Weeknight Wins Start with These Ground Beef Ideas

Busy weeknights call for meals that are quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. Ground beef is a go-to for good reason it’s versatile, affordable, and cooks fast. Whether you’re feeding family or just yourself, it makes dinner prep feel less like a chore.

From one-pan meals to hearty stuffed peppers, ground beef can be the base for all kinds of weeknight winners. These recipes strike a great balance between comfort and convenience, without needing anything fancy or time-consuming.

With just a few pantry staples and simple steps, you’ll be able to whip up something delicious in no time. These ideas are perfect when you want real food that works with real life.

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

This version simmers all day for deep flavor with barely any effort. Serve it the traditional way over spaghetti and top it with cheese and onions. The unique spice mix makes it a standout.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Taco Pasta Salad

Perfect for potlucks or make-ahead lunches, this pasta salad mixes taco-seasoned beef, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing. It’s hearty, colorful, and super simple to prep. Serve it cold or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef

Hearty and tangy, this casserole brings together ground beef, sauerkraut, and noodles or rice in a filling bake. It’s a great way to use pantry staples. The sauerkraut gives it a little twist that’s surprisingly cozy.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut Casserole with Ground Beef

Enchilada Meatballs

These meatballs come packed with familiar enchilada flavors, making them a fun, saucy alternative to traditional versions. Bake them or simmer in sauce and pair with rice or tortillas. A good make-ahead freezer option, too.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos

Think classic taco night, but without the shells. These are easy to customize and keep things light without missing any of the flavor. Use lettuce wraps, cheese shells, or low-carb tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ground Beef Low Carb Tacos

Tater Tot Taco Casserole

A kid (and adult) favorite, this recipe layers taco-seasoned beef with veggies, cheese, and crispy tater tots on top. It’s crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. A total crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Taco Casserole

Walking Taco Casserole

All the fun of a walking taco, just baked into one big, easy dish. Layers of ground beef, cheese, and crushed chips come together fast. Great for feeding a crowd or picky eaters.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Taco Rice Skillet

This one-pan meal is full of bold flavor and comes together quickly with ground beef, rice, and taco spices. It’s super flexible—add your favorite toppings right before serving. Leftovers are solid for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

All the flavor of stuffed peppers, no stuffing required. The pressure cooker makes this a quick, hearty meal with minimal prep. Bell peppers, beef, and rice make it filling and freezer-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Sweet and savory with a hint of tang, these meatballs are quick to make and perfect over rice. The Instant Pot keeps things tender and cuts down cook time. Great for meal prep or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Hoisin Beef

Sweet and savory beef stir-fried with hoisin sauce and veggies, this comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. It’s a nice switch from your usual ground beef recipes.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Fast and full of flavor, this version of a classic sandwich comes together quickly with the Instant Pot. The sauce is rich and slightly sweet, perfect on buns or over rice. Great for batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Quick, bold, and just a little sweet—this dish comes together fast with ground beef and a garlicky sauce. Serve it over rice for an easy, comforting meal. A great pick when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Slow Cooker Maid Rite

This loose meat sandwich simmers low and slow for ultra-tender results. It’s simple, seasoned just right, and great piled high on soft buns. Add pickles or mustard for that extra touch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Maid Rite

Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef

This low-carb version skips the noodles but keeps all the layers of meat, cheese, and sauce you love. It’s rich without being heavy, and you won’t miss the pasta. Easy to assemble ahead.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Lasagna with Ground Beef

Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

All the flavors of stuffed zucchini, but way easier. This bake uses ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and chopped zucchini for a no-fuss meal. A smart way to use up garden produce.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

Air Fryer Empanadas

Golden and crisp without the oil, these air fryer empanadas are stuffed with seasoned ground beef. They’re quick to prep and perfect as a snack, lunch, or party food. Try with salsa or sour cream on the side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Empanadas

Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

This one’s cheesy, creamy, and full of Philly-inspired flavor. Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it go—easy comfort food at its best. The tortellini soak up all the good stuff.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

Hamburger Potato Casserole

Layers of sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy sauce make this one cozy dish. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a family. The leftovers reheat well, too.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Potato Casserole