14 Ground Beef Dinners That Turn One Cheap Pound Into a Family Feast
How many times have you stood in front of the fridge holding a pound of ground beef and wondering what to make? You are not alone. Ground beef dinners are cheap, fast and loved by almost everyone at the table, from picky kids to hungry teens. This list has tacos, juicy burgers, cozy casseroles and a few dishes from around the world to keep things exciting. Need even more weeknight ideas? See our easy chicken dinners for tired nights too. Let us turn that pound of beef into something special..
Ground Beef Dinners Start With a Cheesy Beef and Rice Skillet
This one pan dinner is the answer to busy nights. Ground beef, rice, peppers and tomatoes cook together in a single skillet, then get a blanket of melted cheddar on top. There is only one pan to wash, and it is ready in about 35 minutes. It is colorful, filling and so cozy. If you only try one of these ground beef dinners this week, make it this one.
You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1 onion, 1 red and 1 yellow bell pepper, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 cup long grain rice, 2 cups beef broth, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, fresh basil.
How to make it: Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet and drain the fat. Add the peppers, garlic and spices and cook 3 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, rice and broth and bring to a boil. Cover, lower the heat and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender. Top with cheese, cover until melted, and add basil.
Taco Night, the King of Ground Beef Dinners
Is there a happier dinner than taco night? Of all ground beef dinners, tacos may be the most loved. Everyone builds their own, so even the pickiest eater finds something to love. The secret to great taco meat is homemade seasoning and a splash of water that turns it saucy. Pile on cilantro, onion, cheese and salsa. Quick poll: A) hard shell, B) soft tortilla, C) both, D) taco salad all the way?
You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup water, 8 taco shells or tortillas, cilantro, onion, cheese, salsa, lime.
How to make it: Brown the beef in a skillet and drain. Stir in all the spices for 1 minute. Add the water and simmer for 5 minutes until saucy. Warm the shells in the oven for 3 minutes. Fill with the meat and top with cilantro, onion, cheese, salsa and a squeeze of lime.
Fresh Taco Salad Bowl
Want taco flavor in a lighter dinner? Taco salad gives you crunchy lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes and seasoned beef in one big colorful bowl. A creamy salsa ranch dressing ties it all together. It is perfect for warm evenings, and the leftovers make an easy lunch. Do you add crushed tortilla chips on top? We think you should.
You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 head romaine (chopped), 1 can (15 oz) black beans (rinsed), 1 cup corn, 2 tomatoes (diced), 1 avocado, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup salsa, 1/2 cup ranch dressing, tortilla chips.
How to make it: Brown the beef, drain, and stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water. Let it cool for a few minutes. Fill a big bowl with lettuce, beans, corn, tomatoes and avocado. Add the beef and cheese. Mix the salsa and ranch, drizzle over the top and add crushed chips.
Hamburger Steak With Mushroom Gravy
This is old school diner comfort food at its best. Seasoned beef patties are browned in a hot pan, then smothered in a rich onion and mushroom gravy. Serve them with mashed potatoes or golden roasted potatoes to soak up every drop. It costs a lot less than a real steak, and many people say they like it even more.
You will need: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 1/3 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 onion (sliced), 8 oz mushrooms (sliced), 2 tablespoons flour, 2 cups beef broth.
How to make it: Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Shape 4 oval patties and brown 4 minutes per side, then set aside. Cook the onion and mushrooms in butter for 6 minutes. Stir in the flour, then whisk in the broth. Return the patties and simmer 10 minutes in the gravy.
Juicy Double Smash Burgers
Smash burgers are the reason a lot of people stopped going out for burgers. You press a ball of beef onto a screaming hot pan, which creates a crispy, lacy crust full of flavor. Stack two thin patties with melted cheese on a toasted bun and you have restaurant quality at home. Be honest, how many patties can you handle: one, two or three?
You will need: 1 pound ground beef (80/20), salt, pepper, 4 slices American cheese, 4 brioche buns, 2 tablespoons butter, pickles, thin sliced onion, burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish).
How to make it: Divide the beef into 8 small balls. Toast the buttered buns. Heat a cast iron pan until very hot. Add 2 balls, smash them flat with a spatula and season. Cook 2 minutes until crusty, flip, add cheese and cook 1 minute. Stack two patties on each bun with sauce, pickles and onion.
Swedish Meatballs With Creamy Gravy
These tender meatballs in a silky cream gravy are famous for a reason. A little allspice and nutmeg give them their classic warm flavor. Serve them the traditional way with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and quick pickled cucumbers. It is a cozy dinner that feels special, yet it uses simple ingredients you can find anywhere.
You will need: 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half pork), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup milk, 1 egg, 1/2 small onion (grated), 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, salt, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 cups beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon soy sauce.
How to make it: Soak the breadcrumbs in milk, then mix with the beef, egg, onion, spices and salt. Roll into 1 inch balls and brown in 1 tablespoon butter, then remove. Melt the rest of the butter, whisk in the flour, then the broth, cream and soy sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the gravy for 10 minutes.
Ground Beef Dinners Low in Carbs: Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Have too much zucchini? Turn them into little boats filled with seasoned beef, tomato sauce and cheese. They bake until the tops are golden and bubbly. It is a fun low carb dinner that still feels hearty and satisfying. You can stuff bell pepper halves the same way, so everyone can pick their favorite.
You will need: 4 medium zucchini, 1 pound ground beef, 1 small onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup parmesan, salt and pepper.
How to make it: Heat the oven to 400 F. Halve the zucchini and scoop out the centers. Brown the beef with the onion and garlic, drain, and stir in the marinara, seasoning and chopped zucchini centers. Fill the boats, top with breadcrumbs and cheeses, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden.
Grilled Beef Kofta Kebabs
Kofta are juicy spiced meat skewers loved across the Middle East and South Asia. Onion, garlic, parsley and warm spices like cumin and cinnamon make them incredibly fragrant. Grill or pan fry them, then serve with rice, salad and lemon. They are a fun way to bring new flavors to the table without any hard to find ingredients.
You will need: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, 1 small onion (grated), 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, lemon, rice and salad to serve.
How to make it: Mix all the ingredients well with your hands. Shape the mixture around skewers into long sausage shapes. Chill for 20 minutes. Grill or pan fry over medium high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning until browned and cooked through. Serve with rice, salad and lemon wedges.
Golden Baked Beef Empanadas
These little hand pies are crispy on the outside and full of savory filling on the inside. Seasoned beef with onion, olives and a hint of cumin makes them irresistible. They are perfect for dinner, lunch boxes or party snacks, and they freeze very well. They also prove that ground beef dinners can travel the world. Have you ever made empanadas at home? It is easier than you think.
You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 cup chopped green olives, 2 hard boiled eggs (chopped), 2 packages refrigerated pie crust, 1 egg (beaten), salt, green herb sauce to serve.
How to make it: Brown the beef with the onion and garlic and drain. Stir in the spices, olives and eggs and let cool. Cut 5 inch circles from the pie crust, fill each with 2 tablespoons of filling, fold and crimp the edges. Brush with egg and bake at 400 F for 18 to 20 minutes.
Cheesy Ground Beef Dinners in One Casserole Dish
Casseroles are the heroes of busy family life, and this cheeseburger casserole is a top pick. It tastes just like a cheeseburger, with pasta, a tangy tomato sauce and a thick layer of melted cheese. You can make it ahead and bake it when everyone gets home. Quick poll: A) pickles on top, B) no pickles, C) extra cheese only?
You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1 onion, 8 oz short pasta, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 2 cups shredded cheddar, salt and pepper, chopped pickles (optional).
How to make it: Heat the oven to 375 F. Cook the pasta until almost done and drain. Brown the beef and onion and drain. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire and broth. Mix with the pasta, pour into a baking dish, and cover with cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce
Cabbage rolls are a true grandma recipe, made with love in many Eastern European kitchens. Soft cabbage leaves are wrapped around a filling of beef and rice, then baked in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce. They take a little time, but the result is pure comfort. Does your family have its own version of this dish?
You will need: 1 large head green cabbage, 1 pound ground beef, 3/4 cup cooked rice, 1 onion (diced), 1 egg, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, pepper, 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons vinegar.
How to make it: Boil the cabbage head for 5 minutes and peel off 12 soft leaves. Mix the beef, rice, onion, egg, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Place some filling on each leaf and roll up tightly. Mix the tomatoes, sugar and vinegar. Layer rolls and sauce in a dish, cover and bake at 350 F for 1 hour.
Loaded Beef and Bean Burritos
Burritos are the ultimate grab and go dinner. Seasoned beef, beans, rice and cheese are rolled up in a warm tortilla, then toasted in a pan until golden. Make a big batch and wrap the extras in foil for the freezer, so you always have a quick meal ready. Which filling would you never skip: rice, beans, cheese or salsa?
You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1 can (16 oz) refried beans, 2 cups cooked rice, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, 1/2 cup salsa, 6 large flour tortillas, sour cream to serve.
How to make it: Brown the beef, drain and stir in the taco seasoning with a splash of water. Warm the tortillas. Spread beans down the middle, then add rice, beef, cheese and salsa. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Toast seam side down in a hot pan for 2 minutes per side.
Classic Glazed Meatloaf
Meatloaf has made a big comeback, and for good reason. It is tender, juicy and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes in the oven. Leftover slices make the best sandwiches the next day. Serve it with greens or mashed potatoes for a dinner that tastes like home. Did your mom make meatloaf when you were growing up?
You will need: 2 pounds ground beef, 1 onion (finely diced), 2 eggs, 3/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, pepper. Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon vinegar.
How to make it: Heat the oven to 350 F. Mix the meatloaf ingredients gently and shape into a loaf on a lined pan. Stir the glaze ingredients and spread half on top. Bake for 50 minutes, add the rest of the glaze and bake 10 more minutes. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Ground Beef Dinners to End On: Meatball Subs
We saved a crowd pleaser for last. Tender beef meatballs simmer in marinara, then get tucked into a toasted roll and covered with melted mozzarella. It is messy, cheesy and so good. Serve it for game night, movie night or any night you need a win. So, which of these ground beef dinners is going on your menu first?
You will need: 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup parmesan, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, 2 cups marinara sauce, 4 sub rolls, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, fresh basil.
How to make it: Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, seasoning and salt and roll into 12 meatballs. Bake at 400 F for 15 minutes. Simmer them in marinara for 5 minutes. Fill toasted rolls with meatballs and sauce, top with mozzarella and broil for 2 minutes until melted.
