16 Easy Recipes to Make With a Pound of Ground Beef
“It’s so darn versatile,” as Ree puts it.
When you’re grocery shopping, grabbing a pound of ground beef is a no-brainer. “Ground beef is one of my top proteins for family meals because it's pretty budget-friendly, easy to find, and so darn versatile,” says Ree Drummond. There are endless ground beef recipes that are hearty, filling, and economical. And when it’s on sale? Even better. It’s great to stock up when you can, because it freezes well.
Of course, many recipes may call for more than you might have on hand. So if you’re looking for ground beef recipes that only need one pound, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll find comforting ground beef casseroles, filling Italian dinners, and even some healthier spins on ground beef that you can make with a one-pound package.
Not one of these feels like you’re being shortchanged in the meatiness at all. Make Ree’s craveable French onion meatballs or try her hamburger casserole “if saucy, beefy, cheesy pasta is your idea of comfort food.” (Isn’t that everyone?) You’ll even find a few 30-minute meals for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have much time. Now, unwrap that pound of beef because you’ve got some cookin’ to do!
Hamburger Casserole
Try this hearty casserole “if you've been craving good, no-fuss comfort food,” Ree says. With ground beef, pasta, melty cheese, and crispy onions, it’s the kind of meal that everyone will ask you to make over and over again.
Get Ree’s Hamburger Casserole recipe.
French Onion Meatballs
Do you also have some ground pork on hand? Well, lucky you, because you’re about to make a skillet full of hearty, cheesy meatballs that only need some crusty bread to sop up all that goodness.
Get Ree’s French Onion Meatballs recipe.
Beef Stroganoff Stuffed Peppers
If you loved stuffed peppers, why not give this twist a try? Swap out the rice for noodles, add in some hearty mushrooms, and don’t forget the sour cream and cheese for a delectable filling.
Chili Mac and Cheese
Why choose between cozy chili and gooey mac and cheese, when you can have both? This is made from scratch in under 30 minutes and will surely be a crowd-pleaser. It’s made in one pan, too, for easy cleanup.
Get Ree’s Chili Mac and Cheese recipe.
Taco Pie
Here’s another fun 30-minute triumph. This spin on taco night swaps out the tortillas for buttery crescent rolls instead. Just use the store-bought cans! Then pile high with savory beef, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and tangy sour cream.
Get Ree’s Taco Pie recipe.
Cowboy Spaghetti
You don’t need to live on a ranch to enjoy this mashup between chili and spaghetti. It has smoky bacon, ground beef, a kick of jalapeño, and lots of Tex-Mex spices. The fire-roasted tomatoes and pinto beans make the sauce extra hearty.
Get Ree’s Cowboy Spaghetti recipe.
Shepherd’s Pie
Also called cottage pie, this classic is a must-have family dinner! It has everything you need all in one pan: mashed potatoes, veggies, and savory beef. You can make it in advance, too.
Get the Shepherd’s Pie recipe.
Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
If you’re looking for something on the healthier side but still want something to fill you up, swap out pasta for spaghetti squash. It still has the sauce, meatballs, and cheese that you crave but also the veggies you need.
Get Ree’s Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs recipe.
Homemade Hamburger Helper
If you grew up loving Hamburger Helper, you'll adore this homemade version filled with ground beef, macaroni, and plenty of melty cheese. It’s a one-pot wonder that will be ready in just 35 minutes.
Get the Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe.
Mini Meatball Sandwiches
What’s that? You want another 30-minute idea? Make meatball sliders! Layer juicy, tender meatballs with jarred marinara and melty cheese for a quick and kid-friendly dinner any night of the week.
Get Ree’s Mini Meatball Sandwiches recipe.
Manicotti
You want to really show off? Manicotti is a masterpiece! Tubes of pasta are stuffed with a four-cheese mixture and topped with a hearty meat sauce. The perfect finishing touch is even more cheese baked on top.
Get the Manicotti recipe.
7-Layer Casserole
So many layers of Tex-Mex flavors are coming for your belly! Rice, beans, seasoned beef, plenty of cheese, and all the taco toppings you know and love are all layered in one easy-to-serve dish.
Get Ree’s 7-Layer Casserole recipe.
Stuffed Cabbage
If you’ve never made this grandma classic, you’re in for some pure comfort food. Ground beef and pork are mixed with rice and stuffed into cabbage leaves, then topped with a sweet and sour tomato sauce and baked until cozy.
Get the Stuffed Cabbage recipe.
Cheeseburger Soup
Get everything you love about burgers but in a soup bowl instead. Along with ground beef, you’ll find bacon, potatoes, cheese, and a generous amount of cream. Pair with dinner rolls or garlic bread for dipping.
Get the Cheeseburger Soup recipe.
Chili Dogs
Turn plain ol’ hot dogs into a gloriously messy bite in the best way possible. Instead of canned chili, you can make an easy bean-less version and still have dinner on the table in just 45 minutes.
Get Ree’s Chili Dogs recipe.
Cowboy Casserole
Saddle up for this comforting casserole! It’s a one-pan meal loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, spinach, and corn, and then topped with golden tater tots. The creaminess comes from a can of mushroom soup, so it’s easy to throw together.
Get the Cowboy Casserole recipe.
Taco Stuffed Peppers
Chili Mac and Cheese
Hamburger Casserole
Steak Sheet Pan Dinner
