Ground beef is the unsung hero of weeknight dinners. With just one pound, you can whip up a meal that feels like you actually put in some effort—even if you didn’t. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like meatloaf or want to mix things up with taco lasagna, these recipes have you covered.
Beef Kafta
Beef kafta brings Middle Eastern flavors without the complicated steps. One pound of ground beef, some spices, and you’ve got a dish that’s perfect with rice or salad.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta
Bomb Meatloaf
This meatloaf isn’t playing around. It’s tender, juicy, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that’ll make you forget all about those boring old meatloaf recipes.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Burger Bowls
All the flavors of your favorite fast food burger but in a bowl. With homemade special sauce and 1 pound of ground beef, this is a healthier way to satisfy that craving.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
This cabbage soup cooks up quick in the Instant Pot. It’s hearty, comforting, and uses ground beef to keep things satisfying, not sad.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This one-pan southwestern skillet mixes ground beef with sweet potatoes for a meal that’s great for dinner and even better as leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This ground beef pasta dish is on the table in under 30 minutes. Tastes like it simmered all day, but nope—just 1 pound of ground beef and a quick cook.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ground Beef Stir Fry
A one-pan stir fry that’s quicker than takeout and packed with flavor. Ground beef, fresh veggies, and a homemade sauce that’ll beat any restaurant version.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Healthier Sloppy Joes
A leaner take on the classic Sloppy Joe. Ground beef, low-sugar ketchup, and BBQ sauce make it a guilt-free trip down memory lane.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
This hearty tomato pasta soup combines ground beef, sausage, and mushrooms for a cozy bowl that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Taco seasoning and ground beef make this Mexican-inspired skillet dinner a quick and easy go-to. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a one-pan wonder.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ground beef and cabbage come together in this 30-minute skillet meal. It’s got all the textures and flavors you need, no takeout required.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Taco Lasagna
Taco Tuesday just got an upgrade. This cheesy taco lasagna uses ground beef to create a Mexican-Italian mash-up everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna
Bison or Beef Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are loaded with lean ground bison or beef, rice, and veggies. Topped with melted cheese, they’re hearty without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Bison or Beef Stuffed Peppers
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.
