Quick and Affordable Ground Beef Meals Fit for the Entire Family
From hearty casseroles to quick skillet meals, ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can help you whip up delicious and affordable family dinners in no time. Here are some simple and budget-friendly recipes to try on your next hectic weeknight.
Cowboy Casserole With Cornbread
Topped with a quick cornbread topping and baked to perfection, Cowboy Casserole With Cornbread is the ultimate comfort food. This dish is packed with flavour and will surely become a family favourite.
Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers
Hearty, savoury, and delicious, Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers are a great option for those looking for a healthier meal. These peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, making them a perfect addition to any weekly meal plan.
Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Made in under 30 minutes, Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is an affordable and easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights. With its creamy sauce and tender pasta, this dish is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Spicy Rigatoni with Meat Sauce
If you're looking for a simple dish with a kick of spice, look no further than Spicy Rigatoni with Meat Sauce. This dish can be enjoyed in just 35 minutes and is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening.
Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage Rolls are a fall tradition and a delicious recipe from Spend with Pennies. These rolls are filled with a flavourful mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices, and are wrapped in tender cabbage leaves.
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are a new take on the classic, making them effortlessly in the crockpot for the perfect weeknight dinner idea. With their tangy flavour and tender ground beef, these joes are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Hobo Casserole
Hobo Casserole can be made over the campfire or in your kitchen for a delicious family meal. This dish is packed with flavour and is a great way to use up any leftovers you may have.
American Goulash
American Goulash is a comfort food recipe made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles. This dish is hearty, easy to make, and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Perfect served over rice for an easy and tasty weeknight dinner, Crockpot Sweet and Sour Meatballs are a great option for those looking for a hands-off meal. With their sweet and tangy flavour, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Sloppy Joe Casserole combines savoury ground beef, tangy ketchup, and sweet brown sugar, all topped with a golden, fluffy cornbread layer. This dish is hearty, easy to make, and perfect for a cold winter's night.
Tator Tot Casserole
A frugal and hearty dinner that feeds a large family, Tator Tot Casserole is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly meal. With its creamy sauce and crispy tots, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Tomato Macaroni Soup
A family favourite for cold weather, Tomato Macaroni Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make meal. This soup is packed with flavour and is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Instant Pot Taco Pie
An easy and delicious dinner to make in your Instant Pot, Instant Pot Taco Pie is a great option for those looking for a hands-off meal. With its flavourful filling and crispy crust, this pie is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Shepherd's Pie
A classic comfort food, Shepherd's Pie is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With its hearty filling and creamy topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Cheeseburger Pasta
Combined with macaroni and baked with mozzarella cheese, parmesan, pepperoni, Italian Seasoning, and served with a side salad and Italian bread, Cheeseburger Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner.
Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls
Filled with everything you love in a Philly cheesesteak but without all the extra fat, Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls are a healthier alternative to the traditional dish. With their crispy exterior and melted cheese, these egg rolls are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ground beef can be frozen for 3-4 months
When freezing ground beef, it is recommended to separate it into 1lb. packages and place in Ziploc quart-size freezer bags. This will make it easier to thaw and use in recipes.
Mexican Taco Soup with Black Beans
A hearty and flavourful dish, Mexican Taco Soup with Black Beans is loaded with tender beef mince, black beans, and a blend of homemade Mexican seasoning. This soup is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Cheeseburgers
A healthier alternative to traditional grilled burgers, Air Fryer Cheeseburgers are a great option for those looking for a quick and easy dinner. With their crispy exterior and melted cheese, these burgers are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Beef Enchilada Casserole
A family-friendly casserole packed with hearty, wholesome ingredients, Beef Enchilada Casserole is a great option for those looking for a comforting dinner. With its flavourful filling and cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Hamburger Soup
An easy-to-make and comforting meal, Hamburger Soup is great for busy days. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavour, this soup is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ground beef casserole recipes are the best option for chilly fall days and make a perfect comforting dinner
From Cowboy Casserole With Cornbread to Beef Enchilada Casserole, there are several ground beef casserole recipes to choose from. These dishes are perfect for chilly fall days and make a perfect comforting dinner.
There are several ground beef pasta dishes provided, including skillet lasagna and pizza pasta bake
From Cheeseburger Pasta to Shepherd's Pie, there are several ground beef pasta dishes to choose from. These dishes are easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Instant Pot Goulash is a one-pot meal that is easy to make and beloved by families
With its hearty flavour and easy preparation, Instant Pot Goulash is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy dinner. With its flavourful filling and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Healthy Stuffed Peppers with ground beef make the perfect budget-friendly weeknight dinner
Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and satisfying meal that should be frequently added to any weekly meal plan. With their flavourful filling and healthy ingredients, these peppers are a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly meal.
There are several easy ground beef recipes provided, including tacos, burritos, spaghetti and meatballs, and meatball subs
From Taco Soup to Air Fryer Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, there are several easy ground beef recipes to choose from. These dishes are perfect for busy weeknights and budget-conscious cooking.
Ground beef can last up to 2-3 days in the fridge before it needs to be cooked, or up to 4 days after cooking at 160o F
When stored properly, ground beef can last for several days in the fridge. It is important to store it properly to ensure its safety and quality.
Cheesy beef enchilada pasta combines macaroni, seasoned ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and enchilada sauce for a simple and quick pasta dinner
With its cheesy filling and flavourful sauce, Cheesy Beef Enchilada Pasta is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a delicious Asian dish made on the griddle or in a skillet in about 20 minutes
With their flavourful sauce and tender noodles, Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles are a great option for those looking for an Asian-inspired dish. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Chili is a versatile dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways and is often served with cornbread and tortilla chips
From classic Chili to Homemade Ground Beef Chili, there are several chili recipes to choose from. This dish is perfect for a cold winter's night and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Homemade Ground Beef Chili is loaded with classic flavour and is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining
With its hearty ingredients and rich flavour, Homemade Ground Beef Chili is a great option for those looking for a comforting dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Taco Rice Casserole is a cheesy, budget-friendly dish made with simple ingredients
With its cheesy filling and budget-friendly ingredients, Taco Rice Casserole is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
The homemade hamburger helper recipe is classic, savoury, and full of flavour
With its creamy sauce and tender pasta, the homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a great option for those looking for a comforting dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Slow Cooker Rotel Tacos are packed with tender ground beef, cheese, and a hint of spice
With their flavourful filling and easy preparation, Slow Cooker Rotel Tacos are a great option for those looking for a hands-off meal. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Taco Casserole is a flavourful casserole made with pantry staples
With its flavourful filling and easy preparation, Taco Casserole is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Cheesy Spinach and Beef Casserole is a cozy ground beef and spinach recipe with rice and melty jack cheese
With its cheesy filling and hearty ingredients, Cheesy Spinach and Beef Casserole is a great option for those looking for a comforting dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Cheeseburger Macaroni can be prepared in about 30 minutes as a one-pot meal
With its cheesy filling and hearty ingredients, Cheeseburger Macaroni is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ground beef rice with zucchini casserole is a simple and quick pasta dinner
With its flavourful filling and easy preparation, Ground Beef Rice with Zucchini Casserole is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Hamburger Stew is a hearty stew made with ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas in a rich and flavourful gravy
With its hearty ingredients and rich flavour, Hamburger Stew is a great option for those looking for a comforting dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Frito Taco Casserole is filled with taco chili flavor and tons of crunchy corn chips
With its flavourful filling and crunchy topping, Frito Taco Casserole is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy dinner. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Some easy and budget-friendly ground beef recipes for family dinners on busy weeknights include:
- Ground Beef and Rice Skillet: A one-pan dish with browned ground beef, onions, peppers, tomatoes, stock, rice, and cheese that cooks in under 30 minutes. It’s hearty, comforting, and easy to clean up.
- Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas or Cheesy Beef Enchilada Skillet: These use few ingredients but deliver big flavours and family appeal.
- Sheet Pan Meatloaf: Made with ground beef and topped with BBQ sauce or ketchup glaze, this is a hands-off, simple classic.
- Ground Beef Quesadillas or Beef Tacos: Kid-friendly and quick, these recipes satisfy even picky eaters plus they often use pantry staples.
- Hamburger Soup: A big-batch, hearty soup loaded with ground beef and seasonal vegetables that’s perfect for easy weeknight meals.
- Beef Lettuce Wraps or Easy Beef Burritos: These are fast and often allergy-friendly options that don’t require pasta or complicated preparation.
All these recipes are designed to require few ingredients, little prep time, and minimal cleanup—perfect for hectic weeknights and budget-conscious cooking. They also offer variety, from skillet meals to casseroles and wraps, to suit different family tastes without needing expensive or exotic ingredients.
- Taco Soup is a crowd-pleaser made with ground beef, beans, corn, and spices.
- Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and satisfying meal that should be frequently added to any weekly meal plan.
- Ground beef can be used to make quick, easy, and affordable family dinners on busy weeknights.
- Enchiladas can be prepared quickly and are easy and delicious.
- When freezing ground beef, it is recommended to separate it into 1lb. packages and place in Ziploc quart-size freezer bags.
- Air Fryer Chili Nachos are a delicious dish made with pantry staples and cooks in less than 5 minutes.
- There are also several ground beef skillet recipes provided, including Salisbury steak, Philly sloppy joes, and Mexican beef and rice skillet.
Ground beef is not only a versatile ingredient for hearty casseroles and quick skillet meals, but it also shines in other food-and-drink and lifestyle recipes. For instance, the Cowboy Casserole With Cornbread, Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers, and Sloppy Joe Casserole are comforting dishes that balance flavour and health. On the other hand, the Instant Pot Hamburger Helper, Instant Pot Taco Pie, and Cheeseburger Pasta are easy-to-make, budget-friendly meals perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, these recipes can be found in home-and-garden related magazines and blogs, emphasizing their role in household meals and lifestyle.
