Ground beef is the go-to when you want something easy, but you don’t always want spaghetti. There’s a whole world of ground beef recipes that aren’t drowning in marinara sauce. From hearty casseroles to quick stir-fries, these dishes keep things interesting without repeating the same old pasta routine.
Beef Kafta
This Middle Eastern dish isn’t your standard ground beef recipe. Beef kafta is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect as kabobs. Pair it with rice, a tomato-cucumber salad, and a dollop of hummus for a fresh, no-spaghetti-needed meal.
Get the Recipe: Beef Kafta
Bomb Meatloaf
Forget boring meatloaf. This one’s juicy, tender, and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze that makes it anything but basic. Easy to throw together, this meatloaf is a great way to shake up your ground beef routine—no noodles required.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf
Burger Bowls
All the best parts of a burger, minus the bun. These burger bowls are packed with toppings and a homemade sauce, giving you that fast-food flavor in a fresher, fun way. No spaghetti in sight here—just a great way to enjoy ground beef without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Burger Bowls
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
This cabbage soup is an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for when you want something light but still filling. Made in the Instant Pot, it’s quick and loaded with wholesome ingredients, all in a tomato base. No spaghetti here, just a great bowl of soup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup
Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl
Need dinner fast? This spicy beef and red pepper rice bowl is a quick fix. With dried red chili peppers and a runny egg on top, it’s a fun, flavorful option that skips the spaghetti for something punchier.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef and Red Pepper Rice Bowl
Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Beef and broccoli stir-fry is a takeout favorite you can make at home in minutes. Shaved beef or ground beef can be used — both cook up fast. The sauce is spot-on, making this a perfect way to use ground beef for something quick and seriously good.
Get the Recipe: Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry
Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
This one-pan ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a great weeknight meal that’s also perfect for meal prep. No spaghetti here, just a hearty, southwestern-inspired dish that’s full of flavor and easy to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Ground Beef Stir Fry
Stir-fries don’t always need chicken. This ground beef stir fry is a great switch-up, featuring fresh veggies and a garlic ginger sauce. It’s fast, fresh, and way better than your standard pasta dinners.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stir Fry
Healthier Sloppy Joes
These aren’t your school cafeteria sloppy joes. Made with lean ground beef and a lower-sugar sauce, they’re a better-for-you version of the classic, with all the flavor you want and none of the noodles.
Get the Recipe: Healthier Sloppy Joes
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
This Mexican ground beef skillet is packed with taco seasoning and ready in 30 minutes. It’s a simple, flavorful one-pan meal that gets dinner on the table fast, with zero spaghetti to be found.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Ground beef and cabbage come together in this quick and easy skillet meal. Think of it like an Asian-inspired stir fry but with beef instead of noodles. It’s full of texture and flavor—perfect for a fast dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet
Stuffed Honeynut Squash
Stuffed honeynut squash is a fall favorite, and this recipe brings ground beef into the mix for a hearty, seasonal dish. Great for when you want something different from the usual spaghetti fare, it’s easy and quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Honeynut Squash
Beef Stuffed Peppers
Ground beef stuffed peppers are a perfect weeknight meal. Filled with rice, zucchini, and carrots, and topped with melted cheese, they’re a great way to use ground beef without falling into the spaghetti trap. Easy, tasty, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stuffed Peppers