24 Easy Meals You Can Make with 1 Pound of Ground Beef

Ground beef is one of those versatile ingredients that can turn into something amazing with just a few simple steps. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner for the family or planning meals for the week, having a pound of ground beef on hand opens up a world of possibilities. From hearty classics to fresh, new ideas, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes you can create. In this list, you’ll find 24 easy and tasty recipes that make the most of that single pound of ground beef.

Classic Beef Tacos

In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning mix, 2/3 cup of water, and let it simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Serve the seasoned beef in taco shells and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream. These tacos offer a classic taste that’s both quick and satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Spaghetti Bolognese

Begin by sautéing 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic in olive oil until softened. Add 1 pound of ground beef, cooking until browned, then stir in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes while you cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a hearty Italian meal.

Beef and Bean Chili

In a large pot, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked. Stir in 1 can of kidney beans, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 packet of chili seasoning, and 1 cup of beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream, for a warming, flavorful chili.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 1 clove of minced garlic until browned. Mix in 1 cup of cooked rice, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cut the tops off 4 bell peppers and remove the seeds, then stuff them with the beef mixture. Place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Cheeseburger Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion in a skillet, then drain the fat. Stir in 1 can of condensed tomato soup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. In a separate pot, cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni until al dente, then combine with the beef mixture. Pour into a greased casserole dish, top with additional cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

In a large skillet or wok, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Stir in 2 cups of broccoli florets and cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Serve over steamed rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish.

Shepherd’s Pie

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as peas and carrots). Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, then gradually add 1 cup of beef broth, cooking until the mixture thickens. Spread the beef mixture in the bottom of a baking dish, then top with 3 cups of mashed potatoes. Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Beef Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion until browned. Stir in 1 can of enchilada sauce and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Fill 8 flour tortillas with the beef mixture, roll them up, and place in a baking dish. Top with an additional can of enchilada sauce and sprinkle with more cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Beef and Cabbage Skillet

In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 4 cups of chopped cabbage. Cook until the cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes and serve hot for a simple, healthy meal.

Sloppy Joes

In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion until fully cooked. Stir in 1 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of mustard. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Serve the beef mixture on hamburger buns for a quick and messy, yet delicious, meal.

Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic until browned. Stir in 1 jar of marinara sauce and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 1 egg. In a baking dish, layer the sauce, lasagna noodles, and ricotta mixture, repeating until all ingredients are used. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Beef and Potato Hash

In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion. Add 2 cups of diced potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Let the mixture simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Serve hot with a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast or dinner option.

Meatloaf

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix 1 pound of ground beef with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 egg, 1 chopped onion, and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish. Bake for 45 minutes, then top with an additional layer of ketchup and bake for another 15 minutes until the meatloaf is cooked through and glazed on top.

Beef Quesadillas

In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 1 clove of minced garlic until fully cooked. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of salsa. Place a flour tortilla in a separate skillet over medium heat, sprinkle with the beef mixture, and top with another tortilla. Cook until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping once. Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream and guacamole.

Beef and Rice Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion until browned. Stir in 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of cooked rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy nights.

Beef Potstickers

In a bowl, mix 1 pound of ground beef with 2 chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of ginger. Place a spoonful of the mixture in the center of each potsticker wrapper, fold, and seal the edges. In a hot skillet, cook the potstickers until the bottoms are golden, then add a splash of water and cover to steam for 3 minutes. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

Beef and Black Bean Burritos

In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion. Stir in 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of salsa, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Spoon the mixture into flour tortillas, roll them up, and place in a baking dish. Top with additional salsa and cheese, then bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until heated through. Serve with sour cream and guacamole for a filling, flavorful meal.

Beef and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions, then drain. In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic until browned. Stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of chopped spinach, and 1 egg. Stuff the cooked shells with the beef mixture and place in a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, then bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Beef and Zucchini Skillet

In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Add 2 chopped zucchinis, 1 chopped onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Beef Nachos

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 1 packet of taco seasoning. On a baking sheet, spread out tortilla chips and top with the beef mixture, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of sliced jalapeños. Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a fun, shareable appetizer or meal.

Swedish Meatballs

Mix 1 pound of ground beef with 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated onion, 1 egg, and a pinch of nutmeg. Shape the mixture into small meatballs and brown them in a skillet. Remove the meatballs and make a sauce by adding 1 cup of beef broth and 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve over egg noodles for a comforting dish.

Beef Tater Tot Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion. Stir in 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, top with frozen tater tots, and bake for 25 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy. This casserole is a fun, kid-friendly meal that’s both easy and delicious.

Beef Empanadas

Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped olives, 1/2 cup of raisins, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Roll out premade pie dough, cut into circles, and fill each with the beef mixture. Fold over and crimp the edges, then bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve hot, with a side of salsa or chimichurri sauce.

Hamburger Soup

In a large pot, brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion. Add 3 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 2 cups of mixed vegetables, and 1 cup of diced potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Simmer for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender. This hearty soup is perfect for a simple yet satisfying dinner.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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