17 Quick Ground Beef Recipes Perfect For Busy Weeknights
After a long day, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. Ground beef is my secret weapon for fast, filling meals that please even the pickiest eaters.
These 17 recipes transform this budget-friendly protein into delicious dinners in 30 minutes or less, perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is tight but tummies are rumbling.
1. Classic Spaghetti Bolognese
Brown a pound of ground beef with diced onions and garlic until fragrant. Add a jar of marinara sauce, a splash of red wine, and Italian herbs.
While the sauce simmers, boil your pasta until al dente. I remember making this for my first dinner party – burned the garlic but nobody noticed!
The rich meat sauce clings perfectly to the pasta strands, creating a comforting meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes.
2. Taco-Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Scrub potatoes and poke with a fork before microwaving for 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, brown ground beef with taco seasoning and a splash of water.
Split open the cooked potatoes and fluff the insides. Top with seasoned beef, shredded cheese, sour cream, and your favorite taco fixings.
This mashup creates the perfect vehicle for taco flavors while being substantially more filling than traditional tacos.
3. 15-Minute Beef Fried Rice
Heat oil in a large skillet and scramble an egg. Push it aside and brown ground beef with minced garlic and ginger.
Toss in day-old rice, frozen peas and carrots, and a drizzle of soy sauce. My kids think I’m a wizard when I whip this up from seemingly nothing in our fridge!
Stir until everything’s heated through and finish with a sprinkle of green onions for a takeout-quality meal made in minutes.
4. Cheesy Beef Quesadillas
Brown ground beef with onions, peppers, and taco seasoning. Spread the mixture over half of a large tortilla and cover generously with shredded cheese.
Fold the tortilla and cook in a hot skillet until golden and crispy on both sides. The cheese gets perfectly melty while the outside develops a satisfying crunch.
Cut into wedges and serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
5. Stovetop Beef Stroganoff
Sauté ground beef with sliced mushrooms until browned. Add minced garlic, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to create a rich base.
Stir in sour cream off the heat for a creamy, tangy sauce. Back in college, this was the first “fancy” meal I mastered – my roommates thought I was a gourmet chef!
Serve over egg noodles with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a comforting dinner that tastes like it took hours.
6. Korean-Inspired Beef Bowls
Brown ground beef, then add minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce. The sweet-savory aroma will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.
Serve over steamed rice with quick-pickled cucumbers and carrots for crunch. A sunny-side-up egg on top creates a luxurious sauce when the yolk breaks.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with sriracha for a bowl that’s bursting with bold flavors.
7. Beef and Bean Enchilada Skillet
Brown ground beef with onions and bell peppers. Stir in black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and spices to create a flavorful one-pan filling.
Tear corn tortillas into pieces and fold them in, allowing them to soften in the sauce. I discovered this shortcut version when I was too lazy to roll traditional enchiladas one night!
Top with cheese, cover until melted, and finish with diced avocado and cilantro.
8. Mediterranean Beef Pitas
Season ground beef with oregano, cumin, and garlic, then brown until fragrant. The Mediterranean spices transform ordinary beef into something special.
Stuff warm pita pockets with the seasoned meat, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. A generous dollop of tzatziki sauce adds creamy tanginess to each bite.
These handheld delights require zero utensils, making them perfect for those nights when even washing a fork seems like too much work.
9. Cheeseburger Soup
Brown ground beef with onions, then add diced potatoes, carrots, and celery. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until vegetables are tender.
Stir in milk and cheese to create a velvety base that tastes exactly like a cheeseburger. My daughter always asks for this soup when she’s feeling under the weather – it’s our family’s comfort food!
Garnish with pickle relish, diced tomatoes, and crumbled bacon for the full burger experience in a bowl.
10. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds. Mix browned ground beef with cooked rice, diced tomatoes, corn, and seasonings for a hearty filling.
Stuff the pepper halves and top with cheese before baking until peppers are tender. Using halves instead of whole peppers cuts the cooking time in half!
The colorful vessels not only look impressive but also add sweet flavor that perfectly complements the savory filling.
11. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Heat a wok until smoking, then add ground beef and break it up as it browns. Toss in broccoli florets and sliced carrots, stir-frying until crisp-tender.
Pour in a quick sauce of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. The sauce immediately sizzles and caramelizes, coating every morsel with flavor.
Serve over rice or noodles for a takeout-inspired meal that’s on the table in less time than delivery would take.
12. Homemade Hamburger Helper
Brown ground beef, then add diced onions and garlic. Sprinkle in flour and spices to create a roux that will thicken your sauce.
Pour in milk and broth, then add uncooked pasta directly to the skillet. I started making this when I realized the boxed version had ingredients I couldn’t pronounce!
Everything cooks together in one pan, creating a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s miles better than the packaged version.
13. Beef Taco Salad
Brown ground beef with taco seasoning and a splash of water to create a flavorful protein base. Let it cool slightly while you prep your veggies.
Layer crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, black beans, corn, and avocado in a large bowl. The rainbow of colors makes this dish as beautiful as it is nutritious.
Top with the seasoned beef, crushed tortilla chips, and a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with lime and cilantro.
14. Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Brown ground beef, then add shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced bell peppers. The cabbage wilts down quickly, absorbing all the savory flavors of the beef.
Season with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor profile. This has saved me countless times when I’ve had a lonely cabbage languishing in the fridge!
Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner that’s surprisingly filling and full of vegetables.
15. Shepherd’s Pie Cups
Press refrigerated biscuit dough into muffin tins to create edible cups. Brown ground beef with onions, peas, and carrots, then spoon the mixture into the dough cups.
Top each cup with a dollop of mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of cheese. These individual servings bake much faster than traditional shepherd’s pie.
The crispy biscuit exterior adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling and creamy potato topping.
16. Beef Empanadas
Sauté ground beef with onions, olives, and spices until fragrant. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before filling rounds of refrigerated pie crust.
Fold the dough over and crimp edges with a fork to seal in the flavorful filling. I started making these when my son refused to eat leftovers – repackaged as empanadas, he devours them!
Brush with egg wash and bake until golden brown for handheld pockets that are perfect for dinner on the go.
17. Beef Lettuce Wraps
Brown ground beef with minced water chestnuts, mushrooms, and garlic for a flavorful filling with satisfying texture. A splash of hoisin and soy sauce creates a savory-sweet glaze.
Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce leaves – butter lettuce works wonderfully as natural cups. The cool crunch of lettuce against the warm filling creates a delightful contrast.
Garnish with shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and chopped peanuts for a fresh, light dinner.