Ground Beef Dinner Recipes on a Budget

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a staple in many households. Whether you’re a busy parent or a college student living on a tight budget, having a selection of quick and affordable meal options is essential. In this article, we’ll explore six ground beef dinner recipes that are not only budget-friendly but also packed with flavor and nutrients.

To make the most of your grocery budget, it’s essential to cook at home and plan your meals around affordable ingredients like ground beef. By cooking meals in bulk and repurposing leftovers, you can reduce food waste and save money on groceries. Plus, with a little creativity, you can turn basic ground beef recipes into gourmet meals that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ground Beef Taco Skillet

A Ground Beef Taco Skillet is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines the flavors of a classic taco with the convenience of a one-skillet meal. Simply cook ground beef with some onions, bell peppers, and taco seasoning, then add in your favorite taco toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Serve it over rice or with some crusty tortillas, and you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time. You can customize it to your taste and make it as spicy or mild as you like.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 medium bell pepper, diced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1 cup of cooked rice (optional)
– Taco toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the diced bell pepper and cook until it’s tender.
4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top and stir to combine.
5. Add in the can of diced tomatoes and stir to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and top with shredded cheese and your favorite taco toppings.
7. Serve over rice or with some crusty tortillas.

Hamburger Helper (Homemade)

If you’re a fan of Hamburger Helper, you’ll love this homemade version that’s just as easy to make but with a more homemade twist. This recipe combines ground beef with pasta, tomato sauce, and some common pantry staples to create a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Plus, you can customize it to your taste by adding in your favorite spices or herbs.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup of pasta (macaroni or rotini work well)
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
– 1 tsp of dried basil
– 1 tsp of garlic powder
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Add in the cooked pasta, shredded cheese, dried basil, and garlic powder.
5. Stir to combine and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. If desired, add in the shredded mozzarella cheese and place under the broiler until melted and golden brown.

Ground Beef Stir Fry

This Ground Beef Stir Fry is a lightning-fast meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Simply cook ground beef with some soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then add in your favorite stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time. You can customize it to your taste and make it as spicy or mild as you like.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tsp of soy sauce
– 1 tsp of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp of grated ginger
– 1 cup of stir-fry vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, etc.)
– 1 cup of cooked rice or noodles
– Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to the skillet and stir to combine.
3. Add in the stir-fry vegetables and cook until they’re tender.
4. Serve the stir-fry over rice or noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Beef and Rice Skillet

This Beef and Rice Skillet is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Simply cook ground beef with some rice, tomato sauce, and some common pantry staples, then serve it hot and bubbly. You can customize it to your taste by adding in your favorite spices or herbs.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup of uncooked rice
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 1 tsp of dried oregano
– 1 tsp of garlic powder
– 1/4 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the tomato sauce, dried oregano, and garlic powder to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Add in the cooked rice and stir to combine.
5. Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and top with shredded cheese.
6. Place under the broiler until melted and golden brown.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

This Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe is a colorful and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Simply cook ground beef with some rice, tomato sauce, and some common pantry staples, then fill bell peppers with the mixture and bake until tender. You can customize it to your taste by adding in your favorite spices or herbs.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup of uncooked rice
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 1 tsp of dried oregano
– 1 tsp of garlic powder
– 4 bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)

Instructions:

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the tomato sauce, dried oregano, and garlic powder to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Add in the cooked rice and stir to combine.
5. Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
6. Fill the bell peppers with the ground beef mixture and top with shredded cheese.
7. Place in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender.

Ground Beef Chili

This Ground Beef Chili recipe is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Simply cook ground beef with some chili powder, tomatoes, and some common pantry staples, then simmer until thickened. You can customize it to your taste by adding in your favorite spices or herbs.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 tbsp of chili powder
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 can of kidney beans
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1 tsp of ground cumin
– 1 tsp of smoked paprika (optional)
– Shredded cheese and sour cream for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chili powder to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using) to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and sour cream if desired.

Beefy Baked Ziti

This Beefy Baked Ziti recipe is a classic and comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Simply cook ground beef with some tomato sauce, then combine it with pasta, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese, then bake until golden brown. You can customize it to your taste by adding in your favorite spices or herbs.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 1 cup of ziti pasta
– 1 cup of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tsp of dried oregano
– 1 tsp of garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese in a large bowl.
5. Add the ground beef mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie

This Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie recipe is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Simply cook ground beef with some vegetables and then top with mashed potatoes and shredded cheese, then bake until golden brown. You can customize it to your taste by adding in your favorite spices or herbs.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup of mashed potatoes
– 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
– 1 tsp of dried thyme
– 1 tsp of garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet and cook until tender.
3. Combine the cooked ground beef mixture and mashed potatoes in a large bowl.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Beef and Potato Skillet

This Beef and Potato Skillet is a simple and comforting meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Simply cook ground beef with some potatoes and onions, then serve hot and bubbly. You can customize it to your taste by adding in your favorite spices or herbs.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 tbsp of butter
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced potatoes and onion to the skillet and cook until the potatoes are tender.
3. Add the butter to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and bubbly.

Ground Beef Quesadillas

This Ground Beef Quesadillas recipe is a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Simply cook ground beef with some onions and cheese, then wrap it in tortillas and cook until crispy and melted. You can customize it to your taste by adding in your favorite spices or herbs.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 tsp of cumin
– 1 tsp of chili powder

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until tender.
3. Combine the cooked ground beef mixture and shredded cheese in a bowl.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the tortillas for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and slightly puffed.
5. Spoon the ground beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla and top with additional cheese.
6. Fold the tortillas in half and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.