I always have ground beef on hand. It’s so versatile and cooks quickly, which is ideal for weeknight dinners or simple meal prep. The key is having a few ground beef recipes you genuinely love so you don’t end up overthinking dinner. Below are five of my go-to ground beef recipes that are flavorful, balanced, and easy enough to make on repeat.
Why Ground Beef Is Great for High-Protein Meals
Ground beef is my go-to for a quick high-protein option. I almost always have a few pounds of taco-seasoned ground beef in the fridge. It makes for an easy lunch or quick snack when hanger hits mid-afternoon. Ground beef provides 20–25 grams of protein per serving, along with iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Another reason I love using it is how versatile it is. Once you have a few reliable ground beef recipes, putting together a high-protein dinner becomes so simple. It’s the kind of ingredient that makes cooking feel approachable, flexible, and consistently delicious.
5 Easy Ground Beef Recipes to Make This Week
Beef Fried Rice
Does fried rice ever not hit the spot? If you’re like me, the answer is definitely no. It always hits. This ground beef recipe is the most delicious, easy, high-protein and veggie-packed weeknight meal.
Protein-Packed Beef & Zucchini Lasagna
If you’re looking for a comfort meal that you can feel good about eating, then you have to try my Protein-Packed Beef & Zucchini Lasagna. It’s warm, deliciously cheesy, and really all in the name: protein-packed with beef and sneakily healthy with zucchini.
Thai Basil Beef Lettuce Wraps
I did a few rounds of testing this recipe to make sure it’s perfect, and the result is an insanely easy and flavorful dish. The main reason these are “better-than-takeout” is because they’re made with healthy ingredients that definitely do not lack in flavor. Try this ground beef recipe next time you’re craving takeout!
Italian Meatballs
This is one of those under-35-minute dinners that feels like comfort food and is so easy to make. The homemade marinara is chef’s kiss, and the high-protein meatballs are gluten-free, dairy-free, and not only kid-friendly but versatile enough for the whole family. You can serve them over pasta, zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or even rice.
Baked Beef Tacos
This recipe is so simple and comes together in under 20 minutes. You’ll pack your tortillas full of all the standard taco fillings – ground beef, sautéed peppers and onions, and the garnishes of your choice. I think that dairy-free sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeño put these over the top. The tortillas crisp up around the edges and stay soft in the center, which is an unbeatable combination.
The Best Beef Bolognese
Who doesn’t love a good comfort meal? Bolognese in general is one of those dishes that sounds more complicated than it actually is. It’s a great dish to serve for a large group, or to make and enjoy for a few days on your own. Love this elevated weeknight ground beef recipe!
Kofta Burgers
Seasoned to perfection, packed with protein and flavor, and served with a delish homemade tzatziki spread on toasted ciabatta buns, be prepared for your taste buds to explode.
Beef Meatball Soup
Inspired by the rich flavors of a classic beef stew, this recipe comes together much faster because we swap tender chuck roast for juicy, flavorful ground beef meatballs. Not only does this shortcut save time, but it also keeps the soup packed with protein, fiber-rich veggies, and wholesome, nourishing ingredients that feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
Beef Enchiladas
Perfect to whip up and enjoy fresh, or to keep on hand in the freezer for when you need dinner in a pinch. Plus, they’ll taste amazing no matter when you serve them. I mean, is there anything better than easy-to-make, deliciously seasoned and tasty beef enchiladas?
One-Pan Lasagna Skillet
One request that I get often is for quick and easy weeknight dinners made in one pan. No one likes cleaning up stacks of dishes after a long, busy day, and I can so relate. This one checks all the boxes!
Crispy Bean & Beef Taquitos
These Crispy Bean and Beef Taquitos are a high-protein, crowd-pleasing recipe made with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and tortillas rolled and cooked until perfectly golden and crunchy. This easy ground beef recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day appetizers, or a fun family meal.
Spicy Sriracha Ground Beef Bowls
This nourishing meal is about to become your new weeknight dinner. Packed with protein from the savory, spicy beef, and paired with crispy roasted sesame broccoli, it’s an easy, gluten-free and dairy-free dinner. This one tastes incredible and comes together in under 40 minutes.
