Looking for meals that don’t require a ton of prep but still hit the spot? These 19 ground beef dinners show you how to do it right. No need to be a chef to make something that tastes like it came from a restaurant. With ground beef as the star, these dishes give you tons of flavor while keeping it simple. Whether it’s a quick skillet dinner or something you can throw in the oven, these recipes will have you feeling like a pro in no time.

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a black plate beside a baking dish of the same casserole.
John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

With all the classic cheeseburger flavors, Cheeseburger Casserole takes little time to prepare and cooks in one pan. It’s a great option when you want a comforting meal without turning on the grill. Simple, easy to make, and great for a weeknight dinner, it’s a solid choice. You won’t even need extra sides because this casserole already packs everything you want in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re looking for a hearty soup without a lot of fuss, this one’s a great pick. Pasta e Fagioli Soup has everything you need in one bowl—protein, veggies, and pasta, all in a rich broth. It’s a great choice when you want something filling but don’t want to stand over the stove all night. This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own, and it comes together in no time. It’s a no-brainer when you want to warm up without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms delivers just that—juicy, tender steaks with a tasty sauce, all in one skillet. You can whip it up in no time, and it’s great for when you want something that feels like a treat but without a ton of prep. If you’re craving a meal that feels like it took hours but only took a fraction of the time, this is your go-to. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something big in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re a fan of those classic loose meat sandwiches, Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich is an easy way to recreate that feeling at home. It’s a simple, no-fuss meal that packs a punch in flavor. With just a few ingredients, you get a gratifying sandwich without spending hours cooking. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and you can make it in no time. Plus, there’s no need for complicated steps—just brown the beef, and you’re almost done.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Beef and Barley Soup

A bowl of Beef and Barley Soup with a burger on a long white tray.
Beef and Barley Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beef and Barley Soup is a great option when you’re looking for something comforting and easy to make. This hearty soup combines beef, vegetables, and barley into one gratifying meal that requires very little effort. It’s a great choice for chilly nights when you need a warm meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks in one pot, which means less mess and more time for yourself. Plus, it’s filling enough to be a meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re craving diner-style comfort food, Diner Style Salisbury Steak is the perfect choice. This dish brings all the juicy, tender steak flavors with a delicious, rich gravy that makes it feel like you’re eating out. You won’t need to wait for hours for a meal that feels special. In just one pan, you’ve got a complete meal that feels hearty but is simple enough to make quickly. It’s a great option for a cozy night in when you want something familiar and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This spaghetti is the type of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Million Dollar Spaghetti is a baked pasta dish that combines all the classic comfort of spaghetti with a bit more depth. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that gives you big flavors without a long list of ingredients. With just a little prep, you can have a dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something filling and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a hands-off dinner that you can just let cook while you do other things, Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are a great option. They cook low and slow, so the flavors really develop while you can focus on other tasks. With the slow cooker doing most of the work, you don’t need to worry about the details. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that comes out perfectly every time. Just set it and forget it for an easy meal that feels like a homemade treat.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Tacos Dorados

Three Tacos Dorados on a rectangular plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You can get that perfect crispy taco shell without all the fuss by cooking Tacos Dorados in a skillet. It’s a great choice when you want tacos but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. These tacos are simple, crispy, and full of flavor, making them a go-to for busy weeknights. Whether you’re filling them with beef or something else, they always hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Leftover rice? Don’t throw it away—turn it into Ground Beef Fried Rice for a quick and easy dinner. This dish lets you take what you have in the fridge and make something that feels fresh. You can get this meal on the table in no time, and it’s a great way to use up those extra ingredients without wasting food. The ground beef adds a nice heartiness to the rice, making it a filling meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Smoked Meatballs

Smoked meatballs in a dish with grilled bread.
Smoked Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Meatballs give you all the goodness of traditional meatballs with a smoky twist. You don’t need to worry about a lot of prep, just throw them together and let the flavors develop. They’re perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t feel rushed. Whether you serve them with pasta or as an appetizer, they always impress. It’s one of those meals that’s simple but has that wow factor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio dish served on a stack of black plates.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re looking to make something a little different but still easy, Pastitsio fits the bill. This baked pasta dish is a mix of ground beef and creamy sauce that’s easy to put together but feels special. It’s a great dinner option when you want something filling without a lot of steps. The pasta holds everything together in a way that makes it feel hearty and comforting. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, making it a great meal to have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Four pieces of Air Fryer Beef Empanadas on a black rectangular slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are just what you need on a busy day without sacrificing the quality. They come out perfectly golden brown with minimal effort. You don’t have to worry about frying or spending tons of time prepping. Just fill them with your choice of beef, pop them in the air fryer, and you’ve got a meal that’s both easy and tasty. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a full meal when you want something gratifying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Shepherd's Pie Bites on a black platter.
Shepherd’s Pie Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for something fun and easy to make for dinner? Shepherd’s Pie Bites give you all the flavors of the classic dish in a bite-sized form. They’re great for when you want a meal that doesn’t require much prep but still feels comforting. Just pop them in the oven and let them bake until they’re golden brown and ready to serve. These bites are perfect for those nights when you want something quick but still want to keep it hearty.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re in the mood for a Mediterranean-inspired meal, Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches are a great pick. These meatballs are full of flavor and perfectly complemented by the pita, making them a complete meal. They come together fast, so you don’t have to spend all night cooking. Plus, they’re easy to customize, so you can make them exactly how you like. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch that’s different from the usual.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Korean Beef Bowl

A top-down shot of Korean Beef Bowl with chopsticks, garlic, and ginger on the side.
Korean Beef Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Craving a Korean-inspired dish without the takeout? Korean Beef Bowl makes it easy to bring those bold flavors into your kitchen. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that doesn’t take long to make but packs a lot of punch. The beef is tender and juicy, served over a bed of rice to make a filling meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this dish is a great way to switch up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re a fan of Philly cheesesteaks but don’t feel like dealing with a long cooking process, Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is the answer. It takes all the flavors you love and makes them simple to prepare. You can get it on the table fast without losing any of the delicious taste. This meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or whenever you’re craving a hearty sandwich. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, so cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Mini Meatloaf

3 Mini Meatloaves in a line on a white plate.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Looking for an easy, no-fuss meal? Mini Meatloaf is the perfect solution. These mini versions cook faster than the traditional meatloaf, making them great for busy nights. You get all the great flavors of meatloaf, just in a quicker and more convenient form. They’re easy to make ahead and perfect for individual servings, so everyone gets their own. Plus, they always turn out juicy and tender, just like you want.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

John Wayne Casserole

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a black plate beside a baking dish of the same casserole.
John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty, one-pan meal that brings everything you love into one dish. It’s simple to make and perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something hearty. This casserole is packed with flavor, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. You can serve it with just a salad, and you’ve got a complete meal. The best part? It comes together quickly, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen for long.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

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