It's 5 p.m. and you need to whip something up fast for dinner. You look in the fridge and all you see is some ground beef. Although that may not seem like anything too inspiring at first, the truth is there are so many easy ground beef recipes you can make. You can cook your traditional beef tacos, meatloaves, and burgers — or opt for pasta, pizza or something even more creative.
But can these ground beef recipes stand the test of hectic nights when the kids are starving and demanding dinner right away? Of course, they can. We rounded up a few dozen of our favorite ground beef recipes that not only will have everyone asking for seconds but will be quick to whip up and quite filling. We have everything from sliders and meat pies to noodles and meatballs. We promise these recipes are fast and tasty.
Best of all, many of these ground beef recipes borrow from the classics and spice them up with an exciting twist. The addition of chipotle, cumin, oregano, balsamic vinegar and more manage to turn a common meal into an unforgettable dinner experience.
Chris Court
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Quick Beef Ragu
This pasta dish with tomatoes, parmesan and creamy sauce is the epitome of food for the soul.
Ditch the typical rice dinner and opt for this rice-shaped pasta instead. The combination of orzo, fennel and basil makes this ground beef dish unforgettable.
CON POULOS; FOOD STYLING BY ANNE DISRUDE; PROP STYLING BY ERIN SWIFT
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Meat Loaf with Roasted Green Beans
In less than 30 minutes of prep time you can enjoy this flavor-packed ground beef meal. The addition of smashed potatoes and fresh parsley makes this dinnertime staple a hit.
This casserole takes less than a half hour to prepare, but it'll taste like something you could've ordered at a restaurant. You'll go back for a second serving for sure.
BBQ beef and mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food combination. You'll be feeling all sorts of warm, cozy, and satisfied after a serving of this pie.
Slow cooker fans, this one's for you. All you need is 20 minutes to prep the ingredients and six to nine hours for your slow cooker to do its thing. The end result is a mouth-watering pasta dish.
Cincinnati has their own unique take on chili; they serve it over spaghetti. Try this unique recipe at home by making an easy, tasty slow-cooker chili and then serving it over spaghetti noodles.
Terri Huggins HartTerri Huggins Hart is an award-winning journalist, lifestyle writer, parenting writer, and race and culture writer who is convinced she's figured out the trick to living life with no regrets: do what you love, give love, lead with love.
Elissa SanciElissa Sanci is an Associate Staff Writer at the product review site Wirecutter.com and a former editorial assistant at Woman’s Day.