Ground beef is one of those ingredients I always like to have on hand. It’s affordable, versatile, and makes getting dinner on the table so much easier — especially on busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just need something quick and comforting, ground beef is always a reliable starting point.
Today I’ve rounded up 15 of my favorite easy ground beef dinners that are simple to make and full of flavor. From cozy casseroles and slow cooker meals to skillet dinners and family favorites, there’s something here for everyone. These are the kinds of meals that get requested again and again at my house — and I think they’ll become favorites in yours too.
Comfort Food Favorites
Sloppy Joe Shepherd’s Pie
This cozy mashup combines classic sloppy joe filling with a creamy mashed potato topping for the ultimate comfort food dinner. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying. Two comfort food favorites in one easy dish!
Check out this recipe
Quick Vegetable Beef Soup
This Quick Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty, comforting dinner that comes together fast. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth, it’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade. It’s simple, satisfying, and tastes like it simmered all day.
Check out this recipe
Simple Sloppy Joes
You can’t go wrong with a good sloppy joe! This version is saucy, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor. Serve it on soft buns for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Check out this recipe
Quick Stove Top Stroganoff
Tender ground beef in a creamy mushroom sauce served over noodles makes this a comforting classic. It comes together quickly and tastes like you spent much longer in the kitchen. Perfect for when you need a cozy dinner fast.
Check out this recipe
Skillet Beef Ziti
This Skillet Ground Beef Ziti is a quick and comforting dinner that comes together in one pan. Tender pasta cooks with seasoned ground beef and a rich tomato sauce, then gets topped with plenty of melty cheese. It’s hearty, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want big flavor without a lot of dishes.
Check out this recipe
Casseroles
Tater Tot Casserole
This family favorite layers seasoned ground beef, corn, and a tater tot base. It’s simple, satisfying, and always disappears fast. The golden tots add the perfect texture to this comforting dish.
Check out this recipe
Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
This casserole combines seasoned beef, rice, and melty cheese for a flavorful dinner everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare and makes great leftovers. A perfect choice for Taco Tuesday or any busy night.
Check out this recipe
Beef Enchilada Pasta Bake
This Beef Enchilada Pasta Bake combines the bold flavors of enchiladas with the comfort of a cheesy pasta casserole. Seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, enchilada sauce, and plenty of melty cheese come together in one delicious baked dish. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and makes fantastic leftovers.
Check out this recipe
Beef Taco Casserole
All the flavors of tacos in an easy-to-serve casserole form! Seasoned beef, rice, layers of flour tortillas and cheese, and your favorite toppings make this a fun and customizable dinner. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Check out this recipe
Quick Skillet Meals
Skillet Ground Beef Stew
This Skillet Ground Beef Stew delivers all the cozy flavor of traditional beef stew but in a quicker, weeknight-friendly version. Ground beef simmers with tender vegetables in a rich, savory sauce for a hearty one-pan meal. It’s simple, comforting, and perfect for those nights when you’re craving something warm and filling without hours of cooking.
Check out this recipe
Cheeseburger Macaroni
This Cheeseburger Macaroni is a quick and comforting skillet dinner the whole family will love. Seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, and plenty of cheesy goodness come together in one easy meal. It’s like a homemade version of the classic boxed favorite — but even better and made from scratch.
Check out this recipe
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Skip the takeout and make this simple ground beef and broccoli stir fry at home. It’s savory, satisfying, and comes together quickly in one pan. A great way to mix up your weeknight dinner routine
Check out this recipe
Bow Tie Skillet Lasagna
This Bow Tie Skillet Lasagna gives you all the classic flavors of lasagna in an easy one-pan meal. Seasoned ground beef, tender bow tie pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese come together for a comforting dinner without the layering and long bake time. It’s a simple, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Favorites
Slow Cooker Chili
This hearty slow cooker chili is packed with ground beef, beans, and bold spices. Just set it and forget it for an easy, comforting meal. Perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce
Homemade bolognese sauce made easy in the slow cooker. The ground beef simmers low and slow for rich, deep flavor. Serve it over pasta for a classic dinner everyone loves.
Check out this recipe
Slow Cooker Taco Meat
This simple slow cooker taco meat is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and great for tacos, burritos, or taco bowls. A true weeknight staple.
Check out this recipe
Ground beef really is one of the easiest ingredients to build a dinner around. It’s budget-friendly, versatile, and works in everything from cozy casseroles to quick skillet meals and slow cooker favorites. Having a few dependable ground beef recipes in your rotation can make weekly meal planning so much simpler.
I hope this list gives you plenty of inspiration for those busy nights when you need something hearty and satisfying without a lot of stress. Whether your family loves cheesy pasta dishes, comforting casseroles, or classic beefy favorites, there’s something here that’s sure to become a regular on your menu.
Be sure to save this roundup for later so you always have easy ground beef dinners at your fingertips. And if you try one of these recipes, I’d love to hear which one becomes a favorite at your house!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking with Ground Beef
How long does ground beef last in the fridge?
Raw ground beef typically lasts 1–2 days in the refrigerator. Cooked ground beef can be stored for 3–4 days.
Can you freeze cooked ground beef?
Yes! Cooked ground beef freezes well for up to 3 months. It’s great to batch cook and freeze for quick meals later.
What can I add to ground beef to stretch it?
Rice, beans, lentils, diced vegetables, or pasta are all great ways to stretch ground beef and make meals more budget-friendly.
