When you’ve got a pound of ground beef in the fridge and zero motivation to get creative, it’s easy to fall back on the same old boring dishes. But why settle for ordinary when you can stretch that beef into something way more exciting? Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to make dinner less of a chore, these recipes will have you looking at that pound of ground beef like it’s a goldmine. From quick skillet meals to comfort food classics, you’ll find plenty of ways to make that beef work overtime.
Beef Kafta
Beef kafta is a simple way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a flavorful meal. Serve these easy-to-make kabobs with rice, a tomato cucumber salad, and a bit of feta or hummus.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta
Bomb Meatloaf
This meatloaf makes the most of your ground beef with a sweet and tangy glaze that everyone will love. It’s easy, tender, and a great way to get a few extra slices out of your beef.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Burger Bowls
All the taste of a classic burger without the bun. This ground beef recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something quick, easy, and still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
Stretch that ground beef with this Instant Pot cabbage soup. It’s a quick, no-fuss meal that’s hearty, filling, and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl
This rice bowl is a great way to spice things up while making a little beef go a long way. Cooked with red peppers and topped with a runny egg, it’s a fast and flavorful dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This one-pan meal is a perfect way to mix things up with ground beef. The southwestern flavors pair nicely with sweet potatoes, and it’s great for meal prep, too.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
This pasta skillet is all about getting dinner on the table fast. Ready in under 30 minutes, it uses whatever pasta you’ve got and makes that pound of ground beef stretch further.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Ground Beef Stir Fry
A one-pan wonder, this stir fry is perfect for weeknights. It’s quick, loaded with veggies, and makes the most of your ground beef with a simple garlic ginger sauce.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Healthier Sloppy Joes
A lighter take on a classic. These Sloppy Joes use lean ground beef, low-sugar ketchup, and BBQ sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes
Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
This soup turns ground beef into a hearty, satisfying dinner. Packed with beef, sausage, and veggies, it’s a great choice when you need something filling that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Tomato Pasta Soup
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Taco seasoning turns this ground beef into a quick, tasty meal. This one-pan dish is ready in 30 minutes and is perfect for nights when you want dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ground beef and cabbage come together in this easy skillet dinner. With plenty of flavor and texture, it’s a great way to make a simple weeknight meal that’s ready in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Taco Lasagna
If you’re tired of regular tacos, this taco lasagna is a great way to change things up. It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and uses that pound of ground beef in a creative way.
Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna
Bison or Beef Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a great way to stretch a pound of ground beef or bison. Filled with rice, veggies, and topped with cheese, they make for a hearty and easy meal that’s simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Bison or Beef Stuffed Peppers
BBQ Beef Beet Burgers
These BBQ burgers mix beef with beets for something different. Topped with avocado and goat cheese, they’re a great way to use your ground beef and add a bit of extra nutrition.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Beef Beet Burgers