20 Ground Beef Recipes That Don’t Take All Night

Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in your kitchen. It cooks quickly, pairs with almost anything, and works in everything from stir fries to casseroles. This list includes fast, flavorful meals that come together in one pan or less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re using cabbage, noodles, rice, or veggies, there’s a recipe here that turns ground beef into dinner without much effort.

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

This burger brings smoky bacon and creamy avocado into one quick meal. The beef patties are cooked fast and packed with flavor. It’s easy to build with your favorite bun and toppings. Great for when you want something filling without much prep.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

Cabbage Noodles with Ground Beef

This simple dish replaces pasta with shredded cabbage for a lighter twist. The ground beef is seasoned and cooked with garlic and onion for extra flavor. Everything comes together in one pan for fast cleanup. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or herbs adds texture at the end.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Noodles with Ground Beef

Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe with Ground Beef

This version of dirty rice uses ground beef to bring heartiness to the dish. Cajun seasoning adds just enough heat and depth. It’s all mixed with cooked rice and veggies in one pot. A good option when you want something bold but easy.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Dirty Rice Recipe with Ground Beef

Cantonese Ground beef And Eggs (Under 30 Minutes)

This stir-fry brings together scrambled eggs and savory ground beef in a Cantonese-style sauce. The dish is rich and comforting with a glossy finish. Serve it over white rice for a quick and satisfying meal. It’s done in under half an hour.
Get the Recipe: Cantonese Ground beef And Eggs (Under 30 Minutes)

Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

This taco-inspired skillet is layered with beef, cheese, salsa, and seasoning. Everything melts together for a gooey, scoopable dish. You can serve it with chips, rice, or inside tortillas. It’s great for when you want taco night without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

This creamy skillet uses cauliflower rice to keep things light and quick. Ground beef is mixed with herbs, spices, and a splash of cream for a rich sauce. It’s all made in one pan and comes together fast. A sprinkle of cheese on top adds extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Egg Casserole with Ground Beef

This baked egg dish includes seasoned ground beef for a hearty twist. It works well for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The casserole is easy to slice and serve. Add cheese or vegetables to mix it up.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole with Ground Beef

Ginger Ground Beef Stir

This quick stir fry gets its kick from fresh ginger and garlic. Ground beef soaks up the sauce and browns nicely for added flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles. A handful of green onions finishes it off.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Ground Beef Stir

Ground Beef and Broccoli

This takeout-style dish brings together tender broccoli and seasoned beef in a savory sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and made in one pan. The sauce clings to each piece, making every bite satisfying. Serve it over rice or keep it as is.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

This stir fry pairs lean beef and crisp broccoli with a simple soy-based sauce. It cooks fast in a hot skillet and tastes fresh. Add red pepper flakes or sesame oil for extra punch. Works well as a weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

This skillet meal is all about comfort and simplicity. Ground beef is cooked with cabbage, onion, and a few pantry spices. The cabbage softens and picks up the flavor as it cooks. It’s budget-friendly and filling.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

A quick stir fry that brings together crunchy cabbage and browned beef. Soy sauce and garlic round out the flavor. Everything cooks fast and keeps its texture. Serve it hot for a fast and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Noodles

This dish is a simple mix of tender noodles and seasoned ground beef. It’s quick to put together with ingredients you likely already have. You can add veggies or cheese if you want to switch it up. Makes a great weeknight standby.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Noodles

Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet

Orzo and beef come together in this one-pan skillet with a creamy or tomato-based sauce. The orzo soaks up flavor while staying tender. A handful of spinach or herbs at the end keeps it fresh. Serve it warm right from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Orzo Skillet

Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

This one-pan dinner combines seasoned beef with cooked rice and vegetables. It’s customizable depending on what you have in the fridge. The beef adds richness while the rice keeps it filling. Works well for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Rice Skillet Dinner

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

This hash has tender sweet potatoes, ground beef, and just the right spices. Everything crisps up nicely in a skillet. Great as a breakfast-for-dinner option. You can top it with a fried egg for extra texture.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

This one-pan meal is hearty and slightly sweet from the cooked potatoes. The beef balances it with savory flavor. A dash of cumin or smoked paprika gives it depth. Serve straight from the skillet.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Beef Chow Mein

This takeout-style noodle dish uses ground beef instead of traditional sliced meat. It’s packed with veggies and tossed in a savory sauce. The noodles get a slight crisp for texture. It’s fast, filling, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Chow Mein

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

This skillet brings pasta and beef together in a cheesy or tomato-rich sauce. Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup simple. It’s cozy, filling, and quick to assemble. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or grated cheese to finish.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet

This dish takes all the flavors of a cheesesteak and turns it into a skillet meal. Ground beef, onions, and peppers are topped with melted cheese. You can eat it as is or scoop it into a hoagie roll. Quick and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Skillet