38 Family Dinner Ground Beef Recipes for Quick and Tasty Meals

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. With a single pound (or two) of ground beef, you can spin out comforting classics, global favorites, and clever one-pot wonders that keep everyone at the table happy. Below are thirty-eight tried-and-true ideas, each with a quick photo brief so a photographer can capture the spirit of the dish without singling out a specific brand or restaurant.

1. Classic Spaghetti Bolognese

Browning the beef with onion, carrot, and celery builds a flavorful base before simmering in crushed tomatoes and a splash of milk for silkiness. Let the sauce bubble on low while the pasta cooks so everything marries together. Finish with fresh basil and pass extra cheese at the table for a timeless crowd-pleaser.

2. Beef & Bean Enchiladas

Combine seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and black beans, then roll the mixture into tortillas and line them in a baking dish. Smother with red enchilada sauce and a generous sprinkle of Monterey Jack before baking until bubbly. Serve with shredded lettuce and a dollop of sour cream for a balanced plate.

3. Cottage-Style Shepherd’s Pie

Swap traditional lamb for ground beef, then sauté with peas, carrots, and a splash of Worcestershire for depth. Spread creamy mashed potatoes over the filling and rake the top with a fork for crispy edges. Bake until the potatoes turn golden and the gravy bubbles up around the sides.

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Par-bake pepper halves to soften, then fill them with a mixture of browned beef, cooked rice, tomatoes, and herbs. A layer of mozzarella seals in moisture while adding gooey appeal. Thirty minutes in the oven yields tender peppers and a satisfying all-in-one entrée.

5. One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

This weeknight marvel cooks pasta right in the beef-tomato broth, so the noodles soak up every bit of flavor. A final stir of shredded cheddar creates a creamy sauce reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger. Pickle slices on top add a fun tang if your family enjoys them.

6. Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ground beef takes on the savory-sweet flavors of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce quickly, making this faster than take-out. Blanch or microwave broccoli florets first so they stay bright green but tender. Serve over steamed rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a complete meal.

7. Taco Salad Bowls

Season ground beef with chili powder, cumin, and a hint of oregano, then spoon it warm over crisp romaine. Add favorite toppings like black beans, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips for crunch. A quick lime-yogurt dressing pulls everything together without heaviness.

8. Sloppy Joes

Simmer beef with onion, bell pepper, tomato sauce, and a touch of brown sugar for the signature sweet-savory profile. Toasted buns stand up better to the juicy filling, keeping dinner less messy. Offer pickle chips on the side for a refreshing bite.

9. Greek Beef Pitas

Ground beef spiced with oregano, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon channels classic gyro flavors in minutes. Stuff the mixture into warm pitas alongside crisp veggies. Cool, garlicky tzatziki ties it all together for a light yet filling supper.

10. Meatball Subs

Mix beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan, then bake or pan-sear until browned. Let the meatballs simmer briefly in marinara before nestling them into toasted rolls. A quick pass under the broiler melts cheese for a gooey finish.

11. Beef & Veggie Fried Rice

Day-old rice fries up crisp, absorbing soy sauce and sesame oil without turning mushy. Ground beef browns quickly, offering protein without lengthy prep. Toss in frozen mixed veggies and a beaten egg for a balanced, speedy dish.

12. Chili Mac

Combine two comfort foods by stirring cooked pasta into a robust, bean-laden chili. Cheddar melts right in, thickening the mixture and adding creaminess. Serve straight from the pot for minimal cleanup.

13. Asian Lettuce Wraps

Season ground beef with hoisin, soy, and a splash of rice vinegar for balance. Chopped water chestnuts lend crunch, while grated carrot adds color. Spoon the hot mixture into cool lettuce cups for a refreshing hand-held meal.

14. Mini Meatloaf Muffins

Baking meatloaf in a muffin tin shortens cook time and gives every portion caramelized edges. A ketchup-mustard glaze keeps the tops tangy and moist. Kids love the personal-sized servings, and leftovers pack well for lunch.

15. Beef Stroganoff

Sauté ground beef and onions, then add mushrooms to soak up savory drippings. A mixture of beef broth, Dijon, and sour cream forms the velvety sauce. Ladle over buttered egg noodles and garnish with parsley for classic comfort.

16. Southwest Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Roast sweet potatoes until tender, then fluff the centers with a fork. Fill them with taco-seasoned beef, beans, and fire-roasted corn for sweet-savory contrast. A sprinkle of cotija cheese and fresh cilantro brightens each bite.

17. One-Skillet Moussaka

Traditional moussaka can be labor-intensive, but this streamlined version browns beef with cinnamon and oregano, then layers it with sautéed eggplant. A quick yogurt-egg custard pours over the top and bakes until set. The result delivers all the Mediterranean flavor minus the fuss.

18. Cabbage Roll Casserole

Skip the rolling and stack chopped cabbage with beef, rice, and tangy tomato sauce in a baking dish. As it cooks, the cabbage softens and flavors mingle just like traditional rolls. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

19. Korean Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Brown beef with garlic and ginger, then glaze with a sauce of soy, brown sugar, and a splash of sesame oil. The quick cook caramelizes the sugars for authentic bulgogi flavor in minutes. Serve over rice with quick-pickled veggies for balance.

20. Lasagna Soup

All the comfort of lasagna with half the work: simmer beef, onions, and Italian seasoning in a tomato broth, then add lasagna noodles broken into bite-size pieces. Finish each bowl with a spoonful of ricotta and shredded mozzarella. The cheeses melt into creamy ribbons right at the table.

21. Thai Basil Beef (Pad Kra Pao)

Ground beef cooks quickly in a hot pan with garlic, chilies, and shallots, soaking up a savory sauce of fish sauce and soy. A handful of fresh basil stirred in at the end releases a peppery aroma. Add a fried egg on top for an authentic touch.

22. Beef & Spinach Quesadillas

Sauté beef with taco seasoning, then fold it with baby spinach and shredded cheese inside flour tortillas. Cook until the tortillas crisp and the cheese melts. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole.

23. Moroccan Beef Meatballs with Couscous

Cumin, coriander, and cinnamon give the meatballs a warm aroma typical of Moroccan cooking. They simmer in a tomato sauce brightened with lemon zest. Pair with quick-cooking couscous for a fragrant, filling meal.

24. Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Cook ground beef with thin-sliced onions and bell peppers until everything softens and flavors meld. Pile the mixture onto slider buns, top with provolone, and bake until the cheese melts. These bite-size sandwiches disappear fast on game night.

25. Beef & Vegetable Minestrone

Ground beef adds extra protein to the classic Italian vegetable soup. Tomatoes, beans, and a handful of seasonal vegetables make it nutrient-packed and vibrant. Stir in pasta toward the end so it cooks just until al dente.

26. Jamaican Beef Patties

A turmeric-tinted pastry wraps around ground beef seasoned with allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet heat. Bake until the crust is crisp and flaky. Serve with a simple green salad or tucked into a soft roll, Jamaican “coco bread,” for an authentic pairing.

27. Mexican Picadillo

Sauté diced potatoes with beef, then simmer in a mildly spiced tomato sauce studded with peas and sweet raisins. The sweet-savory balance makes this dish kid-friendly and versatile. Spoon it over rice, stuff it into tacos, or use it as empanada filling.

28. Swedish Meatballs

A mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and warm spices like allspice creates tender meatballs. After browning, they finish in a silky beef-broth and cream sauce. Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles make perfect companions.

29. Beef Zucchini Boats

Scoop out zucchini centers, chop them, and sauté with ground beef, onion, and marinara. Spoon the mixture back into the shells and top with cheese. Bake until zucchini is tender and the tops are golden.

30. Albondigas Soup

Mix rice into the ground beef so the meatballs puff gently as they cook. Simmer them in a light tomato broth filled with vegetables. A squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro make each spoonful bright.

31. Beef Tostada Stacks

Fry or bake tortillas until crisp, then spread with warm beans and spoon on taco-spiced beef. Stack two shells for height and finish with lettuce, tomato salsa, and a drizzle of crema. They crunch satisfyingly with every bite.

32. Italian Wedding Soup

Pint-sized meatballs cook right in the simmering chicken broth, enriching it with flavor. Tiny acini di pepe pasta adds body while chopped spinach brings color and nutrients. The soup is light yet comforting—ideal for any season.

33. Beef & Potato Hash

Brown potatoes first so they form a golden crust, then add ground beef, onions, and bell peppers. A bit of smoked paprika deepens the flavor profile. Top with fried eggs and serve straight from the skillet.

34. Layered Nacho Casserole

Alternate layers of tortilla chips, seasoned beef, black beans, and cheese, then bake until the cheese melts and the edges crisp. Scoop onto plates and offer salsa, jalapeños, and sour cream so everyone customizes their serving. It’s nachos without the stovetop hassle.

35. Teriyaki Beef Meatballs

Form meatballs with ginger and garlic, then bake until browned. Simmer briefly in a homemade teriyaki sauce of soy, mirin, and honey until sticky and flavorful. Serve over rice or skewer them for a fun finger food.

36. Greek Pastitsio

Ground beef simmers with tomato sauce, cinnamon, and a splash of red wine for depth. Layer the sauce between cooked pasta and crown with thick béchamel. Bake until the top browns lightly and the layers set for neat slices.

37. American Goulash

Sauté beef with onions and garlic, then pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, and dried herbs. Elbow pasta cooks right in the sauce, thickening it as it softens. This one-pot classic is budget-friendly and reheats beautifully.

38. Tex-Mex Taco Pizza

Spread refried beans over pizza dough as a savory base, then sprinkle with taco-spiced beef and cheese. Bake until the crust crisps and the cheese bubbles. Finish with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of crema for a festive slice the whole family will love.