10+ Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner That Are Easy and Delicious

Ground beef is a popular choice for dinner because it is quick to cook and affordable. You can use it in many different dishes.

Whether you want something simple or more creative, ground beef fits into lots of meals. It’s a great way to make a filling dinner your whole family can enjoy.

You can create many tasty dinners with ground beef that are easy to prepare. Most recipes use common ingredients.

This makes ground beef a helpful option when you want a meal that doesn’t take too much time or effort but still tastes good. You’ll find recipes that suit different tastes and occasions.

1) Classic Beef Burgers with Cheese

You can make a simple and tasty dinner with classic beef burgers topped with melted cheese. Start with ground beef that is around 90% lean for juicy patties.

Season your meat with salt, pepper, and a bit of steak seasoning to bring out the flavor. Shape the beef into even patties.

Cook the patties on a grill or in a pan until they reach 160°F (71°C) inside. Add a slice of cheese near the end and let it melt.

Serve your burgers on toasted buns with toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
• 1½ teaspoons steak seasoning
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix beef, seasoning, salt, and pepper gently.
2. Form into 4 equal patties.
3. Heat grill or pan to medium-high.
4. Cook patties about 4 minutes per side, until 160°F (71°C).
5. Add cheese slices on patties, cook 1 more minute.
6. Toast buns if you want.
7. Assemble burgers with toppings.

2) Simple Ground Beef and Gravy

This dish is easy and quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Cook ground beef, add onions, and make a tasty gravy with simple pantry ingredients.

It’s warm and filling. Serve it with mashed potatoes or rice.

Use basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and a bit of thyme if you like. The gravy thickens up nicely and coats the beef.

You can make this dinner in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef and onions in a pan over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink.
2. Remove excess fat, then sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir well.
3. Slowly add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
4. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme if using. Serve hot.

For a detailed recipe, see Ground Beef and Gravy – The Country Cook.

3) 15-Minute Ground Beef and Broccoli

Make a tasty and healthy dinner with ground beef and broccoli in just 15 minutes. This recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks quickly in one pan.

Brown the beef first, then add broccoli and cook until tender but still crisp. A simple sauce of soy sauce, garlic, and honey adds flavor.

Serve this dish with steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add broccoli and soy sauce, stir well.
5. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes until broccoli is tender.
6. Stir in honey and cook for another minute.
7. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

More details can be found in this 15-Minute Ground Beef & Broccoli recipe.

4) Hearty Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie is a warm and filling dish for dinner. Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, and mixed vegetables like carrots and peas.

Mix in some rich gravy to keep it juicy. Spread creamy mashed potatoes on top of the meat mixture.

Add cheese on the potatoes if you want extra flavor and a golden crust. Bake in the oven until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.

This dish combines protein, veggies, and comforting potatoes in one pan.

You can find a good recipe to follow for easy shepherd’s pie here.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas)
• 1 cup beef broth or gravy
• 3 cups mashed potatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

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. Add mixed vegetables and beef broth; simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour meat mixture into a baking dish.
5. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the top.
6. Sprinkle cheese on mashed potatoes if using.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

5) Beef Stroganoff with Mushrooms

Beef Stroganoff is a comforting dinner you can make quickly using ground beef. Cook the beef with onions and mushrooms until browned.

Add a creamy sauce made with sour cream or a similar ingredient. Serve this over egg noodles or rice.

The mushrooms add a nice flavor and texture. This meal works well for busy weeknights.

You can find more tips and a full recipe example here.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Cook onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add ground beef and brown.
4. Stir in mushrooms, cooking until tender.
5. Sprinkle flour and stir well.
6. Pour in beef broth and simmer until thickened.
7. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve over cooked egg noodles or rice.

6) Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

Make a simple, tasty dinner with ground beef and frozen tater tots. Brown the beef with onions and mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup for creaminess.

Add drained green beans or another veggie if you like. Spread this mixture in a baking dish.

Top it with a layer of tater tots until they fully cover the meat. Bake until the tots are golden and crispy.

Sprinkle cheese on top and return to the oven until melted.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can drained green beans (optional)
• 1 bag frozen tater tots
• 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet until cooked. Drain fat.
3. Stir in cream of mushroom soup and green beans.
4. Pour mixture into a baking dish.
5. Cover evenly with frozen tater tots.
6. Bake 30–40 minutes until tots are crispy.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake 5-10 more minutes until melted.

7) Spicy Beef Meatballs

Spicy beef meatballs make a great dinner when you want something with a little kick. Add garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili powder for a warm, bold flavor.

Serve these meatballs with tomato sauce, or on their own with rice or vegetables. Mix ground beef with spices, breadcrumbs, egg, and garlic.

Shape the mixture into small balls and bake until cooked through. Baking keeps them juicy and uses less oil.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until just combined.
3. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Serve hot with your favorite side.

For more details on a spicy meatball recipe, see Spicy Meatballs – Baked Bree.

8) Quick Smash Burgers

Smash burgers are a fast and tasty way to enjoy ground beef for dinner. Shape the beef into loose balls.

Smash them flat on a hot, ungreased pan to get a crispy crust. Keep your beef cold before cooking to help keep the juices inside.

Use 80% lean ground beef for the best flavor and moisture. Season simply with salt and pepper.

Cook each patty for about 2-3 minutes per side. Add cheese near the end if you like.

Serve smash burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound 80% lean ground beef
• Salt
• Pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• Cheese slices (optional)
• Butter or mayo for buns

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Form the beef into 4 loose balls.
3. Place one ball on the skillet and smash it down with a spatula.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges turn brown.
5. Flip the patty, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 more minutes.
6. Add cheese if you like, and let it melt for 1 minute.
7. Toast buns with butter or mayo.
8. Assemble the burgers and serve.

9) Healthy Ground Beef Chili

You can make a healthy ground beef chili that is filling and good for you. Use lean ground beef to cut down on fat.

Add beans for fiber and a more satisfying meal. Include vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.

Replace water with bone broth to add protein and help your gut health. Spice it up with your favorite chili spices.

Top the chili with cheese or avocado for extra taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups bone broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until cooked through.
2. Add onion and bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and bone broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

10) Savory Salisbury Steak

Salisbury steak makes a comforting dinner. Shape seasoned ground beef into patties.

Brown the patties in a skillet to get a nice crust. Simmer the patties in a rich onion and mushroom gravy.

This keeps the meat juicy and adds great flavor. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a filling meal.

You can make the gravy with simple ingredients you might already have. This recipe usually takes about 30 minutes to cook.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
   Form into 4 patties.

2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
   Brown patties on both sides, then remove them from the skillet.

3. Add onions and mushrooms to the skillet.
   Sauté until soft.

4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
   Slowly add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.

5. Return patties to the skillet.
   Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Serve with your favorite sides.