Ground beef is the ultimate budget-friendly ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of mouthwatering meals. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a newbie in the kitchen, these 17 ground beef recipes will prove that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy delicious, satisfying dishes.
Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe
A no-stress dinner that combines ground beef and cornbread into one filling dish. The beef and cornbread mix makes this a cheap meal that feeds plenty of people – great for feeding a hungry crowd without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli
A hearty beef and pasta soup that costs less than the restaurant version. Ground beef and beans make this soup filling while keeping the price down – perfect for feeding lots of people on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli
Instant Pot Dirty Rice
This Cajun-style rice loads up on flavor with seasoned ground beef. The rice helps stretch the beef further, making it an economical choice for families. A filling meal that’s smart on your wallet.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dirty Rice
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
All the good parts of stuffed peppers in an easier format. This casserole stretches ground beef with rice and peppers to feed more people while keeping the cost down.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
A home-cooked version of the restaurant favorite that costs way less than eating out. This beef-based comfort food feeds a whole family for what you’d spend on one restaurant serving.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
Walking Taco Casserole
This casserole puts a fun spin on tacos with layers of ground beef and Fritos. A money-smart dish that turns basic ingredients into something the whole family will love. The affordable beef and chip combo makes this a smart pick for your grocery budget.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole
Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Beef and pasta come together in this filling one-pot meal. The combination of ground beef with pasta makes your meat budget go further while creating a hearty dish everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
A complete pasta dinner with beef meatballs that cooks in one pot. This Italian classic becomes budget-smart when made at home, feeding plenty of people without the restaurant prices.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Taco Pasta Casserole
A 30-minute dinner that mixes ground beef with pasta and Mexican flavors. This filling dish stretches your grocery budget by combining pasta with meat to feed more people for less.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Casserole
Air Fryer Meatballs
Quick-cooking beef meatballs that work for subs, pasta, or snacks. These homemade meatballs cost less than pre-made ones and taste better too. A smart way to turn ground beef into multiple meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Meatballs
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
A different take on chili that makes ground beef go far. The beef simmers with spices to create a rich sauce that serves many – a smart way to feed a group without spending much.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili
French Onion Casserole
A beef and onion bake that makes basic ingredients into a filling meal. This casserole makes smart use of ground beef by mixing it with plenty of onions to create more servings.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Peppers filled with a mix of beef and rice cook up fast in the air fryer. This classic becomes budget-smart by using rice to make the ground beef go further.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Beef patties in gravy that feed the whole family for less than takeout. Makes ground beef feel fancy while keeping the meal budget-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak
Taco Rice Skillet
A one-pan beef and rice combo that’s quick and costs just a few bucks per serving. The ground beef stretches far with rice and Mexican-style seasonings, making it a smart choice when you need to watch your spending.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet
Instant Pot Pineapple Chili
A sweet and spicy chili that’s different from the usual. The pineapple helps stretch the ground beef while adding lots of flavor – a thrifty way to make chili more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pineapple Chili
Air Fryer Burgers
Juicy burgers that cost less than takeout and come together quickly. Making burgers at home saves money while letting you control the quality of your beef.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Burgers