20 Versatile Ground Beef Recipes to Keep Your Meals Interesting

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Ground beef is the unsung hero of the kitchen. It’s affordable, versatile, and oh-so-delicious! Whether you’re whipping up a cozy classic like chili con carne or getting creative with taco mac and cheese, this collection of 20 ground beef recipes has you covered. Think hearty comfort foods like homemade meatloaf and one-pot stroganoff, alongside fun and flavorful dishes like Navajo tacos and stuffed peppers. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend cooking project, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. Grab your skillet, and let’s turn this humble ingredient into something extraordinary!

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Craving a comforting Italian classic but short on time? This Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe delivers a rich, flavorful meat sauce in just 30 minutes. Serve over spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for a satisfying family meal.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic Chili Con Carne

A bowl of food on a table, with Chili con carne and Chili powder — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Classic Chili Con Carne recipe is the perfect comforting meal for family dinners or casual get-togethers with friends. Made with ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of spices, this dish is hearty and flavorful. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a delicious and satisfying experience.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chili Con Carne

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

a sliced meatloaf on a serving dish — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This traditional homemade meatloaf recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. The juicy and flavorful meatloaf is topped with a caramelized shiny glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and depth. It’s an easy-to-make dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Italian Meatballs

meatballs on paper towel — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Italian Meatballs are packed with flavor from garlic and parmesan cheese, making them incredibly delicious. Serve them with your favorite spaghetti sauce and pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a simple recipe that brings a taste of Italy to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatballs

Salisbury Steak

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

This Salisbury Steak recipe is a fantastic option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, ready in just 30 minutes! Made with lean ground beef and a flavorful gravy, it’s a comforting and family-friendly meal.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Hamburger and Rice

This Hamburger and Rice recipe is a comforting, one-pot dish that’s perfect for a family-friendly meal. It features tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a quick and easy stovetop recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Italian Meatloaf

Slices of Italian-inspired cheesy meatloaf topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce in a baking dish. The meatloaf is garnished with herbs, and the sauce appears thick and rich. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Italian Meatloaf recipe takes a classic comfort food and gives it a delicious twist! Packed with ground beef, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and marinara sauce, it’s a flavorful and easy-to-make dish the whole family will love. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatloaf

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 a hearty and comforting classic, perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. With a rich, savory beef filling and a creamy mashed potato topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is a must-try!
Get the Recipe: Traditional Cottage Pie

One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

A skillet filled with one-pot beef stroganoff, featuring wide egg noodles, ground hamburger, sliced mushrooms, and a creamy sauce. Garnished with fresh herbs and stirred with a wooden spoon. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This one-pot hamburger stroganoff is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made with ground beef, mushrooms, egg noodles, and a creamy sour cream sauce. This comforting dish is sure to be a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Ultimate Cottage Pie

A serving dish with cottage pie with a spoonful removed — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Ultimate Cottage Pie recipe puts a spin on a British classic. Topped with cheesy, creamy, sliced potatoes, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Cottage Pie

Teriyaki Ground Beef

Skip the takeout and make this Teriyaki Ground Beef at home in just 30 minutes! This recipe features a simple garlic ginger stir fry sauce that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Teriyaki Ground Beef

Homemade Beefaroni

This homemade Beefaroni recipe is a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make! It’s loaded with seasoned ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, cream, and cheese. This dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Beefaroni

Hot Taco Dip

This Hot Taco Dip is the perfect appetizer for any party! It’s made with ground beef, cream cheese, refried beans, salsa, and green chiles, and baked until bubbly and delicious. Serve with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing dip that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Hot Taco Dip

Taco Mac and Cheese

A skillet filled with macaroni and cheese. — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Combine taco night with a comforting classic in this Taco Mac and Cheese! This easy, cheesy skillet meal is packed with taco flavors and is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s ready in under 30 minutes for a quick and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

These Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers are a hearty, flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Ground beef, rice, and seasonings combine for a delicious filling, all slow-cooked inside tender bell peppers. It’s the perfect comforting dinner to come home to!
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers

CrockPot Goulash

Overhead shot of goulash in a crockpot — Photo credit: Spend with Pennies

This Crockpot Goulash recipe is a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Ground beef simmers in a flavorful tomato sauce with onions, peppers, and seasonings, then tender pasta is added to complete the dish. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Get the Recipe: CrockPot Goulash

EASIEST Hamburger Helper

A close-up of American goulash, showing elbow macaroni, ground beef, and tomato sauce garnished with chopped parsley, being stirred with a wooden spoon in a pot. — Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is quick, easy, and extra cheesy, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Using only one pot, this dish combines lean ground beef, elbow pasta, crushed tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added touch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: EASIEST Hamburger Helper

Homemade Runzas (aka Bierocks)

Homemade runzas on a plate with one of them cut in half to show the filling inside. — Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

These Homemade Runzas, also known as Bierocks, are savory bread pockets filled with ground beef and cabbage, making them a popular handheld meal in Nebraska and the Midwest. This recipe makes 12 servings, perfect for a family dinner or gathering!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Runzas (aka Bierocks)

Italian Wedding Soup

top view of two hands holding a bowl of authentic Italian Meatball Soup recipe — Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Italian Wedding Soup recipe is the best and so easy to make because it’s all made in one pot! No need to bake or sear the meatballs, just simmer for a delicious weeknight meal. The soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a comforting and healthy option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Italian Wedding Soup

Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread)

navajo tacos with toppings on white plates with a fork and a baking sheet of more frybread in the background — Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

These Navajo Tacos are a delicious and unique meal that combines the best of both worlds! Crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, the Indian Fry Bread is the perfect base for taco-seasoned ground beef, beans, and all your favorite toppings. A fun and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Navajo Tacos (Indian Fry Bread)