These 24 of my best ground beef recipes are what family dinners are all about: easy, hearty, and full of flavor. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my kitchen, it’s that ground beef can do it all. From creamy pastas and cheesy casseroles to hearty soups and quick skillet meals, every recipe here is made for real life.
When I first started cooking, ground beef was my go-to ingredient. It stretched every meal and brought everyone to the table. Over the years, those quick dinners turned into family favorites we still make today. Each dish in this collection is simple, satisfying, and full of the kind of comfort food flavor that makes dinner feel special, even on the busiest nights.
Table of Contents
Ground Beef Pasta Recipes
One-Pot Ground Beef Alfredo
Rich Alfredo sauce, pasta, and tender ground beef come together in one skillet for creamy, no-fuss comfort. This meal is simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights.
👉 To see the recipe for One-Pot Ground Beef Alfredo, click here.
One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Beef Pasta
Cheese, mushrooms, and spinach make this pasta rich and hearty with a creamy sauce that brings everything together. It’s weeknight comfort at its best.
👉 To see the recipe for One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Beef Pasta, click here.
Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet
Juicy cherry tomatoes burst into a light, flavorful sauce that coats every piece of pasta and beef. It’s a simple, fresh, and quick meal that feels special.
👉 To see the recipe for Ground Beef and Cherry Tomato Pasta Skillet, click here.
Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
This creamy pasta is the definition of family comfort food. With a velvety sauce and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a dinner that keeps everyone happy.
👉 To see the recipe for Creamy Ground Beef Pasta, click here.
Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Garlic and butter come together with tender beef and pasta in this irresistible one-pot dish. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
👉 To see the recipe for Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta, click here.
Ground Beef Orzo in Tomato Cream Sauce
Orzo and beef simmer in a creamy tomato sauce that’s full of savory flavor. This one-pot meal is cozy, quick, and satisfying.
👉 To see the recipe for Ground Beef Orzo in Tomato Cream Sauce, click here.
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
This easy dinner combines bowtie pasta, garlic, and Parmesan into a silky sauce with ground beef for a comforting, restaurant-style meal.
👉 To see the recipe for Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, click here.
Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella
Layers of pasta, seasoned beef, and melted mozzarella bake into a cheesy, golden perfection. It’s easy, cozy, and ideal for family dinners.
👉 To see the recipe for Ground Beef Pasta Bake with Mozzarella, click here.
Ground Beef Casseroles
Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Creamy ranch flavor, rice, and cheese make this casserole a crowd-pleasing favorite. It’s hearty, simple, and baked to perfection.
👉 To see the recipe for Cheesy Ranch Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, click here.
Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole
Classic comfort food made easy with ground beef, rice, and melted cheese. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for weeknights.
👉 To see the recipe for Cheesy Hamburger Rice Casserole, click here.
Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
Potatoes, beef, and cheese bake together into old-fashioned comfort food. It’s hearty, creamy, and easy to love.
👉 To see the recipe for Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef, click here.
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Thinly sliced potatoes layered with seasoned beef and cheese make this a satisfying, homey dinner.
👉 To see the recipe for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole, click here.
Ground Beef Skillet Meals & Family Favorites
Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This colorful skillet blends sweet potatoes and seasoned ground beef with smoky spices for a healthy, hearty meal.
👉 To see the recipe for Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet, click here.
Salisbury Steak with Brown Gravy
Juicy beef patties simmered in rich brown gravy, classic, comforting, and ready in minutes.
👉 To see the recipe for Salisbury Steak with Brown Gravy, click here.
Easy Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks
Sautéed onions, melted cheese, and seasoned beef come together for a quick, flavorful sandwich everyone loves.
👉 To see the recipe for Easy Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteaks, click here.
Irresistibly Easy Korean Beef Bowl
Sweet and savory flavors come together in this quick rice bowl that’s fast, satisfying, and full of flavor.
👉 To see the recipe for Irresistibly Easy Korean Beef Bowl, click here.
Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Tender noodles, creamy sauce, and seasoned beef create this cozy, classic dinner.
👉 To see the recipe for Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe, click here.
Easy Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe
This quick stir-fry is flavorful, wholesome, and perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy and satisfying.
👉 To see the recipe for Easy Ground Beef Broccoli Recipe, click here.
Ground Beef Soups & Comfort Meals
Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup
Creamy, spicy, and loaded with beef, this taco soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
👉 To see the recipe for Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup, click here.
Simple Chipotle Ground Beef Soup
Smoky chipotle adds depth to this hearty beef soup that’s warming and full of flavor.
👉 To see the recipe for Simple Chipotle Ground Beef Soup, click here.
Ground Beef and Dumplings
Soft dumplings simmer in savory beef gravy for an old-fashioned meal that fills the house with warmth.
👉 To see the recipe for Ground Beef and Dumplings, click here.
Classic Comfort Dinners & Extras
Homemade Hamburger Helper
This homemade version of a classic favorite is creamy, cheesy, and ready in one pan.
👉 To see the recipe for Homemade Hamburger Helper, click here.
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Packed with beef, cheese, and smoky enchilada sauce, this recipe turns any night into a fiesta.
👉 To see the recipe for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas, click here.
What to Serve With Ground Beef Recipes
Ground beef dinners are filling and flavorful, but the right side dishes can make them unforgettable. For creamy pasta recipes, pair them with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Casseroles go great with buttery rolls or steamed broccoli. Skillet dinners pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or simple sautéed greens.
If you’re making soups or taco-style dishes, fresh toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro, and sour cream add extra flavor and texture. For comfort classics like Salisbury steak or hamburger casseroles, serve with homemade mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or a side of buttery corn.
When in doubt, keep it simple, something warm, something green, and something that soaks up all those delicious sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some meals that can be made with ground beef?
You can make countless meals with ground beef, from casseroles, soups, and tacos to burgers, pasta dishes, and skillet dinners. It’s one of the most versatile proteins for easy family cooking.
2. What is a cowboy dinner?
A cowboy dinner usually includes hearty ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, beans, and cheese, all baked or cooked together in one pan. It’s rustic, filling, and packed with flavor.
3. Which is better, 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef?
For most recipes, 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat) gives the best flavor and juiciness. Use 90/10 if you prefer a leaner option or want less grease in casseroles and sauces.
4. Should you add egg to hamburger meat?
Yes, adding an egg helps bind the meat together and keeps burgers or meatballs tender. One egg per pound of beef is a good rule.
5. What is the 5-6-7 rule for burgers?
It refers to cook times on medium-high heat: 5 minutes for rare, 6 minutes for medium, and 7 minutes for well-done. Always rest burgers for a few minutes before serving.
6. What is a quick dinner to make?
Skillet recipes like ground beef Alfredo, taco soup, or Korean beef bowls are fast and full of flavor, perfect for nights when you need dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
7. What are some dinners for a picky eater?
Try creamy pasta dishes, cheesy casseroles, or homemade hamburger helper. They’re simple, familiar, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
8. What is a farmer’s dinner?
A farmer’s dinner is a hearty, meat-and-potatoes-style meal, think ground beef, root vegetables, and gravy. It’s comfort food that fills you up after a long day.
9. What food did saloons serve?
In the Old West, saloons often served simple but rich meals like beef stew, chili, or roasted meats. Ground beef recipes today take inspiration from those hearty flavors.
10. What meal can I do with beef?
Ground beef works for tacos, chili, lasagna, casseroles, and skillet dinners. It adapts to any cuisine or spice level.
11. What is ground beef best used for?
It’s best for easy, flavorful dinners like pasta, soup, burgers, or casseroles. It cooks fast, absorbs seasonings beautifully, and satisfies every appetite.
12. What can I mix with hamburger meat?
Mix-ins like onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, or seasoning blends boost texture and taste. For bolder flavor, add Worcestershire sauce, herbs, or a little cheese.
13. What pairs well with beef?
Beef pairs beautifully with potatoes, rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, and fresh greens. Creamy sauces, herbs, and garlic-based sides balance its rich flavor.