What To Make With 1 Pound of Ground Beef Tonight (23 Recipe Ideas!)

What to make with 1 pound of ground beef tonight? Here are 23 easy, family-friendly ideas that stretch a single pound into dinner everyone actually eats. Think quick skillets, cozy casserole pasta, and a few lighter, healthy-ish options when you want simple and fast. Skim the list, pick your vibe! Tacos, pasta, bowls, whatever you’re in the mood for. You’re on your way to a yummy meal the whole family will love.

1. Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Shells Pasta

A wide view of a wooden spoon stirring a skillet filled with cheesy homemade hamburger helper in a pan. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Shells Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and a great easy ground beef dinner idea for making dinner fast! Loaded with ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a weeknight dinner your family will devour. It’s quick, hearty, and kid-approved, a copycat of the boxed version that just might stretch your budget a little more.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

2. Ground Beef Stroganoff

A pan filled with creamy beef stroganoff made with egg noodles and mushrooms being stirred with a wooden spoon on a counter. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Rich, creamy and made in under 30 minutes! This ground beef stroganoff recipe fills your belly and warms you to your toes. It’s hearty and filling, and the perfect way to enjoy pasta to switch things up from a red sauce.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

3. Taco Tater Tot Casserole

A wide view of a casserole dish with a layered taco tater tot casserole from above on a counter — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

In Minnesota they would call this a mixed up version of their infamous hot dish, but my kid just calls it tasty. We are always up for anything to mix up Mexican dinner night, and this taco tater tot casserole has everything you need to make dinner a hit. Use your favorite toppings, or let everyone customize at the table for a dinner win!
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

4. Classic Beef Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf up close on a platter. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Classic Beef Meatloaf is a tried-and-true family dinner favorite. With a tender, flavorful beef base and a sweet, tangy glaze, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug. Pair it with mashed potatoes for a meal everyone will love, and don’t forget to make the leftovers into sandwiches! My favorite part!
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5. Cranberry Meatballs (Slow Cooker)

Cranberry meaballs in a slow cooker from overhead with green onions scattered on top. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-tender, these Cranberry Meatballs are made effortlessly in the slow cooker. They’re perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings and will have everyone asking for seconds. The balance of cranberry and savory beef is irresistible, and they work just as great over rice or mashed potatoes and they do as an appetizer on the end of a toothpick.
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6. Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole

A casserole dish filled with baked tater tots layered over melted cheese and a cooked beef and cheese filling to make big mac casserole — Image Credit: Kitchen Ready Betty

Craving drive-thru flavor without the drive? This Big Mac casserole layers ground beef, cheese, and a flavorful burger sauce. Sprinkle on chopped pickles and lettuce and call everyone to the table for this easy and tasty dinner.

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7. Beef Burrito Bowl

Wide view of a beef burrito rice bowl topped with avocado, diced tomato and sour cream. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Skip the takeout and make these easy to customize Beef Burrito Bowls at home! Packed with seasoned ground beef, rice and burrito flavor. Everyone adds their favorite toppings to customize, and this recipe is a hit with the whole family. It’s a fun way to let everyone build their perfect dinner.
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8. Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup in a bowl covered in cheese, fresh basil and a slice of garlic bread on a counter from the side. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Lasagna Soup is everything you love about the classic dish but in a cozy, one-pot dinner. With ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly nights. Top it with cheese for that gooey lasagna finish.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

9. Italian Meatloaf

A sliced Italian meatloaf topped with melted cheese and tomato sauce on a platter from above on a table. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Regular meatloaf is always welcome, but this Italian meatloaf has my family calling for it by name! The slices taste just like a giant meatball, and the family loves the cheesy layer on top.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

10. Poor Man’s Stew (Hamburger Stew)

A crock pot of hamburger stew with carrots and potatoes being lifted from the side with a large ladle. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This budget-friendly Poor Man’s Stew is packed with hearty ground beef, potatoes, and veggies. It’s simple to make and delivers big on flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Comfort food doesn’t get any easier than this!
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

11. Baked Italian Meatballs

Wide shot of beef meatballs in tomato sauce on top of spaghetti in a bowl — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Just like my grandma used to make, these juicy and flavorful Baked Italian Meatballs always take me right back to her table. Made with a blend of ground beef and classic Italian seasonings, they’re baked to perfection and great for meal prep or freezing. Serve them with spaghetti or in a sub for a family favorite.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

12. Church Supper Spaghetti

Wide view of baked church super spaghetti casserole with melted cheese, ground meat, green peas, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers in a white baking dish. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This Church Supper Spaghetti has potluck energy with weeknight effort. Made with ground beef and an assortment of easy to enjoy veggies, it is saucy, comforting, and the first bowl people ask for seconds of.
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13. Italian Wedding Soup

Italian wedding soup in a bowl on a counter from overhead wide view. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This cozy Italian Wedding Soup combines tender beef meatballs, veggies, and pasta in a flavorful broth. It’s light enough for lunch but hearty enough for dinner, making it a handy meal for any time of year. This one is asked for again and again by my family.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

14. Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

wide view of a rice skillet topped with cheese and mixed with diced bell pepper. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

All the flavors of stuffed peppers in a simple, one-skillet meal! This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet combines ground beef, rice, and peppers in a savory tomato sauce for a fast, delicious dinner. It’s an easy way to enjoy this classic dish but in under 30 minutes!
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

15. Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Wide view of cheesy beef quesadillas stacked and spread out on a platter. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are the ultimate quick and tasty dinner! Crispy tortillas filled with seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese make a meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

16. Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Close up of a stuffed shell with ground beef and cheese on a plate. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are a cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying dinner. Loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, and seasoned beef, these pasta shells are baked in coxy marinara sauce. A family-friendly favorite that’s sure to please, plus it freezes ahead of time so well!
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

17. Meatball Stroganoff (Slow Cooker)

Wide view of meatballs stroganoff on top of egg noodles on a plate. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Creamy and comforting, this Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff features tender beef meatballs in a rich mushroom sauce. Serve it over noodles for a cozy meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Let your slow cooker do the work!
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

18. Cheeseburger Pasta

Close up wide view inside a large pot full of cheeseburger macaroni mixed with ground beef and tomatoes. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

All the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, wrapped up in a creamy pasta dish! Cheeseburger Pasta is a fun and delicious twist that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of cheesy deliciousness.
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19. Sloppy Joes

Wide view of three sloppy joes on a plate with chips. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Sloppy Joes are a classic for a reason! Sweet, savory, and messy in the best way, this ground beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it on buns with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will dig into.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

20. Taco Stuffed Shells

A wide view of a row of cheesy Mexican stuffed shells in a casserole dish with a spoon scooping one3. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Taco Stuffed Shells bring together the best of tacos and pasta for a family-friendly dinner. Filled with ground beef, cheese, and taco spices, these shells are baked to gooey perfection. It’s an exciting way to shake up taco night for the kids!
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE

21. Easy Sloppy Joe Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

A plate with a stack of sloppy joe sliders on it with a wide view. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

These Easy Sloppy Joe Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are a bite-sized twist on the classic. Sweet rolls paired with savory beef make a flavor combination that’s irresistible. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner.
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22. Italian Style Zucchini Boats With Ground Beef

Six stuffed zucchini boats from overhead lined up on a sheetpan full of ground beef and cheese. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This is the “Oh hey, I actually like zucchini” dinner. Ground beef, simple Italian seasoning, plenty of sauce and cheese baked until it’s all cozy and scoopable. Add garlic bread and call it a win.
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23. Dump & Bake Meatball Casserole

Wide view of a baked meatball casserole over pasta covered in gooey melted cheese in a casserole dish at an angle. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Six ingredients plus water, and the oven does the work. Toss in dry pasta, sauce, and meatballs, bake till tender, then finish with ricotta and mozzarella. Saucy, cheesy, weeknight-easy, the kids and adults will love this recipe.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE