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Lean ground beef is a grocery store classic and a versatile protein for the entire family! Here are some of our best quick and easy ground beef dinner ideas and recipes for the next time you’re wondering what to make with ground beef.
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Ground beef has many benefits.
- It’s affordable. Ground beef is one of the cheapest meats you can buy.
- Everyone in the family will be happy with this kid-friendly protein!
- It’s healthy in moderation (beef is packed with protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12).
- Ground beef can be the perfect addition in recipes that incorporate other important food groups, especially vegetables. There are many ways to use ground beef (not just hamburgers).
The recipes on this list are not only good for you, but also tasty and satisfying.
These delicious recipes are guaranteed to be enjoyed by everyone – kids and picky eaters included!
Classic Ground Beef Recipes
These classic ground beef recipes are the nostalgic ground beef dinners from your childhood. These will make you feel like you’re right back at your childhood dinner table, but with upgraded flavor.
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Ground Beef Stroganoff (pictured above)
- Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Blue Cheese Burger
Ground Beef Soups, Stews, and Chilis
Some of our favorite ground beef recipes are these hearty and cozy soups. These soups are great for meal prep and are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Instant Pot Chilli
- Whole30 Chili
- Crock Pot Hamburger Soup
- Cabbage Roll Soup (pictured above)
Ground Beef Casseroles and Pastas
There is something about ground beef and pasta that screams comfort food. These easy recipes are just that.
- Ground Beef Casserole
- Crockpot Lasagna
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Instant Pot Spaghetti
- Zucchini Lasagna (pictured above)
Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Recipes
Serving ground beef for dinner is a quick way to make the kids at the table happy.
- Hamburger Casserole
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Homemade Hamburger Helper (pictured above; ditch the boxed mix for this kid-friendly homemade version packed with creamy flavor)
- Crockpot Meatballs
Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef Recipes
- Mexican Casserole (pictured above)
- Taco Skillet
- Taco Pasta
Asian-Inspired Ground Beef Recipes
These healthy ground beef recipes draw from Asian flavors like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey.
- Cabbage Stir Fry
- Korean Beef Bowl (pictured above)
Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are easy, healthy, and delicious. They can be seasoned any which way and you are free to add whatever is in the fridge; hello weeknight dinner! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or beef in many of my stuffed pepper recipes.
- Greek Stuffed Peppers (pictured above)
- Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
- Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
- Classic Stuffed Peppers
Freezing and Thawing Ground Beef
Ground beef is freezer friendly, so the next time it’s on sale, stock up.
- Ground beef can be frozen for 4 months. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ground beef can be kept in the freezer indefinitely. But, I recommend using the meat within 4 months.
- To Freeze. Place the package of ground beef in an airtight, freezer-safe container. For extra protection, wrap the meat in plastic or freezer paper, followed by a layer of foil. Then place inside an airtight, freezer-safe container.
- To Thaw. Let thaw in the refrigerator. Once defrosted, ground beef can safely stay in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Casserole Dish. Perfect for making many of these easy ground beef dinner recipes.
- Cast Iron Skillet. This skillet is versatile and will last a lifetime.
- Chef’s Knife. Everyone needs a good, sharp knife. This one is great for chopping the veggies in many of the delicious ground beef dinner recipes.
- Mixing Bowls. These Pyrex mixing bowls are dishwasher, microwave, and freezer safe.
- Air Fryer. This is the one I own and love. Perfect for the Air Fryer Hamburgers.
- Slow Cooker. Perfect for all those soups, stews, and chilis.
- Instant Pot. The Instant Pot truly can do it all.
- Dutch Oven. Ideal for anything from roasting, baking, frying, and more. I also like this more affordable option too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ground Beef Considered Healthy?
Ground beef is healthy in moderation. Ground beef is packed with protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. If possible, opt for a leaner ground beef (85% or higher).
How Long Does is Take to Brown Ground Beef?
On most stovetops, a pound of ground beef takes approximately 7 to 10 minutes to brown over medium high heat. Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Should I Rinse Ground Beef Before Cooking?
There is no need to rinse ground beef before cooking. Rinsing meat like ground beef and chicken can spread harmful bacteria all around kitchen surfaces.
Do I Need to Drain Ground Beef?
Draining the excess grease from the ground beef after browning can make the dish slightly healthier, although it is not required in most recipes unless you have a lot of extra grease. The leaner ground beef you choose, the less grease you’ll have. Remember to discard of your grease correctly, and not down the sink drain!
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Erin Clarke
Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!
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