Simple Ground Beef Recipes That Save School Nights

Weeknights can get hectic, and figuring out what to cook doesn’t need to add to the stress. Ground beef is a reliable option that’s quick to cook, budget-friendly, and easy to keep on hand. It’s a solid base for meals that come together fast without skimping on flavor.

Whether you’ve got 15 minutes or a little more time to prep, these recipes cover a range of go-to meals. Think one-pan dinners, family favorites, and freezer-friendly options that don’t require complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Great for beginners or seasoned home cooks alike, these ideas take the guesswork out of dinner. You’ll be able to whip up something hearty and crowd-pleasing, even on your busiest days.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

This dish takes everything you love about a classic sloppy joe and turns it into a hearty, oven-baked meal. It’s rich, saucy, and topped with golden, crispy layers that bring the whole thing together. Great for feeding a crowd or using up leftover buns.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

Quick to cook and easy to clean up, this one-pan meal combines seasoned ground beef with rice for a filling dinner. It’s the kind of go-to recipe you can tweak depending on what veggies or spices you have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

Taco Pasta Salad

Cool, creamy, and full of taco flavor, this pasta salad is a fun twist on two familiar favorites. It’s great as a side or main and holds up well for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep. Toss in your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

This simple skillet pulls together tender cabbage and seasoned beef for a warm, hearty combo. It’s budget-friendly and made with just a few basic ingredients. Perfect when you’re craving comfort food without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Enchilada Meatballs

These meatballs pack all the flavor of enchiladas without the rolling or baking. Covered in sauce and easy to serve with rice or on their own, they’re a fun option for dinner or even party bites. Great if you want something familiar but with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

This dish is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with beef and rice for a full meal in one pan. It’s family-friendly and freezer-friendly, making it ideal for planning ahead. Plus, it’s easy to sneak in veggies without anyone noticing.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

Taco Rice Skillet

Think of this as taco night made even easier all the bold flavors, but everything cooks together in one pan. The rice soaks up all the seasoning, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Add sour cream, avocado, or chips for extra fun.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

This dish brings together ground beef, spices, and veggies for a warm, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. It’s flexible enough to serve over rice, stuff in tortillas, or eat as-is. Great way to shake up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Sweet, savory, and just a bit tangy, these meatballs cook fast thanks to the Instant Pot. Pineapple and sauce coat each bite, making them perfect over rice or noodles. A fun mix of flavors without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

This one is all about comfort—layers of noodles, beef, and a creamy cheese blend. It’s filling, fuss-free, and reheats like a dream. Perfect for feeding a hungry family with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

Tater Tot Taco Casserole

Taco-seasoned beef topped with crispy tater tots—what’s not to love? This casserole is fun, crowd-pleasing, and easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings. Great for casual dinners or feeding guests.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Taco Casserole

Ground Beef Stir Fry

A quick and flavorful option when you want something lighter but still hearty. This stir fry is packed with veggies and comes together fast with pantry staples. Serve it over rice or noodles for an easy win.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Slow Cooker Maid Rite

This recipe gives you that classic loose meat sandwich with minimal hands-on time. Let the slow cooker do the work while the flavors build slowly throughout the day. Great for make-ahead lunches or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Maid Rite

Honey Habanero Tacos

A little sweet, a little spicy—these tacos are bold without being overpowering. The honey mellows out the heat, making them flavorful but still family-friendly. Ideal for when you want to try something new but not complicated.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos

Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

All the goodness of stuffed zucchini, minus the scooping and stuffing. This casserole is simple, filling, and a great way to use up summer produce. It also works well for meal prep or as a veggie-packed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Everything cooks in one pan for a pasta dinner that’s easy to throw together and even easier to clean up. The beef adds richness, while the sauce ties it all together. It’s a good fallback recipe for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

This dish blends cheesesteak flavors with cheesy pasta for a rich, cozy meal. The slow cooker handles the heavy lifting, so you can just set it and go. It’s a unique combo that still feels familiar.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

Taco Potato Casserole

Layers of seasoned ground beef, potatoes, and cheese make this dish warm and filling. It’s like a mash-up of taco night and comfort food, baked until bubbly. Easy to prep ahead and even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Taco Potato Casserole

Hamburger Potato Casserole

Simple ingredients come together in this baked dish full of beef, potatoes, and creamy sauce. It’s a back-pocket recipe for when you need something hearty but don’t want to overthink it. Great with a side salad or steamed veggies.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that pairs really well with savory beef in this quick skillet. It’s nutritious, filling, and comes together fast in one pan. A solid choice if you’re looking for something wholesome but flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Taco Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers make the perfect edible bowl for taco-seasoned beef and rice. They’re colorful, fun to serve, and easy to prep ahead. A lighter take on taco night that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Peppers