Wondering what to make with a pound of ground beef you have in your fridge? You can easily feed the whole family and do so with lots of flavors and style!
These are my favorite ground beef recipes for dinner, from comforting soups to quick noodles and hearty casseroles. This collection literally has it all, and it can be your go-to cookbook for things you can cook with 1-2 lbs of ground beef.
Gina’s Recipe Rundown:
Why I love it: When you’ve got ground beef, you’ve got options. These recipes prove that a single pound can turn into comfort food classics, quick weeknight fixes, or even fun twists for game night. Bookmark or pin a few of these so the next time you’ll know exactly where to start.
If I had to pick one ground beef recipe I make on repeat, it would definitely be my one-pot lasagna soup you’ll find below!
Ground Beef and Noodles
Egg noodles and savory beef sauce make this one-pan skillet meal creamy, filling, and simple to pull off. A cozy ground beef recipe for dinner that even little picky eaters will approve.
Get the recipe: Ground Beef and Noodles
Crockpot Mexican Casserole
This hearty casserole layers ground beef, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and tortillas, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a flavorful, colorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy to assemble and perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the recipe: Crockpot Mexican Casserole
Beef Macaroni Soup
This soup blends ground beef, tender pasta, and veggies in a tomato-based broth that’s full of nostalgic flavor. It’s kid-friendly, filling, and made in one pot. A weeknight winner for fall soups on a budget.
Get the recipe: Beef Macaroni Soup
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Instead of plain beans, this dish mixes in browned beef, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar for a sweet-savory dinner that’s more filling than a side. It’s one of those ground beef recipes for dinner that works on busy weeknights but can also feed a crowd at a cookout.
Get the recipe: Baked Beans with Ground Beef
Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole layers ground beef, zucchini, and gooey cheese for a cozy, family-friendly bake. It’s quick to prep and bakes up with crispy edges and melty goodness. This one’s freezer-friendly and picky-eater approved. Plus, it is low-carb as this casserole doesn’t use rice.
Get the recipe: Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Skip the Chinese takeout tonight with this simple recipe! Noodles get tossed with beef in a sweet-savory soy glaze for a 20-minute meal. Great when you need what to make with a pound of ground beef but want it to feel takeout-style.
Get the recipe: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato is a perfect fall dinner that is both delicious and healthy. Cubed sweet potatoes and spiced ground beef roast together until tender, making a hearty but wholesome meal. The best part? It is a one-pan recipe.
Get the recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
One skillet holds beef, rice, beans, corn, and plenty of cheese for a quick dinner that’s both filling and colorful. It’s a straightforward win if you’re looking for new ground beef recipes to try.
Get the recipe: Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Goulash in the Crockpot
This hearty pasta dish features ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings slow-cooked until saucy and delicious. It’s rich, filling, and super kid-friendly. A one-pot wonder among fall crockpot meals.
Get the recipe: Goulash in the Crockpot
Korean Beef Bowl
If you add ground beef, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, cook it down and then spoon it over rice with a sprinkle of green onions, you’ll get a delicious 30-minute dinner. It’s a flavor-packed choice that proves ground beef recipes for dinner don’t have to be heavy.
Get the recipe: Korean Beef Bowl
No Bean Chili
If you love chili but want to make it lighter, skip the beans. This recipe uses ground beef with tomatoes and spice to make comfort food for dinner. This hearty option is great for chilly days.
Get the recipe: No Bean Chili
Irish Cottage Pie
This cottage pie is great not only for St Paddy’s day, but anytime you crave some comfort food and have a pound of ground beef sitting around. Very easy and affordable recipe to make for dinner.
Get the recipe: Irish Cottage Pie
Taco Pasta Recipe
Pasta and ground beef get coated in taco seasoning and creamy cheese sauce for a Tex-Mex skillet mashup. Quick to make and fun to eat, it’s a hit for dinner in my house!
Get the recipe: Taco Pasta Recipe
Easy Beef Stroganoff
Ground beef and mushrooms come together in a creamy sauce that coats wide noodles without any fussy steps. When you’re short on time but still want comfort food, this is what to make with a pound of ground beef.
Get the recipe: Easy Beef Stroganoff
Frito Chili Pie
Crunchy corn chips, seasoned beef chili, and gooey cheese stack up into a fun, messy bake. It’s a throw-together option for ground beef dinner that kids especially love.
Get the recipe: Frito Chilli Pie
One Pot Lasagna Soup
All the flavors of lasagna—beef, noodles, marinara, and ricotta—come together in this bold, brothy version of the Italian favorite. One pot, no layering required. A dum and go twist on a timeless crowd favorite recipe that you can make for dinner party or family gathering.
Get the recipe: One Pot Lasagna Soup
Cheeseburger Pasta
Think skillet dinner meets cheeseburger: pasta, ground beef, ketchup, mustard, and melted cheese all tossed together in one pan. Fast enough for a weeknight, it’s a family-friendly pick for recipes using ground beef.
Get the recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta
Tater Tot Casserole
Crispy tater tots cover a cheesy beef and veggie filling, baking into the ultimate comfort food casserole kids will devour. Great if you’re searching for what to make with a pound of ground beef that is easy, cheap, and quick.
Get the recipe: Tater Tot Casserole
Taco Casserole
A base of tortilla chips or tortillas holds spiced beef, salsa, beans, and cheese in this oven-baked taco night twist. Perfect if you’re asking what to make with a pound of ground beef that still feels like a party.
Get the recipe: Taco Casserole
Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
These sliders are better than any fast food and easier to make than you think! Pile seasoned beef and melted cheese onto sweet Hawaiian rolls, then bake until the tops are golden. Great for game day or parties.
Get the recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
This meatloaf gets its savory kick from a packet of onion soup mix and bakes up moist with minimal effort. A Sunday supper classic and one of those pound of ground beef staples.
Get the recipe: Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf
Stuffed Pepper Soup
This hearty one-pot soup features ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and rice simmered in a flavorful broth. All the comfort of stuffed peppers with way less effort. A satisfying staple for fall soups that fills you up fast.
Get the recipe: Stuffed Pepper Soup
John Wayne Casserole
Layers of biscuit crust, seasoned beef, sour cream, and cheese bake into a stacked, Tex-Mex-style old-fashioned casserole. If you’re wondering what to make with a pound of ground beef that feels different, this one delivers.
Get the recipe: John Wayne Casserole
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
A homemade twist on the boxed classic, this copycat version pressure-cooks ground beef, pasta, and cheese into a creamy one-pot meal. Fast, no fuss, and a reliable go-to for ground beef dinner.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Instant Pot Spanish Rice
Ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices combined make a flavorful side that doubles as a full meal. Great when you’re brainstorming what to make for dinner without turning on the oven.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Spanish Rice
With just one pound of ground beef, you can whip up any of these 25 recipes and turn an everyday dinner into something delicious and satisfying.
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