10 Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner – Easy, Healthy, Keto & More

Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. Affordable, quick to cook, and packed with protein, it’s perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even meal prepping. From easy ground beef recipes to healthy or keto-friendly options, this guide will give you 10 delicious ground beef recipes for dinner that are simple, tasty, and nutritious.

History and Facts About Ground Beef

Ground beef has been used for centuries as a way to make tougher cuts of meat tender and flavorful. The hamburger, made from ground beef, became popular in the early 1900s in the U.S. Around the world, ground beef is a staple in many cuisines: tacos in Mexico, bolognese in Italy, kofta in the Middle East, and meat pies in Australia.

Fun facts:

• Ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
• Lean beef (90–95%) is lower in fat, while higher-fat beef adds more flavor.
• It cooks faster than whole cuts, making it ideal for quick dinners.

Essential Cooking Tools for Ground Beef Recipes

Tool	Why It’s Necessary for These Recipes	Used For (Examples)
Large Skillet (12-inch)	The primary pan needed for browning beef, making sauces, Sloppy Joes, and one-pot meals.	Beef and Rice, Bolognese, Tacos, Fried Rice
Wooden Spoon / Sturdy Spatula	Essential for breaking up the ground beef while browning and stirring thick sauces. Safe for all pans.	All recipes (browning, stirring)
Colander / Strainer	Critical for draining excess fat from the ground beef after browning it for a healthier dish.	All recipes using browned beef
Large Mixing Bowl	Needed to combine the meat with breadcrumbs and seasonings before cooking.	Meatloaf, Stuffed Bell Peppers, Taco Casserole
9×13-inch Baking Dish	The standard size for most oven-baked dishes.	Meatloaf, Shepherd’s Pie, Taco Casserole, Zucchini Boats
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board	Fundamental for chopping the onions, garlic, bell peppers, and carrots that flavor nearly all the recipes.	All recipes (prep work)
Measuring Cups and Spoons	Necessary for accurately measuring flour, spices (chili powder, cumin), liquids (broth), and rice/breadcrumbs.	All recipes (seasoning and liquid)
Instant-Read Thermometer	Ensures safety and perfect doneness, confirming the internal temperature of Meatloaf has reached 160∘F.	Meatloaf

10 Ground Beef Recipes for Dinner

1. One-Pot Beef and Rice

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef
• 1 cup rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt, pepper, 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Brown beef in a skillet.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in rice, vegetables, and seasoning.
4. Add broth, bring to boil, then cover and simmer 15–20 mins.
5. Fluff and serve.

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2. Beef and Veggie Skillet

Ingredients:

• 400g ground beef
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt, pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Sauté beef until browned.
2. Add vegetables and garlic; cook 5–7 mins.
3. Season and serve hot.

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3. Zucchini Beef Boats (Healthy)

Ingredients:

• 4 zucchinis
• 400g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• Salt, pepper, oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Halve zucchinis and scoop centers.
3. Cook beef with onion, garlic, tomatoes, and seasoning.
4. Stuff zucchinis, sprinkle cheese, bake 20–25 mins.

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4. Cheeseburger Salad (Keto)

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef
• 4 cups lettuce
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/2 cup pickles
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown beef, season with salt and pepper.
2. Arrange lettuce in bowls; top with beef, tomato, pickles, cheese.
3. Drizzle with olive oil.

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5. Beef Tacos (Mexican)

Ingredients:

• 400g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt, pepper
• Taco shells or tortillas
• Lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa

Instructions:

1. Cook beef with onion; add chili, cumin, salt, pepper.
2. Fill shells with beef and toppings.

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6. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers
• 400g ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• Salt, pepper, 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix beef, rice, onion, and seasoning.
3. Stuff peppers with mixture, pour tomato sauce on top.
4. Bake 25–30 mins.

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7. Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 400g ground beef
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup mixed veggies
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook beef with onion until browned.
2. Add veggies; cook 5 mins.
3. Stir in rice and soy sauce.
4. Push to side, scramble egg, mix, serve.

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8. Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef
• 1 can beans
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 tsp chili powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook beef with chili powder; mix with beans and salsa.
3. Pour into casserole dish; top with cheese.
4. Bake 15–20 mins until bubbly.

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9. Spaghetti Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 250g spaghetti
• Salt, pepper, Italian herbs

Instructions:

1. Cook beef with onion and garlic.
2. Add tomato sauce and herbs; simmer 15 mins.
3. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

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10. Lettuce Wrap Tacos

Ingredients:

• 400g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• Lettuce leaves
• Toppings: tomato, avocado, cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook beef with onion, garlic, and seasoning.
2. Fill lettuce leaves with beef and toppings.
3. Serve fresh.

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Tips for Cooking Ground Beef

• Choose the right type: Lean (90–95%) for healthy dishes, higher fat for flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Brown in batches for even cooking.
• Season well: Garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano.
• Drain excess fat for lower-calorie meals.
• Use leftovers creatively: Taco meat works in casseroles, pasta, or rice bowls.

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Conclusion

Ground beef is quick, versatile, and nutritious, making it perfect for dinners that are easy, healthy, keto-friendly, or Mexican-inspired. With these 10 ground beef recipes for dinner, you’ll never run out of ideas for weeknights, family meals, or quick lunches. Try one tonight and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal!

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FAQs About Ground Beef

Q1: Can I freeze cooked ground beef dishes?
A: Yes, most ground beef dishes freeze well for 2–3 months.

Q2: How do I know when ground beef is fully cooked?
A: Cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Q3: Can I make ground beef recipes low-carb or keto?
A: Yes! Swap rice, tortillas, or pasta with cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, or zucchini noodles.

Q4: What seasonings go best with ground beef?
A: Garlic, onion, paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and Italian herbs.

Q5: Can I substitute ground turkey?
A: Yes, but adjust cooking time and seasoning for flavor.