• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Air Fryer Mom
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Ground Beef

    24 Stupid Simple Dinners to Make With Ground Beef

    Published: Jun 3, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

    • Facebook
    • Email

    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of simple and satisfying meals. From classic burgers to hearty casseroles, there are countless ways to whip up a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Here are 24 easy dinner ideas that make the most of ground beef, perfect for busy weeknights.

    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs

    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Pasta shells filled with cheese and meatballs, all covered in a simple tomato sauce, are a comforting dish. This classic meal is easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. It combines hearty flavors that everyone loves. With just a few ingredients, you can create a satisfying dinner. It's a great option when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Italian Stuffed Peppers

    Italian Stuffed Peppers.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    Italian Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and tasty meal. They are filled with a mix of seasoned ground beef and rice, then baked with tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella cheese. The bell peppers become soft and flavorful as they cook. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. It's a simple way to enjoy a filling and satisfying meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant moussaka.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a straightforward dinner option packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy choice that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table. Enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish features soft potatoes, ground beef, and corn all mixed together in a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with melted cheese right before serving, it adds a delicious finish. It's a hearty meal that fills you up and keeps you satisfied. Perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and easy to prepare. You'll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again.

    Get the Recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Meatballs are easy to make and can be done in less than an hour. You can prepare them on the stove, in an air fryer, or bake them in the oven. Each method gives you juicy and tasty meatballs. This dish is perfect for a quick meal any night of the week. It's a great way to enjoy ground beef without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Meatball and Rice Casserole

    Meatball and Rice Casserole
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Plain rice can get a bit dull, but mixing it with ground beef to make a meatball and rice casserole is a great way to spice things up. This dish is hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying meal. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy. This is a simple recipe that brings a delicious twist to your usual rice.

    Get the Recipe

    Meatball Sandwiches

    Meatball sandwiches on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This meatball sandwich is quick and easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. It's a simple meal that everyone in the family will enjoy. With juicy meatballs and tasty sauce, it's sure to please even picky eaters. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is satisfying and filling. You'll love how effortlessly it comes together.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Stuffed peppers can be ready in just 45 minutes with this simple recipe. Packed with Tex-Mex flavors from taco seasoning, whether you make it yourself or buy it, these peppers are sure to please. Topped with cheese, they are satisfying on their own or can be enjoyed alongside some tortilla chips. This dish is perfect for a quick and tasty meal. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something easy and flavorful.

    Get the recipe

    Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

    A serving of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    Gather the family around for a hearty dinner with this simple casserole. It's a one-pan meal packed with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spices. The dish is finished off with a layer of homemade buttermilk cornbread on top. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. Everyone will enjoy this comforting and delicious meal.

    Get the recipe

    Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

    Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This casserole brings together the classic taste of a bacon burger and pasta, creating a filling dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It's cheesy and satisfying, making it a great option for dinner. Even kids who are usually picky will find this casserole appealing. With its comforting flavors, it's sure to become a favorite at the dinner table. This is a simple meal that everyone can appreciate.

    Get the Recipe

    Cabbage Roll Casserole

    Cabbage Roll Casserole
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Yum.

    This cabbage roll casserole is a simple way to enjoy the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without all the work. It combines ground beef with cabbage and other ingredients for a hearty meal. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is both easy to prepare and healthy. You can have a satisfying dinner on the table in no time. It's a great option for anyone looking for a quick and tasty meal.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    Ground beef and vegetables cook together in the slow cooker, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort. This dish is great for lunch or dinner, especially on busy days. You can set it and forget it while it simmers away. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

    Get the Recipe

    Beef Bolognese with Sausage

    Beef Bolognese with Sausage.
    Photo Credit; Cooking with Momma C.

    Beef Bolognese with Sausage is a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up in under 90 minutes. This dish combines equal parts ground beef and Italian sausage, along with just the right amount of tomato, staying true to the classic Bolognese style. After some extra testing, this recipe has been fine-tuned to deliver great flavor and texture. It's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Enjoy a hearty plate of pasta topped with this delicious sauce.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna: Crazy-Good Cheesy Meat Lasagna in a Crockpot
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    Crockpot Slow Cooker Lasagna is a delicious and easy meal that everyone will enjoy. With layers of cheese and a rich meat sauce, it's a comforting dish that warms you up. The slow cooker takes care of everything, so you don't have to worry about cooking the noodles separately. This is a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it and let it do its thing while you go about your day.

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Meatballs

    Air fryer meatballs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are easy to whip up and look great on the plate. Using ground beef, they come together quickly and are perfect for a weeknight meal. You can serve them with pasta, in a sub, or just on their own. This is a simple dish that everyone will enjoy. It's a great way to make dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup

    Slow Cooker Pizza and Pasta Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This meal is sure to please everyone in the family. It combines the flavors of pizza with bow-tie pasta, creating a comforting dish. Plus, it's easy to make and can be stored in the freezer for later. Perfect for busy nights when you want something simple and satisfying. Enjoy a warm bowl of this delicious soup any time.

    Get the Recipe

    Homemade Hamburgers

    An air fryer burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easy to make and great for busy nights. It comes together quickly and doesn't create a big mess. Using ground beef makes it a filling option that everyone will enjoy. You can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. It's a straightforward choice that satisfies without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    10-Minute Cheesy Gordita Crunch

    Gordita crunch.
    Photo credit: Midwest Foodie.

    A cheesy gordita crunch is a fun twist on taco night that's super easy to whip up. It only takes a few extra minutes to put together, and it's like adding a quesadilla to your crunchy taco. Using simple, fresh ingredients, these tacos capture that familiar Taco Bell flavor but are even better because you made them yourself. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner that everyone will enjoy. It's a great way to spice up your usual taco routine.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. It combines all the rich flavors you love, but without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple ingredients you probably already have at home, this dish comes together in no time. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work. Enjoy a hearty meal that feels like it took all day to make, but really didn't.

    Get the recipe

    American Chop Suey

    American Chop Suey.
    Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

    American chop suey is a simple and satisfying dinner that combines ground beef, tasty vegetables, and elbow macaroni all mixed together in a rich tomato sauce. It comes together quickly, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare. This dish is great for those hectic weeknights when you need something hearty and filling. It's a meal that the whole family will enjoy and is sure to become a regular on your dinner table. With its comforting flavors, it's a go-to option for busy evenings.

    Get the Recipe

    Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

    Big Mac Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Ground beef, cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots come together in this delicious casserole. The addition of Big Mac sauce gives it a unique twist that really sets it apart. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Simple ingredients create a comforting and hearty option for any night of the week.

    Get the Recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a hearty meal. Perfect for a potluck or a quick weeknight dinner, it requires minimal effort to prepare. Everyone will enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal. It's a great way to enjoy taco night without the fuss.

    Get the recipe

    Enchilada Meatball Casserole

    7 Ingredient Enchilada Meatball Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Zona's Lazy Recipes.

    This casserole is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It features gooey cheese that melts perfectly throughout the dish. A little bit of spice adds just the right kick to keep things interesting. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. Everyone will enjoy this comforting meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker V8 Chili

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This chili is packed with vegetables thanks to the V8 juice in the sauce. It's a hearty dish that can easily feed a crowd or provide leftovers for later. The combination of flavors makes it a satisfying meal for any day of the week. You can enjoy it fresh or save some for the freezer. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something filling and nutritious.

    Get the Recipe

    More Ground Beef

    • pasta with bolognese sauce.
      32 Easy Ground Beef Dinners That Work Anytime
    • Frito taco bake.
      28 Easy Ground Beef Dinners Everyone Will Devour
    • Crockpot lasagna.
      26 Comforting Ground Beef Recipes You'll Crave
    • Smash burger quesadillas.
      28 Quick Ground Beef Dinners That Rescue Busy Weeknights
    • Facebook
    • Email

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Readers Love These Recipes

    • Chicken and rice soup.
      22 Revolutionary Slow Cooker Chicken Dinners
    • Cauliflower beef taco skillet.
      17 Quick and Elegant Ground Beef Meals You Need to Try
    • Chicken adobo.
      23 Deliciously Simple Crockpot Meals for Stress-Free Cooking
    • Crockpot lasagna.
      14 Crockpot Dinners That Will Change Your Weeknight Routine

    Latest Articles

    • Steak tacos or fajitas.
      20 Simple Steak Dinners You Can Start Right Now
    • Mac and cheese.
      26 Rich Pasta Recipes Perfect for This Week's Menu
    • Vegan gnocchi soup.
      28 Dump-and-Cook Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love
    • Fajita casserole.
      22 Hearty Toss-and-Bake Meals You Can Make Real Quick

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure
    • Editorial Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • [email protected]
    • Pink Giraffe Ventures AB, Runstens Byväg 51, 147 91 Grödinge, Sweden

    Copyright © 2026 Pink Giraffe Ventures AB