18 Ground Beef Recipes I Keep in My Weeknight Rotation

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Ground beef is the kind of ingredient that always saves dinner — quick to cook, budget-friendly, and endlessly versatile. This roundup of 18 ground beef recipes highlights the classics we all love, like spaghetti bolognese, chili con carne, and meatloaf, while also mixing in fresh ideas like taco pasta, cowboy casserole, and even air fryer cheeseburger egg rolls. Whether you’re craving something cozy, a hearty casserole, or a fun twist on takeout favorites, these recipes are here to make weeknights a whole lot easier (and tastier).

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese twirled on a fork — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

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

Classic Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne in a bowl with rice — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe for Classic Chili Con Carne is the perfect family meal! It’s comforting, filling, and can be served to friends for a casual dinner party. Made with ground beef, kidney beans, and crushed tomatoes, this chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chili Con Carne

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

This traditional homemade meatloaf recipe is a comforting classic that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. The meatloaf is incredibly juicy and flavorful, with a caramelized shiny glaze that takes it to the next level. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal!
Get the Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Salisbury Steak

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

This Salisbury Steak recipe is a fantastic and quick way to bring a comforting meal to your family’s table in just 30 minutes! Made with lean ground beef, savory herbs, and a rich mushroom gravy, it’s a weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve over mashed potatoes or your favorite side for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Italian Meatloaf

This Italian Meatloaf recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level! Packed with ground beef, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a touch of marinara, it’s a flavorful twist that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatloaf

Traditional Cottage Pie

This traditional Cottage Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food! With a savory beef filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for a cozy night in. This classic dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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 is a quick and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles are cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with sour cream and a touch of mustard, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s ready in under an hour!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Ultimate Cottage Pie

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

This Cottage Pie recipe puts a modern twist on a British classic! It’s packed with ground beef and vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with cheesy, creamy, sliced potatoes. It’s the perfect comforting dish for a cozy night in.
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 a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family-friendly dinner. The peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of rice, seasoned ground beef, and herbs, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Top with parmesan cheese for a comforting Italian meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Stuffed Peppers

The Best Hamburger Recipe

Hamburgers on a buns with fries — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for the ultimate burger? This recipe has all the tips and tricks you need, from grinding your own meat to toasting the buns. Get ready for perfect patties every time!
Get the Recipe: The Best Hamburger Recipe

Hamburger and Rice

This savory hamburger and rice recipe comes together quickly, packing tons of flavor without dirtying many dishes. Tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a touch of magic (okay, maybe some delicious seasonings) make this a satisfying meal for any busy night.

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

close up of stuffed pepper soup in the slow cooker with wooden spoon in it. — Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Craving stuffed peppers but don’t want to do all the work? This Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup is the answer! With ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Stuffed Pepper Soup

Chili Mac (One Pot)

Chili mac in the pot with a spoonful coming out. — Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This Chili Mac recipe combines two classic comfort foods into one delicious and easy one-pot meal! Ground beef, chili spices, and tender elbow pasta come together in a cheesy, flavorful sauce. It’s the perfect quick and satisfying dinner for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac (One Pot)

Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

cheeseburger egg rolls on a serving tray with a side of ketchup in a white bowl. — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls are a fun twist on a classic appetizer! They’re filled with ground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, and seasonings, then air fried to crispy perfection. This kid-friendly recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

spoon scooping out some italian wedding soup from a slow cooker. — Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup, made easy with your slow cooker. This recipe includes classic ingredients like Italian sausage, beef meatballs, and acini de pepe pasta. Simply toss everything in and let it simmer for a hearty and delicious meal!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup

Taco Pasta

This Taco Pasta recipe is a quick and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It features taco-seasoned ground beef, corn, elbow macaroni, taco sauce, and plenty of cheese for a simple and satisfying meal. Customize it with your favorite taco toppings for a dish the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta

Cowboy Casserole

This Cowboy Casserole is a hearty and satisfying one-dish dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. This easy ground beef casserole is layered with a creamy sauce, veggies, and topped with tater tots and cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

This recipe elevates classic baked beans by adding savory ground beef and a medley of flavorful seasonings. It’s a convenient and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with all your favorite BBQ dishes. Get ready to impress at your next cookout!
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Ground Beef