30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (2024)

We’ve rounded up 30 of the best ground beef recipes that we, and the internet, have to offer! So if you’re wondering “what should I make with ground beef?” you, friend, have come to the right place!

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30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (1)

Got Beef? We’ve Got a Recipe for you!

Ground beef is quite possibly the ultimate all-American go-to ingredient. It keeps pretty well in the freezer, too, so you can even stock up when it’s on sale and know that you’ve got a freezer-full of easy ground beef dinners at your fingertips. Speaking of easy ground beef recipes—we’ve rounded up 30 of the very best that we, and the internet, have to offer! So if you’re staring at your fridge wondering “what should I make with ground beef?” you, friend, have come to the right place.

30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (2)
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (3)

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Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients

  • Thai Basil Beef (cover photo). A speedy, savory Thai beef basil stir fry that’s just a bit spicy and really hits the spot.

  • Gingery Ground Beef (Soboro Donburi). Five ingredients, a few minutes and a hot skillet, and you’ll be digging into a delicious soboro donburi, a gingery ground beef that reminds us that the best Japanese recipes are often the simplest.

  • Crock-Pot Taco Meat. Just three-ingredients and the use of our trusty slow-cooker make this Crock-Pot beef taco meat recipe an easy win.

  • Baked Mostaccioli. Filled with meat, a rich red sauce, and covered in shredded mozz. Need we say more?
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (4)
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (5)

Ground Beef Burger and Sandwich Recipes

  • Classic Cheeseburger with Secret Sauce. A perfectly soft bun, quality, juicy ground beef that is seasoned well, plenty of cheese, caramelized onions and a really good secret sauce are the key to this truly classic cheeseburger recipe.
  • Patty Melt. As diner sandwiches go, the melty, meaty, oniony perfection that is the patty melt reigns supreme—if you know, you know. And if you don’t know, well, welcome to the club.
  • Meatball Sub Sandwich. Big juicy, tender meatballs simmered in marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade—either works!) stuffed into garlicky hoagie rolls, topped with mozzarella and broiled to melty, bubbly perfection.
  • Beef Sliders. These juicy ground beef sliders—slathered with a homemade bright and lemony sun-dried tomato mayo, spicy pickles, and fresh arugula—prove that bigger doesn’t always equal better.
  • Avocado Burger with Bacon. When the craving strikes for a juicy burger, you’ll want to make this avocado burger with bacon and jalapeño aioli. Get out the napkins, cuz you’re gonna need them!
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (6)
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (7)

Meatballs: Quite Possibly Ground Beef’s Highest Calling

  • Swedish Meatballs. These Swedish meatballs are the best you'll ever have. Gently warmed with spices and covered in a heavenly creamy gravy sauce, then served with fluffy mashed potatoes!
  • Mediterranean Meatballs with Tzatziki. These tender spiced beef meatballs are served with our favorite simple tzatziki sauce.
  • Sheet Pan Harissa Meatballs and Cabbage. Smoky, warm, fragrant Middle Eastern spices imbue this simple sheet-pan cabbage-and-meatball dinner with big, bold flavors.
  • Meatball Shakshuka. Ground beef is mixed with the same herbs and spices used in the classic North African shakshuka and then simmered in a smoky, tomato-y shakshuka sauce for a one-pan dinner that everyone will love.
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (8)
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (9)

Easy, Hearty Ground Beef Chilis & Soups

  • Taco Soup. Like making ground beef tacos for dinner, but easier.
  • Award Winning Chili. Ground beef, pork, three kinds of beans and spices to spare conspire to make this hearty, stick-to-your-ribs chili your family’s new game day go-to.
  • Lasagna Soup. Loaded with sausage and beef, plenty of herbs and garlic, and topped with a lava flow of mozzarella cheese, lasagna soup is easier to make than its oven-baked counterpart, and just as delicious.
  • Crock-Pot Paleo Chili. Hearty, protein-packed, and not a bean in sight—this meaty Paleo chili is a fast fave.
  • Stuffed Pepper Soup. Loaded with ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes and topped with cheese, this is a hearty, easy riff on one of our favorite dinners.
  • Taco Salad. Seasoned beef with toppings piled high—beans, corn, cheese, avocado and chips. Finish it off with taco salad dressing and DIG IN!
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (10)
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (11)

Cozy, Comforting, Classic Ground Beef Pasta Recipes

  • Easy Bolognese. Hearty and comforting, this meaty, easy ground beef bolognese recipe takes less time to make than it does to disappear into hungry tummies.
  • Spaghetti Sauce. Just wait until you try this deeply flavored, slow-cooked, meat-loaded homemade spaghetti sauce recipe—you'll be head-over-heels.
  • Porcupine Meatballs. These beef meatballs look like little porcupines because of the way the grains of rice stick out of them.
  • Classic Lasagna Recipe. Easy, meaty, cheesy, this classic lasagna recipe is what everyone’s dinnertime dreams are made of.
  • Salisbury steak. Think perfectly browned ground beef patties, seasoned with abandon and served with onion-and-mushroom gravy.
  • Crispy Ground Beef Taco. Ground beef tacos are easy for each person at the table to customize to their own tastes and so they’re always, always a crowd-favorite.
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (12)
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (13)

Ground Beef Recipes From Around the Globe

  • Beef Empanadas. Tender, flaky crust surrounding a hearty mixture of warmly-spiced ground beef and vegetables—here's how to make the best beef empanadas you’ve ever tasted.
  • Gyro Meat. Hey guess what! Making juicy, super-seasoned gyro meat at home is easier than you think! Then, you can use that yummy beefy gyro meat to make DIY Gyro Bowls.
  • Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki. Big, bold herbs and spices make these beef kofta kebabs with tzatziki perfect for a super satisfying centerpiece for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
  • Shepherd’s Pie. This traditional English dish is a must-make comfort food.
  • Picadillo. Our picadillo recipe makes for a homey weeknight dinner that everyone will gobble up!Chimichurri Meatballs
  • Chimichurri Meatballs. Want a delicious, quick dinner? Pair these meatballs with a big salad, or serve them as a fun, dippable party appetizer—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (14)
30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (15)

Even More Ground Beef Recipe To Fall In Love With

  • Enchilada Casserole. Layers of corn tortilla, cheese, and a tasty bean and beef filling.

  • Cabbage Rolls. Stuffed with pork sausage and ground beef, then wrapped in cabbage leaves and baked to perfection.

  • Mini Meatloaf. Mini meatloaf, you offer so many solutions in one little loaf.

  • Italian Wedding Soup. Tender, juicy meatballs, rich flavorful broth, al-dente pasta, and greens make for a meal the entire family will enjoy.

  • Sloppy Joes. These saucy, beefy homemade sloppy Joes are the best kind of messy comfort food!

30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (16)30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (17)30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (18)30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (19)30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (20)30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (21)

30 Best Ground Beef Recipes | The Modern Proper (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to best ground beef? ›

The trick to cooking ground beef well is to not move it around a lot until it's finished cooking and nicely browned. This helps create a crust on the meat which is delicious. I sauté it in cooking oil. I usually use olive oil because that's my go-to, but your favorite cooking oil will work too.

What meals can be made from ground beef? ›

This recipe is the perfect solution.
  • Beef Picadillo Tacos.
  • Mexican-style Beef Sausage Nachos.
  • Taco Shepherd's Pie.
  • Beef & Vegetable Fried Rice.
  • Meatloaf.
  • Classic Beef Sloppy Joe.
  • Classic Beef Stuffed Peppers.
  • Texas Juicy Lucy Burger.

What can I add to ground beef to make it taste better? ›

The magic lies in the seasoning – a simple yet potent mix of garlic, onion, cumin, and cayenne, creating some of the most tasty ground beef.

What is 70 30 ground beef used for? ›

You can find ground beef blends with a range of lean points, but 70/30 is very common. The high fat content makes this ground beef the ideal product for juicy burgers that require a lot of napkins. Just be aware that the meat will shrink considerably as the fat melts.

What does adding vinegar to ground beef do? ›

Culinary professionals know that a small amount of vinegar makes food taste bright and fresh. Too much, however, may make the food unpleasantly sour. First and foremost, vinegar is used as a tenderizer for meat and poultry. It may be added as an injected marinade in very tough proteins or applied via a soak or rub.

Why do you add baking soda to ground beef? ›

The baking soda (which is very basic) raises the pH of the meat, preventing the proteins from bonding excessively (and thus squeezing water out); this keeps everything nice and tender, and prevents that pool of liquid from forming.

What does cooking ground beef in milk do? ›

As noted by Lifehacker, dairy has a pretty magical effect on meat, tenderizing it without making it mushy, and helping it stay juicy when cooked. And although ground meat doesn't need any additional tenderizing — grinding takes care of that aspect — it certainly can benefit from extra moisture retention.

How is ground beef best cooked? ›

Cast iron and stainless steel are the best choices for getting that beautiful, brown sear. Once the pan is hot, add the meat, and use a spatula to break it up into pieces. Let the meat brown without touching for about five minutes. This gives the meat more contact with the pan, and thus, a better sear.

How do Mexican restaurants get their ground beef so fine? ›

Put the ground chuck in a large pot or Dutch oven and add seasonings. Add just enough water to cover the meat, bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer for about an hour. Every 15 minutes or so break up the meat with a large spoon or a potato masher so that it isn't lumpy.

Does baking soda make ground beef taste better? ›

However, by gently tossing a baking soda solution with the meat (about ¾ teaspoon baking soda to 2 tablespoons water for 2lbs of grind) and letting sit for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking, beef loses less liquid, browns faster and tastes better.

What enhances the flavor of the meat? ›

Intensify the flavors of meat, poultry and fish with high-heat cooking techniques such as pan-searing, grilling or broiling, which help to brown meat and add flavor. Just don't overcook, burn or char meat. Roast veggies in a very hot (450°F) oven or grill for a sweet, smoky flavor.

What does 93/7 mean on ground beef? ›

the percentage of fat. For example, “93/7” means 93 percent lean meat and 7 percent fat. The lower the fat content, the less saturated fat you'll consume. To help reduce consuming extra fat from both ground turkey and ground beef, Hueschen recommends these options: Drain grease from the pan.

What is the best burger meat blend Gordon Ramsay? ›

The perfect burger is a 70 2010 ratio. 70% chuck steak, 20% short rib, 10% fat, freshly ground. Once that's blended, lightly season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and then lightly dusted with chili flakes. Make your well in the center, egg yolk in and blend.

What is the best tasting ground beef? ›

80/20: Ground Chuck

It's the highest lean-to-fat ratio in the specialty grinds and tends to be quite tender and juicy. Ground chuck is from the shoulder of the cow. It is rich and tender with plenty of flavor. Often referred to as “lean ground beef,” this is perfect for hamburgers and meatballs.

What makes the best tasting beef? ›

Lastly, the top steak cuts usually come from the loin since it tends to be so tender and flavorful. These usually consists of the T-Bone, Porterhouse, Rib Eye, Filet Mignon, and so on. Yes, these tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum, but they are totally worth it.

What are 3 tips for buying beef? ›

3 Tips to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Meat
  • Check for freshness. The first tip here is probably the most obvious but also probably the most helpful: Check the pack date on the label. ...
  • Know your labels. Meat labels can be confusing. ...
  • Ask the butcher.
Feb 2, 2022

What makes beef taste better? ›

Diet is one of the most influential factors that impacts beef flavor and aroma. This is because the dietary nutrients cattle consume directly impact the fatty acid profile and nutrient profile of their fat. One of the most-common mantras in the meat industry is that fat is flavor.

What makes beef taste the best? ›

In terms of flavor profiles, corn is the most popular grain used by beef farmers. Grain fed cattle tends to be more fatty and this is what produces marbling and that beefy flavor.

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