50 Ground Beef Recipes That Are Super Easy

Unstuffed Peppers

Total Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Instant rice, ground beef, green peppers
Level: Easy

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This quick ground beef recipe is a fun take on stuffed peppers that will leave everyone satisfied. You can even use leftover rice to make the prep time that much faster.

If you like stuffed peppers, you’ll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original, but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups of leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Recipe contributor Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania

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Cheeseburger Soup

This is one of the most popular recipes that Taste of Home has ever published. The creamy, cheesy, beefy soup captures the flavor of a diner burger topped with melty cheese.

A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn’t share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Recipe contributor Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin

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Meat Loaf

For a good meat loaf, use ground beef with a higher proportion of fat, such as 80/20. The 20% fat content keeps the meat loaf juicy and adds plenty of flavor.

Mom made the best meat loaf, and now I do too. When I first met my husband, he wasn’t a meat loaf guy, but this recipe won him over. —Recipe contributor Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas

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Simple Taco Soup

Taco toppings like cheese, avocado and sour cream pair well with this simple taco soup. As a bonus, you can prepare it ahead of time and stash it in the freezer alongside other easy freezer meal recipes.

We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it’s a snap to prepare. —Recipe contributor Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma

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Hamburger Potato Casserole

You can use any type of creamy condensed soup to make this fun riff on a cottage pie. The cheesy casserole has a crispy potato crust that really makes this dish stand out.

For variety, you can use another kind of cream soup (cream of mushroom, for instance). But try this meat and potato casserole this way first. —Recipe contributor Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa

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Spanish Noodles with Ground Beef

Crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch to this comforting meal. This beefy dinner is warm, cozy and filling.

My mom used to make this ground beef recipe when I was a kid. Now, I prepare it for my own family. —Recipe contributor Kelli Jones, Perris, California

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Smothered Burritos

These spicy burritos are stuffed with a beefy, cheesy filling and smothered with green enchilada sauce and salsa verde. The oven-baked burritos can be served with taco toppings like sour cream or homemade guacamole.

My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Recipe contributor Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri

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Mexican Mac and Cheese

This one-skillet meal is a breeze to make; you won’t even need to precook the macaroni! It’s easily customizable depending on what veggies, beans and spices you have on hand.

This is the yummiest, quickest recipe I have. There’s no need to precook the macaroni. Everything comes together in one smart skillet. —Recipe contributor Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana

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Skillet Beef Tamales

Skillet tamales are a cross between tamales and chilaquiles, and the results are fantastic. Some reviewers have even used wontons for the topping.

I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can’t get enough of. We don’t have to tell them it’s healthy. —Recipe contributor Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

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Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta

This ground beef meal is kid-friendly and stores well for leftovers. To keep with the cheeseburger theme, you can drizzle mustard on top for a little extra tang.

I try to make foods that are not only kid-friendly but also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Recipe contributor Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota

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Favorite Hamburger Stew

This ground beef stew is perfect for a cold night. When you want a low-maintenance dinner, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe.

I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it’s easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Recipe contributor Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota

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One-Skillet Lasagna

The cream of onion soup sets this lasagna’s flavor apart. The end result resembles a Chicago deep-dish pizza!

Skillet lasagna is made in a single skillet and features creamy, cheesy layers full of classic flavors. The best part? No oven required. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Bacon Cheeseburger Rice

You may have heard of cheeseburger pasta, but have you ever made cheeseburger rice? This crowd-pleasing skillet meal is a fun and unique instant rice recipe for a busy weeknight.

My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizzazz, so we created this tastier version. I’ve had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Recipe contributor Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa

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Cornbread Taco Bake

This cheesy cornbread casserole is hard to mess up and easy to enjoy. Who knew that cornbread and taco meat would pair so well together?

Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Recipe contributor Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan

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Cheeseburger Cups

These muffin tin bites are perfect for anyone who’s obsessed with cheeseburgers. The cups use buttermilk biscuits as the “buns” and can be garnished with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.

This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Recipe contributor Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio

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Baked Ziti

This easy ground beef recipe allows you to get creative with the sauce. You can whip up a homemade version with various veggies or start with the best jarred pasta sauce as a shortcut.

I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It’s easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Recipe contributor Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania

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French Fry Casserole

Nothing goes better with a cheeseburger than fries! Made with just four ingredients, this casserole is great for cookouts, potlucks or laid-back weeknight dinners with the family.

Kids love this cheeseburger french fry casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Recipe contributor Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana

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Ground Beef Stroganoff

This version of a classic beef stroganoff skips the slow-cooking without sacrificing flavor. Add a little more Worcestershire for an extra boost.

I wanted to lighten my mother-in-law’s wonderful recipe and came up with this tasty beef stroganoff. In our home, we call it special noodles. —Recipe contributor Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri

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Dinner in a Bag

This ground beef recipe earns its name because it can be made with an “easy-to-grab bag” of pantry staples. It relies on simple ingredients and flavors for a quick dinner.

I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Recipe contributor Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

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Stuffed Peppers for Four

This quick dinner is combines the meat, vegetables and pasta all in one dish. Of course, you can always swap out the orzo for rice for a grain-free meal.

Truly a meal in one, this quick supper has it all: Veggies, meat, pasta and sauce, packed into tender peppers. It’ll look so pretty on your table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Pizza Casserole

You can double this recipe and freeze one casserole for a heat-and-serve dinner later on. Add your favorite pizza toppings to really make this your own.

Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Recipe contributor Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina

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Sloppy Joe Pizza

Take sloppy joes to the next level with this six-ingredient pizza. Because if a sloppy joe is missing anything, it’s a lot of cheese.

If your kids like sloppy joes, they’ll love this pizza. I came up with this ground beef recipe that’s easy to assemble. —Recipe contributor Brenda Rohlman, Kingman, Kansas

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Broccoli Beef Braids

This is a dinner that will make your kids excited to eat broccoli. These ground beef-stuffed sandwiches are as fun to look at as they are to eat.

Each slice of this fast-to-fix golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Recipe contributor Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio

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Italian Beef and Shells

This beef and veggie pasta is the total package. It will definitely make its way into your dinner rotation with new variations every time!

A veggie and pasta combo makes a hearty entree that comes together easily. Wine lends an extra touch of flavor to the sauce and makes this main dish a winner. —Recipe contributor Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio

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Beef Enchiladas Verdes

You can make these ground beef enchiladas in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready for dinner. The green chiles add a spicy kick to the saucy, cheesy casserole.

These beef enchiladas verdes are easy to make ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. After quickly cooking the tortillas in hot oil, I layer them between paper napkins to soak up excess oil. —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

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Dill Pickle Hamburger Pizza

In a world of unique pizza ideas, what’s one more? With pickle juice and mayo drizzle, this pickle pizza will be a delightful surprise to all who eat it.

My husband’s favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it’s so good. —Recipe contributor Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois

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Hearty Vegetable Beef Ragu

Ragu is more than just a jarred sauce brand—it’s also an Italian meat sauce. This vegetable and ground beef ragu includes peas and kale.

This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It’s on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it’s something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Recipe contributor Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey

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Southwestern Goulash

This take on American goulash is seasoned with cumin and green chiles for a southwestern influence. The flavors are strong, and the meal is filling.

I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn’t want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Recipe contributor Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio

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Beef Stroganoff Sandwiches

These stroganoff sandwiches are a twist on the classic pasta dish. Ranch and sour cream make them taste rich.

For an American take on classic Russian comfort food, we turn beef stroganoff into a sandwich. It comes together fast, and our family devours it. —Recipe contributor Alison Garcia, Beatrice, Nebraska

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BBQ Meat Loaf Minis

These adorable meat loaf minis are one of the most genius ways to use a muffin tin. To make them spicier, add 1 cup of salsa or chili powder.

Kids can have fun helping to prepare these mini meat loaves in muffin cups. For extra spice, we sometimes add 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 cup of salsa. —Recipe contributor Linda Call, Falun, Kansas

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Best Lasagna Soup

All the flavors of lasagna come together in this comforting soup. Cook the noodles separately so they don’t get soggy.

This lasagna soup tastes just like your favorite lasagna without all the layering. It’s fast, easy and comfort food at its best. —Recipe contributor Sheryl Olenick, Demarest, New Jersey

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Asian Beef and Noodles

Serve this colorful dish with soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe on grocery day.

Asian beef recipes don’t get much simpler. This colorful, economical stir-fry dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you’re likely to have on hand. —Recipe contributor Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota

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Herb & Cheese-Stuffed Burgers

These loaded burgers are cheesy and rich. The cream cheese filling is a nice change of pace from typical burger recipes.

Tired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Recipe contributor Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

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Korean Beef and Rice

This version of Korean bulgogi is sweet and light. It can be made with ingredients you probably have on hand.

A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It’s delicious! You’ll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota

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Pierogi Beef Skillet

Frozen pierogi let you get this dinner on the table fast. Garnish with cheese right at the table.

Hearty and thick with beef, veggies and potatoes, this is a complete meal in one. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Cajun Macaroni

Mac and cheese will heal your inner child. And this ramped-up take on the childhood meal will have you finishing the pot.

When I follow my favorite meat loaf recipe, I end up with an extra half-pound of ground beef. So I came up with this easy Cajun mac and cheese dish to use it up. —Recipe contributor June Ellis, Erie, Illinois

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Sloppy Joe Recipe

If you like sloppy joes, you’ll love this recipe. It’s a classic that’s beloved by kids and adults alike.

I’ve prepared these sandwiches for years. I’ve tried many sloppy joe recipes, but this one is the best by far. It also travels well for picnics or potlucks. —Recipe contributor Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington

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Beef & Bacon Gnocchi Skillet

You’ve never had gnocchi like this before. It’ll remind you of a bacon cheeseburger, and you can top it like one, too.

This gnocchi dish tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. Go ahead and top it as you would a burger—with ketchup, mustard and pickles. —Recipe contributor Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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West Coast Snappy Joes

These quick sandwiches are unforgettable. If you have extra filling, you can throw it over noodles for a mac dish like no other.

Meet my California-inspired sloppy Joe. Load it up with whatever toppings you like, or pour the filling over noodles. It’s incredible on mac and cheese. —Recipe contributor Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

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Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes

Potatoes, mushrooms and ground beef make this the most comforting dinner. The french-fried onions add a crisp texture to this otherwise smooth meal.

I was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn’t stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it’s quick to make, and my husband and grandchildren love it. —Recipe contributor Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland

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Fajita Burger Wraps

If you’re ever torn between fajitas and burgers, this dinner is for you. The crispy shell plus the fajita seasoning in the ground beef really elevate this dish.

This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Recipe contributor Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio

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Meat Loaf Muffins

What gives these meat loaf muffins their tangy character? Barbecue sauce! You can slice and dice these muffins however you like for lunch the next day.

These freezer-friendly meat loaf muffins are a simple-to-make family favorite recipe. Make them for dinner tonight or freeze them later for quick weeknight meals. —Recipe contributor Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia

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Tortilla Pie

This beefy tortilla lasagna is exactly the type of meal inspiration you’ve been looking for. Serve it with a little salad on the side, and dinner’s done.

My husband and I enjoy this southwestern take on lasagna because it’s not as dense or heavy as traditional layered dishes made with pasta. Our two daughters enjoy the mild flavor. —Recipe contributor Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan

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Mozzarella Beef Roll-Ups

These pepperoni and ground beef wraps will make you and your kids happy. So put down the pizza delivery menu and make these ASAP!

The kids will love these pepperoni and beef wraps. They’re easy to assemble because each tortilla is simply wrapped around a portion of hearty meat filling with a piece of string cheese. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Quick Chili Mac

From Cajun mac and cheese to chili mac and cheese, there’s not much you can add to mac and cheese that won’t make it taste amazing. This ground beef meal is satisfying and good for the whole family.

This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Recipe contributor Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan

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Easy Cuban Picadillo

You can use this picadillo filling in tacos or just eat it as is. The pimento-stuffed olives and raisins add nice textures to the dish.

My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Recipe contributor Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey

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Tater Tot-chos

Nachos made with Tater Tots instead of tortilla chips? Sign us up!

Playing with food is loads of fun when you have loaded Tater Tots. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Recipe contributor Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota

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Frito Pie

What more can you ask for from this spicy, salty, cheesy dinner? This Frito pie is ready in just 30 minutes.

Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here’s my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Recipe contributor Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico

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Beef Noodle Casserole

There’s never a wrong time for a casserole. You won’t have leftovers of this potluck favorite.

Savory, creamy and satisfying—you’ll be so happy you found this easy beef noodle casserole recipe. Packed with diced veggies, egg noodles and cheese, it’s a cinch to make any time you need some hearty comfort food. —Recipe contributor Mary Hinman, Escondido, California

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Southwestern Spaghetti

This dish is a great way to introduce zucchini into your diet. With mild but strong flavors, this skillet meal is just spicy enough.

Chili powder and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it’s a nice change of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Recipe contributor Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana