19 Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Want to Cook Every Week

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Ground beef is the weeknight hero — quick to cook, endlessly versatile, and always satisfying. This collection of 19 ground beef recipes has something for every craving: the classics, the comfort foods, and a few unexpected twists you’ll be making on repeat. We’re talking about the rich, slow-simmered flavors of spaghetti bolognese, the creamy comfort of beef and sour cream noodle casserole, and cozy favorites like ultimate cottage pie and traditional homemade meatloaf. You’ll also find global favorites like Greek moussaka, Swedish meatballs, and taco tortellini skillet for when you want dinner with a little flair. Simple, hearty, and totally satisfying — these recipes are ground beef at its best.

Spaghetti Bolognese

A close-up of spaghetti bolognese topped with grated cheese highlights this classic ground beef recipe. The dish features spaghetti noodles mixed with a savory meat and tomato sauce, garnished with shredded cheese, creating a hearty and appetizing appearance.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Let your slow cooker do the work with this rich and flavorful Spaghetti Bolognese! Packed with authentic Italian taste, it simmers to perfection, giving you a delicious meal that’s worth the wait.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Traditional Cottage Pie

Close-up of a shepherd's pie featuring a golden-brown mashed potato topping. Below, there's a mixture of cooked ground meat, peas, carrots, and other vegetables, all in a brown gravy, served on a white plate.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A comfort food classic, this cottage pie is pure coziness. Savory ground beef, carrots, onions, and peas simmer in rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. Hearty, delicious, and soul-warming, it’s the ultimate craving-satisfier.

Get The Recipe: Traditional Cottage Pie

One Pot Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta

Close-up of creamy pasta shells with ground meat, tomatoes, and melted cheese, garnished with chopped herbs. A gold fork rests next to the pasta on the plate—perfect for easy dinners.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Want pure comfort from just one pot? This incredible one-pot pasta packs a huge flavor punch and is unbelievably easy. You’ll get tender pasta, perfectly simmered in a rich, savory tomato-beef sauce, then finished with a luxurious creamy swirl and a generous dusting of Parmesan. It’s hearty, satisfying, and so simple – seriously, prepare for your new favorite weeknight meal!

Get The Recipe: One Pot Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Pasta

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Beef and noodle casserole up close with lots of sauce.Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

This creamy Sour Cream Beef and Noodle Casserole is a hearty, satisfying weeknight winner. Tender noodles, ground beef, and sausage in a rich sauce – easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

Get the Recipe: Beef Noodle Casserole

Beef Empanadas

Golden-brown empanadas filled with savory ground beef, arranged on a parchment-lined baking tray, garnished with cilantro, and accompanied by a small dish of sour cream.Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

These savory homemade beef empanadas are a delight to prepare. The flaky shells encase a delicious filling of seasoned ground beef, creating a mouthwatering snack that’s perfect for game day or any casual gathering.

Get the Recipe: Beef Empanadas

Spaghetti and Meatballs

a close up of Spaghetti and Meatballs on a plate with a forkImage Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Skip the jar! These homemade Italian meatballs are simmered in rich spaghetti sauce for a taste of authentic Italian comfort food.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Ultimate Cottage Pie

A spoon serving cottage pie stopped with cheesy potatoes.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe is a game-changer. The thick, rich gravy is absolutely delicious, and the topping will blow you away!

Get The Recipe: Ultimate Cottage Pie

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Four Italian stuffed bell peppers in vibrant red, orange, and yellow rest on a white plate. Each is filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs, topped with grated cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This colorful dish is sure to delight any crowd! Not only is it an easy and delicious recipe perfect for midweek meals, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to dinner guests!

Get The Recipe: Italian Stuffed Peppers

Creamy Meatball Stew

A pan of creamy meatball stew with potatoes, garnished with green peas and fresh herbs, sits atop a woven mat next to cutlery and a spoonful of sour cream.Photo credit: xoxoBella

You’ll love the rich creaminess of a delectable meatball stew. This classic Swedish meatball dish is not only simple to prepare but has also stood the test of time as a beloved favorite in countless households due to its unparalleled deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Meatball Stew

Hamburger and Rice

A skillet with hamburger and rice garnished with parsley, close-up.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Savor this tasty hamburger and rice recipe any night of the week. This comforting dish is simple to prepare and brimming with savory flavors!

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Moussaka

A slice of Moussaka on a white plate and a fork next to it.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Moussaka is a delightful Mediterranean classic. This version uses either lamb or beef, layers with roasted eggplant, and tops with feta.

Get The Recipe: Moussaka

The Best One Pot Taco Macaroni And Cheese

One Pot Taco Macaroni and Cheese.Photo credit: xoxoBella

Savor the delightful blend of zesty Mexican spices and comforting Italian cheese with this delicious taco macaroni and cheese. Prepared in just one pot using a Dutch oven, this dish comes together in a mere 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: The Best One Pot Taco Macaroni And Cheese

Amazing Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy

Gravy smothering Swedish meatballs in a copper baker.Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

These delectable Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy are crafted with a tantalizing combination of ground beef and pork, expertly seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs. Simmered to perfection in a rich, fragrant brown gravy, this dish boasts a delightful medley of savory flavors.

Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs

Classic Diner-Style Patty Melt

A hand lifts half of a grilled cheese burger sandwich with melted cheese and beef patty, revealing gooey cheese inside—an irresistible twist on classic ground beef recipes. The sandwich is served with golden French fries on a white plate.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Golden, buttery rye bread, juicy beef patties, gooey melted cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy burger sauce—this patty melt is pure comfort food with all the classic diner vibes in every bite.

Get The Recipe: Classic Diner-Style Patty Melt

Pesto Fettuccini With Bolognese Sauce

Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce.Photo credit: xoxoBella

This delightful dish combines homemade Italian beef Bolognese meat sauce with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. If you have a love for hearty Italian cuisine, you won’t want to miss out on trying this exquisite pesto fettuccine with Bolognese recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini With Bolognese Sauce

Taco Tortellini Skillet With Ground Beef

A skillet with cooked tortellini, ground beef, melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and garnished with fresh parsley provides a delightful twist to traditional ground beef recipes.Photo credit: Busy Day Dinners

With just 6 ingredients, you can make a cheesy and easy Taco Tortilla Skillet with ground beef. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Get the Recipe: Taco Tortellini Skillet With Ground Beef

Italian Meatballs

Meatballs in sauce being served with a spoon.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe produces generous meatballs, perfect for feeding a large group! Prepare a big batch for dinner and freeze the leftovers for a convenient meal whenever you need it.

Get The Recipe: Italian Meatballs

Classic Chili Con Carne

Classic Chili Con Carne served on a bed of white rice.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This comforting and hearty Classic Chili Con Carne recipe is perfect for a family meal or for serving to friends at a casual dinner party.

Get The Recipe: Classic Chili Con Carne

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

A sliced meatloaf on a serving dish.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Traditional Homemade Meatloaf recipe is moist, tender, and flavorful. Once you try it, you’ll cherish this recipe forever!

Get The Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Salisbury Steak

A close-up of Salisbury Steak covered in savory brown mushroom and onion gravy, with sliced mushrooms and onions visible. A spoon rests in the rich sauce in a dark skillet.Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Dinner dilemma no more! Whip up an amazing Salisbury Steak in just 30 minutes and watch your family beam. Transform weeknights into a mouth-watering, stress-free feast everyone will rave about!

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

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