98 Recipes Using 1 Pound of Ground Beef

Updated: Apr. 22, 2024

Here's what to do with a pound of ground beef so it never gets boring!

1 / 98

Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients. Take advantage of that last package in your freezer, and whip up some of these savory and satisfying recipes for dinner tonight! And here’s the verdict on whether you should rinse ground beef before you get started.

2 / 98

Beef Enchiladas Verdes

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. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

For some lightened-up beef recipes, check out these diabetic-friendly ground beef recipes.

3 / 98

Korean Beef and Rice

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. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
4 / 98

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
5 / 98

Fold-Over Tortilla Bake

Here’s something a little different to shake up taco night. But don’t reserve this zippy dish for a weeknight—it’s perfect for potlucks and serving company, too. something a little different from the usual tacos. It's special enough for potlucks or dinner guests. —Deborah Smith, DeWitt, Nebraska
6 / 98

Spaghetti Pie Casserole

My family adores this spaghetti casserole. It's old-timey comfort food. This is how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese. —Patricia Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
7 / 98

Greek Sloppy Joes

Feta is one of my favorite kinds of cheese. It's delish in a burger, but it truly shines in this Mediterranean-style sloppy joe. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
8 / 98

Cheesy Fiesta Beef Casserole

Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a delicious, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos if you prefer a little heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
9 / 98

Buffalo Blue Cheese Meat Loaf

I made meat loaf with wing sauce for my guy, who prefers food with big flavors. He went crazy for it, and now likes it even more than traditional Buffalo wings! —Latesha Harris, Beaverton, Oregon
10 / 98

Stovetop Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheeseburgers are delicious in any form, but I'm partial to this creamy pasta dish that seriously tastes just like the real thing. It's weeknight comfort in a bowl. —Tracy Avis, Peterborough, Ontario
11 / 98

Butternut Squash Chili

Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
12 / 98

Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole

One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We're crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
13 / 98

Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Dip

This fun dip recipe uses ingredients that I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
14 / 98

Meat-and-Potato Casserole

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.—Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa
15 / 98

Beef Barley Skillet

This versatile dish goes together fast since it's made with quick-cooking barley. You can make it with ground turkey or chicken and any color bell pepper that you have on hand. —Irene Tetreault, South Hadley, Massachusetts
16 / 98

Spaghetti Meatball Supper

It was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming
17 / 98

Moo Shu Lettuce Cups

I took ordinary ground beef and turned it into a new classic. With sweet and savory flavors, this dish will be a dinnertime favorite. We love this served in flour tortillas too! —Christine Keating, Norwalk, California
18 / 98

Chili Skillet

Like most farmers, my husband loves a good hearty chili. With all the vegetables, cheese and meat in it, this dish makes a super supper—and it comes together in one skillet on top of the stove. I serve it frequently in fall and winter. —Katherine Brown, Fredericktown, Ohio
19 / 98

Cheesy Pizza Casserole

I discovered this recipe in the reader's exchange page of our local electric cooperative's magazine. Serve it whenever you've got a crowd to please!—Judy Chandler, Franklin, Kentucky
20 / 98

Italian Stuffed Shells

A dear friend first brought over this stuffed shells recipe. Now I take it to other friends' homes and to potlucks, because it's always a big hit! —Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri
21 / 98

Barbecued Meatballs

Grape jelly and chili sauce are the secrets that make these meatballs so fantastic. If I’m serving them at a party, I prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat them right before guests arrive. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
22 / 98

Meatball Chili with Dumplings

My family enjoys this delicious recipe—it's like a spicy meatball stew with dumplings!—Sarah Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana
23 / 98

Farmhouse Barbecue Muffins

Cheddar cheese, fluffy biscuits and BBQ sauce combine to make these hearty muffins. Try them with ground turkey or other shredded cheeses to vary the flavor. —Karen Kenney, Harvard, Illinois
24 / 98

Inside-Out Stuffed Peppers

My daughters don’t care for the usual green peppers stuffed with a meat-and-rice mixture, so one of the girls dreamed up this alternative. The peppers are simply chopped and combined with the other ingredients in a casserole. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
25 / 98

Easy Cuban Picadillo

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. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey
26 / 98

Santa Fe Skillet

As a mother who works full-time, I’m always looking for quick, easy meals to prepare. This is a timeless recipe. —Lorie VanHorn, Waddell, Arizona
27 / 98

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

This nutritious yet economical summer meal makes the most of my home-grown peppers. I like to top it with sour cream and serve with tortilla chips and salsa, but it’s wonderful on its own, too. —Kimberly Coleman, Columbia, South Carolina
28 / 98

Easy Beef Taco Skillet

Busy day? Save time and money with this stovetop supper the whole family will love. It calls for handy convenience products, so it can be on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia
29 / 98

Calico Cowboy Beans

This cowboy beans recipe is tradition when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls' weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin
30 / 98

Inside-Out Stuffed Cabbage

Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, but this version with butternut squash has the classic flavors —and it’s table ready in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
31 / 98

Presto Pizza Patties

Craving both beef and pizza? These patties feature both in an open-faced sandwich. And they're lighter than you'd think! —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio
32 / 98

Super Spaghetti Sauce

At my house, we never know how many we'll have for dinner. That's why this spaghetti sauce is one of my favorites - flavorful, filling and fast. Smoked kielbasa gives it depth, and salsa adds the kick. —Bella Anderson, Chester, South Carolina
33 / 98

One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner

All you need is one pot to make this meal that features a simple homemade sauce. Allspice adds a unique taste, but you can use Italian seasoning if you prefer. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington
34 / 98

Smothered Burritos

My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
35 / 98

Couscous Meatball Soup

This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
36 / 98

Curried Beef Pita Pockets

If there are people in your family who think they won’t like the taste of curry, serve this. They’ll be curry lovers forever! —Mary Ann Kosmas, Minneapolis, Minnesota
37 / 98

Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli

This chunky soup is good to the last spoonful. It's my go-to recipe because it's so hearty and we all always want more. —Penny Novy, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
38 / 98

Chili Beef Cornbread Casserole

This recipe is my potluck standby. And when I hear that someone may need a comforting home-cooked meal, I bring them this casserole. —Lorraine Espenhain, Corpus Christi, Texas
39 / 98

Taco Spaghetti

I came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
40 / 98

Beef & Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This recipe is special to me because it’s an easy one-pot meal that tastes like you spent the whole day in the kitchen. My family loves it. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama
41 / 98

Greek Beef Pitas

A local restaurant that's famous for pitas inspired me to make my own Greek-style sandwiches at home. Feel free to add olives if you'd like. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana
42 / 98

Rhode Island Hot Wieners

Many Rhode Islanders spell "wiener" with an ei and serve theirs all the way with meat sauce, mustard, onion and a sprinkle of celery salt. —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
43 / 98

Walking Tacos

These Walking Tacos are perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
44 / 98

Beefy Huevos Rancheros

This quick, easy and oh-so-tasty recipe works for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is great served with fruit or salad and some flour tortillas. Guests can top them however they like. —Sandra Leonard, Peculiar, Missouri
45 / 98

Mom's Spanish Rice

My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
46 / 98

Gluten-Free Chili Beef Pasta

After I got married, my aunt gave me her recipe for skillet spaghetti and told me it was ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Over the years I’ve tinkered with the ingredients and played with the seasonings to make it healthier. It's a dish my family truly loves. —Kristen Killian, Depew, New York
47 / 98

Meaty Sloppy Joe Pockets

It’s easy to turn sloppy joes into hearty hot pocket snacks. I make the filling ahead and use refrigerated biscuits. I time them so they’re done baking just before kickoff. —Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine
48 / 98

Beef, Potato & Egg Bake

To keep my family going strong throughout the day, I start with lean ground beef and spices, then sneak some spinach into this protein-packed dish. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
49 / 98

Taco Stew

The ingredients are simple, but together they make this awesome stew. If you want to a little added crunch, crush a few tortilla chips on top of each bowl. —Suzanne Francis, Marysville, Washington
50 / 98

Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked Chili

This chili may be already chock-full, but we love to build it up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
51 / 98

Deluxe Walking Nachos

This slow-cooked potluck chili makes an awesome filling for a little bag of walk-around nachos. Cut the bag lengthwise to make loading your fork easier. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
52 / 98

Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad

Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
53 / 98

Frito Pie

Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here’s my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
54 / 98

Skillet Nachos

My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
55 / 98

Deluxe Cheeseburger Salad

I was planning to grill burgers, and then it dawned on me: How about a cheeseburger salad? The original recipe doesn't call for a tomato, but it's awesome here. —Pam Jefferies, Cantrall, Illinois
56 / 98

Danish Meatballs with Pan Gravy

My great-grandmother made these meatballs, and I'm sure her mother must have taught her. Six generations have enjoyed them, and one of my daughters even served them at her wedding. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
57 / 98

One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup

My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida
58 / 98

Beefy Noodle Casserole

When life calls for a dish for a potluck or family event, we stir up a batch of beef and noodles. That’s our cheesy, bubbly comfort food. —Susan Lavery, McKinney, TX
59 / 98

Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli

When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is meatball magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
60 / 98

One-Pot Beef & Pepper Stew

I love most things made with green peppers, tomatoes or green chiles. I wanted to prepare a quick and satisfying dish one evening and came up with this recipe with things I had on hand. —Sandra Clark, Sierra Vista, BC
61 / 98

Fajita Burger Wraps

This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio
62 / 98

Vegetable & Beef Stuffed Red Peppers

I love making this stuffed pepper recipe. It's one of the few ways I can get my husband to eat veggies. Make it meatless by replacing the beef with eggplant and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or squash. You can also replace the rice with barley, couscous or even orzo. —Jennifer Zimmerman, Avondale, Arizona
63 / 98

Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce and Tomato

I have reduced grains and other starches in my diet due to health reasons, so I was looking for filling, comforting meals without pasta or potatoes. When I was tinkering with this spaghetti squash recipe, I discovered something fun to eat! —Becky Ruff, Mc Gregor, Iowa
64 / 98

Santa Fe Chipotle Chili

Sausage and ground beef make this spiced chili a meat lover's delight. I can freeze and reheat it later without sacrificing any of the flavor. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
65 / 98

Mini Shepherd's Pies

I’m as confident serving these little pies to company as to family. If I have enough time, I’ll use homemade biscuits and mashed potatoes. —Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee
66 / 98

BBQ Meat Loaf Minis

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. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
67 / 98

Fiesta Beef & Cheese Skillet Cobbler

I tweaked my beefy skillet cobbler until it achieved the wow factor. It's now a family tradition. Top it off with lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
68 / 98

Chipotle Chili Sloppy Joes

My husband didn't like sloppy joes until he tried my rendition with its smoky heat. If you need to dial down the fiery zip, cut down on or eliminate the peppers. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
69 / 98

Grilled Beef Chimichangas

I created this recipe when I didn't have the ingredients for my go-to dish. After making this, it became my new favorite! —Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, Washington
70 / 98

Beef & Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

My mom frequently cooked the giant zucchini that she grew in her garden. I adapted this recipe from one of her favorite weeknight meals. Though I love the taste of fresh-picked zucchini, the ones I've bought from the grocery store work great, too.—Susan Peterson, Blaine, Minnesota.
71 / 98

Hearty Garden Spaghetti

My husband and I wanted a pleasing dish that didn’t leave a ton of leftovers. My spaghetti with beef and fresh veggies is perfectly filling for four. —Wanda Quist, Loveland, Colorado
72 / 98

Beef Stroganoff Sandwiches

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. —Alison Garcia, Beatrice, Nebraska
73 / 98

My Favorite Chili Dogs

The very thought of a hot dog dressed in chili makes me giddy. To get that straight-from-the-ballpark taste, I combine ketchup, mustard, chili and pepper sauce. —Patricia Pauling, Adams, New York
74 / 98

Mediterranean Meatball Sandwiches

I grow onions, garlic and herbs, so that’s what I use in these saucy sandwiches. Make patties or form the ground beef into meatballs instead. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario
75 / 98

Beefy Chili Dogs

For years, people have told me I make the best hot dog chili out there. It’s timeless, it’s family-friendly, and I carry the recipe with me because people ask for it. —Vicki Boyd, Mechanicsville, Virginia
76 / 98

Barbecue Sliders

When guests dropped in by surprise, all I had was sausage and ground beef defrosted. We combined the two for juicy burgers on the grill. —B.J. Larsen, Erie, Colorado
77 / 98

Savory Beef & Cabbage Supper

My beef and cabbage supper began as an idea for a gluten-free Reuben sandwich. We also make this dish with smoked sausage. It’s comforting on cooler days. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
78 / 98

Ground Beef Taco Dip

What's a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI
79 / 98

Mexican Cabbage Roll Soup

I love sharing our humble and hearty soup made with beef, cabbage and green chiles. A blast of cilantro gives it a sunshiny finish. —Michelle Beal, Powell, Tennessee
80 / 98

Butternut Goulash

We make this treasured family goulash recipe using squash from our own backyard. The chili powder and cayenne really warm you up! —Allison Wilmarth, Forest City, Pennsylvania
81 / 98

Sloppy Cheesesteaks

Sloppy joes are a favorite go-to dish for busy families, and my spin with melty provolone, green pepper and onions makes for a fun, unexpected twist on a classic! — Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
82 / 98

Deluxe Pizza Casserole

This is the family favorite dish for special occasions, and we always make it for my granddaughter's birthday. Mushrooms are a wonderful addition if you like them. —Vickie Oldham, Dubuque, Iowa
83 / 98

Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce

This Italian classic takes on a distinctive Latin American flourish with the addition of chorizo. The sausage adds an extra kick and awesome flavor to a dish that's already a favorite. —Crystal McDuffy, Fairfax, Virginia.
84 / 98

Deep-Dish Beef 'n' Bean Taco Pizza

My whole family enjoys this dish that tastes like a taco and looks like a deep-dish pizza. The thick tasty crust can handle lots of toppings, so load it up for a bright, fun meal. —Nancy Circle, Perkins, Oklahoma
85 / 98

Ramen Sliders

I grew up eating ramen and love it to this day. A fun spin on my favorite type of noodle soup, these sliders are topped with an egg and kimchi. —Julie Teramoto, Los Angeles, California
86 / 98

Breakfast Burger

My husband is big on eggs and bacon, so I wanted to merge his breakfast favorites with a grilled burger for an over-the-top treat. Topping it with my homemade blackberry jam sealed the deal. —Tina Janssen, Walworth, Wisconsin
87 / 98

Zucchini Beef Skillet

This is a speedy summer recipe that uses up those abundant garden goodies: Zucchini, tomatoes and green peppers. —Becky Calder, Kingston, Missouri
88 / 98

Italian Joes on Texas Toast

This is toasty-good for a weeknight on the go. If you double the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you'll have enough sauce to freeze. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia
89 / 98

Butternut Squash Chili

Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California
90 / 98

Classic Cottage Pie

Cottage pie is a combination of ground beef or lamb with mashed potatoes, topped with a bubbling layer of cheese is the perfect comfort food. It’s a good remedy for the winter chills.—Shannon Copley, Upper Arlington, Ohio
91 / 98

80 Greek Recipes Everyone Will Love

Can’t get enough of your local Greek restaurant? This one’s for you! Here are some incredible Greek recipes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired recipes, that are sure to satisfy.
92 / 98

Lehmejun (Armenian Pizza)

This pizza-style recipe came from my friend Ruby's mom, who is a crazy-good cook. I added my own flair and tweaked it by using flour tortillas instead of making a dough. —Tamar Yacoubian, Ketchum, Idaho
93 / 98

Beef and Bean Taco Chili

This chili recipe is a lifesaver when I'm cooking on the fly. It's loaded with convenience ingredients, but you can pile on the veggies if you're in the mood for a fresh crunch. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
94 / 98

Cheeseburger Omelet Sliders

A cheeseburger inside an omelet? Yes, please! This fun twist on two breakfast and dinner faves is easy to assemble and delicious any time of day. —Denise LaRoche, Hudson, New Hampshire
95 / 98

California Burger Wraps

I love the way these fresh flavors blend. It's a snap to throw these wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa
96 / 98

Tasty Taco Chopped Salad

My friends and I love Mexican food, but we try to eat healthy. My mom taught me how to make this tasty taco salad for my friends. —Matthew Smith, Knippa, Texas
97 / 98

Wisconsin Butter Burgers

It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
98 / 98

Cheeseburger Bowl

This recipe is a lighter way to enjoy an American summer staple. You can try a version of the dressing with 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut