Easy Ground Beef Recipes
Our best ever, easy Ground Beef Recipes. Everything from Meatloaf with the Best Glaze to classic Beefy Lasagna. These are our most popular, best-reviewed recipes for ground beef.
We always keep a stash of ground beef in our freezer for cheap and easy dinners and these recipes are our go-to, family-approved meals. You will find plenty of delicious and healthy ground beef dinner ideas on this list.
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Ground Beef Recipes
This collection of ground beef recipes is GOLD and you’ll make them over and over. We have everything from 30-minute meals to casseroles and even slow cooker meals. It’s not surprising that our most popular ground beef recipes are:
- Made with pantry staple ingredients
- Easy-to-follow
- Quick to make
- Family-friendly
- Flavor packed
EASY Ground Beef Recipes
Ground Beef Stroganoff (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.95 from 38 votes) – Using ground beef in stroganoff is brilliant and makes this a 30-minute meal. You’ll love the rich and creamy mushroom sauce.
Cheeseburger Sliders (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.96 from 88 votes) – these are a party favorite and what my kids request most for birthday parties. You can make them ahead for easy entertaining.
Ground Beef Tacos (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 16 votes) – easy peasy and you won’t believe the small list of ingredients. These are our family’s favorite juicy beef tacos and they always disappear fast.
Spaghetti Meat Sauce (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.93 from 23 votes) – beefy, juicy and so satisfying. It comes together fast so it is perfect for busy weeknights. P.S. It’s freezer-friendly, reheats beautifully, and is perfect for meal prep.
Beef Chili (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.85 from 65 votes) – Rich, hearty and loaded with vegetables and beans. This ground beef chili is comfort food at its best. Best of all, it takes under 30 minutes to make.
Taco Soup (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 23 votes) – Make taco night exciting (and even easier) with this Beef Taco Soup Recipe. It’s as easy as sauteing the meat with taco seasoning, adding diced veggies, and simmering for 15 minutes.
Taco Salad (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0 from 4 votes) – Make a taco salad for the easiest taco night. It is basically a deconstructed taco and a low-carb option since there is no taco shell. It’s make-ahead and perfect for meal planning.
Ground Beef CASSEROLES
Classic Lasagna (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.95 from 150 votes) – This Beef Lasagna recipe is saucy, flavorful and feeds a crowd for way less than going out to eat. It also reheats perfectly so it’s great for a to-go lunch.
Lasagna Roll-Ups (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.97 from 79 votes) – Can you tell we love lasagna? Lasagna Roll-Ups taste like classic lasagna but are faster to make, bake and serve. They are make-ahead, freezer-friendly, and reheat well.
Baked Ziti (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.97 from 79 votes) – The ultimate beefy and cheesy pasta casserole. This casserole is loaded and super satisfying. It also reheats well so you’ll be excited about leftovers.
CROCKPOT Ground Beef Recipes
Slow Cooker Lasagna (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.93 from 39 votes) – This make-ahead Lasagna is juicy, cheesy, beefy, and tastes just as good as the classic, but easier. There is no need to pre-cook noodles, and you can make it the night before so it is perfect for busy weeknights and Sunday lunch.
Slow Cooker Bolognese (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.95 from 18 votes) – You’ll love the rich flavors that form with slow cooking this bolognese sauce in a crockpot. Best of all, there is no babysitting required.
More Ground Beef Dinner Ideas
Spaghetti and Meatballs (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.93 from 152 votes) – Make this and you’ll be known for your spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs are incredible with a mix of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a special ingredient to make them super tender.
Meatloaf with the Best Glaze (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.9 from 473 votes) – Say goodbye to boring and underwhelming meatloaf. This tender ground beef meatloaf is a winner and everyone raves about the sweet and tangy glaze.
Perfect Burger Recipe (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.94 from 33 votes) – Get all of our tips and tricks for the juiciest burgers on the block and learn which ground beef is best for burgers. We also shared the recipe for our “secret sauce!”
I hope you find some new favorite ground beef recipes here to make your busy weeknights even easier.
How to Freeze Ground Beef
Most recipes call for 1 pound of ground beef so it’s smart to freeze in 1 lb portions or even 1/2 lb portions which will thaw quicker. Use a kitchen scale to weigh out portions of ground beef and transfer to a freezer-safe zip baggie. Squeeze out any excess air and seal.
Pro Tip: Use a rolling pin to flatten the beef, making it easier to stack and store in the freezer and faster to thaw.
How to Thaw Ground Beef
- Quick Thaw – place the sealed frozen bag of beef into a large bowl and cover with cold water. Place a weight over the bag to keep it submerged. It should thaw in about 20 minutes for 1 lb portions or 10 minutes for 1/2 lb portions. Use immediately and do not refreeze quick-thawed beef.
- Thaw in the Refrigerator – place the sealed package on a plate and thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Cook or refreeze within 2 days.
- Can I thaw in the Microwave? We do not recommend thawing in the microwave due to uneven thawing and risk of partial cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you don’t have ground beef on hand, some recipes can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken and sometimes ground pork. If you are looking for a creative vegetarian substitute, try finely chopping mushrooms or eggplant in a food processor. P.S. The recipe pictured below is for our Juicy Meatballs.
Here is a simple tutorial on how to cook ground beef which you can use for quick meals like nachos, burritos, tacos, salad, and more.
How to Cook Ground Beef for Ground Beef Recipes
Instructions
- Place a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp oil if using lean beef. Once the oil is hot, add ground beef in an even layer, breaking it up with a stiff spatula or wooden spoon into smaller pieces. Let the meat brown for 3-5 minutes without stirring.
- Break up the beef with your spatula and season with salt and pepper to taste and continue to saute, breaking up the meat with your spatula until the beef is lightly browned and fully cooked through with no signs of pink. Break open the larger crumbles to ensure there is no pink inside.
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
Hey Beautiful! In the crockpot lasagna, can I substitute the noodles with Hearts of Palm ? Thank you.
Hi Melinda! I have not tested that, but I think it could work.
I am a huge fan of your channel! used your recipe of how to make a breakfast quesadilla and it turned out amazing! It was so easy and delicious!
Thank you for your love and support! I’m so glad you love my recipes.
Do you have a recipe for Coney dogs I looked on your blog and I could not find one thank you
I only have a recipe for Corn Dogs. Here’s the link for it.
Hi Natasha,
I just want to tell you that anytime I’m looking for dinner ideas I go straight to you! You have never let me down. P.S. your salmon patties are still my fav.
Susan
Vancouver, WA
Aww, thank you Susan! That’s so great to hear. I’m glad you enjoy my recipes.
Susan I have to agree with you the fish cakes are amazing. I have made them several times when I have left over Salmon. If I don’t have quite enough I add a can of Sockeye Salmon perfect every time.
Hi Natasha
All your recipes look lovely and easy to prepare. I believe you are going to produce cookbook. Will the recipes in your cookbook have English measurements?
Regards
Maria
Hi Maria, we plan to have a conversion sheet, but we’re still working on that portion of the book, so your timing is impeccable! Thank you for that great thought and suggestion!
I love your recipes! I usually have most ingredients on hand and they always turn out great!
Thank you for that awesome feedback, Nancy! Do you have a favorite from our blog?
I have tried many of your recipes and loved them all. I make a weekly menu before shopping and use your site when deciding what to have for dinner. I’ve also used many side dishes and desserts. I bookmark each recipe for easy referral.
Hi Karen! I am so happy you enjoy my recipes and reference them to make your grocery list. Thank you for sharing that with me.
I love your YouTube channel. When I need a recipe I go to you first. If you don’t have it then I try something else. You have have a great sense of humor and are so fun to watch. Thanks for brightening up what is at times a sad world. Praying for Ukraine.
Hi David! Thank you so very much. 🙂
Thank you so much for being the all-American good cook. Every recipe of yours I’ve tried is an absolute winner. They’re simple but delicious yet present as elegant. You’ve made my life so much easier.
Hi Mary! I’m so glad to hear that. Thank you for sharing with me. It truly makes my heart happy to hear that.
Hi Natasha,
I’ve just started, and I’ve tried a few of your recipes and honestly, they are amazing. Have you written any books? I would love to buy them. Thank you, you are great!!!
Best,
Marina
Thank you for your good comments, Marina. I am working on a cookbook now, so stay tuned!
I want to thank you for always being so cheerful and fun. I’m in my late 70’s, been cooking and baking for over 56 yrs. Yet I have learned so many helpful tips from you. We love your recipes!! We also wanted to let you know we are praying for your family and your country. God Be with you all.
Hi Joanne, that is so nice of you. Thank you for your kind words and good feedback. It means a lot to us.
I subscribed a few days ago and I’ve already tried quite a few of your recipes I love them and your videos. 👍
Thank you so much for subscibing! Welcome! I hope you love our recipes!
Off topic of the beef recipes, I made your fantastic pizza dough the other night. My husband went crazy over it when I made a Pepperoni Pizza with your red sauce recipe and then I made a Chicken Alfredo Pizza with your Alfredo Sauce. Wow! I now have stopped looking for the Perfect Pizza Dough recipe. Thank you, thank you!
Love it! I’m happy that you found your new go-to recipe. Thanks for the good feedback!
Thank you for the best all around recipes. Every one of your recipes has been wonderful!!
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Sandy!
I have just subscribed so I haven’t had a chance yet to try anything. I received the tips in my inbox which was very helpful. Thank you. Your recipes look amazing and the photography is A1. Keep up the fantastic work!
A warm welcome to you! Thank you so much for subscribing!
Looking for a good recipe on how to make your own tortillas !!
Should do a show on that with corn and flour !! Also if your defrosting hamburger in microwave don’t put in middle set it to one side, and flip half way through defrost depending on time. works everytime!!
That’s a great idea and thanks for the great defrosting tip!
Hi, My wife and I have tred several of your recipes at home!! They all turned out great! The only exeption was the crockpot lasagna ! I think next time we make We will add more meat mixture in cause everyone said there wasn’t enough meat. 1lb ground beef didn’t seem to be quite enough. we liked the stroganoff and the tortellini soup was so good .
I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipes, I appreciate the feedback on the crockpot lasagna!
I made beef chilli is it supposed to be loose or thick mine is more like a soup
Natasha, I just love all your recipes, The way you do the video is awesome..I’ve tried so many recipes. Thank you
Deborah
I’m so glad you’re trying my recipes! I hope you make more and more of them soon!
Beef is a staple around here. Thank you for sharing all these. We love trying new recipes & all these look so good!
You’re so welcome, Kristyn. I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!
I love to watch your videos . It’s easy to follow . I made the apple pie & my family loved it…
Thanks so much
You’re welcome, Gail. I hope you’ll love all the recipes that you will try!
Yes!!! I love this guide. I have a ton of frozen ground beef and will be trying out these recipes. I already tried the taco salad and it was amazing, can’t wait to make more dishes!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Lily!
These all look delicious!! We use so much ground beef, so I will be trying these asap!
Yes! The perfect way to use that up!
I have been following you on Facebook for a year or so now and whenever I want to make something special I look you up! Every recipe I have tried has been a smash it with my family. We LOVE the sliders, salmon cakes, chicken pot pie, and apple pies are just some of our favorites… Thank you so much for sharing all your tricks and yummy meals!!!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
I started freezing my ground beef by taking an amount enough to make one burger patti from each freezer snack bag. Drop the meat in the bag and pound it out with a rubber hammer so it’s flat. Meat thaws very quickly in a pot full of very warm water! Saves alot of time for thawing then cooking. Learned it a while back from a cooking tv show. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your YouTube program. Phil.
Thank you for sharing that with us Philip! I’m o happy you enjoyed that!
You are so right! When I finally had enough of frozen ground beef taking FOREVER to thaw, I started flattening it in the zipper bag. What a difference in time it took to fix a meal! And a fringe benefit of doing this is it saves room in the freezer!
Love your recipes. Tried your chicken fried rice and I love it. Thanks for all your good recipes Natasha.
You are most welcome, Linda. So great to hear that you are loving my recipes, I hope you love every recipe that you’re going to try!
You’re welcome Linda! I’m happy you enjoyed that!
Hello Natasha,
I love your recipes and some of my cook show presentations I go on your site and print out a couple of meatless salads to advertise to the group and let them know about your recipes. Have you ever done a veggie eggplant lasagna? I searched but didn’t find it. When you do I can’t wait to try yours. Thank you again keep those recipes rolling. It’s cook show time!!
I have not tested that Eugene but it sounds delicious! I’ll have to add it to my list! Thank you!
Here is my recipe for Shepherd’s pie. It originates from Canadian Living and is very simple and pleasing. Think the addition of Tomato Paste would be nice.
SHEPHERD’S PIE_CANADIAN LIVING
Ingredients
4 large potatoes (unpeeled), cubed (2 lb/1 kg)
1/4 cup (50 mL) milk or buttermilk
1 green onion, sliced
1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef
1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil
2-1/2 cups (625 mL) small mushrooms (about 8 oz/250 g)
1 onion, diced
1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme
1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
1-1/2 (375 mL) cups sodium-reduced beef stock
1 tbsp (15 mL) each cornstarch and Dijon mustard
1 cup (250 mL)frozen peas
Preparation
In large saucepan of boiling salted water, cover and cook potatoes until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain and return to pot; shaking pan, dry over low heat, about 1 minute. Mash coarsely; stir in milk and green onion.
Meanwhile, in skillet, fry beef over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Transfer to plate. Drain fat from skillet.
In same skillet, heat oil over medium heat; fry mushrooms, onion, thyme, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are golden, about 8 minutes.
Whisk together stock, cornstarch and mustard; stir into skillet. Add beef and peas; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened and heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve over potatoes. (I put potatoes on to and sprinkle with a light coating of cayenne.
That is so great of you to share! Thank you very much. I look forward to trying it.
hi NATASHA,WHAT DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR GROUND BEEF ITEMS?
Hi Mike, I’m not sure I understand your question. At this time all of our recipes are displayed at no cost.
Love your recipes. Very easy and delicious. You’re funny too! Love that. The first recipe I made was your lasagna. Very good and easy to make. Thank you soo much for these easy recipes
You’re welcome Leona1 I’m so glad to hear you’re loving our recipes.
I really love the way you do your videos!
I’d love for you to try this recipe I got from my mom in the 70’s…I doubled the hamburger, took out smoke drops (*ugh), use only Himalayan pink salt…
not enough “space” in this box, can you DM/e-mail me?
Hi Debbie, thank you for thinking of me. I just sent you an email.
First of all you’re super funny, Your recipes are delicious and simple.
I’ve made meat sauce but with penne I’ve Ali made garlic butter chicken I served it with smashed baby potatoes and zucchini so delicious.Can you share a recipe for shepherds pie and maybe a side to go with it
Thanks much Salena.
Hello Salena. Thank you so much for your compliment. However, I don’t have a recipe for shepherd’s pie yet but I can add this to our list as a suggestion.
I wish I could just click on the picture of the food and be taken to the recipe for it. I am busy and would appreciate a quicker way to get to the recipes. Maybe I am doing something wrong?
Hi Becky, If you click the red JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of the post that will take you straight away to the printable view. I hope that helps
Have patience….breathe…s.l.o.w down Becky….
Thanks for all of your yummy recipes and upbeat, entertaining and informative videos. My daughter and I found you through your chicken avocado salad recipe and have continued to try more than a dozen of your other recipes over the last few months. They have all been great! Thanks for what you do – giving us new cooking inspiration.
Thank you for that thoughtful feedback, Kelly!! I’m so glad you discovered our blog & enjoyed our recipes!
Thank you for all your wonderful receipes. They are so easy to make and so delicious. My husband is a picky eater and he has enjoyed all your receipes that I have done.
Thank you thank you.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you’re enjoying our recipes.
Hi Natasha,
I think your recipes are amazing and I’ve tried a few so far.
When I need inspiration to cook I look at your blog.
Many thanks
Awww that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles!
Spaghetti and Meatball recipe is the best I’ve ever tasted.
The Avacodo and Chicken salad is terrific and I’ve passed it on to friends who don’t love cooking as much as I do, but want to eat well without too much time in the kitchen.
I raised four children and had to look high and low for great cookbooks and healthy recipes back in those days. At 71, I am a life long foodie and still searching out the best of the best. Your recipes fall into that category.
Your website and recipes are an inspiration to any mother, grandmother or just plain old gourmet. Thank you Natasha.
Victoria, B.C.
Thank you so much for sharing that thoughtful feedback and review with me, Deborrah! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed our blog!
Thanks for all these great recipes in one place. I always have ground beef in the freezer.
You’re welcome, Laura! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed our blog!
Hello, would you consider providing metric measurements for the ingredients in the future, for your audience from the rest of the world?
Hi Kirill, over the past year, we have been adding metric measurements and are working towards having metric on all of our recipes. If you go to the recipe card for the recipe, click, “metric” and it will display.
Truly appreciate your inspirations. Thank you and enjoy your day
Thank you for that wonderful compliment!
Looks yummy recipes..
Thank you for that great review! I’m so glad you’re enjoying our recipes!
Always looking for more easy recipe ideas – thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome!I’m happy you’re enjoying our recipes!
What a great roundup! I know what I will be making all week long! These look fantastic!
Thank you Sara! I’m glad the list was useful to you!
So many great recipes! Can’t wait to try them all!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying our recipes!
Ground beef is our go-to for dinners. My kids love spaghetti and meatballs and hubby can always go for meatloaf. Thanks for putting all these great recipes in one place.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it Jen!
Wow, these all look so good- I don’t know which one to try first! All of your recipes are so delicious with easy to read directions, thank you so much natasha:)
You’re so nice! Thank you for that thoughtful feedback!