Hello Everyone! Saving money is easy with a ground beef dinner recipe. Budgeting doesn’t have to be a boring chore.
I spent hours picking these because I know how much it sucks to overspend on groceries every week. You are going to love how fast these come together so you can actually enjoy your evening instead of just standing over the stove.
Tips to consider
- Buy Large: Purchase the big packs of meat to lower the price per pound and freeze what you dont use.
- Drain Grease: A colander is used by many to remove excess fat so the sauce isnt greasy.
- Veggie Bulk: Throw in extra frozen veggies to make the meat last for two meals instead of one.
- Cast Iron: A heavy skillet is recommended for the best sear on your beef to lock in juice.
Ground Beef Stir Fry
I love the hit of sweetness from the maple syrup in this one. A quick dinner is made by tossing everything in one pan, which is perfect when your too tired to cook.
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp BBQ sauce
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: natashaskitchen.com
The Easiest Korean Ground Beef Recipe
The orange juice adds a tang that you wont believe. Choose this when you need to impress someone but only have twenty minutes and five dollars in your pocket.
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cornstarch
- Green onions
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: ohsweetbasil.com
Simple Ground Beef Casserole
This is the ultimate “cheap meal” that tastes like home. It’s chosen by families everywhere because penne and marinara are always in the pantry, right?
- 1 lb uncooked penne
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: saltandlavender.com
Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
Rice is cooked right in the beef broth here. This absorbs all the savory goodness, making it a stellar choice for a filling Wednesday night meal.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 onion & 1 green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup cheese
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: cookthestory.com
Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
The black beans stretch this meal so far! You should pick this reciepe when your trying to feed a crowd on a tiny budget without sacrificing flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 3 Tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp green chiles
- 15 oz can black beans
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1.5 cups beef broth
- ½ cup Mexican cheese
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: fitfoodiefinds.com
Loaded Taco Skillet
I love the crunch of the corn in this skillet. A healthy dinner is created by adding zucchini, making it a smart way to get the kids to eat their greens.
- 1 lb 93% lean ground beef
- ½ cup onion & red bell pepper
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 15 oz can black beans
- Chili powder, cumin, paprika
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup cheese
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: wholesomemadeeasy.com
Easy Ground Beef and Rice Skillet (Kid-Friendly)
Bone broth makes this so much healthier for the little ones. Its a great reciepe for those nights when you want something mild but still totally satisfying.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion & 1 bell pepper
- ½ zucchini & 2 oz mushrooms
- 2 cups bone broth
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: whatgreatgrandmaate.com
Mediterranean Beef and Veggie Skillet
Feta and lemon give this a gourmet vibe. A fresh meal is prepared in minutes, making it a top pick for a date night at home on the cheap.
- 1 pound ground beef
- Red onion, zucchini, red bell pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
- Smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes
- Fresh oregano & dill
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup crumbled feta
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: thedefineddish.com
One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
Heavy cream makes this sauce so silky. You should choose this on a cold night when only a big bowl of pasta and a blanket will do.
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion & 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 350g fusilli pasta
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: recipetineats.com
Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
I’m obsessed with how the mozzarella melts over the ziti. This reciepe is favored for game nights because it’s so easy to serve and everyone loves cheese.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups cooked ziti
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups mozzarella
- Fresh parsley
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: bakeatmidnite.com
Best Damn Skillet Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
Taco seasoning makes this incredibly easy to whip up. Choose this for a nostalgic meal that tastes like the boxed stuff but a million times better.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1.5 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 small onion & 2 cloves garlic
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes with chiles
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cheddar
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: recipeteacher.com
Simple Ground Beef Pasta Skillet
Spinach and Parmesan add a nice touch of class. A complete meal is found in one skillet, proving you dont need a lot of pans to eat well.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 2-3 cups baby spinach
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- ¾ cup Parmesan
- ½ cup heavy cream
Image Credit & Full Recipe Instructions: lemonsandzest.com
The Do’s and Don’ts of Ground Beef Cooking
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Do let the pan get really hot before adding the meat for a good sear. | Don’t stir the meat constantly; let it sit so it can brown properly. |
| Do use fresh herbs at the end to make a cheap meal feel expensive. | Don’t leave the meat in the grease unless the reciepe specifically says so. |
I really hope these ideas help you save money while keeping your family happy and fed. My goal is always to prove that you can live a great life on a budget, and its all starts with a simple meal at home!
