10+ Hamburger Meat Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

10+ Hamburger Meat Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

ByKnow Recipes Team Reading Time: 8 minutes

Hamburger meat works for just about any meal—quick, easy, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re after something fast or need comfort food after a long day, ground beef slides right into the plan.

A sizzling skillet with seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices cooking on a stovetop. Chopped vegetables and condiments sit nearby

It cooks fast and adapts to whatever flavors you’re craving. Here are some ideas to help you get the most out of hamburger meat at home.

Ingredients

  • Ground hamburger meat
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a pan over medium-high heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
  2. Add a bit of cooking oil.
  3. Toss in the ground hamburger meat.
  4. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and done, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

1) Classic Cheeseburger

A sizzling beef patty topped with melted cheese, nestled between two toasted sesame seed buns, with lettuce, tomato, and pickles on the side

A classic cheeseburger never gets old. Start with good ground beef, just salt and pepper.

Cook the patty until it’s juicy and full of flavor. Drop a slice of cheddar on top while it’s still hot to get that perfect melt.

Build your burger with crisp lettuce, tomato, and onion for a little crunch. Lightly toast the buns so they don’t go soggy—trust me, it makes a difference.

A swipe of burger sauce or mustard adds a bit more punch. Sometimes, simple is best.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (80-90% lean)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Onion slices
  • Burger sauce or mustard (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high.
  2. Shape beef into 4 patties, season both sides.
  3. Cook 3-4 minutes per side or until they hit 160°F (71°C).
  4. Add cheese during the last minute.
  5. Toast buns lightly.
  6. Assemble with lettuce, tomato, onion, and whatever sauce you’re into.

2) Easy Hamburger Soup

A pot of simmering hamburger soup surrounded by fresh vegetables and herbs

This soup turns ground beef into a warm, satisfying meal. Brown the beef with potatoes, carrots, and celery.

Toss in tomatoes and broth for a simple, hearty soup. Make a big batch—it keeps well, and you’ll want leftovers.

It’s budget-friendly and comes together in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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. Stir in celery, carrots, and potatoes.
  4. Add tomatoes and broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes.
  6. Season and serve.

For more details, check out this Easy Hamburger Soup Recipe.

3) Stovetop Taco Soup

A pot of simmering taco soup with ground hamburger meat, surrounded by various ingredients like tomatoes, beans, and spices

Stovetop taco soup is quick and full of flavor. Use ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes for a filling bowl.

Feel free to swap in ground chicken or turkey if you want. This one-pot meal is ready in about 30 minutes and you can tweak the spices to your liking.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef and onion in a large pot.
  2. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, stock, and taco seasoning.
  4. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 20 minutes.
  5. Stir occasionally. Serve hot.

More details on this stovetop taco soup here.

4) Dad’s Stuffed Bell Peppers

A kitchen counter with ingredients - bell peppers, ground beef, onions, and spices. A recipe book open to a page on stuffed bell peppers

Dad’s Stuffed Bell Peppers are comfort food at its best. Mix ground beef with rice, onions, tomatoes, and your favorite spices.

No need to pre-cook the filling—just stuff the peppers and bake. The peppers soften, the filling gets juicy, and dinner’s ready.

Use any color bell pepper you like. It’s a cozy, classic meal that’s perfect for a weeknight.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 to 6 bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Your favorite spices (like garlic powder or paprika)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds.
  3. Mix beef, rice, onions, tomatoes, and seasonings in a bowl.
  4. Stuff peppers with the mixture.
  5. Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake 45 minutes.
  6. Remove foil, bake 10 more minutes to brown the tops.

5) Easy Shepherd’s Pie

A skillet sizzling with ground beef, onions, and garlic. Bowls of mashed potatoes, peas, and carrots ready to be layered in a baking dish

Shepherd’s pie is a go-to when you need something filling. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic.

Toss in frozen veggies and a can of tomato soup or gravy for extra flavor. Spread the mix in a dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake until golden.

It’s hearty and comes together in under an hour. Busy night? No problem.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables (about 12 oz)
  • 1 can tomato soup or beef gravy
  • 3 cups mashed potatoes

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brown beef, onion, and garlic. Drain fat.
  3. Stir in veggies and soup or gravy, cook 5 minutes.
  4. Pour into baking dish.
  5. Top with mashed potatoes.
  6. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6) Chili Mac and Cheese

A sizzling skillet with chili mac and cheese topped with savory hamburger meat

Chili Mac and Cheese is pure comfort in a bowl. Start by cooking ground beef with onions and garlic.

Add chili powder and spices for a little kick. Stir in macaroni noodles and let them soak up the flavors.

Once the noodles are tender, pile in the cheese and stir until melty. It’s easy, hearty, and you only need one pot.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 cups macaroni noodles
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot.
  2. Cook onion and garlic until soft.
  3. Add beef, cook until browned.
  4. Stir in chili powder and cumin.
  5. Pour in broth, bring to a boil.
  6. Add macaroni, simmer until tender.
  7. Stir in cheese until melted.
  8. Season and serve.

Check out this one pot chili mac recipe for more tips.

7) Ground Beef and Gravy

A sizzling skillet of ground beef simmering in rich, savory gravy, with steam rising from the bubbling mixture

Ground beef and gravy is a lifesaver on busy nights. Brown the beef, then make a quick gravy with broth, milk, and a bit of flour.

Let it all simmer together until thick and creamy. It’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice—simple, filling, and no fancy ingredients needed.

You can toss in extra herbs if you want, or just keep it classic.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef and onions in a pan.
  2. Sprinkle flour over the beef, stir it in.
  3. Gradually add broth and milk, stirring constantly.
  4. Cook 5-7 minutes until the gravy thickens.
  5. Season and serve hot.

8) BBQ Beef and Beans

A sizzling BBQ grill with beef patties and beans cooking over the open flame

BBQ Beef and Beans is hearty and comes together fast. Cook ground beef with onions and bacon for a smoky base.

Mix in beans and BBQ sauce for a sweet, tangy finish. You can bake it in the oven so all the flavors meld together.

Serve it with rice or cornbread if you want a full meal. This one’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cans baked beans
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

  2. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Set it aside.

  3. Toss the onions into the bacon fat and cook until they’re soft.

  4. Add the ground beef. Brown it up and season with salt and pepper.

  5. Mix in the bacon, beans, BBQ sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

  6. Pour everything into a baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes.

  7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

9) Korean Beef Bowls

A sizzling skillet of Korean beef, surrounded by colorful ingredients like rice, green onions, and sesame seeds

Korean beef bowls might just be one of the easiest ways to jazz up hamburger meat. You cook lean ground beef with garlic, brown sugar, and soy sauce, and the flavor is this sweet-savory combo that really hits the spot.

This dish comes together fast. It pairs nicely with rice and whatever veggies you have on hand.

Want to shake things up? Toss in some greens or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. It’s a quick dinner but still feels special—no need to overthink it.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

Cooking Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

  3. Stir in the brown sugar and soy sauce. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.

  4. Serve over cooked rice. Dig in!

Learn more about this simple recipe at Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls.

10) Middle Eastern Beef Pitas

A sizzling skillet of seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, and onions, surrounded by warm pita bread and fresh lettuce and cucumber

Middle Eastern beef pitas are all about stuffing warm pita bread with spiced ground beef. Cook the beef with onion, garlic, cardamom, and allspice—those spices really bring it to life.

Toss in fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes for crunch. Top it off with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce to mellow out the spices.

If you want a crispier bite, try grilling or pan-frying the stuffed pitas until they’re golden. These are perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, and honestly, they bring a little adventure to the table.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 pita breads
  • 1 cup diced cucumber and tomato mix
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (for sauce)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat a pan with a little oil. Toss in the onion and garlic, and cook until they turn soft.

  2. Add the ground beef. Sprinkle in cardamom, allspice, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together until the beef browns up nicely.

  3. Warm up the pita breads, either in the oven or on a skillet.

  4. For the sauce, just mix yogurt with a bit of garlic.

  5. Stuff the pita breads with beef and your favorite veggies.

  6. Drizzle the garlic yogurt sauce over the top.

  7. If you want them extra crispy, grill or pan-fry the stuffed pitas at 350°F (175°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side.

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