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.

Spaghetti meat sauce in a pot

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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, soups, 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

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.

Ground beef recipes with lasagna, beef chili, beef burgers and beef meatloaf

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 bag. Squeeze out any excess air and seal.

Natasha’s Tip for Freezing Ground Beef:

Use a rolling pin to flatten the beef inside the bag and remove excess air, 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.

EASY Ground Beef Recipes

Ground Beef Stir Fry ( ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.00 from 52 votes) – a quick and easy ground beef and vegetable stir fry that’s so saucy and satisfies the craving for takeout.

Ground beef stir fry in a saute pan with zucchini, carrots and mushrooms

Ground Beef Stroganoff (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.95 from 870 votes) – Using ground beef in stroganoff is brilliant and makes this a 30-minute meal. You’ll love the rich and creamy mushroom sauce.

Ground beef stroganoff in skillet

Cheeseburger Sliders (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.99 from 1375 votes) – these are a birthday party favorite and what my kids request most for birthday parties. You can make them ahead for easy entertaining.

Cheeseburger sliders on a baking sheet topped with sesame seeds

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 105 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!

Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Skillet garnished with fresh diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Ready to serve with a spoon.

Swedish Meatballs (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.97 from 200 votes) – Juicy and tender Swedish meatballs in a rich gravy sauce. Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes for real comfort food. 

Swedish Meatballs in cream sauce with serving spoon

Ground Beef Tacos (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 77 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.

Ground beef tacos

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.

A wooden spoon stirring the Italian ground beef gravy in a Dutch oven

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.

Taco salad on a bed of lettuce

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.

Classic lasagna in casserole dish with ground beef

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.

Lasagna roll being scooped out of casserole dish with cheese pull

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.

Baked ziti being scooped with a wooden spoon, showing the cheese pulls and layers of noodles, meat, cheese, and sauce.

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.

A Beef Burrito cut in half, stacked to showcase the ground beef, beans melted cheese, and tomatoes.

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.

Beef chili in crockpot

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 lasagna on a spatula

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.

A close up Spaghetti and Bolognese Sauce

Ground Beef Soups and Chilis

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 Soup loaded with taco soup toppings

Pasta e Fagioli (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.99 from 296 votes). This restaurant copycat is so hearty, you will be coming back for seconds. It is loaded with delicious veggies and ground beef.

pasta e fagioli in soup pot with serving spoon garnished with basil

Hamburger Soup (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.00 from 221 votes) This ground beef soup is loaded with tender beef, diced tomatoes, and hearty veggies. A warming and comforting soup recipe that’s perfect for winter.

Hamburger soup in dutch oven

Cabbage Soup – (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.99 from 287 votes). Tastes just like stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling them up.

Dutch Oven with Cabbage soup and a ladle

Lasagna Soup (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.99 from 159 votes) – this is the easiest way to satisfy lasagna cravings. All of your favorite lasagna ingredients are nestled in a rich tomato broth and topped with ricotta cheese.

Lasagna soup in a pot with ladle

Italian Wedding Soup (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.99 from 69 votes)- A classic that comes together so quickly with meatballs, pasta and veggies in a richly flavored broth.

Italian Wedding Soup in a bowl with a spoon

Stovetop Beef Chili (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.92 from 302 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.

A bowl of Beef chili in a bowl with a spoon

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 that makes them super tender.

spaghetti and meatballs in pot

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.

meatloaf with glaze

Hamburger 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!”

burgers and fries on serving dish

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.

Sloppy Joe served in a bun

Juicy Meatballs Recipe (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.96 from 268 votes) – Big, flavorful and juicy homemade meatballs. These are make-ahead, freezer-friendly, and perfect-for-meal-prep.

Juicy meatballs covered in tomato sauce and cheese in a pan

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.

Recipe or American Goulash stirred in a white dutch oven with wooden spoon

If you are looking for more family-friendly ground beef dinners, try these:

I hope you find some new favorite ground beef recipes here to make your busy weeknights even easier.