10+ Recipes with Ground Beef for Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meals

Ground beef’s that go-to ingredient when you want something easy and versatile. You can whip up so many tasty meals with it, whether you’re in a rush or looking for something a bit heartier.

If you’re after simple, satisfying recipes, ground beef is a solid pick for making crowd-pleasing dinners. Mix it with different flavors and ingredients, and you’ll never get bored at the table.

1) Hamburger and Macaroni

Hamburger and macaroni is one of those easy weeknight dishes that just works. Ground beef cooks up fast and pairs nicely with pasta.

Add onions and your favorite spices for a punch of flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder—brown the beef and onions, toss in macaroni and some liquid, and let it all simmer.

As the pasta cooks, it soaks up all those tasty juices from the beef and seasonings. Stir in cheese at the end if you want it creamy.

Change it up with whatever veggies or spices you have on hand. It’s flexible and filling.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups uncooked macaroni
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is soft.
3. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in macaroni and beef broth. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer until macaroni is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Add salt and pepper. Stir in cheese until melted, if using.
7. Serve warm.

For a full recipe with details, see Hamburger and Macaroni – Simply Recipes.

2) Easy Hamburger Soup

Hamburger soup is comfort food at its easiest. You just need ground beef, a bunch of veggies, and a pot.

Brown the beef, throw in diced veggies and broth, and let it simmer until everything’s soft and cozy. It’s perfect for a chilly night or a day when you’re just too busy to fuss.

Feel free to toss in pasta or swap out veggies depending on what you’ve got. Honestly, it freezes well—so make extra if you can.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 medium 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 the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in celery, carrots, and potatoes.
4. Pour in the beef broth and tomatoes with their juice.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

3) Stovetop Taco Soup

Taco soup on the stovetop is one of those meals you can throw together in a pinch. Ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes—boom, dinner in about half an hour.

Start by browning the beef and onions, then dump in the rest and let it all heat through. It’s got a ton of flavor for something so easy.

Top it with cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips if you’re feeling fancy. It’s a cozy, no-fuss dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes (15 ounces)
• 1 can tomato sauce (15 ounces)
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning.
4. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook uncovered on low heat for about 20 minutes.
6. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

4) Dad’s Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers always feel a bit nostalgic. You mix ground beef, rice, onions, tomatoes, and spices, then stuff it all into colorful peppers.

It’s kind of like a meatloaf tucked inside a veggie. The peppers get soft and soak up all the flavor as they bake.

Add a little ketchup or tomato sauce on top if you want, but honestly, they’re good as is. Makes for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. Mix ground beef, cooked rice, onion, tomatoes, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl.
4. Stuff each pepper with the beef mixture.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and add ketchup or tomato sauce on top if you want.
7. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

You can find similar recipes at Simply Recipes.

5) BBQ Beef and Beans

BBQ Beef and Beans is pure comfort in a bowl. You get ground beef, beans, and barbecue sauce coming together in a sweet, smoky, and tangy mix.

Start by cooking the beef with onions and garlic. Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce and canned beans, then let it all simmer.

Serve it over rice, with bread, or just top it with cheese. It’s easy, filling, and perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can baked beans
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in baked beans and barbecue sauce.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Serve hot with rice or bread.

For more details, see this BBQ Beef and Beans recipe.

6) Korean Beef Bowls

Korean Beef Bowls are a lifesaver on busy nights. You just need ground beef, garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil for a killer sauce.

Serve it over rice with green onions or some steamed veggies. The whole thing takes maybe 15 minutes, tops.

If you want to switch things up, use ground turkey or chicken. The flavors still work.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Cooked rice, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring often.
5. Serve the beef over rice and top with sliced green onions.

For more details, check this Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls recipe.

7) Middle Eastern Beef Pitas

Middle Eastern beef pitas are a fun twist for ground beef. Mix the beef with allspice, cardamom, and garlic for a warm, savory flavor.

Cook the meat, then stuff it into warm pita bread with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. It’s kind of like Lebanese arayes—crispy outside, juicy inside.

Add a little garlicky yogurt or tahini sauce if you want to go all out. These are perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something different but still easy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 pita breads
• Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce
• Yogurt or tahini sauce (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, cook onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add ground beef, allspice, cardamom, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
3. Warm pita breads and cut them open to make pockets.
4. Stuff each pita with the cooked beef and fresh vegetables.
5. Serve with yogurt or tahini sauce on the side.

Learn more about this tasty dish at Middle Eastern Ground Beef Pita Sandwich.

8) Sriracha Beef Lettuce Wraps

Sriracha Beef Lettuce Wraps bring a spicy kick to the table. Cook the beef with sauces, then scoop it into crisp lettuce leaves.

It’s light but filling, and you can make it in no time. Adjust the Sriracha to your taste—go big or keep it mild.

Serve with chopped veggies or fresh herbs for extra crunch. It’s a simple way to mix up your weeknight routine.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tsp cooking oil (peanut or sesame oil)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1–2 tbsp Sriracha sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
• Lettuce leaves (such as butter or romaine)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Toss in the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Once browned, stir in hoisin sauce, Sriracha, and fish sauce if you’re using it.
4. Let it cook for another couple of minutes, then take the pan off the heat.
5. Spoon the beef mixture into lettuce leaves.
6. Serve right away—add any toppings you’re in the mood for.

For more details, you can check this Sriracha Beef Lettuce Wraps recipe.

9) Classic Meatloaf

Classic meatloaf is one of those cozy, no-fuss meals you can always count on. It’s perfect for family dinners, and leftovers are a bonus.

I like using ground beef with a little fat, like 80/20, so the meatloaf stays juicy. Chopped onions bring in a bit of flavor, and breadcrumbs with a splash of milk keep the texture soft.

A ketchup glaze on top gives it that sweet, tangy finish everyone seems to love. This dish bakes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s hot and holds together.

Mashed potatoes or some steamed veggies make a great side.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ⅓ cup ketchup

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Shape it into a loaf and drop it in a baking pan.
4. Spread ketchup over the top.
5. Bake for about an hour, or until it’s cooked through.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Trust me, it helps.

10) Beef Bolognese

Beef Bolognese is just a classic, hearty sauce that’s easy to throw together with ground beef. It’s thick, meaty, and makes any pasta night feel special.

You can stick with ground beef or toss in some ground pork if you want a deeper flavor. I usually start by browning the beef in a pan.

Add onions and garlic once the beef’s got some color. Then in go the tomatoes.

Let the sauce simmer low and slow so the flavors really come together. It’s the kind of meal that feels like it took all day, even if it didn’t.

Serve it over spaghetti or whatever pasta you’ve got handy. If you make extra, toss it in the freezer for another night.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Toss in the onions and garlic. Cook them until they’re soft and smell amazing.

3. Add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and let it brown.

4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper.

5. Turn the heat down low. Let it all simmer for 30-45 minutes—maybe give it a stir now and then.

6. Spoon the sauce over your cooked pasta and dig in.