From simple skillet dinners to hearty soups and casseroles, these ground beef recipes are perfect for busy nights or anytime you need a satisfying meal.
1/45
Unstuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like stuffed peppers, you'll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 20g protein.
There are many different stuffed pepper recipes that take the flavors and ingredients of the classic dish and give it a fun twist. This quick version is ready in 30 minutes and will leave everyone satisfied. You can even use leftover rice to make the prep time that much faster.
2/45
Cheeseburger Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
This is one of the most popular recipes that Taste of Home has ever published. The creamy, cheesy, beefy soup captures the flavor of a diner burger topped with melty cheese.
3/45
Beef Enchiladas
From the Recipe Creator:
Beef enchiladas are typically prepared with corn tortillas, but my husband, Jeff, and I prefer flour tortillas. I use them in this saucy casserole that has irresistible home-cooked flavor and a subtle kick. —Jennifer Standridge, Dallas, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 766 calories, 42g fat (24g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 2643mg sodium, 61g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 37g protein.
This warmly spiced ground beef dinner takes just 30 minutes to prepare. If you’d like to cut down on that prep time even further, freeze the unbaked enchiladas to have on hand whenever the craving hits.
4/45
Meat Loaf
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom made the best meat loaf, and now I do too. When I first met my husband, he wasn't a meat loaf guy, but this recipe won him over. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 366 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 135mg cholesterol, 1086mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein.
For a good meat loaf, use ground beef with a higher proportion of fat, such as 80/20. The 20% fat content keeps the meat loaf juicy and adds plenty of flavor.
5/45
Taco Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1369mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
Taco toppings like cheese, avocado and sour cream pair well with this simple taco soup. As a bonus, you can prepare it ahead of time and stash it in the freezer alongside other easy freezer meal recipes.
6/45
Meatballs and Gravy
From the Recipe Creator:
Christmas was the time when our family forgot about the food budget and splurged on one special meal. I can still envision Grandmother making dozens of these little meatballs! The spices give them a taste that makes them authentically Norwegian. —Karen Hoylo, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3 each: 302 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 117mg cholesterol, 712mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
Serve these meatballs and creamy sauce over a bed of egg noodles, rice or mashed potatoes and with a side of green veggies like broccoli or sweet peas.
7/45
Hamburger Potato Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
For variety, you can use another kind of cream soup (cream of mushroom, for instance). But try the meat and potato casserole this way first. —Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 374 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 778mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
You can use any type of creamy condensed soup to make this fun riff on a cottage pie. The cheesy casserole has a crispy potato crust that really makes this dish stand out.
8/45
Smash Burger Tacos
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe takes the crispy tortilla of tacos and the juicy beef patty of smash burgers to make the ultimate pair. Stuff the taco with the burger sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles to make it complete. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 519 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 1414mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
This recipe is the best of both worlds! When frying the beef on the tortillas, be sure to press down as evenly as possible to prevent lumpy tacos.
9/45
Spanish Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon adds crunch to this comforting stovetop supper my mom used to make when I was a kid. Now I prepare it for my own family. —Kelli Jones, Perris, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 409 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
Crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch to this comforting meal. The beefy dinner is warm, cozy and filling.
10/45
Stuffed Peppers for Four
From the Recipe Creator:
Truly a meal in one, this quick supper has it all: veggies, meat, pasta and sauce packed into tender peppers. It’ll look so pretty on your table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 448 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 79mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 30g protein.
This quick dinner combines meat, vegetables and pasta all in one dish. Of course, you can always swap in rice for the orzo for a gluten-free meal.
11/45
Smothered Burrito
From the Recipe Creator:
My brother-in-law teased that I knew only five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 624 calories, 33g fat (15g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 1470mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
These spicy burritos are stuffed with a beefy, cheesy filling and smothered with green enchilada sauce and salsa verde. The oven-baked burritos can be served with taco toppings like sour cream or homemade guacamole.
12/45
Tater Tot Hot Dish
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up enjoying this dish. My mother always saw smiles around the table whenever she served it! —Victoria Mitchell, Salem, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 353 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1040mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
Tater Tot hot dish is a classic for a reason. It is easy to make, is quick to bake and will be gobbled up by even the pickiest eaters.
13/45
Mexican Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the yummiest, quickest recipe I have. There’s no need to precook the macaroni. Everything comes together in one smart skillet. —Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 318 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
This one-skillet meal is a breeze to make; you won’t even need to precook the macaroni! It’s easily customizable depending on what veggies, beans and spices you have on hand.
14/45
Stuffed Sopapillas
From the Recipe Creator:
After my brothers' football games when we were kids, we would all descend on a local restaurant for their wonderful southwestern stuffed soapaipillas. This recipe takes me back to that delicious childhood memory. Even my Canadian husband raves about these! —Lara Pennell, Irving, Texas
A little crispy, a little creamy and super savory, these sopapillas are the perfect way to shake up your dinner rotation. If you have picky eaters, serve the green chile sauce on the side instead of over the top.
15/45
Skillet Beef Tamales
From the Recipe Creator:
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup meat mixture with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 329 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 679mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Skillet tamales are a cross between tamales and chilaquiles, and the results are fantastic. Some reviewers have even used wontons for the topping.
16/45
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
I try to make foods that are not only kid-friendly but also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 565mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
This ground beef meal is kid-friendly and stores well for leftovers. To keep with the cheeseburger theme, you can drizzle mustard on top for a little extra tang.
17/45
Hamburger Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
This ground beef stew is perfect for a cold night. When you want a low-maintenance dinner, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe.
18/45
Skillet Lasagna
From the Recipe Creator:
This is hands down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 478 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1552mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
The cream of onion soup sets this lasagna’s flavor apart. The end result resembles a Chicago deep-dish pizza!
19/45
Cheeseburger Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
You may have heard of cheeseburger pasta, but have you ever made cheeseburger rice? This crowd-pleasing skillet meal is a fun and unique recipe for a busy weeknight.
20/45
Cheeseburger Cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cheeseburger cup: 299 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
These muffin tin bites are the perfect recipe for people obsessed with cheeseburgers. The cups use buttermilk biscuits as the “buns” and can be garnished with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
21/45
Baked Ziti
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 630 calories, 30g fat (15g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 45g protein.
This easy ground beef recipe allows you to get creative with the sauce. You can whip up a homemade version with various veggies or start with the best jarred pasta sauce as a shortcut.
22/45
French Fry Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just a few ingredients and little prep time. It's a win-win for all! —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 352 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
Nothing goes better with a cheeseburger than fries! Made with just four ingredients, this casserole is great for cookouts, potlucks or laid-back weeknight dinners with the family.
23/45
Ground Beef Stroganoff
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to lighten my mother-in-law's wonderful recipe and came up with this tasty beef Stroganoff. In our home, we call it special noodles. —Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup beef mixture with 3/4 cup noodles: 333 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
This version of classic beef stroganoff skips the slow-cooking without sacrificing flavor. Add a little more Worcestershire for an extra boost of umami.
24/45
Pizza Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 301 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein.
With two prepared casseroles, you can freeze one casserole for a heat-and-serve dinner later on. Add your favorite pizza toppings to really make this your own.
25/45
Sloppy Joe Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
If your kids like sloppy joes, they'll love this pizza. I came up with the six-ingredient recipe that's easy to assemble. —Brenda Rohlman, Kingman, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 218 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
Take sloppy joes to the next level with this six-ingredient pizza. If a sloppy joe is missing anything, it’s a lot of cheese.
26/45
Broccoli Beef Braids
From the Recipe Creator:
Each slice of this fast-to-fix golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces : 396 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 644mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
This is a dinner that will make your kids excited to eat broccoli. These ground beef-stuffed sandwiches are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
27/45
Beef and Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
I fix this supper when I'm pressed for time. It's as tasty as it is fast. Team it with salad, bread and fruit for a comforting meal. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 344 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 815mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
28/45
Beef Enchiladas Verdes
From the Recipe Creator:
These beef enchiladas verdes are easy to make ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. After quickly cooking the tortillas in hot oil, I layer them between paper napkins to soak up excess oil. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 676 calories, 41g fat (19g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 1406mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein.
You can make these ground beef enchiladas in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready for dinner. The green chiles add a spicy kick to the saucy, cheesy casserole.
29/45
Cheeseburger Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 508 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1132mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
In a world of deliciously weird pizza ideas, what’s one more? With a pickle juice and mayo drizzle, this pickle pizza will be a delightful surprise to all who eat it.
30/45
Hearty Vegetable Beef Ragu
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it's something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 302 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 837mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat.
Ragu is more than just a jarred sauce brand—it’s also an Italian meat sauce. This vegetable and ground beef ragu includes peas and kale.
31/45
Mini Barbecue Meat Loaves
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids can have fun helping prepare these mini meat loaves in muffin cups. For extra spice, we sometimes add 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 cup of salsa. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini meat loaves: 330 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
These adorable meat loaf minis are one of the most genius ways to use a muffin tin. To make them spicier, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
32/45
Asian Beef Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
This yummy, economical dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. Serve with a dash of soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. —Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 383 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
You’ll find yourself coming back to this colorful recipe on grocery day.
33/45
Herb & Cheese-Stuffed Burgers
From the Recipe Creator:
Tired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 383 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
These loaded burgers are cheesy and rich. The cream cheese filling is a nice change of pace from other burger recipes.
34/45
Korean Beef and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup beef mixture with 2/3 cup rice: 413 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
This version of Korean bulgogi is sweet and light. It can be made with ingredients you probably have on hand.
35/45
Cajun Macaroni
From the Recipe Creator:
When I follow my favorite meat loaf recipe, I end up with an extra 1/2 pound of ground beef. I came up with this easy Cajun mac and cheese dish to use it up. —June Ellis, Erie, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 353 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
Mac and cheese will heal your inner child. And this ramped-up take on the childhood meal will have you finishing the pot.
36/45
Sloppy Joe Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
You’ll love this quick, easy and economical dish. Brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, both for traditional sandwiches on buns or as a down-home topping for rice, biscuits or baked potatoes. —Laurie Hauser, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 439 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1360mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
If you like sloppy joes, you’ll love this recipe. It’s a classic that’s beloved by kids and adults alike.
37/45
Beef & Bacon Gnocchi Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
This gnocchi dish tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. Go ahead and top it as you would a burger—with ketchup, mustard and pickles. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 573 calories, 31g fat (16g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 961mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
You’ve never had gnocchi like this before. It’ll remind you of a bacon cheeseburger, and you can top it like one too.
38/45
Meat Loaf Muffins
From the Recipe Creator:
Serve these tangy meat loaf muffins for dinner or slice them up for a take-along sandwich lunch. They're just as flavorful after freezing. —Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 mini meat loaves: 260 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
What gives these meat loaf muffins their tangy character? Barbecue sauce! Slice them the next day for an epic meat loaf sandwich.
39/45
Tortilla Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I enjoy this southwestern take on lasagna because it’s not as dense or heavy as traditional layered dishes made with pasta. Our two daughters enjoy the mild flavor. —Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
This beefy tortilla lasagna is exactly the type of meal inspiration you’ve been looking for. Serve it with a little salad on the side, and dinner’s done.
40/45
Mozzarella Beef Roll-Ups
From the Recipe Creator:
The kids will love these pepperoni and beef wraps. They're easy to assemble because each tortilla is simply wrapped around a portion of hearty meat filling with a piece of string cheese. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 513 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1064mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
These pepperoni and ground beef wraps will make you and your kids happy. Put down the pizza delivery menu and make these ASAP!
41/45
Easy Chili Mac
From the Recipe Creator:
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 422 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
From Cajun mac and cheese to chili mac and cheese, there’s not much you can add to mac and cheese that won’t make it taste amazing. This ground beef meal is satisfying and good for the whole family.
42/45
Easy Cuban Picadillo
From the Recipe Creator:
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture with 1/2 cup rice: 363 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
You can use any leftover picadillo filling in tacos or just eat it as is. The pimento-stuffed olives and raisins add nice textures to the dish.
43/45
Nacho Tots
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
44/45
Frito Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and fabulously cheesy. Here’s my take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 718 calories, 40g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1719mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein.
What more can you ask for from this spicy, salty, cheesy dinner? This Frito pie is ready in just 30 minutes.
45/45
Beef Noodle Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was working on the local election board in the '50s, one of my co-workers gave me this recipe, and it has been a family favorite ever since. It's quick to make for unexpected company or easily doubled for a potluck. —Mary Hinman, Escondido, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 436 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein.
There’s never a wrong time for a casserole. You won’t have leftovers of this potluck favorite.
Ground Beef Recipes FAQ
What easy dinners can be made with ground beef?
If you are short on time, energy or ingredients, ground beef is the perfect base for easy dinners, from pasta recipes to taco fillings and soups. To keep prep light, use jarred sauces and canned or frozen vegetables so there is minimal chopping and quicker simmering times. Since ground beef doesn’t need to cook as long as cubed stew meat, a big pot of chili can be ready to ladle out in a fraction of the time yet still have the same stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction.
Are there cheap ground beef recipes that can be frozen?
The best cheap ground beef recipes to freeze are casseroles, stews and soups. These recipes yield a generous amount of servings and typically use affordable pantry staples with long shelf lives like condensed soups, canned beans and tomatoes, which add flavor and heft to the meals. When freezing soup, let it cool completely and leave room at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes. For cheese-topped casseroles or creamy soups, wait to add the dairy until heating the dish for the best texture.
What is better, 80/20 or 90/10 ground beef?
In general, the choice between 80/20 and 90/10 comes down to personal preference, and one isn’t necessarily “better” than the other. The more fat ground beef has (20% fat in 80/20 and only 10% in 90/10), the juicier the meat. In soups, stews and casseroles where there is a lot of liquid, the texture of leaner meat may not be as noticeable as it is in meat loaf or burgers. Our guide for which ground beef is best for burgers breaks down the options, but if you’re still unsure, opt for ground beef with more fat to avoid a dry meal.
