What to Make with Ground Beef: 15 Easy Recipes

Ground beef is cheap, versatile, and cooks in minutes. Here are 15 ways to use it.

Quick Meals (Under 20 Minutes)

• Tacos: Brown beef + taco seasoning + tortillas + toppings. 15 minutes.
• Burgers: Form patties + season + grill or pan-fry. 10 minutes.
• Beef quesadillas: Cooked beef + cheese + tortilla. Fry until crispy.
• Stir fry: Beef + vegetables + soy sauce + rice. 15 minutes.
• Sloppy joes: Beef + tomato sauce + seasonings on buns. 15 minutes.

Pasta Dishes

• Spaghetti bolognese: Beef + canned tomatoes + onion + garlic + Italian seasoning. Classic.
• Beef mac and cheese: Cooked beef + macaroni + cheese sauce.
• Lasagna: Beef + ricotta + mozzarella + noodles + sauce. Layer and bake.
• Beef stroganoff: Beef + mushrooms + sour cream + egg noodles.

Comfort Food

• Meatloaf: Beef + breadcrumbs + egg + ketchup glaze. Bake 1 hour.
• Shepherd's pie: Beef + vegetables + mashed potato topping. Bake 30 minutes.
• Chili: Beef + beans + tomatoes + chili powder. Simmer 30 minutes.
• Meatballs: Beef + breadcrumbs + egg + Italian seasoning. Bake or pan-fry.
• Hamburger helper: Beef + pasta + cheese + seasoning. One pot, 20 minutes.
• Beef fried rice: Cooked beef + rice + eggs + soy sauce + vegetables.

Get dinner ideas with our free Random Food Generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best ground beef for burgers?

80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat). The fat keeps burgers juicy. Leaner beef (90/10) makes dry burgers.

Can I freeze cooked ground beef?

Yes. Cooked ground beef freezes for 3-4 months. Brown it, cool it, portion it into freezer bags.