Ground beef is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be the star of many delicious dinners. These 11 budget-friendly recipes are sure to keep mealtime interesting and your family happy. Forget about repetitive dishes; with these options, you can enjoy a variety of flavors throughout the week. Best of all, you’ll do it without breaking the bank.
Beef Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are packed with ground beef (or bison) and filled with rice, shredded zucchini, carrots, and onions, all in a savory tomato sauce. Topped with melted cheese, they offer a hearty meal that’s both budget-friendly and easy to prepare. This dish provides a tasty alternative to traditional beef fillings.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stuffed Peppers
Burger Bowls
Get all the flavors of a fast-food burger without the drive-thru. These burger bowls with a homemade sauce are a healthier spin on a classic, making for a fun and easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl
This spicy beef and red pepper rice bowl is a quick dinner option that brings the heat. Topped with a runny egg, it’s a perfect pick for an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Mix it up with a ground beef and cabbage skillet that’s got plenty of spice and everything nice. In 30 minutes, you have a meal that’s easy on the budget and keeps dinner interesting.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
Cozy up with a bowl of Italian tomato pasta soup, filled with ground beef, sausage, and veggies. It’s a perfect choice for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make and easy on the budget.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
Beef Kafta
Try something new with beef kafta, a Middle Eastern dish that’s simple but packed with flavor. It’s a great pick for an affordable meal that’s different from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta
Bomb Meatloaf
This meatloaf could be the best you’ve ever had, with a juicy inside and a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting, affordable family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This easy one-pan meal mixes ground beef and sweet potatoes with a Southwestern kick. Great for a budget-friendly dinner that’s simple to prepare and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Spice up dinner with this Mexican ground beef skillet, ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to bring a lot of flavor to the table without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Whip up this ground beef pasta in less than 30 minutes for a meal that seems like it cooked all day. Perfect for a quick, affordable family dinner that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Quick and loaded with veggies, this ground beef stir fry comes together fast with a homemade sauce. A great way to beat takeout, it’s easy on the wallet and big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
These BBQ beef and beet burgers are a fresh take on a classic, topped with avocado and goat cheese. They’re a great choice for an easy dinner that’s both cost-effective and a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
Healthier Sloppy Joes
Enjoy these Sloppy Joes made with lean ground beef, combined with low-sugar ketchup and rich BBQ sauce, topped off with a sprinkle of low-fat cheese. They’re a budget-friendly take on the traditional American Sloppy Joe, perfect for a delicious and affordable family meal.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
