Unstuffed Peppers
Total Time:Â 30 minutes
Main Ingredients:Â Instant rice, ground beef, green peppers
Level:Â Easy
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This quick ground beef recipe is a fun take on
stuffed peppers that will leave everyone satisfied. You can even use leftover rice to make the prep time that much faster.
If you like stuffed peppers, you'll love this speedy version. It offers all the comforting flavor of the original, but takes just half an hour. Instead of cooking the instant rice, you can use 2 cups of leftover cooked rice if you have it on hand. —Recipe contributor Beth Dewyer, Du Bois, Pennsylvania
Cheeseburger SoupTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, Velveeta
Level:Â Easy
This is one of the most popular recipes that
Taste of Home has ever published. The creamy, cheesy, beefy soup captures the flavor of a diner burger topped with melty cheese.
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Recipe contributor Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Meat LoafTotal Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes + standing
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, milk, eggs, onion
Level:Â Easy
For a good meat loaf, use ground beef with a higher proportion of fat, such as 80/20. The 20% fat content keeps the meat loaf juicy and adds plenty of flavor.
Mom made the best meat loaf, and now I do too. When I first met my husband, he wasn't a meat loaf guy, but this recipe won him over. —Recipe contributor Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Simple Taco SoupTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, taco seasoning, canned mild chili beans, canned pinto beans
Level:Â Easy
Taco toppings like cheese, avocado and sour cream pair well with this simple taco soup. As a bonus, you can prepare it ahead of time and stash it in the freezer alongside other
easy freezer meal recipes.
We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Recipe contributor Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Hamburger Potato CasseroleTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, frozen corn, condensed cream of celery soup
Level:Â Easy
You can use any type of creamy condensed soup to make this fun riff on a cottage pie. The cheesy casserole has a crispy potato crust that really makes this dish stand out.
For variety, you can use another kind of cream soup (cream of mushroom, for instance). But try this meat and potato casserole this way first. —Recipe contributor Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa
Spanish Noodles with Ground BeefTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, egg noodles, green pepper
Level:Â Easy
Crumbled bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch to this comforting meal. This beefy dinner is warm, cozy and filling.
My mom used to make this ground beef recipe when I was a kid. Now, I prepare it for my own family. —Recipe contributor Kelli Jones, Perris, California
Smothered BurritosTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Green enchilada sauce, ground beef, flour tortillas
Level:Â Easy
These spicy burritos are stuffed with a beefy, cheesy filling and smothered with green enchilada sauce and salsa verde. The oven-baked burritos can be served with
taco toppings like sour cream or
homemade guacamole.
My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Recipe contributor Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
Mexican Mac and CheeseTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, tomato sauce, fresh or frozen corn, elbow macaroni
Level:Â Easy
This
one-skillet meal is a breeze to make; you won't even need to precook the macaroni! It's easily customizable depending on what veggies, beans and spices you have on hand.
This is the yummiest, quickest recipe I have. There’s no need to precook the macaroni. Everything comes together in one smart skillet. —Recipe contributor Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Skillet Beef TamalesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, salsa, frozen corn, corn tortillas
Level:Â Easy
Skillet tamales are a cross between tamales and
chilaquiles, and the results are fantastic. Some reviewers have even used wontons for the topping.
I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Recipe contributor Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Bacon Cheeseburger PastaTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Penne pasta, ground beef, bacon strips, cheddar cheese
Level:Â Easy
This ground beef meal is kid-friendly and stores well for leftovers. To keep with the cheeseburger theme, you can drizzle mustard on top for a little extra tang.
I try to make foods that are not only kid-friendly but also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Recipe contributor Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota
Favorite Hamburger StewTotal Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, canned stewed tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoes
Level:Â Easy
This ground beef stew is perfect for a cold night. When you want a low-maintenance dinner, you'll find yourself coming back to this recipe.
I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Recipe contributor Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota
One-Skillet LasagnaTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese, no-cook lasagna noodles
Level:Â Easy
The cream of onion soup sets this lasagna's flavor apart. The end result resembles a Chicago deep-dish pizza!
Skillet lasagna is made in a single skillet and features creamy, cheesy layers full of classic flavors. The best part? No oven required. —Taste of Home
Test Kitchen
Bacon Cheeseburger RiceTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, instant rice, cheddar cheese, bacon
Level: Easy
You may have heard of cheeseburger pasta, but have you ever made cheeseburger rice? This crowd-pleasing skillet meal is a fun and unique
instant rice recipe for a busy weeknight.
My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizzazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Recipe contributor Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa
Cornbread Taco BakeTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, canned whole kernel corn, cornbread/muffin mix, canned french-fried onions
Level:Â Easy
This cheesy cornbread casserole is hard to mess up and easy to enjoy. Who knew that cornbread and taco meat would pair so well together?
Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Recipe contributor Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan
Cheeseburger CupsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, buttermilk biscuits, Velveeta
Level:Â Easy
These muffin tin bites are perfect for anyone who's
obsessed with cheeseburgers. The cups use buttermilk biscuits as the "buns" and can be garnished with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Recipe contributor Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio
Baked ZitiTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ziti pasta, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, ricotta cheese
Level:Â Easy
This easy ground beef recipe allows you to get creative with the sauce. You can whip up a homemade version with various veggies or start with the
best jarred pasta sauce as a shortcut.
I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Recipe contributor Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania
French Fry CasseroleTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, canned condensed cheddar cheese soup, frozen french fries
Level:Â Easy
Nothing goes better with a cheeseburger than fries! Made with just four ingredients, this casserole is great for cookouts, potlucks or laid-back weeknight dinners with the family.
Kids love this cheeseburger french fry casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Recipe contributor Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Ground Beef StroganoffTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Egg noodles, lean ground beef, mushrooms
Level:Â Easy
This version of a classic
beef stroganoff skips the slow-cooking without sacrificing flavor. Add a little more Worcestershire for an extra boost.
I wanted to lighten my mother-in-law's wonderful recipe and came up with this tasty beef stroganoff. In our home, we call it special noodles. —Recipe contributor Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri
Dinner in a BagTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, canned stewed tomatoes, elbow macaroni
Level:Â Easy
This ground beef recipe earns its name because it can be made with an "easy-to-grab bag" of pantry staples. It relies on simple ingredients and flavors for a quick dinner.
I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Recipe contributor Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Stuffed Peppers for FourTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Orzo pasta, sweet peppers, ground beef
Level:Â Easy
This quick dinner is combines the meat, vegetables and pasta all in one dish. Of course, you can always swap out the orzo for rice for a grain-free meal.
Truly a meal in one, this quick supper has it all: Veggies, meat, pasta and sauce, packed into tender peppers. It’ll look so pretty on your table. —Taste of Home
Test Kitchen
Pizza CasseroleTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pasta, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese
Level:Â Easy
You can double this recipe and freeze one casserole for a heat-and-serve dinner later on. Add your favorite
pizza toppings to really make this your own.
Kids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Recipe contributor Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
Sloppy Joe PizzaTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pizza crust, ground beef, sloppy joe sauce
Level:Â Easy
Take sloppy joes to the next level with this six-ingredient pizza. Because if a sloppy joe is missing anything, it's a lot of cheese.
If your kids like sloppy joes, they'll love this pizza. I came up with this ground beef recipe that's easy to assemble. —Recipe contributor Brenda Rohlman, Kingman, Kansas
Broccoli Beef BraidsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, frozen broccoli, mozzarella, refrigerated crescent rolls
Level:Â Easy
This is a dinner that will make your kids excited to eat broccoli. These ground beef-stuffed sandwiches are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
Each slice of this fast-to-fix golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Recipe contributor Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio
Beef and ShellsFor this beef and shells recipe, pasta shells and ground beef are simmered with tomatoes, onion and garlic for a foolproof weeknight classic.
Beef Enchiladas VerdesTotal Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta, canned chopped green chiles, corn tortillas
Level:Â Easy
You can make these ground beef enchiladas in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready for dinner. The green chiles add a spicy kick to the saucy, cheesy casserole.
These beef enchiladas verdes are easy to make ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. After quickly cooking the tortillas in hot oil, I layer them between paper napkins to soak up excess oil. —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Dill Pickle Hamburger PizzaTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, pre-baked pizza crust, shredded cheddar cheese, dill pickles
Level:Â Easy
In a world of
unique pizza ideas, what's one more? With pickle juice and mayo drizzle, this pickle pizza will be a delightful surprise to all who eat it.
My husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Recipe contributor Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Hearty Vegetable Beef RaguTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Whole wheat spiral pasta, ground beef, canned Italian diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, kale
Level:Â Easy
Ragu is more than just a jarred sauce brand—it's also an Italian meat sauce. This vegetable and ground beef ragu includes peas and kale.
This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it's something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Recipe contributor Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Southwestern GoulashTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, ground beef, frozen corn, canned chopped green chiles
Level:Â Easy
This take on American goulash is seasoned with cumin and green chiles for a southwestern influence. The flavors are strong, and the meal is filling.
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Recipe contributor Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio
Beef Stroganoff SandwichesTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, mushrooms, ranch dip mix, French bread
Level:Â Easy
These stroganoff sandwiches are a twist on the classic pasta dish. Ranch and sour cream make them taste rich.
For an American take on classic Russian comfort food, we turn beef stroganoff into a sandwich. It comes together fast, and our family devours it. —Recipe contributor Alison Garcia, Beatrice, Nebraska
BBQ Meat Loaf MinisTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Stuffing mix, ground beef, barbecue sauce, cheddar
Level:Â Easy
These adorable meat loaf minis are one of the most genius
ways to use a muffin tin. To make them spicier, add 1 cup of salsa or chili powder.
Kids can have fun helping to prepare these mini meat loaves in muffin cups. For extra spice, we sometimes add 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 cup of salsa. —Recipe contributor Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
Best Lasagna SoupTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lean ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, reduced-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, spiral pasta
Level:Â Easy
All the flavors of lasagna come together in this comforting soup. Cook the noodles separately so they don't get soggy.
This lasagna soup tastes just like your favorite lasagna without all the layering. It’s fast, easy and comfort food at its best. —Recipe contributor Sheryl Olenick, Demarest, New Jersey
Asian Beef and NoodlesTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, ramen noodles, frozen stir-fry vegetable blend
Level:Â Easy
Serve this colorful dish with soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. You'll find yourself coming back to this recipe on grocery day.
Asian beef recipes don't get much simpler. This colorful, economical stir-fry dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. —Recipe contributor Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota
Herb & Cheese-Stuffed BurgersTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, dried rosemary, dried sage, ground beef, hamburger buns
Level:Â Easy
These loaded burgers are cheesy and rich. The cream cheese filling is a nice change of pace from typical
burger recipes.
Tired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Recipe contributor Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio
Korean Beef and RiceTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, brown sugar, soy sauce, brown rice
Level:Â Easy
This version of Korean bulgogi is sweet and light. It can be made with ingredients you probably have on hand.
A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Pierogi Beef SkilletTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, frozen cheese and potato pierogi, frozen mixed vegetables
Level:Â Easy
Frozen pierogi let you get this dinner on the table fast. Garnish with cheese right at the table.
Hearty and thick with beef, veggies and potatoes, this is a complete meal in one. —Taste of Home
Test Kitchen
Cajun MacaroniTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, Cajun seasoning, macaroni and cheese dinner mix
Level:Â Easy
Mac and cheese will heal your inner child. And this ramped-up take on the childhood meal will have you finishing the pot.
When I follow my favorite meat loaf recipe, I end up with an extra half-pound of ground beef. So I came up with this easy Cajun mac and cheese dish to use it up. —Recipe contributor June Ellis, Erie, Illinois
Sloppy Joe RecipeTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hamburger buns
Level:Â Easy
If you like sloppy joes, you'll love this recipe. It's a classic that's beloved by kids and adults alike.
I've prepared these sandwiches for years. I've tried many sloppy joe recipes, but this one is the best by far. It also travels well for picnics or potlucks. —Recipe contributor Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington
Beef & Bacon Gnocchi SkilletTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Gnocchi, ground beef, bacon, heavy whipping cream
Level:Â Easy
You've never had gnocchi like this before. It'll remind you of a
bacon cheeseburger, and you can top it like one, too.
This gnocchi dish tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. Go ahead and top it as you would a burger—with ketchup, mustard and pickles. —Recipe contributor Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
West Coast Snappy JoesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, tomato sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, hamburger buns
Level:Â Easy
These quick sandwiches are unforgettable. If you have extra filling, you can throw it over noodles for a mac dish like no other.
Meet my California-inspired sloppy Joe. Load it up with whatever toppings you like, or pour the filling over noodles. It's incredible on mac and cheese. —Recipe contributor Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed PotatoesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, ground beef, mushrooms, french-fried onions
Level:Â Easy
Potatoes, mushrooms and ground beef make this the most comforting dinner. The french-fried onions add a crisp texture to this otherwise smooth meal.
I was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn't stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it's quick to make, and my husband and grandchildren love it. —Recipe contributor Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Fajita Burger WrapsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, fajita seasoning mix, bell peppers, flour tortillas
Level:Â Easy
If you're ever torn between fajitas and burgers, this dinner is for you. The crispy shell plus the fajita seasoning in the ground beef really elevate this dish.
This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Recipe contributor Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Meat Loaf MuffinsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, ketchup, barbecue sauce, bread crumbs
Level:Â Easy
What gives these meat loaf muffins their tangy character? Barbecue sauce! You can slice and dice these muffins however you like for lunch the next day.
These freezer-friendly meat loaf muffins are a simple-to-make family favorite recipe. Make them for dinner tonight or freeze them later for quick weeknight meals. —Recipe contributor Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia
Tortilla PieTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lean ground beef, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, whole wheat tortillas
Level:Â Easy
This beefy tortilla lasagna is exactly the type of meal inspiration you've been looking for. Serve it with a little salad on the side, and dinner's done.
My husband and I enjoy this southwestern take on lasagna because it’s not as dense or heavy as traditional layered dishes made with pasta. Our two daughters enjoy the mild flavor. —Recipe contributor Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan
Mozzarella Beef Roll-UpsTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, flour tortillas, string cheese
Level:Â Easy
These pepperoni and ground beef wraps will make you and your kids happy. So put down the pizza delivery menu and make these ASAP!
The kids will love these pepperoni and beef wraps. They're easy to assemble because each tortilla is simply wrapped around a portion of hearty meat filling with a piece of string cheese. —Taste of Home
Test Kitchen
Quick Chili MacTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, ground beef, canned chili with beans, canned whole kernel corn, shredded cheddar cheese
Level:Â Easy
From Cajun mac and cheese to chili mac and cheese, there's not much you can add to mac and cheese that won't make it taste amazing. This ground beef meal is satisfying and good for the whole family.
This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Recipe contributor Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan
Easy Cuban PicadilloTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Lean ground beef, rice, canned tomato sauce, pimiento-stuffed olives, raisins
Level:Â Easy
You can use this picadillo filling in tacos or just eat it as is. The pimento-stuffed olives and raisins add nice textures to the dish.
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Recipe contributor Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey
Nacho TotsThese totchos use a number of ingredients, but they're quite easy to prepare. They're a colorful, fun and flavorful way to switch up your snack routine.
Frito PieTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, Frito corn chips, canned enchilada sauce
Level:Â Easy
What more can you ask for from this spicy, salty, cheesy dinner? This Frito pie is ready in just 30 minutes.
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here’s my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Recipe contributor Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Beef Noodle CasseroleTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, wide egg noodles, canned condensed tomato soup, canned condensed cream of mushroom soup, cheddar
Level:Â Easy
There's never a wrong time for a casserole. You won't have leftovers of this potluck favorite.
Savory, creamy and satisfying—you'll be so happy you found this easy beef noodle casserole recipe. Packed with diced veggies, egg noodles and cheese, it's a cinch to make any time you need some hearty comfort food. —Recipe contributor Mary Hinman, Escondido, California
Southwestern SpaghettiTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Ground beef, spaghetti, zucchini
Level: Easy
This dish is a great way to introduce zucchini into your diet. With mild but strong flavors, this skillet meal is just spicy enough.
Chili powder and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice change of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Recipe contributor Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana