20 Easy Recipes You Can Make With 1 Pound Of Ground Beef
A single pound of ground beef might not look like much, but it’s basically a dinner miracle waiting to happen.
From bubbling casseroles to quick stovetop favorites, this humble ingredient is the MVP of weeknight cooking.
It stretches, adapts, and soaks up flavor like a champ. Whether your fridge is nearly empty or you just don’t feel like getting fancy, that one pound can still deliver something delicious.
All it takes is a little creativity and maybe a dash of cheese.
1. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Nothing beats the classic combination of tender pasta and savory meat sauce. Brown your beef with onions and garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a splash of red wine if you’re feeling fancy.
Let it simmer until the flavors meld together into a rich sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti.
Top with grated Parmesan for an easy weeknight dinner that never disappoints.
2. Beef Tacos
Taco Tuesday becomes the highlight of your week with this simple crowd-pleaser! Season your ground beef with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, then pile it into crunchy shells or soft tortillas.
Set out bowls of diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, cheese, and sour cream so everyone can customize their own creation.
The beauty of tacos lies in their versatility – no two need to be exactly alike!
3. Hamburger Patties
Sometimes simplicity reigns supreme. Mix your pound of beef with a beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite seasonings.
Form into four juicy patties, creating a slight dimple in the center to prevent bulging while cooking. Grill or pan-fry until they reach your desired doneness.
Serve on toasted buns with all the fixings – lettuce, tomato, pickles, and special sauce – for the ultimate homemade burger experience!
4. Sloppy Joes
Embrace the delicious mess! These childhood favorites bring back memories of napkins tucked into collars and sauce-stained smiles.
Brown your beef with diced onions and bell peppers, then stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
The sweet-tangy sauce should be thick enough to pile onto toasted buns without completely soaking through.
Pro tip: Serve with plenty of napkins and consider using slightly sturdier buns to contain the saucy goodness.
5. Chili
Cold evening? Chili to the rescue! This hearty one-pot wonder stretches a pound of beef into a meal that feeds the whole family.
Brown your meat with onions, then add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
Let it simmer until the flavors marry into spicy perfection. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes! Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for a cozy meal that warms from the inside out.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers transform into edible bowls for a delightful dinner presentation. Mix browned beef with cooked rice, diced tomatoes, corn, and seasonings, then stuff the mixture into halved, seeded peppers.
Top with cheese and bake until the peppers soften and the filling bubbles with melty goodness.
The natural sweetness of the peppers perfectly complements the savory filling. Bonus points: these beautiful stuffed vessels look impressive yet require minimal effort!
7. Shepherd’s Pie
Actually, it’s technically cottage pie when made with beef (shepherd’s pie traditionally uses lamb), but who’s counting?
This cozy casserole layers seasoned ground beef and vegetables under a cloud of fluffy mashed potatoes. Brown your beef with onions and carrots, add peas and corn, then top with buttery mashed potatoes.
The golden, slightly crispy potato crust gives way to the savory filling beneath. One bite and you’ll understand why this humble dish has endured for generations!
8. Beef Stroganoff
Fancy flavor without the fuss! This creamy comfort food feels special but comes together in under 30 minutes.
Sauté your beef with mushrooms and onions until golden, then create a rich sauce with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream.
The tangy, savory sauce coats every bite of egg noodles perfectly. A humble package of ground beef transforms into a dish worthy of company, though you might not want to share!
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Meatloaf
Grandma’s favorite for good reason! Mix your beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, finely chopped onions, and bell peppers for a moist, flavorful base. The secret weapon?
A tangy-sweet glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and a splash of vinegar brushed over the top before baking. The glaze caramelizes slightly, creating a delicious crust that contrasts with the tender interior.
Slice it thick and serve with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food pairing that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
10. Taco Salad
Craving tacos but want something lighter? Enter taco salad – all the flavors without the heavy feeling afterward!
Season and brown your beef, then pile it atop crisp lettuce with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
Crush some tortilla chips over the top for that satisfying crunch factor. The beauty lies in the contrasting temperatures – warm seasoned beef against cool, crisp vegetables.
Drizzle with a quick lime-spiked sour cream dressing for a meal that satisfies without weighing you down.
11. Beef and Cheese Quesadillas
The ultimate quick-fix meal when hunger strikes without warning! Season your beef with taco seasoning, then sandwich it between tortillas with a generous handful of shredded cheese.
The key is cooking over medium heat until the tortilla turns golden and crispy while the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Cut into triangles and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
These handheld delights disappear faster than you can make them – consider doubling the recipe if you’re feeding hungry teenagers!
12. Ground Beef Stir-Fry
Who needs takeout when you can whip up this colorful stir-fry in minutes? The secret lies in having all ingredients prepped before hitting the hot pan.
Brown your beef, then add bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas – whatever veggies are hiding in your fridge.
A quick sauce of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey ties everything together with Asian-inspired flair.
Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal that puts your local takeout joint to shame. Chopsticks optional but highly recommended!
13. Cheeseburger Casserole
All the flavors of America’s favorite sandwich in convenient casserole form! Brown your beef with onions, then mix with cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce that’ll make your mouth water.
The magic happens when you top it with more cheese and bake until bubbly. Add classic burger toppings like diced pickles and a drizzle of special sauce before serving.
Kids absolutely demolish this dish – it’s like a deconstructed cheeseburger that somehow tastes even better than the original. Comfort food at its finest!
14. Ground Beef Enchiladas
Fiesta night at home! Season your beef with cumin, chili powder, and oregano, then roll it into tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese.
The enchilada sauce is the star – whether you choose red or green, pour it generously over your rolled tortillas before baking.
The sauce seeps into every bite, creating tender tortillas and incredible flavor. After baking, finish with more cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
These enchiladas bring restaurant quality to your dining table without the restaurant price tag!
15. Korean Beef Bowls
Global flavors, minimal effort! These Korean-inspired bowls bring sweet-savory perfection to your dinner routine in just 15 minutes.
Brown your beef, then add a simple sauce of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and ginger that caramelizes slightly as it cooks down.
Serve over steamed rice with quick-pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast.
A sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions adds the perfect finishing touch. This recipe will have you skipping takeout in favor of homemade Asian-inspired goodness any night of the week!
16. Beef and Bean Burritos
Portable perfection! These hearty hand-held meals combine seasoned ground beef with refried beans for a protein-packed filling that satisfies serious hunger.
The trick is warming your tortillas before wrapping – it makes them pliable and prevents tearing. Add rice, cheese, and your favorite toppings before rolling into tight bundles.
For an extra touch of deliciousness, toast the wrapped burritos in a dry skillet until golden and crispy. Bonus: these freeze beautifully for grab-and-go meals when future-you is too busy to cook!
17. Meatball Subs
Transform humble ground beef into Italian-American magic! Mix your beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, herbs, and an egg, then roll into golf ball-sized spheres of flavor.
Brown them in a skillet before simmering in marinara sauce until tender and infused with tomato goodness. The perfect vessel? A crusty baguette or hoagie roll that’s been lightly toasted.
Nestle those sauce-drenched meatballs inside, top with melty mozzarella, and prepare for a gloriously messy sandwich experience that requires at least three napkins per person!
18. Ground Beef Nachos
Friday night fiesta on a platter! Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer – overlapping slightly but not piled too high – then scatter seasoned beef and beans over top.
The cheese distribution is crucial: make sure every chip has a chance at cheesy glory. After a quick trip to the oven, add cold toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole.
The contrast of hot, crispy chips and cool, fresh toppings creates the perfect bite every time. Warning: hovering around the nacho platter may become competitive sport!
19. Hamburger Soup
Soul-warming goodness in a bowl! This hearty soup transforms a single pound of beef into a nourishing meal that feeds a crowd.
Brown your beef with onions, then add carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomatoes along with beef broth and herbs. The vegetables become tender while the broth takes on a rich, savory quality from the beef.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the whole pot. Serve with crusty bread for dunking into that flavorful broth. This soup actually tastes even better the next day – if there are any leftovers!
20. Beef and Rice Skillet
One-pan wonder to the rescue! This weeknight hero combines seasoned ground beef with rice, vegetables, and cheese for a complete meal with minimal cleanup.
Brown your beef, add rice and broth, then let everything simmer together until the rice absorbs all that savory goodness.
Frozen mixed vegetables make this even easier – just stir them in during the last few minutes. A handful of cheese melted on top creates an irresistible finish.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability – use whatever vegetables and seasonings your family loves!