17 Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights

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Ground beef is an affordable, versatile ingredient that can transform dinner into a comforting, flavorful experience. This collection of 17 recipes brings a fresh spin to classic ground beef dishes, with options that cater to every craving. From Middle Eastern-inspired beef bowls and Italian meatloaf to classic dishes like lasagna and goulash, each recipe offers a unique way to enjoy ground beef. Simple to make and packed with flavor, these dishes will quickly become favorites in your weekly meal rotation.

One Pot Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta

A close-up of creamy pasta shells mixed with ground beef, herbs, and grated cheese, being stirred with a white spoon. This rich and flavorful dish is one of the best ground beef recipes, garnished with chopped parsley. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Imagine a single pot transforming into pure comfort! This incredible one-pot pasta delivers big on flavor and ease. Dive into tender pasta, simmered perfectly in a rich, savory tomato-beef sauce, then finished with a luxurious creamy swirl and a generous dusting of Parmesan. It’s hearty, satisfying, and unbelievably simple – your new weeknight favorite awaits!

Get The Recipe: One Pot Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta

Ground Beef Tacos

A hand holds a taco filled with seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, sliced jalapeño, tomato, sour cream, and cilantro in a yellow tortilla. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up the ultimate Ground Beef Tacos with bold, smoky homemade taco seasoning! Packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Get The Recipe: Ground Beef Tacos

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

This traditional homemade meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food! It’s incredibly juicy and flavorful, and the caramelized glaze on top adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Serve this family-friendly main with your favorite sides for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Italian Meatballs

These Italian Meatballs are bursting with flavor from garlic and parmesan cheese, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve these tasty meatballs with your favorite spaghetti sauce and pasta for a comforting and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatballs

Oven Baked Meatballs

These oven-baked meatballs are incredibly juicy and easy to make, perfect for a comforting family meal. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have tender, flavorful meatballs every time. Serve them with your favorite pasta or in a meatball sub!
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Meatballs

Salisbury Steak

a ground beef patty in mushroom gravy — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Salisbury Steak recipe is a guaranteed family favorite that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Made with lean ground beef and a flavorful gravy, it’s the perfect comforting dish for busy weeknights. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Hamburger and Rice

This Hamburger and Rice recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Made with tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and fluffy rice, it’s a quick and easy dish the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Italian Meatloaf

Looking for a comforting Italian-inspired meal? This Italian meatloaf recipe combines ground beef with Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a touch of marinara for a flavorful twist on a classic. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish that’s sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatloaf

Traditional Cottage Pie

This Traditional Cottage Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food! A rich, savory beef filling is topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. It’s a hearty and delicious dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Cottage Pie

One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

A pan of Hamburger Stroganoff with noodles in a skillet. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This One-Pot Hamburger Stroganoff recipe is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made with ground beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, all cooked together in one skillet for easy cleanup! Your family will love this comforting dish.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Ultimate Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie topped with slice potatoes and cheese — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Ultimate Cottage Pie recipe puts a modern spin on a British classic! It’s made with a hearty ground beef filling and topped with cheesy, creamy sliced potatoes. This family-friendly recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Cottage Pie

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers arranged on a pan topped with cheese — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Italian Stuffed Peppers are packed with flavor! With a savory mix of rice, seasoned ground beef, and herbs in a rich tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Stuffed Peppers

Ground Beef Naan Tacos

A close-up of a delicious meal featuring seasoned ground beef recipes topped with dollops of creamy sauce. The dish is garnished with cilantro, sliced red onions, and avocado slices, served on a flatbread base, all arranged on a plate. — Image Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These delightful Ground Beef Naan Tacos kick off with perfectly charred naan, topped with a zesty veggie salad, flavorful seasoned ground beef, and a refreshing herb sauce that ties it all together. A delicious twist that will excite your taste buds!

Get The Recipe: Ground Beef Naan Tacos

Middle Eastern Ground Beef Bowls

A plate of seasoned ground beef mixed with diced vegetables, served on couscous. The dish is garnished with a dollop of creamy sauce topped with herbs and a lemon wedge on the side. A fork rests on the plate. This is one of those hearty ground beef recipes that brings comfort to your table. — Image Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Get ready for a flavor explosion with the Middle Eastern Ground Beef Bowl! Picture this: savory beef mixed with warming spices, sweet sautéed onion and carrot, all topped with a cool mint-yogurt sauce. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll be enjoying the best bowl ever!

Get The Recipe: Middle Eastern Ground Beef Bowls

Classic Lasagna Recipe

Craving classic lasagna with a homemade twist? Look no further! This recipe layers rich, slow-cooked marinara sauce with melt-in-your-mouth ricotta cheese and tender lasagna noodles. It’s a celebration of all the classic lasagna flavors, elevated by the depth of our homemade sauce.

Get The Recipe: Classic Lasagna Recipe

Bacon Burger Sliders with Bacon Caramelized Onions

Burger night simplified! These incredible 4-ingredient bacon burger patties are bursting with flavor. Grill them up and top them with our delicious bacon-caramelized onions, also easily made on the grill for a hassle-free, gourmet burger experience.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Burger Sliders with Bacon Caramelized Onions

Goulash

American Goulash: A cozy, delicious, and simple pasta and beef meal. Cook beef, peppers, and onions in a tomato sauce, then mix with pasta and cheese for a tasty dish ready in just 40 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Goulash