Our best-ever, easy Ground Beef Recipes. Everything from the best Meatloaf to classic beefy Lasagna. These are our most popular, best-reviewed recipes for ground beef.
We always keep a stash of ground beef in our freezer for cheap and easy dinners and these recipes are our go-to, family-approved meals. You will find plenty of delicious and healthy ground beef dinner ideas on this list.
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Ground Beef Recipes
This collection of ground beef recipes is GOLD and you’ll make them over and over. We have everything from 30-minute meals to casseroles and even slow cooker meals. It’s not surprising that our most popular ground beef recipes are:
- Made with pantry staple ingredients
- Easy-to-follow
- Quick to make
- Family-friendly
- Flavor packed
EASY Ground Beef Recipes
Ground Beef Stroganoff (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.97 from 776 votes) – Using ground beef in stroganoff is brilliant and makes this a 30-minute meal. You’ll love the rich and creamy mushroom sauce.
Cheeseburger Sliders (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.99 from 1299 votes) – these are a party favorite and what my kids request most for birthday parties. You can make them ahead for easy entertaining.
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 21 votes) – a one-pan, 30-min easy dinner that you’ll make on repeat. It’s one of the best ways to use ground beef. Don’t forget all of your favorite taco toppings!
Ground Beef Tacos (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 76 votes) – easy peasy and you won’t believe the small list of ingredients. These are our family’s favorite juicy beef tacos and they always disappear fast.
Spaghetti Meat Sauce (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.97 from 188 votes) – beefy, juicy and so satisfying. It comes together fast so it is perfect for busy weeknights. P.S. It’s freezer-friendly, reheats beautifully, and is perfect for meal prep.
Stovetop Beef Chili (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.95 from 287 votes) – Rich, hearty and loaded with vegetables and beans. This ground beef chili is comfort food at its best. Best of all, it takes under 30 minutes to make.
Taco Soup (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 224 votes) – Make taco night exciting (and even easier) with this Beef Taco Soup Recipe. It’s as easy as sauteing the meat with taco seasoning, adding diced veggies, and simmering for 15 minutes.
Taco Salad (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 33 votes) – Make a taco salad for the easiest taco night. It is basically a deconstructed taco and a low-carb option since there is no taco shell. It’s make-ahead and perfect for meal planning.
Ground Beef CASSEROLES
Classic Lasagna (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.98 from 1061 votes) – This Beef Lasagna recipe is saucy, flavorful and feeds a crowd for way less than going out to eat. It also reheats perfectly so it’s great for a to-go lunch.
Lasagna Roll-Ups (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.99 from 442 votes) – Can you tell we love lasagna? Lasagna Roll-Ups taste like classic lasagna but are faster to make, bake and serve. They are make-ahead, freezer-friendly, and reheat well.
Baked Ziti (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.99 from 247 votes) – The ultimate beefy and cheesy pasta casserole. This casserole is loaded and super satisfying. It also reheats well so you’ll be excited about leftovers.
Beef Burritos (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 12 votes) – these are make-ahead friendly and a favorite in our family. My kids totally love these! They are saucy, cheesy, and protein-packed. You’ll make them on your regular rotation.
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Recipes
Slow Cooker Chili (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 2011 votes) – set it and forget it! This is our most popular crockpot chili and it’s perfect as a main course, served over baked potatoes, or as a side. Easy and excellent.
Slow Cooker Lasagna (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.97 from 186 votes) – This make-ahead Lasagna is juicy, cheesy, beefy, and tastes just as good as the classic, but easier. There is no need to pre-cook noodles, and you can make it the night before so it is perfect for busy weeknights and Sunday lunch.
Slow Cooker Bolognese (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.98 from 107 votes) – You’ll love the rich flavors that form with slow cooking this bolognese sauce in a crockpot. Best of all, there is no babysitting required.
More Ground Beef Dinner Ideas
Spaghetti and Meatballs (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.95 from 653 votes) – Make this and you’ll be known for your spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs are incredible with a mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a special ingredient to make them super tender.
Meatloaf with the Best Glaze (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.99 from 8923 votes) – You’re probably doing a double take with those reviews, but they are real! Say goodbye to boring and underwhelming meatloaf. This tender ground beef meatloaf is a winner and everyone raves about the sweet and tangy glaze.
Perfect Burger Recipe (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.84 from 144 votes) – Get all of our tips and tricks for the juiciest burgers on the block and learn which ground beef is best for burgers. We also shared the recipe for our “secret sauce!”
Sloppy Joe Recipe ( 4.94 from 1877 votes) – of the most beloved recipes on my blog, but also one of the easiest. This is a crowd-pleaser for sure.
American Goulash Recipe (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 29 votes) -A hearty one-pot dinner that is beefy and so saucy. It also reheats well so it’s perfect for meal planning.
If you are looking for more family-friendly ground beef dinners, try these:
- Meatballs Parmesan
- Salisbury Steak
- Zucchini Lasagna
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Hamburger Soup
I hope you find some new favorite ground beef recipes here to make your busy weeknights even easier.
How to Freeze Ground Beef
Most recipes call for 1 pound of ground beef so it’s smart to freeze in 1 lb portions or even 1/2 lb portions which will thaw quicker. Use a kitchen scale to weigh out portions of ground beef and transfer to a freezer-safe zip baggie. Squeeze out any excess air and seal.
Pro Tip: Use a rolling pin to flatten the beef, making it easier to stack and store in the freezer and faster to thaw.
How to Thaw Ground Beef
- Quick Thaw – place the sealed frozen bag of beef into a large bowl and cover with cold water. Place a weight over the bag to keep it submerged. It should thaw in about 20 minutes for 1 lb portions or 10 minutes for 1/2 lb portions. Use immediately and do not refreeze quick-thawed beef.
- Thaw in the Refrigerator – place the sealed package on a plate and thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Cook or refreeze within 2 days.
- Can I thaw in the Microwave? We do not recommend thawing in the microwave due to uneven thawing and risk of partial cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you don’t have ground beef on hand, some recipes can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken and sometimes ground pork. If you are looking for a creative vegetarian substitute, try finely chopping mushrooms or eggplant in a food processor. P.S. The recipe pictured below is for our Juicy Meatballs.
Here is a simple tutorial on how to cook ground beef which you can use for quick meals like nachos, burritos, tacos, salad, and more.
How to Cook Ground Beef for Ground Beef Recipes
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil if using lean beef. Once the oil is hot, add ground beef in an even layer, breaking it up with a stiff spatula or wooden spoon into smaller pieces. Let the meat brown for 3-5 minutes without stirring.
- Break up the beef with your spatula and season with salt and pepper to taste and continue to saute, breaking up the meat with your spatula until the beef is lightly browned and fully cooked through with no signs of pink. Break open the larger crumbles to ensure there is no pink inside.
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I have made your apple pie and lasagna and many more. all wonderful love them all.
I made your meatloaf with the sauce on top. It was the best meatloaf recipe I’ve made in a long time. The sauce is out of this world
My Facebook of your recipes does not work today (natashakitchen recipe) 22k followers my patty melt French onion on taxes bread Gruyeree cheese. Every day I use only your recipes please beg your help on fix income
Hi Stephen, that might not be my Official Facebook page. This is my one and only Facebook page there’s a check mark beside my profile picture that shows that it’s verified.
Hi Natasha
Really impressed that you take in the different seasons for your world wide audience. So thanks for the timely Ground Beef recipes – just the thing for the winter Down Under.
You’re very welcome Dianne. I hope you find plenty of recipes here to enjoy.
Hi! We really love your recipes! I literally could not cook until I discovered your page. The way you explain how to cut the ingredients and cook the meals makes it fail proof. I love the hearty beef stew, beef stroganoff, chicken bake, and many more! Getting your book soon😁 Thank you very much for all the hard work and amazing recipes! with love, from South Africa
Aw, I’m so happy to hear that. Thank you for the wonderful feedback.
I made your Salisbury Steak with mushroom gravey.
Everyone loved it ! So easy to make and so delicious.
Thank you fir the recipe
Hi Beverly, thank you for sharing. I’m so glad that it was a huge hit!
Hey Beautiful! In the crockpot lasagna, can I substitute the noodles with Hearts of Palm ? Thank you.
Hi Melinda! I have not tested that, but I think it could work.
I am a huge fan of your channel! used your recipe of how to make a breakfast quesadilla and it turned out amazing! It was so easy and delicious!
Thank you for your love and support! I’m so glad you love my recipes.
Do you have a recipe for Coney dogs I looked on your blog and I could not find one thank you
I only have a recipe for Corn Dogs. Here’s the link for it.
Hi Natasha,
I just want to tell you that anytime I’m looking for dinner ideas I go straight to you! You have never let me down. P.S. your salmon patties are still my fav.
Susan
Vancouver, WA
Aww, thank you Susan! That’s so great to hear. I’m glad you enjoy my recipes.
Susan I have to agree with you the fish cakes are amazing. I have made them several times when I have left over Salmon. If I don’t have quite enough I add a can of Sockeye Salmon perfect every time.