27 Filling Meals That Stretch A Pack Of Ground Beef

Ground beef is an easy way to get dinner on the table, but making one pack stretch takes some planning. These recipes turn it into filling meals without a lot of extra effort. Casseroles, skillet meals, and soups bulk it up with ingredients that keep you full. Everything here is straightforward, practical, and meant to feed a group without wasting time.

Beef Kafta

These Middle Eastern-style beef kabobs come packed with herbs and spices, making them way more exciting than plain burgers. Serve them with rice, hummus, or tucked into warm pita.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

A one-pan meal that mixes ground beef and sweet potatoes for something hearty and easy. The sweet and savory combo makes this one a great way to shake up dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

This pasta dinner keeps things simple. Ground beef, sauce, and pasta come together fast, giving you a great, easy meal with barely any cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Stir Fry

This stir fry makes ground beef the star of the show. A simple garlic ginger sauce, fresh vegetables, and quick cook time make it a solid weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry

Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

This is basically taco night in a pan. Ground beef, taco seasoning, peppers, and cheese make it fast and easy. Great for stuffing into tortillas or piling on rice.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A simple, filling skillet meal that mixes ground beef and cabbage with a flavorful sauce. It’s budget-friendly, easy, and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

This cheesy, beefy casserole gets a boost from tomatoes, peppers, and black beans. It’s hearty, easy to throw together, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

A big pot of this soup is like a cross between a pasta dish and a hearty stew. Ground beef, sausage, and mushrooms make it filling, while escarole adds a little extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup

Best Taco Salad

This taco salad gets the job done without wasting time. Crispy lettuce, seasoned beef, shredded cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips come together fast. It’s a great way to stretch that pack of ground beef into something fresh and filling.
Get the Recipe: Best Taco Salad

Creamy Burrito Casserole

This layered casserole is like a burrito and a lasagna had a great idea. Ground beef, melted cheese, and soft tortillas bake together in one dish that’s easy to throw together on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Burrito Casserole

Gluten-Free Swedish Meatballs

No Ikea trip required. These Swedish meatballs are tender, packed with flavor, and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. Grab some mashed potatoes or buttered noodles and call it a meal.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Swedish Meatballs

Ground Beef Burrito Skillet

This skillet dinner gets all the best parts of a burrito into one pan. Ground beef, beans, rice, and melty cheese come together fast, making it perfect for weeknights when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Burrito Skillet

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Layers of spaghetti, meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy center make this dish feel way fancier than it actually is. It’s a great way to turn a small amount of beef into a big, filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This casserole does what every good casserole should—fills you up without making you work too hard. Ground beef, rice, and cheese bake together in one dish, making leftovers just as good as the first round.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Cheeseburger Sliders

These bite-sized burgers bring all the cheeseburger flavor without the hassle of flipping patties. Bake a tray of these and watch them disappear. Perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Sliders

Instant Pot Beef Chili

This chili tastes like it simmered all day, but the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting. A pack of ground beef, some beans, and a handful of spices turn into a pot of comfort in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Chili

Instant Pot Beef and Shells

Ground beef, pasta, and a creamy sauce come together in one pot with almost no effort. It’s cheesy, meaty, and way better than anything out of a box.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Shells

Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

This one-skillet meal turns ground beef and rice into something bold and hearty. With taco seasoning, tomatoes, and melty cheese, it’s fast, easy, and makes that pound of beef go further.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet

Instant Pot Beef Picadillo with Cuban Sofrito

This Cuban classic gets the Instant Pot treatment, making it a fast and easy way to get bold flavors on the table. Ground beef, olives, raisins, and a flavorful sofrito make this one stand out.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Picadillo with Cuban Sofrito

Meatball Casserole

A tray of meatballs covered in marinara and cheese is always a good idea. Serve it with pasta, bread, or just eat it straight from the dish. Either way, it’s hearty, filling, and easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Casserole

Cowboy Stew

This stew is built for serious hunger. Three types of meat, beans, and veggies simmer together for a meal that sticks to your ribs. A great way to stretch beef and bulk it up with extra protein.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

Dutch Oven Awesome Chili

If you want thick, meaty chili, this one delivers. Ground beef, beans, and spices slow cook together for a rich, bold bowl that works great on its own or piled onto something else.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Awesome Chili

Baked Mexican Spaghetti

Take spaghetti and swap out the marinara for something spicier. With taco seasoning, ground beef, and cheese, this is an easy way to make pasta night more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mexican Spaghetti

Dutch Oven Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These meatballs cook low and slow in a rich tomato sauce, picking up flavor along the way. Serve them over pasta, pile them onto bread, or eat them straight out of the pot.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Dutch Oven Meatloaf

Classic meatloaf, but cooked in a Dutch oven for extra flavor. Juicy, hearty, and packed with seasoning, this is the kind of meal that keeps people coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Meatloaf

Korean Beef Bowls

This quick skillet meal turns ground beef into something bold and slightly sweet. With soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar, it’s great over rice and comes together in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowls

Beef Taquitos

These homemade taquitos beat anything frozen. Crispy tortillas packed with seasoned beef and cheese make an easy dinner, snack, or game-day food.
Get the Recipe: Beef Taquitos