A pound of ground beef and 35 ways to use it, from appetizers and soups to tacos, pasta, lasagna, and easy weeknight dinners you'll actually make.
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I know ground beef isn’t new or exciting, but it’s a protein that’s always in my freezer, and for a looong stretch I did the same two things with it. Pasta sauce and ground beef and rice, over and over. It’s an easy rut to fall into, because when you’re tired, you just reach for what you already know how to make. But there’s actually a lot more you can do with it, and that’s the whole reason I pulled together this list of meals to make with ground beef.
Below are ground beef appetizers like hummus with ground beef and kibbeh balls, soups and stews, Mexican recipes like tacos and burritos, Mediterranean dishes like kafta and hashweh, pasta and lasagna, plus easy dinner recipes and bowls for the nights I don’t want to think. Some are quick hamburger meat recipes, and others take a while, but none of them are the same tired plate on repeat. A lot are easy ground beef recipes you can throw together with what’s already in the kitchen. So if you’re bored of the usual and want some new ground beef dinner ideas, this is a good place to start.
This Hummus with Ground Beef recipe is a simple, authentic and popular Middle Eastern meal – easy to make with your favorite hummus, beef and pine nuts!
These Lebanese Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab) are made with a spiced ground beef and rice mixture – a delicious Mediterranean dish commonly served as an appetizer!
Warm up with a hearty bowl of beef chili, filled with kidney beans, rich sauces, and smoky flavors. This classic dish is perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
This traditional Lebanese kafta and potato stew is made in one pot with spiced ground beef, Yukon Gold potatoes, and a simple tomato sauce. Serve over vermicelli rice.
This lasagna soup recipe tastes just like lasagna without the work. Lasagna noodles are broken into pieces and simmered in a tomato broth with ground beef, seasonings, and veggies.
These Ground Beef Tacos are filled with juicy flavorful taco meat made with my homemade taco seasoning – it's an easy weeknight recipe for the whole family!
Stuff your Ground Beef Burritos with meat, beans, and rice and roll tight in a flour tortilla. To get them to hold together pan sear and serve with all the things!
This Mediterranean-inspired Ground Beef and Rice recipe is all made in one pot with lean ground beef, basmati rice, 7 spice seasoning, chickpeas, and optional toasted nuts.
Quick and easy to make this traditional Lebanese Hashweh is made with simple ingredients and is wonderfully spiced and flavorful. Perfect on it's own with pita or a great stuffing for lots of mains.
This is a Lebanese style Beef Kafta recipe that's made with ground beef, parsley, onions and a blend of Middle Eastern spices- perfect on the grill or stove
This authentic Kousa recipe is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with a spiced beef & rice mixture stuffed in squash and cooked in a garlicky tomato broth!
Try my easy Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe made with juicy ground beef meatballs and store-bought marinara to keep it simple. It's a hearty family favorite!
Beef stuffed peppers made with ground beef, rice, onions, and tomato sauce, then baked until tender and topped with melted cheese for a hearty family dinner.
This hamburger recipe uses 85% ground beef, binders, and seasoning. Cook on the grill or stovetop in about 10 minutes. Place the beef patties in a bun with your fav toppings.
This beef lettuce wrap recipe uses ground beef that is browned on the stovetop and mixed with an Asian-inspired peanut sauce, and is ready in 15! Serve in bibb lettuce.
This ground beef and cabbage recipe is easy. It cooks in one skillet, and is ready in just 30 minutes. Eat it with rice or pita!
35 minutesminutes
5 from 12 votes
Tips for Making Ground Beef Recipes
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.
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.
FAQs
How do I cook ground beef?
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.
What are some tips for flavoring ground beef?
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.
Can ground beef be frozen?
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!
How long can cooked ground beef be stored in the refrigerator?
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.
What is the difference between ground beef and hamburger meat?
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.
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Hello, do you have meatloaf recipes? Thank you.
I don’t have a meatloaf recipe but you may like my Baked Kibbeh, which is kind of like a Lebanese meatloaf!