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    Home / Roundups

    24 Quick And Easy Ground Beef Recipes For When Dinner Ideas Run Dry

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Aug 29, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Quick and easy ground beef recipes are the kind of meals that step in when your brain feels empty but your stomach says otherwise. They're fast, flexible, and perfect for nights when the last thing you want is a long grocery list. Ground beef is a kitchen regular that can stretch into all kinds of dinners without much fuss. These recipes also keep things affordable, which makes them even more appealing. With quick and easy ground beef recipes, you'll never have to stare at the fridge wondering what's for dinner again.

    Three hard-shell tacos filled with ground beef, lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese are arranged on a wooden surface, making them ideal as easy Mexican inspired meals for the ultimate lazy cooks.Pin
    Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

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    Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl

    A bowl of salad with hamburger patty, sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, pickles, bacon, and dressing; a fork holds a bite above the bowl.Pin
    Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    A bunless burger bowl brings together crisp veggies, smoky bacon, and creamy avocado. The beef adds plenty of protein, making it filling enough for dinner. It's a fresh take that works well for meal prep too.
    Get the Recipe: Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl

    Korean Beef and Broccoli

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

    Tender beef pairs with crisp broccoli in a sweet and savory sauce that cooks quickly. It's a lighter option that still feels filling, perfect for weeknights when time is short. You can serve it over rice or noodles to round out the meal.
    Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

    Green Beans and Ground Beef

    Plate with ground beef, green beans, and cauliflower rice. Fork on the plate, garlic cloves nearby, and a bowl of green beans in the background.Pin
    Green Beans and Ground Beef. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This skillet meal combines fresh green beans with seasoned ground beef for a simple dinner. It comes together in one pan, which keeps cleanup minimal. Serve it with rice or enjoy it as a low-carb option on its own.
    Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Ground Beef

    Layered Taco Dip

    A close-up of a layered taco casserole topped with shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, black olives, and herbs, with a serving spoon lifting a portion.Pin
    Layered Taco Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    This layered dip stacks seasoned beef, beans, and creamy toppings into one dish. It's easy to assemble and perfect for pairing with tortilla chips. Bring it to gatherings or keep it at home for a fun appetizer night.
    Get the Recipe: Layered Taco Dip

    Ground Beef Stir Fry With Celery

    Pin
    Ground Beef Stir Fry With Celery. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

    Crisp celery adds crunch to this flavorful ground beef stir fry. A rich sauce ties everything together, and the recipe is ready in about 30 minutes. It's a fast option when you want variety without extra work.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry With Celery

    Honey Habanero Tacos

    Pin
    Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

    These tacos bring a kick of spice with a balance of sweetness. The beef filling is quick to prepare and works well with your favorite taco toppings. It's an easy way to keep taco night exciting.
    Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    Casserole slices with toppings on plates, wooden spoon in a baking dish, jalapeños and cream nearby on a wooden table.Pin
    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: The Cookin Chicks.

    Cornbread bakes on top of a chili-style beef mixture for a complete one-pan meal. It feeds a group easily and reheats well for later. You don't need side dishes since it covers everything in a single dish.
    Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    Ground Beef and Tortellini

    Skillet filled with tortellini pasta, ground meat, and peas, garnished with parsley. A wooden spoon is in the pan. A sprig of parsley and a fork are nearby on a gray cloth.Pin
    Ground Beef and Tortellini. Photo credit: Seasoned and Salted.

    Cheese-filled tortellini and ground beef simmer in a creamy sauce. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is minimal. It's an easy recipe when you want pasta night with a little extra heartiness.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Tortellini

    Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs

    Pin
    Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    These spicy meatballs use a homemade sauce that adds heat without being overpowering. The air fryer cooks them quickly, keeping the texture juicy. Serve them as an appetizer or pair with rice for a simple meal.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Firecracker Meatballs

    Dutch Oven Peppered Bacon Meatloaf

    Bacon-wrapped meatloaf on a plate with peas and mashed potatoes. Whole meatloaf and additional sides in bowls are on a wooden table.Pin
    Dutch Oven Peppered Bacon Meatloaf. Photo credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    Ground beef and bacon combine in this peppered meatloaf. It cooks evenly in a Dutch oven, which helps it stay moist. Pair it with potatoes or vegetables for a balanced plate.
    Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Peppered Bacon Meatloaf

    Ground Beef Chow Mein

    Pin
    Ground Beef Chow Mein. Photo credit: Mama's on a Budget .

    Chow mein noodles, vegetables, and ground beef come together in a tangy homemade sauce. It's a one-pan recipe that's ready in less time than takeout. You'll appreciate how quickly it goes from stove to table.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Chow Mein

    Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

    A sesame seed bun filled with sloppy joe meat, served on a plate with potato chips and pickle slices.Pin
    Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Ground beef simmers in a tangy sauce and is served on soft sandwich rolls. The recipe is straightforward and requires only a handful of ingredients. It's a fun option for casual family dinners.
    Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes

    Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

    Pin
    Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Pasta, cheese, and ground beef bake together into a comforting casserole. The ingredients are simple but come out hearty enough to feed a family. It's great for weeknights when you want dinner without fuss.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

    25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

    Pin
    25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

    This burger stacks crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and a juicy patty on a toasted bun. A quick honey-mayo sriracha sauce ties it all together. It's a flavorful way to enjoy a homemade burger in under half an hour.
    Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

    Ground Beef Stir Fry

    Pin
    Ground Beef Stir Fry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Fresh vegetables and seasoned ground beef cook together in a garlic-ginger sauce. Everything comes together in one pan, so it's convenient and quick to prepare. It's also one of those quick and easy ground beef recipes that beats ordering takeout.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

    Sloppy Joes with Heinz Chili Sauce

    Plate of sloppy joe sandwiches with sesame buns and pickles. Crinkle-cut fries and extra pickles in bowls nearby.Pin
    Sloppy Joes with Heinz Chili Sauce. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

    This version of sloppy joes adds a mild kick from chili sauce. It's simple to make and doesn't require a long ingredient list. Serve it on soft rolls for a casual and filling meal.
    Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes with Heinz Chili Sauce

    Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

    Pin
    Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

    Rice, ground beef, and melted cheese combine for a hearty skillet meal. Bell peppers and onions add flavor without complicating the process. This is one of those quick and easy ground beef recipes that saves time while still feeling complete.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    Pin
    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Ground beef cooks with cabbage and spices in this simple skillet dinner. The dish has plenty of texture and flavor without requiring a lot of ingredients. It's an easy 30-minute meal you can rely on during busy nights.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    Hamburger Soup

    Pin
    Hamburger Soup. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

    Ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables simmer in a tomato-based broth for a warm and hearty soup. It's budget-friendly and stretches into multiple servings. Leftovers reheat nicely, which makes it a practical choice for the week.
    Get the Recipe: Hamburger Soup

    Baked Mexican Potatoes

    Five stuffed sweet potato halves with mixed filling, garnished with cilantro. Lime wedges and a small bowl of white sauce are on the side, all on parchment paper.Pin
    Baked Mexican Potatoes. Photo credit: Simply Sissom.

    Crispy baked potatoes are stuffed with a seasoned beef and bean mix. You can change up the toppings to match what you have on hand. It's a creative choice if you're searching for quick and easy ground beef recipes that aren't repetitive.
    Get the Recipe: Baked Mexican Potatoes

    Frikadellen

    A plate of patties garnished with herbs, a bowl of mustard, sliced bread, radish slices, and a bowl of cucumber salad.Pin
    Frikadellen. Photo credit: Maple + Mango.

    These German-inspired beef patties pan-fry until golden and flavorful. They can be eaten hot with potatoes or cooled and tucked into a sandwich. They're a simple change from the standard burger.
    Get the Recipe: Frikadellen

    Hoisin Beef

    Pin
    Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    A touch of hoisin sauce brings sweetness to this fast-cooking beef dish. It's easy to prepare and doesn't need complicated steps. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a balanced dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

    Cantonese Ground Beef and Eggs (Under 30 Minutes)

    Pin
    Cantonese Ground Beef and Eggs (Under 30 Minutes). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

    This traditional dish combines savory ground beef with soft scrambled eggs. It's simple to make and cooks in less than half an hour. Pair it with steamed rice for a comforting dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Cantonese Ground Beef and Eggs (Under 30 Minutes)

    Dutch Oven Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

    A bowl of meatballs in tomato sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves.Pin
    Dutch Oven Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Simple And Fraiche.

    Meatballs simmer gently in a tomato sauce until tender. The Dutch oven keeps everything evenly cooked with less effort. It's also one of those quick and easy ground beef recipes that works well with pasta or bread.
    Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

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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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