54 Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Nights
Go beyond just burgers and meatballs.
It's 5 p.m. and you need to whip something up fast for dinner. You look in the fridge and all you see is some ground beef. Although that may not seem like anything too inspiring at first, the truth is there are so many easy ground beef recipes you can make. You can cook your traditional beef tacos, meatloaves, and burgers — or opt for pasta, pizza or something even more creative.
But can these ground beef recipes stand the test of hectic nights when the kids are starving and demanding dinner right away? Of course, they can. We rounded up a few dozen of our favorite ground beef recipes that not only will have everyone asking for seconds but will be quick to whip up and quite filling. We have everything from sliders and meat pies to noodles and meatballs. We promise these recipes are fast and tasty.
Best of all, many of these ground beef recipes borrow from the classics and spice them up with an exciting twist. The addition of chipotle, cumin, oregano, balsamic vinegar and more manage to turn a common meal into an unforgettable dinner experience.
Quick Beef Ragu
This pasta dish with tomatoes, parmesan and creamy sauce is the epitome of food for the soul.
Chipotle Beef and Cheddar Stuffed Shells
Add a bit of smokiness to your regular stuffed shells recipe for an easy dinner with a twist.
Balsamic Meat Loaf with Garlicky Beans and Greens
In this recipe, meatloaf takes on a robust twist with the addition of garlic, red pepper flakes and balsamic vinegar.
Get the Balsamic Meat Loaf with Garlicky Beans and Greens recipe.
Armenian Beef Kebabs
These easy, broiled kebabs are packed with flavor and compliment the cucumber, mint and tomato tabbouleh perfectly.
Italian Orzo and Beef Stuffed Peppers
Ditch the typical rice dinner and opt for this rice-shaped pasta instead. The combination of orzo, fennel and basil makes this ground beef dish unforgettable.
Mediterranean Fried Rice
Say no to just another rice dish, and say yes to a tasty dish that will transport you to Greece with less than 30 minutes of prep time.
Moroccan Meatballs with Roasted Tomatoes and Chickpeas
In just 25 minutes you can make a protein stuffed lunch that will make all your co-workers envious.
Get the Moroccan Meatballs with Roasted Tomatoes and Chickpeas recipe.
Mexican Meatballs
Turn a dinnertime classic into a robust Mexican delight with the addition of cumin, chipotle chiles and oregano.
Meat Loaf with Roasted Green Beans
In less than 30 minutes of prep time you can enjoy this flavor-packed ground beef meal. The addition of smashed potatoes and fresh parsley makes this dinnertime staple a hit.
Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Balsamic Onion Burger
This hamburger topped with ooey gooey blue cheese and balsamic vinegar on a brioche bun will feel like heaven in your mouth
Get the Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Balsamic Onion Burger recipe.
Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are a hearty slow cooked delight that wil be sure to please!
Get the Rice and Stuffed Peppers recipe.
Smoky Beef Tacos
Nail Taco Tuesday with this simple yet memorable recipe. That smoky flavor will be sure to please.
Get the Smoky Beef Tacos recipe.
RELATED: 36 Mexican Recipes You'll Want to Dish Up Again and Again
Hamburger Casserole
This casserole takes less than a half hour to prepare, but it'll taste like something you could've ordered at a restaurant. You'll go back for a second serving for sure.
BBQ Beef and Mashed Potato Pie
BBQ beef and mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food combination. You'll be feeling all sorts of warm, cozy, and satisfied after a serving of this pie.
Beef and Lentil Chili
You can add some extra veggie protein to your typical chili with lentils. And the best part of all? This recipe only takes 20 minutes to make.
Beef and Mushroom Burgers with Snap Pea Fries
The best way to sneak some extra veggies into your kids meals is to hide them in an incredibly tasty burger.
Get the Beef and Mushroom Burgers with Snap Pea Fries recipe.
Pumpkin, Beef, and Black Bean Chili
Pumpkin chili is the ultimate fall dinner recipe. Top it off with some chipotle sour cream and your tastebuds will be singing.
Red Wine Beef Ragu
Slow cooker fans, this one's for you. All you need is 20 minutes to prep the ingredients and six to nine hours for your slow cooker to do its thing. The end result is a mouth-watering pasta dish.
Beef and Sausage Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
The sweet Italian sausage in these meatballs makes them moist and full of flavor, and the crushed red pepper flakes add some heat!
Terri Huggins Hart is an award-winning journalist, lifestyle writer, parenting writer, and race and culture writer who is convinced she's figured out the trick to living life with no regrets: do what you love, give love, lead with love. She's also the writer of an active monthly newsletter sharing tips for motivation and emotional well-being. When not writing, she can be found working out via Zumba or pole dancing, reciting her favorite affirmations and covering her adorable kids in kisses. You can learn more about Terri on her website, TerrificWords.com, or following her on social media @terrificwords.
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