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24 Flavor-Packed Ground Beef Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

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Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that can be transformed into a wide variety of delicious meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to please a crowd, this collection of 24 ground beef recipes has you covered. From classic comfort foods like Beef Enchiladas and Traditional Homemade Meatloaf to globally inspired dishes like Greek Meatballs and Moussaka, there’s something here for every taste. Perfect for busy days or when you want to impress without the fuss, these recipes will make ground beef the star of your dinner table. Get ready to discover your new go-to ground beef dishes!

Beef Enchiladas

A close-up of a plate of enchiladas topped with cheese, sour cream, diced red onions, and avocado slices. The enchiladas are garnished with chopped cilantro and are filled with a savory mixture of beans and meat—perfect for lovers of ground beef recipes. A fork is placed beside the food.
Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Tex-Mex-inspired beef enchilada recipe is a delightful culinary creation that boasts a rich blend of savory seasonings. It is not only easy to prepare but also consistently wins the hearts of crowds with its flavorful appeal!

Get The Recipe: Beef Enchiladas

One Pot Chili Mac

Image Credit: Budget Bites

Ditch the boxed dinner! This One-Pot Chili Mac is a grown-up version of your childhood favorite, made entirely from scratch for a super filling comfort food classic.

Get The Recipe: One Pot Chili Mac

Sloppy Joe Tacos

A row of five hard shell tacos filled with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, red bell peppers, shredded cheese, and garnished with cilantro—an impeccable addition to your favorite ground beef recipes—all arranged neatly on a white rectangular plate.
Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

Get ready to enjoy the tasty goodness of sloppy joes with a fun taco twist! Dive into those familiar flavors in an exciting way that will make your taste buds happy.

Get The Recipe: Sloppy Joe Tacos

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf on a serving dish.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is moist, tender, and flavorful. Once you try it, you’ll cherish this recipe forever!

Get The Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Greek Meatballs

A bowl of rice topped with meatballs, cucumber slices, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs such as mint and dill—a true highlight among ground beef recipes. A creamy white sauce is spread on the side. An orange cloth napkin is off to the side of the bowl.
Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Greek meatballs recipe is a breeze to whip up, super juicy and tender, and packed with fresh, zesty flavors. Enjoy these meatballs solo or in a salad, pita, rice bowl—get creative with it!

Get The Recipe: Greek Meatballs

Ultimate Cottage Pie

A spoon serving cottage pie stopped with cheesy potatoes.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a game-changer. The thick, rich gravy is absolutely delicious, and the topping will blow you away!

Get The Recipe: Ultimate Cottage Pie

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers right out of the oven with golden tops.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This colorful dish is sure to delight any crowd! Not only is it an easy and delicious recipe perfect for midweek meals, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to dinner guests!

Get The Recipe: Italian Stuffed Peppers

Ground Beef Quesadillas

A close-up shot of a stack of cheesy, beef and vegetable quesadillas. The layers reveal ground beef mixed with corn, tomatoes, and melted cheese. Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños garnish the top, while slices of avocado sit to the side—perfect for ground beef recipes enthusiasts.
Image Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Ground Beef Quesadillas! Picture this: perfectly-seasoned ground beef with crisp corn and sweet bell peppers, all topped with gooey, melted cheese and wrapped in crispy tortillas. Every bite is a taste sensation you won’t forget!

Get The Recipe: Ground Beef Quesadillas

Hamburger and Rice

Skillet with hamburger and rice garnished with parsley, close-up.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

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

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

Italian Meatballs

Meatballs in sauce being served with a spoon.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe produces generous meatballs, perfect for feeding a large group! Prepare a big batch for dinner and freeze the leftovers for a convenient meal whenever you need it.

Get The Recipe: Italian Meatballs

Smash Burgers

A juicy double cheeseburger with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices is stacked high on a toasted bun. This delight from our ground beef recipes is served with a side of crispy waffle fries on a parchment-lined tray.
Image Credit: Sugar Spun Run

With a caramelized crust and loads of melty cheese, this smash burger recipe is top-notch! Whip it up in just 10 minutes on the stove, complete with an easy burger sauce!

Get The Recipe: Smash Burgers

Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steaks in a mushroom sauce.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whether you’re following a Keto Diet or simply reducing carbs, this recipe for Low Carb Italian Meatballs offers a delicious gluten-free option.

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

The Ultimate Taco Salad Recipe

A vibrant bowl of taco salad filled with fresh ingredients like chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, ground beef from tried-and-true Ground Beef Recipes, and avocado slices. The salad is dressed with a creamy, slightly spicy dressing. Corn chips are visible on the side.
Image Credit: Sugar Spun Run

Introducing the EPIC Taco Salad recipe! Whipping up a scrumptious dinner in just under 30 minutes! It is packed with all your go-to taco fixings, plus a quick, three-ingredient dressing. Get creative by adding your favorite taco extras!

Get The Recipe: The Ultimate Taco Salad Recipe

The Best Hamburger Recipe

a Cheeseburger on a bun piled high with toppings
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Searching for the best hamburger recipe? With this comprehensive guide, you can make delicious, juicy burgers using any cooking method.

Get The Recipe: The Best Hamburger Recipe

Greek Style Meat Sauce

A plate of curly pasta topped high with Greek Style Meat Sauce {Makaronia Me Kima}
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This is a simple, classic Greek-style meat sauce made with tomatoes, perfect for tossing with pasta on those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal.

Get The Recipe: Greek Style Meat Sauce

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

Image Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

If you want a filling meal, try this Slow-Cooker Beef and potato au gratin. With hearty Russet potatoes, ground beef, and simple flavors, your family will dig this dinner choice.

Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

Beanless Chili

A bowl of chili with cornbread on a plate, made without beans.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

This beanless chili is an indulgent, savory delight, packed with rich flavors and hearty chunks of meat. You won’t miss the beans in this delectable recipe, because it’s a definite winner!
Get the Recipe: Beanless Chili

Moussaka

A slice of Moussaka on a white plate and a fork next to it.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Moussaka is a delicious and hearty Mediterranean dish that is a true classic. This particular version features succulent lamb or beef, layered with rich, roasted eggplant, and finished with a generous topping of tangy feta cheese.

Get The Recipe: Moussaka

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Creamy ground beef skillet with cauliflower rice with a wooden spoon.
Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You’ll love the delectable flavors of this Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds. This one-pan wonder marries succulent ground beef, rich shredded cheddar cheese, delicate cauliflower rice, and earthy mushrooms, creating a harmony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

A forkful of Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese ready to eat.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This quick and easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe makes a meat sauce bursting with Italian flavor. It’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

American Chop Suey

A pot full of American chop suey with a wooden spoon.
Photo credit: xoxoBella

American chop suey, also referred to as American goulash, is a hearty and flavorful dish that is particularly beloved in the New England region. It features a delectable combination of ground meat, tomatoes, and pasta, making it a comfort food favorite for many.
Get the Recipe: American Chop Suey

Chili Con Carne

Classic Chili Con Carne served on a bed of white rice.
Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Indulge in a rich and comforting bowl of Classic Chili Con Carne! This hearty and flavorful dish is a real crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or relaxed get-togethers with friends.

Get The Recipe: Chili Con Carne

Cheesy Tortellini Al Forno

A close-up of a baked cheesy lasagna in a rectangular white dish. The lasagna, one of the best ground beef recipes, is topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley. A serving spoon is partially scooping out a portion, revealing layers of pasta, sauce, and ground meat inside.
Image Credit: Carlsbad Cravings

This Tortellini Al Forno (Bake) is hands down one of my ultimate pasta favorites! Packed with cheesy tortellini and bursting with flavor from the Bolognese sauce – it’s a taste sensation you won’t want to miss!

Get The Recipe: Cheesy Tortellini Al Forno

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