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    Home / Roundups

    29 Easy Recipes With Ground Beef That Are Faster Than Takeout and Way More Satisfying

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 11, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Takeout sounds great until you remember the wait time and the price tag. Easy recipes with ground beef come together faster than delivery and won’t leave you wondering where all your money went. This kitchen staple is budget-friendly, quick to cook and works for just about any meal. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps just simple, hearty meals that actually fill you up. Skip the delivery app and make something just as good (or better) in less time.

    A plate of tagliatelle with meat sauce on a white dish that reads "ho ancora fame," placed on a table with a cloth napkin and a block of cheese.
    Photo credit: The Heirloom Pantry.

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    Individual Lasagna

    Two square ceramic dishes of baked lasagna with melted cheese on top, next to a red and white checkered napkin, on a light textured surface.
    Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Individual Lasagna means no sharing, no arguing, and no fighting for the last bite. Layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, and melty cheese make this one of those easy recipes with ground beef that you’ll want to keep all to yourself. If you’re looking for a no-leftovers-required dinner, this one is a winner.
    Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

    Taco Spaghetti Skillet

    A plate of spaghetti with ground meat, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions, served next to a black skillet and a white napkin on a gray surface.
    Taco Spaghetti Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

    Taco Spaghetti Skillet is what happens when tacos and spaghetti decide to team up for a weeknight win. This dish is packed with bold spices, plenty of cheese, and, of course, ground beef—making it a perfect pick for easy recipes with ground beef. With everything cooked in one pan, it’s a fast way to get dinner on the table without the extra dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

    Beef Queso Dip

    A hand dipping a tortilla chip into a bowl of cheesy dip with diced tomatoes and herbs.
    Beef Queso Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Beef Queso Dip is what happens when creamy cheese sauce meets seasoned beef for a snack that never sticks around long. It’s one of those easy recipes with ground beef that works for game day, movie night, or just a Tuesday that needs a little excitement. Grab a chip, dig in, and try not to finish it all in one sitting.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Queso Dip

    Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

    Sliced meatloaf garnished with parsley on a white plate.
    Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Cracker Barrel Meatloaf brings back those comforting, old-school flavors with a rich glaze and a hearty beefy bite. It’s a perfect example of how easy recipes with ground beef can keep things simple while still delivering a meal that fills you up. Serve it with mashed potatoes, and suddenly, dinner feels like a warm hug.
    Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

    Sloppy Joe Casserole

    A close-up of a serving spoon lifting a portion of sloppy joe casserole showing layers of ground meat, vegetables, and golden-brown hashbrown potatoes.
    Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Sloppy Joe Casserole takes that messy sandwich and turns it into a cheesy, baked dish that’s way easier to handle. This is one of those easy recipes with ground beef that’s got all the familiar flavors with none of the drippy, shirt-staining chaos. Every forkful is saucy, beefy, and downright irresistible.
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

    Crock Pot Chili for Two

    Bowl of chili with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top.
    Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Crock Pot Chili for Two makes sure you get all the cozy chili flavors without a week’s worth of leftovers. Ground beef, tomatoes, and just the right amount of spice make this one of those easy recipes with ground beef that lets you set it, forget it, and come back to a meal that’s ready to go. It’s the definition of low-effort, high-reward cooking.
    Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

    Frito Chili Pie

    A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions.
    Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Frito Chili Pie layers up crunchy chips, beefy chili, and a blanket of melted cheese for a dish that disappears fast. It’s proof that easy recipes with ground beef can start with pantry staples and end up being ridiculously good. Just be warned—once you start, it’s hard to stop.
    Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    A skillet filled with a colorful stir-fry of ground meat, bell peppers, leafy greens, and sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting in it. Plates and a stack of flatbreads are nearby.
    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet keeps things simple with seasoned beef, tender cabbage, and a one-pan cooking method that makes cleanup a breeze. This dish proves that easy recipes with ground beef don’t need a long ingredient list to bring big flavor. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for those nights when you don’t want to overthink dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Korean beef and broccoli.
    Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Korean Beef and Broccoli turns ground beef into something special with a sweet and savory sauce that clings to every bite. It’s one of those easy recipes with ground beef that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in no time. Serve it over rice, and suddenly, takeout isn’t looking so tempting anymore.
    Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Hamburger Soup

    A pot of vegetable soup with carrots, green beans, corn, and herbs, next to sliced bread, parsley, a blue checkered napkin, and salt and pepper shakers.
    Hamburger Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Hamburger Soup is proof that sometimes, you just need a bowl of something warm and beefy to make everything right. Packed with ground beef, colorful veggies, and a flavorful broth, this is one of those easy recipes with ground beef that’s perfect for a chilly night. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that tastes even better the next day—if there’s any left.
    Get the Recipe: Hamburger Soup

    Lasagna Stuffed Peppers

    Stuffed bell peppers with melted cheese, filled with a ground meat mixture, on a plate next to silverware and a striped cloth. One pepper is sliced to show the filling.
    Lasagna Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Flour and Filigree.

    Bright bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a layer of creamy ricotta, then baked under a golden, bubbly cheese topping. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that keeps dinner simple without sacrificing big flavor. It’s a no-fuss way to enjoy lasagna without wrestling with noodles!
    Get the Recipe: Lasagna Stuffed Peppers

    Gluten Free Lasagna

    A plate of lasagna with a fork and fresh basil garnish beside it.
    Gluten Free Lasagna. Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    Layers of meaty sauce, gluten-free noodles, and melty cheese come together for a comfort food classic that doesn’t need the gluten to be great. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that works for busy nights when a homemade meal still sounds better than takeout. Leftovers? You’ll be fighting over them.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Lasagna

    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    A dish with cornbread on chili is topped with sour cream and jalapeño slices. Nearby are an empty dish, a wooden spoon, and a white napkin on a wooden table.
    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    A skillet packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and just the right amount of seasoning, all topped with a fluffy cornbread crust. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that turns simple pantry staples into a meal that actually fills you up. Perfect for nights when you need dinner to be both quick and hearty.
    Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    Taco Casserole

    A skillet with melted cheese, black beans, diced tomatoes, ground beef, and a scoop of guacamole, garnished with a tortilla chip.
    Taco Casserole. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

    All the best taco flavors packed into one simple dish, layered with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that skips the mess of taco assembly but keeps all the good stuff. Toss it in the oven, and dinner basically makes itself.
    Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

    Ground Beef Burrito Skillet

    A skillet containing a mixture of melted cheese, beans, ground meat, and nachos topped with sour cream and chopped tomatoes. A wooden spoon is in the skillet.
    Ground Beef Burrito Skillet. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

    Everything you love about a burrito, minus the wrapping struggle, all cooked up in one skillet. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that saves you from dish duty while still delivering big, bold flavors. Add your favorite toppings, and dinner is done in 30 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Burrito Skillet

    Hamburger Helper

    A bowl of macaroni with ground meat in a rich, red sauce.
    Hamburger Helper. Photo credit: Organically Addison.

    A homemade version of the weeknight classic, made with seasoned ground beef, a creamy sauce, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that ditches the boxed mix without adding extra effort. One pan, minimal cleanup, and no complaints at the dinner table.
    Get the Recipe: Hamburger Helper

    Dutch Oven Chili

    Bowl of chili topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and chopped parsley, next to a red napkin.
    Dutch Oven Chili. Photo credit: 100 Days Of Real Food.

    A pot of slow-simmered, meaty chili that’s rich, hearty, and made for scooping up with crackers or cornbread. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that gets better the longer it sits, so leftovers are practically required. Cold nights call for warm bowls, and this one delivers.
    Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Chili

    Sloppy Joes

    Sloppy joe sandwich on a sesame bun, served with pickle slices and potato chips on a white plate.
    Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Messy, saucy, and packed with flavor, these sloppy joes bring back all the best childhood dinner memories. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that turns basic ingredients into a sandwich that’s impossible to eat neatly—but that’s half the fun. Serve with napkins and no regrets.
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes

    Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

    A tray of cheeseburger sliders topped with sesame seeds, featuring melted cheese and pickles. A red checkered cloth is in the background, with two glasses of beer and a small bowl of pickles nearby.
    Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    Juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, all tucked inside soft, buttery rolls and topped with Everything Bagel seasoning. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that disappears fast, so don’t expect leftovers. Make a tray, and watch them vanish.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders

    Ground Beef Fajitas

    A tortilla topped with ground beef, sliced bell peppers, avocado, cheese, jalapeños, and sauce, surrounded by lime wedges and dishes of sour cream and shredded cheese.
    Ground Beef Fajitas. Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Sautéed peppers, onions, and perfectly seasoned ground beef make these fajitas a fast and flavorful dinner win. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that skips the usual steak or chicken without missing a beat. Wrap them up in warm tortillas, and dinner is handled.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fajitas

    Salisbury Steak

    A pan of Salisbury steaks topped with mushroom gravy, garnished with parsley, next to bowls of green beans and mashed potatoes, with salt and pepper shakers.
    Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Juicy ground beef patties smothered in rich mushroom gravy and served with mashed potatoes or rice. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that brings old-school diner comfort straight to your kitchen. If you’re into stick-to-your-ribs dinners, this one’s got you covered.
    Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

    Pappardelle Bolognese

    A plate of tagliatelle with meat sauce on a white dish that reads "ho ancora fame," placed on a table with a cloth napkin and a block of cheese.
    Pappardelle Bolognese. Photo credit: The Heirloom Pantry.

    Slow-simmered meat sauce coats wide ribbons of pasta for a dinner that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that tastes like it took all day, even if it didn’t. Top with parmesan, and don’t skimp on the garlic bread.
    Get the Recipe: Pappardelle Bolognese

    One Pan Egg Roll in a Bowl

    A black bowl filled with a stir-fry dish containing ground meat, sliced green onions, carrots, and cabbage, with a pan in the background.
    One Pan Egg Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Whole New Mom.

    All the flavors of your favorite takeout egg roll, minus the deep frying and extra mess. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that keeps things light but still totally satisfying. Grab some chopsticks or a fork—either way, it’s gone fast.
    Get the Recipe: One Pan Egg Roll in a Bowl

    Hamburger Helper Skillet

    A skillet filled with cooked macaroni noodles and ground meat, garnished with herbs. A wooden spoon and metal grater with spilled noodles are nearby on a gray surface.
    Hamburger Helper Skillet. Photo credit: Soulfully Made.

    A cheesy, beefy, one-pan dinner that turns simple ingredients into something everyone actually wants to eat. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that proves homemade always wins over the boxed stuff. The best part? Minimal dishes to wash after.
    Get the Recipe: Hamburger Helper Skillet

    Beef and Rice Skillet

    A skillet dish with melted cheese, beans, and meat topped with guacamole and tomatoes. A wooden spoon scoops a portion.
    Beef and Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Ground beef, rice, and bold Mexican flavors come together in one pan for a dinner that’s as easy as it is filling. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that cuts down on dishes while keeping flavor front and center. Throw on some avocado or sour cream, and you’re set.
    Get the Recipe: Beef and Rice Skillet

    Beef Carbonara

    A plate of spaghetti with minced meat and fresh basil leaves, accompanied by a black fork.
    Beef Carbonara. Photo credit: Chocolates & Chai.

    A quick, hearty take on carbonara that swaps pancetta for seasoned ground beef but keeps all the creamy, cheesy goodness. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that’s ready in under 30 minutes and still feels a little fancy. Perfect for those nights when you want pasta, but faster.
    Get the Recipe: Beef Carbonara

    Arayes

    Grilled quesadillas with a meat filling are arranged on a red plate next to a bowl of white sauce topped with pomegranate seeds. Pomegranate and greens are in the background.
    Arayes. Photo credit: Chocolates & Chai.

    Crispy pita pockets stuffed with spiced ground beef, then grilled to golden perfection. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that brings bold flavors with barely any effort. Pair it with a simple dip, and it’s a meal made for sharing—or keeping all to yourself.
    Get the Recipe: Arayes

    Dutch Oven Awesome Chili

    A pot of chili with ground meat, beans, and tomatoes, topped with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, stirred with a wooden spoon.
    Dutch Oven Awesome Chili. Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Loaded with ground beef, tomatoes, and just the right kick of spice, this chili is as hearty as it gets. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that’s just as good piled onto hot dogs as it is straight from the bowl. Make a big batch—you’ll want seconds.
    Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Awesome Chili

    Frito Taco Bake

    A slice of casserole topped with sour cream, tomato, jalapeño, and guacamole on a plate with a fork. Nearby are glasses of milk, additional plates with forks, a green cloth, and the casserole dish.
    Frito Taco Bake. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    Crunchy Fritos, seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice make this taco bake impossible to resist. This is an easy recipe with ground beef that basically builds itself in the oven. A little sour cream on top, and it’s ready to steal the show.
    Get the Recipe: Frito Taco Bake

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    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

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