Ground beef is a budget-friendly protein that gets the whole family running to the table! 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 the ground beef in your freezer.
Email Me the Recipe!
From time to time, we'll send you Well Plated emails. You can unsubscribe anytime. Have an account? Log In.
There’s so much to love about ground beef!
- 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!
- 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 ground beef dinner ideas 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!
Tips for Freezing and Thawing Ground Beef for These Recipes
Ground beef is freezer friendly, so the next time it’s on sale, stock up and you’ll have it on hand for making these recipes!
- 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.
Classic Ground Beef Recipes
These classic ground beef recipes are the nostalgic ground beef dinners you probably ate as a kid. They’ll make you feel like you’re right back at your childhood dinner table, but with upgraded flavor.
Baking hamburgers in the oven is an easy, hands-off method that yields tender, juicy patties done in just 10 minutes. Perfect for weeknights!
Check out this recipe
This easy hamburger stroganoff recipe is a family favorite ready in 30 minutes! It's loaded with ground beef, mushrooms and creamy sauce.
Check out this recipe
With golden brown onions, toasty rye bread, and melty cheese, this patty melt recipe is a diner-style classic you can easily make at home!
Check out this recipe
This easy ground beef and potatoes recipe is a one-pan dinner the whole family will love. A classic ground beef recipe — delicious topped with cheese or eggs.
Check out this recipe
An easy homemade smash burger recipe for super juicy, flavorful burgers with crisp edges, just like a restaurant. Ready in only 20 minutes!
Check out this recipe
These tender baked Swedish meatballs are a cozy comfort food dinner, with a creamy gravy you'll want to eat with a spoon. So easy too!
Check out this recipe
Ground Beef Soups, Stews, and Chilis
Some of our favorite ground beef recipes are hearty and cozy soups. These dishes are great for meal prep and perfect for busy weeknights.
With ground beef, potatoes, vegetables and tomatoes, this hearty hamburger soup recipe will be a hit with the entire family. So easy too!
Check out this recipe
Skip the rolling with this easy stuffed cabbage roll soup recipe! Cozy and comforting, with hearty ground beef, rice and a rich tomato broth.
Check out this recipe
With ground beef, kielbasa, beans, potatoes and veggies, this hearty cowboy stew recipe is super satisfying! A one pot meal full of flavor!
Check out this recipe
This easy lasagna soup simmers hearty ground beef, veggies, ruffly noodles, and THREE types of cheese in a creamy tomato broth. Pure comfort!
Check out this recipe
With ground beef, beans, veggies, and tender pasta, pasta e fagioli is hearty and satisfying. Bonus: it's also super easy to make in one pot!
Check out this recipe
This rich, hearty Whole30 chili is made with no beans. Instead, tender sweet potatoes add lots of flavor!
Check out this recipe
Ground Beef Casseroles and Pastas
These ground beef dinner ideas are exactly what you want on a chilly evening. Total comfort food!
This family-pleasing ground beef casserole is made with flavorful ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and lightened creamy sauce. And, of course, plenty of cheese!
Check out this recipe
Hearty, creamy, and cheesy, this easy one-pan ground beef pasta recipe is a delicious weeknight dinner everyone can agree on!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot spaghetti is a fantastic one-pot meal with easy clean up! Jar sauce keeps it easy, and you can add meat or keep it vegetarian.
Check out this recipe
This is the ultimate Mexican casserole with refried beans, rice, ground beef and veggies, layered and baked to cheesy perfection. A family favorite!
Check out this recipe
This easy crockpot lasagna recipe has the meaty, cheesy layers you love, but with half the work. You don't even have to boil the noodles!
Check out this recipe
An easy shepherd's pie recipe with savory ground beef or ground lamb filling, frozen veggies, and creamy mashed potatoes baked on top.
Check out this recipe
Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Recipes
Serving ground beef for dinner is a quick way to make the kids at the table happy. (But don’t worry, you’ll love them too!)
This burger bowl recipe is everything you love without the bun! Juicy ground beef, all the toppings, and a drizzle of special sauce.
Check out this recipe
A sweet-and-tangy ground beef filling piled inside hamburger buns, this sloppy joes recipe is made with pantry ingredients. A nostalgic family favorite!
Check out this recipe
This family-friendly Hamburger Casserole is a baked ground beef recipe made with whole grains, a creamy sauce, and veggies.
Check out this recipe
Smash tacos are pressed on a hot griddle, creating a crispy, flavorful crust that makes them next-level delish. EASY 10-minute dinner recipe!
Check out this recipe
This easy homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a one-skillet dinner with macaroni, ground beef and cheesy sauce. Kids love it and you will too!
Check out this recipe
Juicy crockpot meatballs, no browning required! These healthy slow cooker meatballs use jarred sauce to keep the recipe quick and easy!
Check out this recipe
Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef Recipes
Seasoned ground beef is the perfect protein for so many of your favorite Tex-Mex meals, from tacos to enchiladas and more!
These ground beef quesadillas are packed with cheese and meat to make them extra satisfying. Easy to make and done in under 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
A classic recipe for ground beef tacos, with a few easy upgrades to make them extra tasty. Kid-friendly, but you'll love them too!
Check out this recipe
An easy, healthy ground Beef Taco Skillet made with rice, beans, veggies, and your favorite Mexican flavors. A fast family favorite that cooks in one pan for easy clean up!
Check out this recipe
With a meaty filling and lots of cheese, these easy ground beef enchiladas are a guaranteed hit. Great for freezing and meal prep too!
Check out this recipe
Asian-Inspired Ground Beef Recipes
These healthy ground beef recipes draw from Asian flavors like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey.
This quick and healthy Korean beef bowl is ready in 20 minutes and made with simple ingredients! Serve it with rice and veggies for easy dinners or meal prep.
Check out this recipe
This easy ground beef stir fry is loaded with veggies, meat, and a sweet-and-savory sauce that coats every bite. Just add rice and dinner is done!
Check out this recipe
Other Ground Beef Recipes
The sky’s the limit when it comes to ground beef dinners! Here are some more reader favorites that your family will love too.
Ground beef cottage cheese bowls are loaded with protein and great for meal prep. Hot honey, avocado and sweet potatoes make them DELISH!
Check out this recipe
Classic stuffed peppers with rice, ground beef, and cheese are an all-in-one meal that's easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Check out this recipe
This easy Salisbury steak recipe pairs savory ground beef patties with a rich mushroom gravy for an irresistible comfort food dinner!
Check out this recipe
Healthy black bean and beef patties are the foundation for this blue cheese burger recipe topped with sweet caramelized onion marmalade.
Check out this recipe
Crispy fries are topped with thick, meaty chili, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings to make the best loaded chili cheese fries!
Check out this recipe
Air fryer hamburgers are faster and less mess than the grill! How to cook the perfect, juicy burger in the air fryer, at the just-right temperature.
Check out this recipe
I am sorry but I was looking through your site and I know you want to make money but the ads kill it if we cant see the recipes then we leave sorry again
I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience the ads caused you, Vicki! I will certainly keep paying close attention to the number of ads and how they load, as I never want them to hinder your ability to view the recipe or the blog post. I do truly appreciate your feedback and apologize again for the inconvenience! Also, there is a quick and convenient “jump to recipe” button that will help you get to the recipe faster and a print button to have the recipe quickly at your fingertips. Hope this helps!