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35+ Easy & Delicious Ground Beef Dinner Ideas Your Family Will Love

Ground beef is a true culinary hero in kitchens worldwide. It’s incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and can be transformed into an endless array of delicious meals that cater to all tastes and occasions. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick weeknight solutions, an aspiring home chef eager to explore new flavors, or simply seeking comforting classics, ground beef is your go-to ingredient.

The beauty of ground beef lies in its adaptability. While these recipes are crafted with beef in mind, many can seamlessly incorporate other ground meats like chicken, turkey, bison, or venison for a different flavor profile or to suit dietary preferences. In some cases, adding ground pork or even spicy ground sausage alongside the beef can elevate the dish even further, introducing rich layers of flavor and texture.

Explore Our Favorite Ground Beef Recipes

Here, you’ll find a curated collection of our favorite ground beef dishes, designed to inspire your next meal. We’ve covered everything from hearty casseroles and one-pan skillet meals to vibrant Mexican-inspired dishes and classic comfort foods. To make your cooking even more rewarding, we’ve also included essential “add-on” recipes for homemade staples like enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, and chili seasoning, ensuring every dish is packed with fresh, authentic flavor. We’re confident you’ll discover many dinner recipes here that will quickly become cherished family favorites!

Hearty Ground Beef Casseroles

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for busy weeknights. They often combine protein, vegetables, and carbs into one satisfying dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. These ground beef casseroles are designed to be both delicious and convenient, offering a variety of profiles from classic American to Italian-inspired.

Cowboy Casserole

This Cowboy Casserole is a wonderfully simple yet incredibly hearty meal that brings a taste of the ranch to your dinner table. Its straightforward nature allows you to truly make it your own; feel free to add your favorite herbs, spices, or even a mix of vegetables like corn or green beans. The recipe provides a foundational base, so you can stick with classic salt and pepper or layer in your preferred seasonings for a personalized touch that your family will adore.

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Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

It doesn’t get much tastier or more satisfying than a Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole! This truly is one of our favorite weeknight dinner recipes, bringing all the beloved flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger into an easy-to-manage casserole format. Loaded with savory ground beef, plenty of melted cheese, and crispy bacon bits, this dish cooks in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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John Wayne Casserole

Have you ever heard of the legendary John Wayne Casserole? Beyond its interesting origin story, what truly matters is that this beef and biscuit casserole is absolutely delicious and deeply satisfying! Featuring a hearty layer of seasoned ground beef, a vibrant mix of vegetables, and a comforting biscuit topping, it’s a dish that embodies robust flavors and wholesome goodness, perfect for a family dinner.

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Ground Beef Casserole

This versatile ground beef casserole is a fantastic solution for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal. It’s generously loaded with flavorful hamburger meat, sautéed onions and peppers, diced tomatoes, and tender pasta, all perfectly seasoned and then topped with a blanket of melted cheese. This makes for a complete and utterly delicious meal in one dish, sure to please everyone at your table.

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Shepherd’s Pie

This classic recipe for Shepherd’s Pie delivers a comforting and wholesome casserole meal perfect for any night of the week. It features a rich and savory ground beef filling, often mixed with tender vegetables like peas and carrots, all crowned with a fluffy, golden-brown mashed potato topping. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl, ideal for family dinners.

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Lasagna Roll Ups

Lasagna roll ups offer a fun and convenient twist on a classic Italian dish. They are absolutely perfect for prepping ahead of time, making them a fantastic freezer-friendly option that turns weeknights into a breeze! Each individual roll-up delivers all the rich, cheesy, meaty goodness of traditional lasagna in a perfectly portioned package, ideal for individual servings or easy meal management.

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Pizza Lasagna

Pizza lovers and lasagna fans, rejoice and unite in this uniquely tasty casserole! Pizza Lasagna combines the best of both worlds: the cheesy, savory goodness of your favorite pizza toppings layered with the comforting structure of lasagna noodles and rich sauce. It’s an innovative and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for a fun family dinner or a party, offering a creative twist on two beloved classics.

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Italian Lasagna

This classic Italian Lasagna recipe holds a special place in our hearts, stemming from the back of an old Creamette lasagna noodle box from years gone by. It’s a testament to timeless flavors, and I’ve proudly been making this specific lasagna recipe for over 20 years! Layers of rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and creamy ricotta cheese make this a deeply satisfying and consistently delicious dish that’s perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.

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Chili and Cornbread Stuffed Peppers

A brilliant fusion of two comfort food favorites, these Chili and Cornbread Stuffed Peppers are a meal in themselves! A tender, vibrant bell pepper provides the perfect flavorful vehicle for a generous, savory filling of hearty chili and classic cornbread. This unique combination creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes, making for a truly satisfying and wholesome dinner that’s both fun to eat and surprisingly easy to prepare.

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Taco Casserole

Looking to add an exciting twist to your next Taco Tuesday? Try this delicious Taco Casserole! It packs all the beloved taco fixings – seasoned ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings – into one incredibly easy-to-make casserole. This fuss-free dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite, delivering big taco flavor with minimal effort.

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Ramen Noodle & Beef Skillet

This Ramen Noodle & Beef Skillet is the ultimate quick and satisfying meal, perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table in a flash. Combining savory ground beef with tender ramen noodles and a flavorful sauce, all cooked in a single pan, it’s a budget-friendly dish that’s bursting with delicious Asian-inspired flavors. Forget takeout and whip up this easy, comforting skillet meal!

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Zesty Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef Recipes

Bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your kitchen with these exciting ground beef recipes. From crunchy tacos to savory empanadas and hearty casseroles, these dishes are designed to be both delicious and fun, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual entertaining. Don’t forget to explore our homemade taco and enchilada seasonings for an authentic flavor boost!

Taco Empanadas

These taco empanadas are incredibly easy to make, remarkably kid-friendly, and an absolutely perfect way to use up any leftover taco meat you might have. Sometimes, the most simple meals turn out to be the absolute best, and these empanadas are a prime example. Featuring a crispy, golden crust filled with savory taco-seasoned ground beef and cheese, they’re a delightful handheld meal or appetizer that everyone will love.

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Beef and Bean Oven Tacos

Prepare to add these to your Taco Tuesday must-make list, because these beef and bean oven tacos are destined to be a new family favorite. Baking tacos in the oven ensures that the shells get perfectly crispy while the flavorful ground beef and bean filling stays warm and juicy. It’s an efficient and delicious way to serve up tacos for a crowd, making dinner simple and fun.

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Taco Bell Enchirito Copycat

Relive your fast-food favorites with this incredible Taco Bell Enchirito Copycat recipe! Taco Bell describes this iconic dish as “a warm, soft flour tortilla wrapped around seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, diced onions, real cheddar cheese, and tangy red sauce.” Now, you don’t have to leave your home to enjoy this delicious and comforting meal; you can make it from scratch, exactly how you like it!

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Taco Pasta Salad

This refreshing Taco Pasta Salad offers a delightful twist on traditional taco night, making it an excellent dish for potlucks, picnics, or warm-weather gatherings. It’s loaded with savory ground beef, juicy ripe tomatoes, tender black beans, and an abundance of delicious cheese, all tossed with pasta in a zesty, creamy dressing. This cold pasta salad makes a fantastic and flavorful addition to your next party spread or as a light, satisfying meal.

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Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme

Why go out when you can recreate your favorite fast-food indulgence at home? This Copycat Crunchwrap Supreme recipe delivers all the iconic layers and flavors of the Taco Bell classic right in your kitchen. Featuring seasoned ground beef, a crispy tostada shell, tangy sour cream, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and melted cheese, all neatly wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and grilled to perfection. It’s a fun and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to master.

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Loaded Nachos

Loaded Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a perfect game day recipe, guaranteed to satisfy any craving! Piled high with crispy tortilla chips, savory ground beef, a generous layer of melted cheesy goodness, and an array of fresh toppings like jalapeños, olives, and salsa, these nachos are hearty, flavorful, and incredibly fun to share. They’re a delicious and interactive meal or appetizer that brings joy to any gathering!

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Beef & Bean Quesadillas

Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, these Beef & Bean Quesadillas are a fantastic option for a speedy lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. Crispy tortillas are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, tender beans, and gooey melted cheese, then cooked until golden brown. Serve them with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a customizable and delicious meal everyone will love.

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Mini Taco Bowls

These adorable Mini Taco Bowls are a fantastic way to serve up individual portions of taco goodness, perfect for parties, appetizers, or a fun family meal. Crispy edible bowls are filled with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings, allowing everyone to customize their own. They’re easy to eat, less messy than traditional tacos, and always a hit with both kids and adults!

Classic & Comforting Ground Beef Dinners

Sometimes, nothing beats a classic. This selection of ground beef dinners brings you timeless recipes that are hearty, comforting, and have been family favorites for generations. From savory Salisbury steaks to perfectly glazed meatloaves, these dishes promise satisfying meals that evoke warmth and nostalgia.

Salisbury Steaks

If you have fond memories of enjoying On-cor Salisbury steaks as a child, you simply must try this homemade version! Our Salisbury Steaks recipe elevates the classic TV dinner to a whole new level of deliciousness. Featuring tender, perfectly seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich, savory mushroom gravy, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will take you straight back to your childhood, but with all the fresh flavors of a home-cooked dish.

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Quaker Oats Meatloaf

This Quaker Oats Meatloaf recipe offers a delicious and moist twist on the traditional meatloaf, using oats to bind the mixture and create a tender, flavorful texture. It’s a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and always a hit for family dinner. Simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying meal, often served with a savory glaze, that’s perfect alongside mashed potatoes and green beans.

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The Best Meatloaf Recipe Ever

Meatloaf is the quintessential classic comfort food, and this recipe truly lives up to its name as the best meatloaf recipe ever. It’s a no-fail, never fall apart, juicy, and incredibly delicious dinner that will become a staple in your home. With its perfect texture and rich, savory flavor, often enhanced by a delectable homemade glaze, this meatloaf promises a satisfying meal that everyone will eagerly gather around the table for.

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Mummy Meatloaf

Halloween is known for its spooky fun and treats, but it’s not usually a holiday we celebrate with an elaborate dinner. However, why not make mealtime part of the festivities? This Mummy Meatloaf is not only a delicious and comforting dinner but also a fantastic conversation starter! Wrapped in “bandages” of pastry or mashed potatoes, it’s a creative and festive way to enjoy a hearty meatloaf, delighting both kids and adults with its playful presentation.

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Delectable Ground Beef Pasta Dishes

The perfect marriage of rich ground beef and comforting pasta creates truly satisfying meals that are beloved worldwide. These ground beef pasta dishes are hearty, flavorful, and often simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for company. Dive into these Italian-inspired classics and creative twists.

Penne Bolognese

Indulge in the rich, slow-simmered goodness of Penne Bolognese, a true Italian classic that brings deep, complex flavors to your table. This hearty dish features a robust meat sauce, traditionally made with ground beef (and sometimes other meats), simmered with aromatic vegetables and tomatoes until incredibly tender and flavorful. Served over al dente penne pasta, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that epitomizes Italian home cooking.
Spaghetti and Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

There’s a reason Spaghetti and Meatballs in Marinara Sauce is a beloved classic across generations. This tried and true family recipe has been passed down for years, bringing authentic Italian flavors to your dinner table. The aroma of the slowly simmering homemade marinara sauce, paired with tender, flavorful meatballs, is enough to make you want to make it over and over again! It’s the ultimate comforting and satisfying pasta dish that always feels like home.

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One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta

This easy one-pot sloppy joe pasta is a dream for busy cooks, serving four hungry people generously, or stretching to serve six when accompanied by a fresh salad and warm bread on the side. All the delicious, messy goodness of sloppy joes is combined with tender pasta, cooked together in a single pot for minimal cleanup. It’s a flavorful, kid-friendly meal that’s both comforting and incredibly convenient.

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Spaghetti Pie

Spaghetti Pie offers a delightful and unexpected twist on traditional spaghetti night. This unique casserole features a cheesy spaghetti crust that forms the base, which is then filled with a savory ground beef and marinara mixture, often topped with even more cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a fun, comforting, and family-friendly dish that’s easy to slice and serve, making it perfect for potlucks or a memorable weeknight dinner.

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Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is an incredibly easy and universally loved dinnertime recipe that will satisfy everyone at the table. It comes together quickly with common, accessible ingredients, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknights. Offering a taste and texture similar to classic lasagna but without all the fuss of layering, this dish features tender ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, baked to bubbly perfection.

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Warming Chili, Soups & Stews with Ground Beef

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili, soup, or stew to comfort the soul, especially on a chilly day. Ground beef lends itself beautifully to these hearty, flavorful liquid meals, providing a robust base and satisfying texture. Explore these recipes that are perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a crowd.

Homemade Chili

This super easy homemade chili recipe is incredibly versatile and utterly delicious. It’s perfect as is, offering a robust and comforting flavor profile, or you can use it as a fantastic starter recipe to create your own fabulous culinary creation. The secret to its incredible taste lies in our homemade seasoning, which brings a depth of flavor far beyond anything from a packet. It’s a hearty meal that’s great on its own or loaded with your favorite toppings.

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Oven Chili Dogs

Hot dogs topped with a simple yet incredibly flavorful chili, melted pepper jack cheese, and fresh green onions – these oven chili dogs are always a crowd favorite! Baking them in the oven makes for easy preparation and ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy goodness. They’re ideal for casual gatherings, game nights, or a fun family dinner that everyone can customize.

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Chili Mac

A hot, hearty bowl of chili mac is the ultimate comfort food fusion, perfect for a satisfying dinner or when friends come over to watch the game! This dish expertly combines the robust flavors of savory chili with tender macaroni pasta, creating a rich and fulfilling meal in one pot. It’s an easy, economical, and incredibly delicious way to bring warmth and flavor to your table, especially on a cool evening.

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3 Bean Chili

This Three Bean Chili is a robust and delicious weeknight meal that’s also awesome as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week. Packed with savory ground beef and a trio of hearty beans, this chili offers a wonderful depth of flavor and texture. It’s great for packing into containers and taking to work for a satisfying and easy lunch, ensuring you always have a wholesome meal ready to go.

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Amanda’s Meatball Soup

Experience the comforting embrace of Amanda’s Meatball Soup, a deeply satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for chasing away the chill. This delightful soup features tender, flavorful meatballs simmering in a rich, savory broth, often accompanied by tender vegetables and pasta. It’s a wholesome and nourishing dish that feels like a homemade hug, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner on any evening.

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Hamburger Stew

This Hamburger Stew is the epitome of hearty, delicious, simple, and comforting home cooking. With a delightful Italian twist, this stew features savory ground beef simmered with a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth, often infused with classic Italian herbs. It’s an incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy evening and is absolutely delicious when served alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping.

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Fantastic Ground Beef Sandwiches & Appetizers

Ground beef isn’t just for main courses; it also shines in these incredible handheld meals and crowd-pleasing appetizers. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together, a game day party, or simply looking for a fun twist on lunch or dinner, these recipes offer exciting ways to enjoy ground beef beyond the traditional dinner plate.

Slow Cooker BBQ Meatball Subs

Easy slow cooker BBQ meatball subs are a brilliant way to switch up the dinner routine and enjoy a flavorful, fuss-free meal. The tender meatballs cook low and slow in a simple, tangy homemade BBQ sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When it’s time for dinner, simply toast some rolls, pile on the saucy meatballs, and top with some melty cheese for a satisfying sandwich. Psst! Want to make it even easier? Just substitute your favorite jarred BBQ sauce for the homemade recipe listed below.

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Guinea Grinder: Iowa State Fair Food

For a taste of pure Americana and state fair nostalgia, look no further than the iconic Guinea Grinder! Hailing from the Iowa State Fair, this unique sandwich features a savory, well-seasoned ground beef mixture piled high on a submarine roll, often topped with melty cheese and other fresh ingredients. It’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that brings the fun and excitement of the fair right into your home kitchen, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.

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Best Ever Burgers

If you love burgers as much as we do, you know that your condiments can totally make or break the meal. These Best Ever Burgers feature perfectly grilled, juicy ground beef patties that are elevated by our incredible special sauce, transforming ordinary hamburgers into an extraordinary culinary experience! With a secret ingredient that makes them irresistible, these burgers are a must-try for your next barbecue or casual meal.
Meatball Stuffed Biscuits

These meatball stuffed biscuits are a flaky, golden-brown treat with a delicious, meaty surprise in the center! Each tender biscuit encases a savory meatball, creating a perfect bite-sized delight. They are incredibly easy to make and serve as a fantastic appetizer for parties, a fun snack, or even a light meal when paired with a side salad. Don’t forget to serve them with a warm marinara sauce for dipping to truly complete this delicious experience.

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Zucchini Boats

Stuffed zucchini boats are a savory, delicious, and incredibly healthy dinner option, perfectly packed with lean protein from ground beef and a generous serving of fresh vegetables. This creative recipe transforms humble zucchini into flavorful edible vessels, making for a satisfying low-carb meal that’s both wholesome and easy to prepare. It’s an excellent way to enjoy your vegetables while indulging in hearty, well-seasoned ground beef.

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Essential Mixes & Sauces for Ground Beef Meals

Elevate your ground beef creations from good to unforgettable with these essential homemade mixes and sauces. While the ground beef is the star, these supporting elements truly bring your dishes to life, infusing them with fresh, vibrant flavors that you just can’t get from store-bought alternatives. Mastering these basics will transform your cooking and add a personal touch to every meal.

Homemade Hamburger Buns

There’s something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread, and when I started seeing recipes for homemade hamburger buns around the Internet, I knew I had to try it. These Homemade Hamburger Buns are soft, fluffy, and far superior to anything you’ll find pre-packaged at the grocery store. They provide the perfect foundation for your best-ever burgers or any ground beef sandwich, adding an extra layer of freshness and flavor to your meal.

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Homemade Taco Seasoning

It’s time to ditch those grocery store taco seasoning packets for good! Once you make your own homemade taco seasoning mix, you’ll truly never turn back. This blend of fresh, aromatic spices tastes infinitely better than any pre-packaged alternative, allowing you to control the flavor and sodium levels. It’s an essential staple for any Mexican-inspired ground beef dish, bringing authentic and vibrant flavors to your tacos, burritos, and more.

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Make Your Own Chili Seasoning

Why settle for pre-packaged envelopes when making your own homemade chili seasoning is incredibly easy and yields a flavor that’s so much richer and more authentic? This simple blend of spices allows you to customize the heat and aroma to your liking, ensuring your chili is always perfectly seasoned. It’s an essential secret weapon for any chili recipe, promising a depth of flavor that will impress everyone!

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Homemade Enchilada Sauce

This Homemade Enchilada Sauce is brimming with rich, authentic flavor that will transform any enchilada dish. It’s the perfect complement, whether you’re making pork, chicken, beef, or even vegetarian-style enchiladas. Forget canned sauces and embrace the vibrant, complex notes of a homemade blend that’s easy to prepare and truly elevates your Mexican cooking to restaurant-quality status.

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We hope this extensive collection of ground beef dinner ideas has sparked your culinary creativity! From quick weeknight fixes to comforting family classics and exciting international flavors, ground beef truly is a staple that can do it all. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or add your own unique twists to these recipes. Ground beef is forgiving and always delicious!

What are you cooking up with ground beef next? We’d absolutely love to hear about your favorite new discoveries or cherished family recipe ideas in the comments below. Happy cooking!

This post originally appeared here on Sep 15, 2015, and has been updated with fresh ideas and expanded content for today’s cooks.