4 Cheap Dinner Ideas You Can Make With Ground Beef

Grocery prices are through the roof right now, so I know you are probably looking for some quick, easy, and affordable meal ideas. Today I have four cheap dinner ideas with ground beef that you can make at home in just 20 minutes.


It is very likely that you have some frozen ground beef in your freezer or a pound of ground beef in your fridge, and you can make all of these with some ground beef and just a few other easy ingredients.

1. TexMex beef and bean skillet

I love this ground beef meal idea because it has so many possibilities. You can serve it over rice, you can put it in burritos, or you can make it with taco salad. The only limit is your creativity!


1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.


2. Add the bell pepper, onion (optionally), bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.


3. Add the ground beef and break the ground beef up. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.

Adding chili powder

4. Add chili powder, cumin, and oregano for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.


5. Add tomatoes, beans, and corn. Heat until the sauce is reduced and bubbling.

TexMex beef and bean skillet

6. Add in the rice and stir to combine. Sprinkle with cheese and optionally cilantro or scallions to serve.


7. Serve with cornbread, a side salad, or chips for a complete meal.

 

2. One-pot penne bolognese

Most people love pasta, even picky eaters, so try making this easy meal with ground beef for your family, and I am sure it will become a staple family weeknight meal at your house.

 

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.


2. When the meat is mostly cooked (almost no pink remaining), add the garlic. Continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

Pouring in the beef broth

3. Add the beef broth and bring to a boil.


4. Add the penne noodles, stirring to cover all of the noodles with the broth.


5. Bring to a boil, cooking for an additional 7 to 8 minutes or until the noodles are tender.


6. Add the spaghetti sauce and stir until all of the noodles are covered and continue to cook until the mixture is hot throughout.

One-pot penne bolognese

7. Add the shredded mozzarella and allow to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, then enjoy!

 

3. Corn tortilla beef taco

This one is basically your standard taco recipe, but I really think using the white corn tortilla elevates it and makes it taste more like a restaurant taco or a street taco. You cannot go wrong with this recipe on a busy weeknight.

 

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef and drain.


2. Add in 2/3 c of water and taco seasoning, stirring to incorporate. Let it all simmer until the sauce reduces.

Corn tortilla beef taco

3. Place tortillas on a flat surface, top with beef taco meat and any toppings. I suggest tomatoes, avocados, cheese, cilantro, and red onions.

 

4. Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni

The last recipe is super nostalgic for me. I used to eat a ton of Hamburger Helper when I was a little kid, so this reminds me of that. This is a fun one for picky eaters, too.


1. Brown the ground beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.


2. When the beef is almost finished cooking (very little pink remains), add the onion and continue to stir.


3. When the onion is translucent, add the garlic and stir, continuing to cook for about 2 minutes.


4. Add the beef broth and bring to a boil.


5. When the broth is boiling, add the elbow noodles and stir to cover. Bring to a boil and continue to simmer for 7 minutes or until the noodles are tender.

Cheap dinner ideas with ground beef

6. Add cream cheese and stir until well combined.


7. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir to combine, melting the cheese completely.

Hamburger Helper cheeseburger macaroni

8. Salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!

 

Cheap dinner ideas with ground beef

As always, I hope these quick and cheap ground beef recipes will help you meal plan this week for your family without breaking the bank. What is your favorite simple ground beef meal? Share your best recipes in the comments!

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