23 Weeknight Ground Beef Dinners That Do Not Use Pasta
Ground beef dinners are a weeknight staple, but pasta does not always need to be part of the story. These ideas bring fresh options that feel comforting and easy.
They work well for quick dinners that keep everyone full and happy. A small shift in ingredients helps weeknights feel less routine.
Cranberry Meatballs
These Cranberry Meatballs are one of my most requested appetizers. Orange juice and orange zest give them another wonderful depth of flavor. They are tart, sweet, and very fruity. Also, they are gluten and lactose/dairy-free!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Meatballs.
Smoked Meatloaf
Meatloaf has long been a beloved comfort food, but adding a smoky twist takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. When you smoke meatloaf, the flavors intensify, resulting in a dish that is incredibly juicy, tender, and rich in taste. The slow smoking process infuses every bite with a deep, woodsy aroma that enhances the traditional ingredients, making it a standout dish that surprises and delights. Perfect for a special occasion or a hearty family dinner, smoked meatloaf is a must-try for anyone looking for an easy, delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatloaf.
Easy Spanish Rice With Ground Beef
This Easy Spanish Rice is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, featuring flavorful rice and added zucchini for extra veggies, all in one pan. It’s a hearty, easy weeknight meal that is even perfect to bring to potlucks or picnics. Serve it with a side salad and a slice of cornbread for a complete meal in under 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Easy Spanish Rice with Ground Beef.
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
Instant Pot Sloppy Joes bring an effortless and remarkably tastier alternative to the canned version many are used to. With the convenience of using an Instant Pot, this dish becomes a quick, one-pot wonder that simplifies cooking without sacrificing flavor. The ingredients meld beautifully under pressure. For those who prefer traditional methods, it’s easily adaptable for the stovetop.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sloppy Joes.
Smoked Meatballs
Smoked meatballs offer a delicious twist on a classic favorite, infusing a rich, smoky flavor into every bite. This method is surprisingly simple, elevating both appetizer plates and main courses. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or seeking a new dinner staple, these smoked delights are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs.
Ground Beef Tacos | Stovetop- Instant Pot
These ground beef tacos feature a rich sauce that simmers gently, blending spices and flavors over time to create a flavorful filling. Perfect for any celebration or a casual weeknight, their simplicity pairs wonderfully with their irresistible taste, making them a hit for Cinco de Mayo and regular Taco Tuesdays. One batch serves a crowd!
Get the recipe: Ground Beef Tacos | Stovetop- Instant Pot.
Chili For A Crowd {Beef & Chorizo}
This beef and chorizo chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a large group! Its hearty mix of rich beef and spicy chorizo, simmered together with a blend of tomatoes and beans, creates a robust flavor that’s ideal for chilly autumn days. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a family dinner, or just need a warming meal, this chili delivers satisfaction in every spoonful. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy, filling experience that promises to warm you from the inside out.
Get the recipe: Chili for a crowd {beef & chorizo}.
Mexican Picadillo
Imagine tender ground beef simmered in Latin flavorings, along with tomatoes and a good dose of veggies… that’s Mexican Picadillo for you! Whether I’m piling it into tacos, wrapping it in burritos, or just serving it over rice, it always brings that authentic Mexican flavor to my dinner table. Its versatility makes it a favorite, and its deliciousness keeps me coming back for more. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s loved by so many!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Picadillo.
Beef Chili Recipe
This beef chili recipe is an all-time favorite dish that’s not only easy to make but also won’t break the budget. This flavorful recipe is fantastic on its own with all of your favorite chili toppings or also on nachos and, of course, chili cheese hot dogs. With fall arriving faster than we can blink, many of you will be looking at tailgating events. Tailgating is a time-honored tradition in this country, and good food is always a top priority. But just because you want good food doesn’t mean it has to be filled with garbage that leaves you feeling less than your best.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili Recipe.
Picadillo Beef Recipe
This authentic One-Pan Picadillo Beef Recipe combines savory ground beef with potatoes, vegetables, and olives for a flavorful Latin dish that can be ready in just 40 minutes!
Get The Recipe: Authentic One-Pan Picadillo Beef Recipe.
Tater Tot Casserole
Let’s introduce a delicious comfort food classic: Tater Tot Casserole. This dish is simple yet rich in flavors, combining crispy tater tots, creamy condensed soup, and savory ground meat in one satisfying package. It’s a convenient, budget-friendly option that serves as a perfect weeknight dinner. Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole
Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza
Imagine combining the juicy, savory flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with the crispy, cheesy goodness of a pizza. Our Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza does just that, melding two iconic dishes into one mouth-watering creation. It’s a fusion that promises a taste sensation with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza.
Beef Kofta With Greek Yogurt Sauce
Make a Mediterranean-inspired meal that the whole family will love! This beef kofta with Greek yogurt sauce comes together in just 35 minutes using simple ingredients combined with savory spices. A wonderful recipe for gatherings, meal prep, or even a quick and simple weekday dinner. Get the Recipe: Beef Kofta With Greek Yogurt Sauce.
Chili Bar
Spice up your next gathering with the ultimate comfort food station: a DIY chili bar. This fun, interactive party experience lets guests customize their favorite bowl of hearty chili with a variety of delicious toppings and sides.
Get the Recipe: Chili Bar.
Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet
This Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet is an easy one-pot recipe. It’s full of taco-seasoned ground beef, flavorful rice, and melty cheese. Load it up with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or guacamole. This is a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love, plus it makes great leftovers!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Beef And Rice Skillet.
Korean Beef Bowl Recipe
This Korean Beef Bowl recipe is not only quick and healthy, but it’s also packed with bold flavors that everyone loves! Every time we make it, family and friends can’t wait to dig in, and as a bonus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined-sugar-free, so it fits a variety of diets without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl Recipe.
Oven Braised Meatball Stew
This oven meatball stew is a vintage recipe that is incredibly easy to make and totally delicious! It’s a complete meal in one pot.
Get The Recipe: Oven Braised Meatball Stew.
Ground Beef Kebab Recipe (Kofta)
This ground beef kebab recipe is an easy grilling dinner idea, made with beef, onions, spices, and herbs! It’s loaded with flavor, easy to make, and great served with a creamy dipping sauce. While you can make kebabs with many types of protein, once you try these great ground beef kebabs, you won’t go back!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Kebab Recipe (Kofta).
Easy Stacked Enchiladas
Check out this vintage recipe for easily stacked enchiladas, a timeless, simple, and oh-so-delicious classic. With layers of corn tortillas, flavorful filling, and melted cheese, these enchiladas are a lovely treat that never goes out of style.
Get the recipe: Easy Stacked Enchiladas – Vintage Recipe.
Cheesy Beef And Rice Casserole
Make dinner a breeze with this delicious and easy Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!
Get The Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole – The Cookin Chicks.
Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Are you looking for a quick weeknight meal that the whole family will love? Not only is this ground beef stir fry delicious, but it’s also nutritious and has protein, produce, carbs (energy), and flavor! This ground beef and broccoli check all the boxes. This easy meal comes together in just 20 minutes by utilizing some quick kitchen shortcuts (perfect for busy weeknights) and can also be prepped ahead if that’s your style.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes
These delectable spuds are loaded with all the classic taco fixings: seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and tomatoes, all cooked in one pan for an easy weeknight dinner. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply craving a hearty and satisfying dinner, Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes will undoubtedly become your new go-to recipe. Get ready to sink your teeth into this mouthwatering dish that combines the best of both worlds!
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Taco Potatoes.
Ground Beef Fajitas
Ground beef fajitas are a fast and tasty option for an easy weeknight dinner! This simple recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to meal when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fajitas.
