Ground beef is a true kitchen staple that’s perfect for creating tasty, budget-friendly meals with ease. Ground beef’s versatility makes it ideal for a wide selection of recipes, from comforting classics to creative new dishes that the whole family will love.
Not only is ground beef freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal preppers and busy households, but it also helps stretch your grocery budget.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, navigating a hectic weeknight schedule, or simply trying to maximize the use of your ingredients, these 38 ground beef recipes offer inexpensive and easy-to-make options that everyone will enjoy.
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Benefits of Ground Beef Recipes
- Ground beef recipes are easy and fast to make
- Ground beef is a cost-effective and widely available protein source
- You can easily customize ground beef recipes
- Easy to stretch with rice, pasta, beans, or veggies
- Freezes well — buy in bulk, cook once, eat twice
- Great base for flavor-packed, one-pan meals
Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly kitchen staple, and it’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals to support a well-balanced diet.
One of the best things about ground beef is its versatility in stretching meals by pairing it with staples like rice, pasta, beans, or vegetables, making it an ideal choice for feeding a family on a budget.
Additionally, ground beef freezes well, allowing you to buy in bulk, cook in big batches, and reheat for quick, hassle-free meals. Ground beef is a real hit with frugal moms!
Ground Beef Recipes Meal Prep Ideas
- Meal prep with ground beef is a simple and convenient option.
- Ground beef on the weekend and use it throughout the week in different recipes.
- You can use ground beef in a variety of meal prep recipes.
Tips for Making Ground Beef Meals Even Cheaper
- Buy in bulk and freeze in 1-lb or ½-lb portions
- Add fillers like lentils, oats, or shredded veggies to stretch it
- Reuse leftovers creatively (example: taco meat → taco salad → taco soup)
- Cook once, use for multiple meals (meal prep strategy)
Easy & Cheap Ground Beef Recipes
Here’s some easy and cheap ground beef recipes to try out:
1) Ground Beef Stew
This hearty stew is made in your Dutch Oven and can be customized with whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s the perfect dish on a chilly day or when you need a warm, comforting meal.
2) Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
Skillet bacon cheeseburger casserole is a one-pan meal that comes together easily. It features bacon and noodles, complemented by Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice, for a delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger.
3) Mexican Ground Beef Tacos
You can get dinner on the table in about 20 minutes with this recipe! These Mexican ground beef tacos are delicious, and you can customize them with your choice of toppings.
4) American Goulash
This recipe is a simple goulash dish featuring beef, pasta, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter night or when you need an easy weeknight dinner option.
5) Ground Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a traditional Russian dish that has gained worldwide popularity. This recipe utilizes egg noodles and ground beef, rather than conventional cuts, making it a more budget-friendly option.
6) Ground Beef Enchiladas
Enchiladas are my favorite Mexican dish, and you won’t be disappointed with this recipe. It’s loaded with melty cheese and has just the right amount of spice.
7) Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This simple recipe is seasoned with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little bit of Worcestershire sauce. It’s cooked in a skillet and uses mozzarella cheese and penne pasta for a hearty and delicious meal.
8) Ground Beef Fajitas
In just 30 minutes, you can serve fajitas made with ground beef, bell peppers, and onions. Top it off with some avocado slices and salsa for a quick and easy dinner option.
9) Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini Boats
This recipe is excellent for all those zucchinis from your garden or local farmer’s market. It’s a healthier twist on traditional enchiladas.
10) Sloppy Joe Cups
Sloppy Joe Cups are a fun and kid-friendly way to enjoy classic sloppy joes. It’s also a great recipe for parties and gatherings.
11) Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
This recipe comes together quickly using convenience items like canned soup and Rice-A-Roni. It’s an excellent option for busy weeknights.
12) Frito Taco Bake
Here’s another fun and easy dinner recipe that the whole family will enjoy. Frito taco bake is a twist on traditional tacos, using Fritos chips as the base.
13) Easy Beef Shepherd’s Pie
Make this easy shepherd’s pie for a hearty and comforting meal. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients, and it’s perfect for colder days.
14) Ground Beef Broccoli Stir Fry
This super-fast beef broccoli stir fry is gluten-free, dairy-free, and ready in only 20 minutes. It’s easy to get your protein and veggies in one delicious meal.
15) Mexican Ground Beef Taco Soup with Black Beans
Use your slow cooker or crockpot to make this delicious taco soup. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have much time to cook.
16) Hungarian Meatloaf
This unique meatloaf has boiled eggs stuffed in the middle. It’s sure to be a hit at any family dinner or gathering.
17) One Pan Mexican Pasta
This one-pan Mexican pasta meal is ready in just 30 minutes. Besides the ground beef, it has red bell peppers, onion, minced garlic, black beans, corn, and elbow macaroni.
18) Super Easy Tater Tot Casserole
If you’re looking for a comfort dish, look no further than this tater tot casserole. It only has five ingredients, and it’s a meal the whole family will love.
19) Instant Pot Taco Casserole With Pasta Shells
For a twist on regular tacos, try this Instant Pot taco casserole. With pasta shells instead of tortillas, it’s a fun and easy way to enjoy a Mexican favorite.
20) Slow Cooker Chili
This is an easy, slow-cooker chili recipe that is perfect for those busy days when you don’t have time to cook. With a few simple ingredients, this meal will warm you up without being too spicy.
21) 20-Minute Ground Beef Tacos
Get ready for Taco Tuesday with these beef tacos! This recipe only takes 20 minutes to make and is perfect for those days when you need a quick meal.
22) French Onion Beef Casserole
This casserole is an ultimate comfort food, combining tender beef with savory French onion flavors. This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights.
23) Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole
This is a very customizable recipe that you can make with any meat and vegetables you have on hand. It’s also a great way to utilize leftovers and minimize food waste.
24) Easy Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Casserole
This one-pot dish will save you time and dishes! Combine all the ingredients in a crockpot and let it cook for a few hours. You’ll come home to a deliciously comforting meal.
25) Easy Dutch Oven Meatballs In Tomato Sauce
Use your Dutch Oven to make these perfectly cooked meatballs. The meatballs are simmered in tomato sauce for a flavorful and hearty dish. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
26) Mexican Sloppy Joes
Mexican sloppy joes use chili powder, salsa, and Worcestershire sauce to make these sandwiches spicy and flavorful. Serve with some beans and rice for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
27) Stuffed Pepper Soup
Stuffed pepper soup is a unique dish that combines all the flavors of stuffed peppers into a comforting bowl of soup. It’s a great way to use up any leftover rice or vegetables in your fridge.
28) Ground Beef Taco Bowls
This is a must-try recipe for your Taco night dinner! These ground beef taco bowls are filled with a flavorful and nutritious mixture of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, avocado, and topped with your favorite toppings.
29) Ground Beef Stir Fry
This ground beef stir-fry recipe is simple and delicious! The beef is cooked with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, which can be served over rice or noodles.
30) Taco Biscuit Bake with Ground Beef
You’ll want to give this recipe a try for busy weeknights! This taco biscuit bake is made with store-bought biscuits, seasoned lean ground beef, and topped with cheese, green onions, and bell peppers.
31) Loaded Beef Nachos
Here’s yet another Mexican recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. These loaded beef nachos utilize pantry staples, including canned beans, along with ground beef and melted cheese. Top with optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, and salsa for a complete meal.
32) Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
You need to try this easy comfort dish that you’re whole family will love. This recipe is put together with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and crunchy tater tots for a hearty and satisfying meal.
33) Homemade Hamburger Helper
Ditch the box and make your own version of this classic meal at home. With simple ingredients like elbow macaroni, ground beef, and spices, you can create a healthier, tastier version in no time.
34) Spicy Rigatoni with Meat Sauce
Spicy Rigatoni is a simple noodle dish with a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle touch of spice. Use your favorite meat, whether it’s ground beef or sausage, and mix it with tomato sauce, herbs, and Rigatoni for a quick and delicious meal.
35) Baked Mexican Spaghetti
This fast and easy spaghetti casserole takes on a Mexican twist with the addition of cumin and chili powder. The dish is topped off with a Mexican cheese blend and fresh cilantro.
36) Ground Beef and Potatoes
This easy recipe is packed with flavor and can be made in just one pan. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to make an elaborate meal.
37) Mexican Skillet with Ground Beef
This Mexican skillet recipe is perfect for a fast family dinner. It has onions, bell pepper, sweet corn, kidney beans, and shredded cheese, and is seasoned with taco seasoning.
38) Homemade Cottage Pie Dish
This is an easy ground beef casserole that has mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes on top. Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top for added flavor.
Freezer Ideas
- Make taco meat or chili in bulk and freeze
- Prep meatballs or burger patties ahead
- Use ground beef to fill freezer burritos or stuffed shells
- Store cooked ground beef in flat freezer bags for easy weeknight meals
Having a well-stocked freezer can make meal times less stressful, especially on busy days. By prepping ground beef dishes in advance, you give yourself flexibility and ease when it comes to cooking.
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Final Thoughts on Ground Beef Recipes
Ground beef truly is the ultimate budget-friendly protein that fits seamlessly into countless recipes. With these ground beef recipes, making dinner can be quick, easy, and stress-free, no matter how hectic life gets.
The versatility of ground beef makes it a must-have in any kitchen. Check out these 38 delicious ground beef recipes and get inspired to create something amazing this week. Share your favorite ground beef recipe with me—I’d love to hear about what you whip up!
Short Bio
Catherine Kay (me) is a stay-at-home of nine children. I’m also a blogger who is passionate about making parenting a little easier, besides giving tips about living a frugal life. I love gardening and raising chickens and have and have over 35 years experience doing both. I raise both meat and egg chickens. My gardening skills have improved over the years and I can, freeze and dehydrate both fruits and vegetables. I love sharing practical tips and recipes that help parents to save money, such as cheap and easy ground beef recipes. Find out more about me on my About Page. Need more frugal food hacks? Check out my Meal Organization page for even more posts on saving money, recipes, and living frugally!
I’m SO excited to make ALL 41 of these. You’ve got me covered for a while on meal prep, thank you so much!!! I think my family will love you forever. Lol.