10+ Easy Hamburger Meat Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

If you’re after quick, no-nonsense meals, easy hamburger meat recipes really hit the spot. They use ingredients you probably already have, and you don’t need to spend forever in the kitchen.

These recipes let you whip up hearty dishes with hamburger meat, no fancy tricks required. You’ll get filling, flavorful meals without chasing down hard-to-find stuff or spending hours on prep.

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion (optional)
• Garlic (optional)
• Other basic spices or sauces depending on the specific recipe

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until cooked through (about 160°F / 71°C).
2. Drain off extra fat if you want.
3. Toss in seasonings and anything else your recipe calls for.
4. Stir and let it cook a few more minutes so the flavors come together.
5. Serve as you like or follow the next steps for your specific dish.

1) Easy Hamburger Soup

This hamburger soup is one of those cozy meals that comes together fast. It uses ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes, all in one pot—so cleanup’s a breeze.

The broth gets its flavor from beef, onions, and garlic. You can toss in pasta or green beans if you’re feeling it.

Make a big batch and stash some in the freezer for those days when you just can’t deal with cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can sliced carrots
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can green beans
• 6 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in a big pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Toss in potatoes, carrots, and green beans.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and beef broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer 20-25 minutes until veggies are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Eat it hot.

2) Stovetop Taco Soup

Taco soup on the stovetop is about as easy as it gets. Start by browning ground beef with onions and garlic—can’t beat that smell.

Once the beef’s ready, dump in canned tomatoes, beans, and corn. Stir in taco seasoning for that kick, and let it all simmer for 20 minutes.

This is a good one when you want something hearty but don’t want to fuss. Throw some cheese or sour cream on top if you’re in the mood.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in a big pot over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Drain the extra fat.
3. Add tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
4. Stir and bring to a boil.
5. Lower heat and simmer 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
6. Serve hot, add your favorite toppings.

3) Dad’s Stuffed Bell Peppers

Dad’s Stuffed Bell Peppers are classic and super easy. Mix ground beef, rice, onions, and tomatoes—no need to cook the filling first.

Just stuff the peppers, pop them in the oven, and let them get soft and juicy. The filling ends up tasting like a cross between meatloaf and stuffed peppers.

A little garlic powder, salt, and pepper go a long way. Some folks love a layer of ketchup or tomato sauce on top for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup ketchup or tomato sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the tops off peppers and remove seeds.
3. Mix ground beef, rice, onion, tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff peppers with the mixture.
5. Place in a baking dish.
6. Spread ketchup or tomato sauce on top if you want.
7. Bake 50-60 minutes until peppers are soft and meat is cooked through.

4) Easy Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is comfort food at its best. You cook ground beef with onions and garlic, then add some peas and carrots for a bit of color.

Spread that in a baking dish, cover with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden. It’s a classic for a reason.

Frozen veggies and ready-made mashed potatoes make this even quicker. Great for a weeknight when you just want something warm and filling.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a pan until beef is browned.
3. Stir in tomato paste and frozen veggies; cook 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, spread mashed potatoes on top.
6. Bake 20 minutes or until potatoes are golden and everything’s hot.

5) Chili Mac and Cheese

Chili Mac and Cheese is the ultimate one-pot comfort food. You get ground beef, pasta, chili spices, and lots of cheese all mixed together.

Start by cooking the beef with onion and garlic, then add chili powder for a little heat. Pour in pasta and broth, let it all cook, then stir in cheese until it’s creamy.

You can easily tweak the spice level, and it’s perfect when you just want to eat something cheesy and filling without a lot of work.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 2 cups macaroni pasta
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a big pot over medium heat.
2. Cook onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add ground beef and brown it.
4. Stir in chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add macaroni and cook until tender (about 10 minutes).
7. Turn off the heat, stir in cheese until melted and smooth.

6) Ground Beef and Gravy

Ground beef and gravy is one of those easy dinners that comes together fast. You cook ground beef with onions, make a quick gravy, and serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even biscuits.

It usually takes about 20 minutes, which is perfect for a busy night. A little garlic or Worcestershire sauce gives the gravy extra depth.

The gravy thickens up nicely and coats the beef, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook ground beef and onion until beef browns and onions soften.
3. Add garlic and cook another minute.
4. Sprinkle flour over everything and mix well.
5. Pour in beef broth slowly, stirring the whole time.
6. Add Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
7. Let it simmer until the gravy thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
8. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.

For a quick shortcut, check out this ground beef and gravy recipe.

7) Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy

Hamburger steak with onions and gravy is pure comfort. Mix ground beef with a few basics, shape into thick patties, and cook ‘em up.

Brown the patties in a pan, then make a rich onion gravy in the same skillet. The onions give the gravy a deep flavor that’s just so good poured over the steaks.

Serve with mashed potatoes or rice—honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 tbsp butter or oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Shape into 4 thick patties.
3. Cook patties in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, cook onions in butter until soft.
5. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir.
6. Slowly add beef broth, stirring to make a smooth, thick gravy.
7. Put patties back in the skillet and simmer in gravy for 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

For more details, see Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy Recipe.

8) Ground Beef and Potatoes

Ground beef and potatoes—honestly, it doesn’t get much simpler or more satisfying. You can throw this together in one pan, which is a lifesaver on busy nights.

Sprinkle some cheese on top if you’re feeling it. Onions or mushrooms? Sure, toss them in for a little extra depth.

This meal comes together fast and fills you up without a lot of fuss. Sliced or diced potatoes both work, and they soak up the flavors from the seasoned beef.

Just let everything simmer until those potatoes turn soft and the beef’s cooked through. That’s about it.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 medium potatoes, sliced or diced
• 1 small onion, diced (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in onion if using, and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Add potatoes, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. When potatoes are tender, sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted.
7. Serve hot.

You can see a quick version of this in this one-pan ground beef and potatoes recipe.

9) Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are messy, tangy, and just plain fun. You cook up ground beef with onions and garlic, then stir in a sweet and slightly sour tomato sauce.

Pile the mixture onto soft buns. Done in around 30 minutes, so it’s a solid choice for weeknights or casual hangouts.

Sometimes I add chopped carrots or celery for a bit of crunch and extra veggies. It’s not required, but why not?

Yeah, they’re a little messy to eat, but that’s part of the charm.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hamburger buns

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Spoon mixture onto buns and serve warm.

10) Hamburger Stroganoff

Hamburger Stroganoff is one of those creamy, comforting dishes you can whip up in a pinch. It’s basically ground beef, sour cream, and mushroom soup coming together in a rich sauce.

Serve it over egg noodles or any pasta you’ve got on hand. I mean, who needs to get fancy?

Start by browning the hamburger meat. After that, just add the sauce ingredients and let it all simmer until warmed through.

You can use canned soup for speed, or go the extra mile with fresh ingredients if you’re up for it. Either way, it’s hearty and totally weeknight-friendly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz egg noodles

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss the ground beef, chopped onion, and garlic into a large pan. Brown everything together until the beef loses its pink color.

2. Pour off any extra fat.

3. Add the cream of mushroom soup and beef broth. Stir things up.

4. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. Take the pan off the heat. Mix in the sour cream gently.

6. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste.

7. Boil the egg noodles following the directions on the package.

8. Spoon the stroganoff over the hot noodles and serve right away.