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This collection of ground beef recipes has got it all— soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, burgers, tacos, and more. If you’ve got some ground hamburger handy, you’ll always have something yummy on the dinner table!
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Ground beef is a true protein champion! It’s incredibly versatile and budget-friendly. Plus, you can use ground beef in a wide variety of recipes, from classic American dishes to spicy Mexican, tasty Italian favorites, and authentic Lebanese recipes, too. These hamburger meat recipes showcase how delicious ground beef is.
Why You Should Make More Recipes with Ground Beef
- Easy and quick protein. If I’m ever in that dinner rush haze, chances are, I’m reaching for one of my easy ground beef recipes. Next to frozen fish, ground beef cooks fast and conveniently in the same pot as the meal itself, which means less dishes to wash.
- Versatile flavors and uses. Is there anything ground beef cannot do? From hearty appetizers to complete meals with ground beef, this kitchen favorite is a workhorse that keeps on delivering (…tasty meals, that is).
- A family favorite. Not everyone is on board with shrimp spaghetti, but I’ve yet to meet a child who refuses spaghetti and meatballs. The bottom line is that these simple ground beef recipes are family favorites, and for good reason. They’re satisfying, delicious, and easy to make.
Budget Tips for Ground Beef Recipes
- Buy in bulk when it goes on sale. Ground beef is a store favorite to place on sale, so when you see a good deal, stock up. Then, you can do a little planning and divide the ground beef into smaller meal-sized portions and freeze during a meal prep session.
- Make one-pot ground beef recipes on nights when you don’t feel like doing much. Prepare dishes that call for just a handful of ingredients and cook them all in one pot or pan. This saves on ingredients and reduces the time and effort spent on cleanup.
- Utilize leftovers: Repurpose leftover ground beef into delicious dishes like tacos, stuffed peppers, or shepherd’s pie to avoid food waste and save money. Many of these ground beef dinner ideas use the same ground beef foundation so start there and repurpose your protein.
- Serve with filling sides. Meals with ground beef pair well with options like rice, potatoes, and pasta, so incorporate them into the dish or serve your beef over them for a satisfying meal.
Tips for Making Easy Ground Beef Recipes
- Choose lean ground beef for most recipes. Leaner meat means less fat and a cleaner taste. It also means you can skip draining grease for one less step.
- Brown it well. Cook the ground beef until it turns a delicious brown color. This makes it taste better and gives it a nice texture. Make sure to stir occasionally for even browning.
- Drain if necessary. If you want a richer, beefier flavor, you may opt to use a high-fat ratio. That’s just fine! You’ll just want to take the extra step of draining the fat after browning your ground beef and before adding your other ingredients.
- Use a meat thermometer. For recipes like burgers and meatballs, where the meat is pressed into a loaf, it’s important to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches 160°F to guarantee it’s fully cooked.
Best Recipes With Ground Beef
Here are some recipe ideas featuring ground beef. With its versatility, you can make all kinds of tasty dishes. Start your meal with flavorful beefy appetizers, create quick and easy dinners, and try out other hamburger meat recipes that are absolutely worth the effort!
Ground Beef Basics
Before we get to the actual meals to make with ground beef, one has to know how to properly cook it so it’s tender, juicy, and delicious. Although it’s pretty easy to cook ground beef, it’s equally easy to overcook it and make it rubbery and unappetizing. The key is to cook it over medium heat and stirring often until it’s no longer pink. But for more specifics, check out these simple ground beef recipes that will be the foundational building blocks for more delicious meals in this collection.
How to Brown Ground Beef
How to Cook Frozen Ground Beef
Spaghetti Sauce
Ground Beef Appetizer Ideas
We are all very familiar with complete meals with ground beef, but don’t underestimate the versatility of this common kitchen staple. Ground beef makes an excellent source of protein for small bites and appetizers to kick start your meal.
Hummus with Ground Beef
Kibbeh Balls
Air Fryer Meatballs
Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab)
Lebanese Meat Pies
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)
Soups and Stews with Ground Beef
Ground beef is an excellent source of protein in soups, stews, and chilis. It perfectly takes on whatever seasonings you use, and it’s incredibly easy to incorporate it into your favorite recipes. Whether you’re making a spicy chili or a comforting bowl of stew to cozy up to, meals with ground beef offer rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Beef Chili
Kafta and Potato Stew
Lebanese Spinach Stew
Lasagna Soup
Easy Ravioli Soup
Mexican Ground Beef Dinner Ideas
Tacos, burritos, salads, and more! Ground beef has saved my rush-hour dinner more times than I can count. It’s a versatile, quick-cooking protein that can be used in many recipes with minimal effort. But it really shines in Mexican-inspired dishes. Mexican cuisine is rich in beefy goodness, and I love how ground beef absorbs all the bold, vibrant flavors. These Mexican meals with ground beef are family favorites that I make over and over without fail.
Ground Beef Tacos
Ground Beef Burritos
Taco Salad Meal Prep
Taco Stuffed Peppers
Bell Pepper Nachos
Sheet Pan Nachos
Lebanese Meals to Make with Ground Beef
Lebanese recipes are near and dear to me. Whether staples found in many Middle Eastern homes or cherished childhood favorites, these simple ground beef recipes will take you and your taste buds to the Mediterranean, offering rich, bold, and aromatic flavors in every bite.
Mediterranean Ground Beef & Rice
Lebanese Potato Souffle
Hashweh
Beef Kafta
Baked Kibbeh
Kibbeh in Yogurt Sauce
Easy Eggplant Moussaka
Shish Barak
Kousa (Stuffed Squash)
Pasta Meals with Ground Beef
Pasta and ground beef are a great pair! These two go together with their complementary textures and flavors, offering you a total comfort food that can be a simple weeknight meal or a fancy weekend dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Bolognese or baked spaghetti dish, these ground beef dinner ideas will satisfy every craving.
Pasta Bolognese
Ground Beef Casserole
Easy Baked Spaghetti
Macarona Bechamel
Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
Lasagna Recipes with Ground Beef
Another classic pairing is lasagna noodles with ground beef. This duo creates a rich and hearty dish that layers flavors and textures in the most delicious way. Plus, lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser, conveniently feeds a large group, and is freezer-friendly. It’s the ultimate one-pan wonder that makes dinner time easy and delicious! So next time you’re wondering what to make with ground beef, keep lasagna in mind! Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Sheet Pan Lasagna
Greek Yogurt Lasagna
Homemade Lasagna
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner
If you’re scrambling to get a protein-packed meal on the kitchen table quickly, you know these ground beef dinner ideas will save the day. They’re satisfying, delicious, and quick to make (because ground beef cooks incredibly quickly!). Thanks to these super easy hamburger meat recipes, you can feed your family faster than you can grab takeout.
Unstuffed Peppers
Beef Stuffed Peppers
Air Fryer Hamburgers
Homemade Hamburgers
Avocado Burger
Beef Lettuce Wraps
Stuffed Eggplant
Frequently Asked Questions
To cook ground beef, heat a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Drain excess fat, if desired, and season it per the recipe. This simple technique is the foundation of most meals with ground beef. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any special kitchen tools.
You can flavor ground beef by adding spices, herbs, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce. Experiment with different seasonings to create your desired flavor. I recommend seasoning either before cooking (i.e., meatballs) or towards the end of the cooking process. The specific seasonings will largely depend on the recipe, but you can’t go wrong with a basic salt and pepper flavor.
Yes, you can freeze ground beef. Divide it into portions and place in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator before using. But if you forgot to pull it out of the freezer, no worries. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to cook frozen ground beef in an Instant Pot!
After cooking ground beef, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat only what you’ll be using to prevent any contamination.
They can often be used interchangeably, but the biggest difference is that hamburger meat may contain more beef fat. It is generally better suited for burger recipes where the extra fat holds the patty together and adds moisture. But generally, if you are making hamburger meat recipes, you can use regular ground beef.
Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that opens up a world of delicious possibilities in the kitchen. From classic burgers to comforting casseroles, international favorites, and family recipes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for quick and easy weeknight meals or impressive dishes to serve at gatherings, these simple ground beef recipes are your perfect go-to options!
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Shrimp Recipes, Avocado Recipes, Recipes With Tahini, and Recipes with Protein Powder
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