17 Ground Beef Ideas That Keep Dinner Simple

Weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated. With a pack of ground beef and a few pantry staples, you can whip up something easy and filling in no time. These ideas are all about saving time without cutting corners on flavor.

From classic comfort food to quick skillet meals, there’s something here for every kind of craving. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a low-effort dinner, ground beef is a great go-to.

You’ll find plenty of variety think tacos, casseroles, one-pot wonders, and more. These meals are simple to pull together, practical for busy nights, and full of everyday ingredients you probably already have.

Hamburger Potato Casserole

This comforting classic layers tender potatoes with seasoned ground beef and a creamy sauce. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes seconds pretty much expected. Perfect for busy nights when you need something hearty and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A quick stovetop option that brings together ground beef and crisp-tender broccoli in a savory sauce. It’s a great alternative to takeout and comes together fast with pantry staples. Serve over rice for a simple, well-rounded meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

Taco Pasta Salad

All the bold taco flavors you love, tossed with pasta and fresh toppings like tomatoes, olives, and shredded cheese. It’s ideal for potlucks, summer dinners, or just when you’re craving something chilled yet filling. Easy to prep ahead and customize.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Taco Rice Skillet

This one-pan meal is loaded with spiced beef, rice, and all your favorite taco add-ins. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and makes cleanup a breeze. Top with sour cream, salsa, or avocado for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Sweet and savory come together with these pineapple-glazed meatballs made fast in the Instant Pot. Great over rice or skewered with veggies, they bring a little tropical twist to weeknight dinners. Leftovers are just as good—if not better.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Tater Tot Taco Casserole

A fun mash-up of taco night and comfort food, topped with golden tater tots. Ground beef, cheese, and beans make it a complete meal the whole table can agree on. Pop it in the oven and let it do the work.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Taco Casserole

Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

This baked dish blends the ease of ground beef with the texture of broccoli and a creamy base. It’s a cozy option for a family dinner that doesn’t take much effort. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top and it’s good to go.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

All the cheesesteak flavors slow-cooked with tender pasta in one creamy, cheesy dish. The tortellini soaks up the rich flavors while the beef stays juicy and flavorful. Just set it, forget it, and come back to a full dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

Cheeseburger Skillet

Think all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but in one easy skillet meal. With pasta or potatoes, ground beef, and cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together fast. Ideal for when you want something homemade but low-effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet

Enchilada Meatballs

These meatballs are rolled with familiar Mexican-inspired spices and finished in a rich, saucy layer. Whether served over rice or tucked into a tortilla, they bring a fun twist to traditional enchiladas. Great for batch cooking or freezing.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

All the messy, saucy goodness of the classic sandwich—just made quicker with the help of an Instant Pot. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, and pairs well with chips or slaw. Kid-approved and freezer-friendly too.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

All the best parts of stuffed zucchini, but without the fuss of hollowing them out. Ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs bake with zucchini slices for a veggie-forward meal. It’s light, flavorful, and comes together in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

Ginger Ground Beef Stir

Ground beef gets a flavorful twist with fresh ginger and a touch of soy, perfect for a fast stir-fry. Pair with rice or noodles and toss in whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s an easy way to switch up your usual dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Ground Beef Stir

Easy Smothered Burritos

Stuffed tortillas covered in a rich, savory sauce and baked until everything’s melty and warm. This recipe makes a hearty meal that feels like a treat but is actually pretty easy to pull together. Great for feeding a hungry crowd.
Get the Recipe: Easy Smothered Burrito

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

These burgers are packed with rich flavor thanks to smoky bacon and creamy avocado. Ready in under half an hour, they’re perfect for when you’re short on time but want something that hits the spot. Serve with fries or a simple side salad.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

Slow Cooker Maid Rite

This slow cooker version of a classic loose meat sandwich is all about simple ingredients and big flavor. It cooks low and slow for maximum taste without much hands-on time. Great for game days or casual family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Maid Rite

Taco Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers are filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and all the taco fixings in this colorful dish. They bake until perfectly tender and can be topped with cheese, salsa, or sour cream. A wholesome twist on taco night.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Peppers