: Beef Noodle Casserole

French Onion Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak on a plate with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and corn.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Looking to elevate your dinner game without breaking the bank? Look no further than my easy French Onion Salisbury Steak with gravy recipe! This modern variation on the classic, promises gourmet flavor without the gourmet price tag. It merges two comfort food favorites: hamburger steak and French onion soup. Serve over broiled cheesy toast with French onion gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and a side of corn pudding, or keep it light with a simple green salad. No matter how you plate it, this dish is a weeknight game-changer!

GET THE RECIPE: Salisbury Steak

Bolognese Sauce

A spoonful of chunky, tomato-based meat sauce garnished with fresh herbs, held above a pot of the same sauce.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

This easy Bolognese Sauce has no wine added, and instead is packed with vegetables for the best meat sauce to have with any kind of pasta, rice, couscous, jacket potatoes or gnocchi. It’s a very popular recipe in our household, and I usually cook it in a big batch and freeze it until needed. GET THE RECIPE: Bolognese Sauce

Texas Hash

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Image credit: Tara Noland for Noshing with The Nolands.

Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food experience with Texas Hash, a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal that’s sure to become a family staple! This fantastic one-pot wonder is packed with a flavorful blend of ground beef, crunchy green peppers, fluffy rice, diced tomatoes, and a hint of chili powder, all topped with a golden layer of cheese. You’ll be hooked from the first bite and will want to make this scrumptious recipe again and again!

GET THE RECIPE: Texas Hash

Cheeseburger Pizza

A slice of pizza with ground beef, melted cheese, and diced tomatoes on a crispy crust.
Photo Credit: Simply Stacie.

Combining the flavors of a cheeseburger on a pizza crust, this recipe is perfect for pizza lovers. It’s quick to prepare and offers a fun and hearty meal. The familiar and delicious taste is a standout. Ideal for those who love both pizza and cheeseburgers. A must-try addition to any pizza collection.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pizza

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Meatballs in a tomato sauce, garnished with chopped parsley.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

If you are looking for a hearty dinner, these Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are a crowd pleaser! Comforting and easy to make, and so delicious too, this is the ultimate dinner recipe that goes down well with the whole family.

GET THE RECIPE: Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

A bowl of stuffed pepper soup topped with shredded cheese, containing bell peppers, tomatoes, and ground beef, with a spoon resting inside.
Image credit: Becky Hardin for The Cookie Rookie.

Warm up with a vibrant and satisfying Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup, expertly crafted for a quick and effortless pressure cooker experience. This flavorful Mexican-inspired beef and tomato soup is a masterclass in comfort food, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum heartiness.

GET THE RECIPE: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Bolognese meat sauce on spaghetti being twirled on a fork.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for a quick and flavorful meal? Try this 30-minute Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meat sauce that’s packed with Italian flavors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this simple version of an Italian classic is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

GET THE RECIPE: Spaghetti Bolognese

Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

A red bell pepper stuffed with cooked rice and seasoned ground beef, topped with a cilantro leaf, on a pristine white plate.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

These Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice are a healthy and nutritious dinner recipe that is a huge hit with us. The bell peppers are stuffed with a ground meat and rice mixture, then boiled with the lids on until the peppers are soft and the rice and beef and tender. 

GET THE RECIPE: Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice

Moussaka

A portion of ground beef Moussaka on a dinner plate.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Have you tried Moussaka yet? It’s a delightful Mediterranean dish that’s been enjoyed for many years. This particular recipe can be made with either lamb or beef and it’s layered with succulent roasted eggplant. The dish is then topped with feta cheese and baked to perfection. It’s a great option for anyone looking to cut back on carbs or follow a Keto diet. This version is a bit different from the traditional Greek version as it doesn’t include the potato layer and uses eggs in the topping instead of a béchamel sauce that contains flour. Trust me, it’s equally delicious!

GET THE RECIPE: Moussaka

Slow Cooker Meatloaf

A sliced loaf of meatloaf topped with a red tomato-based sauce, placed on a white plate garnished with fresh herbs.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

Slow Cooker Meatloaf with ground beef, a healthy and delicious recipe to lick your fingers clean. It’s a popular family dinner recipe that can be served with the side dishes of your choice.

GET THE RECIPE: Slow Cooker Meatloaf

High Protein Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna

A close-up of lasagna with ground beef, cheese, and herbs on top. Visible layers of pasta, melted cheese, and rich sauce.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

This High Protein Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna is as comforting as the classic lasagna recipe, but a lot less heavy. It’s very easy to make, and a big winner with the whole family.

GET THE RECIPE: High Protein Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna

Beef Taquitos

A close-up of a burrito filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with red salsa, being cut by a fork. Shredded cheese and herbs are visible in the background.
Image credit: Becky Hardin for The Cookie Rookie.

Get ready to fiesta with our irresistible Beef Taquitos, perfectly timed for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations! These crispy, cheesy treats are packed with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and pepper jack cheese, all wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla and baked to golden perfection.

GET THE RECIPE: Beef Taquitos

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

A hand lifts the top off a green bell pepper stuffed with melted cheese and ground beef. Other stuffed bell peppers are visible in the background.
Image credit: Becky Hardin for The Cookie Rookie.

Discover your new favorite weeknight winner with our irresistible Mexican Stuffed Peppers! These cheesy, beefy wonders are bursting with flavor, packed with a savory mix of ground beef, roasted green chiles, sautéed onions, and rich enchilada sauce, all wrapped up in a vibrant pepper shell. The best part? This crowd-pleasing recipe is a cinch to make and is sure to become a family favorite!

GET THE RECIPE: Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Bolognese-Stuffed Marrow

Close-up of baked stuffed marrow topped with melted cheese, garnished with fresh herbs, and filled with ground beef and diced vegetables.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

Bolognese-Stuffed Marrow made with delicious Bolognese sauce and topped with cheesy bechamel sauce, a delightfully low-carb dinner.  Very easy to make with simple ingredients, this is a dish after my own heart.

GET THE RECIPE: Bolognese-Stuffed Marrow

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

Fritos corn chips smothered in chili with jalapeños and chopped tomatoes.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Looking for an easy and crowd-pleasing recipe for your next gathering? Look no further than Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili! This dish is a delicious way to use America’s favorite snacking chip, taking it from the school lunchbox to the party table! With hearty chili con carne, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. And the best part? It’s easily doubled or even tripled to feed even the largest of crowds. So next time you’re planning a party or tailgate, give this recipe a try and watch your guests dig in!

GET THE RECIPE: Frito Pie

Mini Fried Taco Pizza Pockets

A pile of crispy, golden-brown square-shaped snacks garnished with chopped herbs on a parchment-lined wooden board. A small bowl of white dip with herbs next to a spoon on a cloth.
Image credit: Becky Hardin for The Cookie Rookie.

Get ready to delight your crowd with Mini Fried Taco Pizza Pockets, the ultimate bite-sized treat! These adorable, easy-to-eat packets are packed with a flavorful fiesta of taco goodness, perfectly proportioned for a quick snack or party appetizer. Who wouldn’t love a crispy, cheesy, taco-tastic treat that’s perfect for any time of day?

GET THE RECIPE: Mini Fried Taco Pizza Pockets

Mexican Impossible Pie

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Image credit: Tara Noland for Noshing with The Nolands.

I’m a big fan of impossible pies – they’re a breeze to make! My mom, who wasn’t exactly a culinary enthusiast, had a soft spot for super-simple recipes. I stumbled upon one of her forgotten gems, a mysterious scrap of paper with a list of ingredients and brief instructions. I gave it a try and fell in love with the result, dubbing it Mexican Impossible Pie. It’s a testament to the power of easy cooking!

To learn more: Mexican Impossible Pie

Classic Chili Con Carne

Beef chili con carne over white rice in a serving bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Are you on the lookout for a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing? Then you must try this amazing recipe for Classic Chili Con Carne! It’s a great choice for those casual dinner parties or those cozy family nights in. And the best part? You can serve it alongside some homemade corn muffins or over the Frito Pie recipe in the previous slide to really take it to the next level!

GET THE RECIPE: Chili Con Carne

The Best Wagyu Meatloaf

A wagyu meatloaf with a brown sugar tomato sauce topping in a copper baker.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Looking for a delicious and flavorful meatloaf recipe that will leave your eaters wanting seconds? Look no further than this amazing recipe for the Best Wagyu Meatloaf. Made with American Wagyu beef, this recipe yields a single 2-pound meatloaf that is not only juicy and flavorful but requires only a few simple seasonings. Whether served hot out of the oven or cold in a sandwich the next day, this meatloaf is sure to be a hit around your dinner table. 

GET THE RECIPE: Meatloaf

Roasted Garlic Rosemary Baked Meatballs

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Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles.

Get ready for a cosmic culinary adventure with these scrumptious baked meatballs! Effortlessly easy to prepare and perfectly suited for a weekend or weeknight dinner, these celestial spheres of flavor are made with a mouthwatering blend of beef and pork, infused with the deep flavors of roasted garlic and rosemary. As they bake to perfection, the aroma of garlic and rosemary wafts up, teasing the senses and building anticipation. The result? Tender, juicy meatballs that are simply out of this world!

GET THE RECIPE: Roasted Garlic Rosemary Baked Meatballs

Greek Moussaka

A rectangular dish of baked vegetable lasagna topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

This Greek Moussaka is made with ground beef, eggplant, zucchini and potatoes topped with a creamy bechamel sauce, a complete dinner recipe that gives comfort food a new meaning.

GET THE RECIPE: Greek Moussaka

Hamburger and Rice

Beef hamburger rice being stirred with a wood spoon in a pan.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy this flavorful Hamburger and Rice recipe any night of the week. This comforting dish is easy to make and packed with savory goodness! There’s something undeniably satisfying about a dish that combines ground beef with rice, and this mouthwatering hamburger and rice recipe is no exception. Tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice simmer together in a rich, flavorful sauce – it’s pure comfort in every bite.

GET THE RECIPE: Hamburger and Rice

Amazing Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy

Gravy smothering Swedish meatballs in a copper baker.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Amazing Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy is made with a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork. These yummy bites are seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs and simmered in an aromatic brown gravy to create a delightful blend of savory flavors. Making Swedish meatballs uses easy-to-find ingredients and could just be the best thing to emerge from your kitchen in right around 30 minutes.

GET THE RECIPE: Swedish Meatballs

Jalapeno Cheddar Sliders

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Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles.

Spice up your snack game with these mouthwatering mini cheeseburger sliders! Packing a punch, these bite-sized burgers combine the creamy richness of cheddar cheese with the bold heat of jalapeno peppers, all nestled between sweet and spicy jalapeno rolls. It’s a flavor fusion that will leave you craving more!

GET THE RECIPE: Jalapeno Cheddar Sliders

Easy Beef Taco Salad

A taco salad in a white bowl with ground beef, lettuce, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. It is surrounded by bowls of various side dishes.
Image credit: Tara Noland for Noshing with The Nolands.

Enjoy a fresh and flavorful Beef Taco Salad any time of the year, packed with crunchy lettuce, savory beef, creamy cheese, and your favorite toppings! This versatile salad is a perfect solution for busy days, allowing everyone to create their own customized masterpiece. Whether you’re juggling back-to-school chaos, after-school activities, or simply need a quick and satisfying meal, this salad is a winner!

GET THE RECIPE: Easy Beef Taco Salad

Pumpkin, Beef & Onion Hand Pies

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Image Credit: Lyuba Brooke for Will Cook for Smiles.

Looking for a sizzling snack solution? These savory hand pies are a masterstroke! Crafted with tender, flaky puff pastry and packed with a rich ground beef filling – infused with the warmth of pumpkin and onion – they’re perfect for satisfying your cravings. But why stop there? Elevate them to a satisfying meal by pairing with a colorful medley of veggies and a side of gravy for dipping. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a quick bite, these pies are sure to hit the spot!

GET THE RECIPE: Pumpkin, Beef & Onion Hand Pies

Ground Beef Stroganoff

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Image credit: Tara Noland for Noshing with The Nolands.

Cozy up with a deliciously comforting Ground Beef Stroganoff, a speedy and satisfying weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite! Made with lean ground beef and a rich, creamy sauce, this hearty dish is ready in no time. Serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a warm, inviting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening in.

GET THE RECIPE: Ground Beef Stroganoff

Crockpot Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

A close-up of a bowl of lasagna soup with pasta, tomatoes, melted cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley.
Image credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes.

This Crockpot Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili is the very definition of comfort food. It packed with amazing flavors, and it’s super easy to make. A must-have hearty dinner recipe for busy families.

GET THE RECIPE: Crockpot Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Chili

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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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