50 Budget Ground Beef Recipes That are The Opposite of Boring (2024)

Introducing 50 delectable ground beef recipes that won’t break the bank! If you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly meal options without sacrificing flavor, you’re in for a treat. From hearty classics to creative twists, these dishes are designed to make the most of affordable ground beef, ensuring every bite is both delicious and economical. Get ready to spice up your mealtime routine with these wallet-friendly wonders!

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Appetizers and Snacks

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1. Mini Beef Empanadas

These snack-size empanadas are filled with achiote-spiced ground beef and wrapped in a flaky dough.

2. Beef and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Portobello mushrooms with a thick beef mince ragu loaded with bacon & mozzarella cheese are easy to make & are a treat for everyone!

3. Layered Beef Taco Dip

Spicy, tangy, and savory flavors are stacked atop each together in a baking dish to create this sensational Layered Ground Beef Taco Dip. While this budget ground beef recipe is fantastically snackable, it is also hearty enough to be dinner any night of the week.

4. Beef and Bean Sheet Pan Quesadillas

Crisp, buttery tortilla, seasoned filling and melty cheese make this Beef and Bean Sheet Pan Quesadilla an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!

5. Ground Beef Grilled Cheese

A pan-fried grilled cheese sandwich, with BBQ sauce infused ground beef, and smothered in melted cheese. This is sure to be devoured!

Main Dishes

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6. Classic Beef Meatloaf

This is a Meatloaf recipe for people who love their Meatloaf oozing with flavour, moist and tender yet not crumble apart when sliced, and a sticky caramelised meatloaf glaze . It’s so much more than just a giant hunk of ground beef in a loaf shape!

7. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Quick and delicious, this healthy Ground Beef Stir Fry is packed with vegetables and makes for the perfect weeknight meal or meal prep. All you need are some pantry staples to make the sauce and a handful of vegetables and you’ll have yourself a fresh and hearty meal in no time.

8. One-Pot Beef Pasta

This is a beef pasta cooked with Italian seasonings in a creamy tomato sauce. The epitome of easy homemade comfort food with the convenience of one-pot cooking!

9. Beef and Potato Casserole

A budget-friendly and tasty Ground Beef Casserole, with beef mince and frozen vegies layered between sliced potatoes.

10. Beef and Bean Burritos

Try these beef and bean burritos are stuffed with seasoned beef, black beans, corn, rice, and more! Wrapped in large and tasty flour tortillas, these beef and bean burritos bring restaurant-quality Mexican food to your kitchen table in under 30 minutes.

Pasta and Rice Dishes

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11. Spaghetti with Beef Bolognese Sauce

This Ground Beef Bolognese Sauce is rich, thick and has beautiful depth of flavour. It’s perfect for a quick midweek meal but even better if you can simmer it for a couple of hours! Serve it over pasta, stuff into jacket potatoes, make an epic Lasagna or Baked Spaghetti Pie!

12. Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef is a baked casserole-style dinner with meat sauce, plenty of cheese, and tons of Italian flavor. This easy family favourite is perfect for any night of the week.

13. Ground Beef Risotto

Think of this beef risotto recipe as a marriage between a basic risotto and a Bolognese sauce. In short, it makes a memorable hearty dish packed with Italian flavours.

14. Beef and Vegetable Fried Rice

This is a GREAT beef mince recipe. Fried rice made with ground beef tossed in an intense savoury sauce, it’s got extra protein from egg and good amount of veg so it’s a complete dinner you can get on the table quickly. And seriously delicious!

15. Beef and Spinach Lasagna

Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food. This spinach and beef lasagna recipe with delicious layers of meat, homemade bechamel sauce, spinach, and browned bubbling cheese on top. This beef and spinach lasagna recipe is perfect for feeding a family or bringing to a potluck!

Soups and Stews

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16. Hearty Beef Chili

Bring on the comfort food with this thick and hearty ground beef chili recipe! Packed with ground beef, a blend of spices, and beans in a rich and thick tomato sauce, this easy chili recipe is great on its own, on a hot dog, or transformed into a pie!

17. Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew

Hamburger stew is very similar to traditionalbeef stew, but it’s made with ground beef instead of stew meat. Using ground beef is a little bit less expensive than using stew meat, and I like how you get a little bit of beef in every bite!

18. Ground Beef and Barley Soup

This comforting Ground Beef Barley Soup is a delicious stovetop dairy-free soup with ground beef that whole family will enjoy.

19. Moroccan Style Ground Beef Tagine

This Moroccan Inspired Ground Beef Stew is great anytime of the year. This stew has a light broth and a unique flavor profile that might just become your new favorite meal!

20. Ground Beef and Vegetable Soup

This vegetable and ground beef soup is chock-full of colorful veggies, filling ground beef, and the most delicious broth ever. Serve it up with a nice crusty bread for dipping, and lunch is served!

Sandwiches and Wraps

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21. Sloppy Joes

This Sloppy Joe recipe is sweet, tangy, zesty and savory, with the perfect texture and consistency.

22. Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburger Sliders are juicy, cheesy and beefy – everything we love about classic burgers! These budget ground beef sliders are quick and easy, make-ahead, and reheat really well. They’re perfect for meal prep or gatherings.

23. Low Carb Beef Shawarma

This Low Carb Beef Shawarma with vegetables is an easy, delicious, low carb one-pot meal. It’s both flavorful and super family-friendly.

24. Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches with Ground Beef

This is a super simple, at-home Philly cheesesteak recipe, made all the more divine with ground beef! It’s so easy to make and kid-friendly for those days when you want to spice up a lunch sandwich, or do something a little different for dinner.

25. Korean Beef Bulgogi Wraps

Ultra crispy and smothered in a soy-based sauce studded with rich brown sugar, sweet mirin wine, and brimming with heat from Sambal Oelek, these Beef Lettuce Wraps are the best way to do lettuce without the salad. With easy-to-find ingredients, and minimal prep and cook time, they’re also the perfect way to get dinner on the table with very minimal effort.

Casseroles and Bakes

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26. Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is easy to make with pantry ingredients like cream of mushroom soup. Your family will LOVE this quick dinner recipe!

27. Mexican Beef and Rice Bake

No more boring beef mince recipes, please! Kick off the week with THIS flavour-packed Mexican Ground Beef Casserole! With corn, capsicum/bell peppers and black beans, this rice casserole is juicy, cheesy, and packed with big Mexican flavours.

28. Beef and Potato Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie is the comfort food pinnacle! This English classic has a deeply savoury beef mince filling smothered in gravy topped with creamy mashed potato, baked until golden. One of the best cosy foods to make with ground beef.

29. Beef and Veggie Quinoa Bake

Sauteed vegetables, quinoa, salsa and ground beef cooked together for a delicious casserole that is served with cilantro lime sour cream. This Quinoa Beef Bake is an quick and easy weeknight meal!

30. Beef and Broccoli Casserole

In this creamy beef and broccoli casserole, the ground beef and broccoli are covered in three different types of cheese. The result is a family-friendly recipe that comes together in mere minutes. It will soon become your go-to family dinner recipe.

Global Inspired Beef Dishes

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31. Beef Tacos

These classic Ground Beef Tacos feature homemade taco meat loaded into freshly fried taco shells. Serve up with all your favorite toppings for an easy family meal that takes less than 30 minutes!

32. Italian Beef Stuffed Peppers

This easy recipe for Italian Beef Stuffed Peppers is loaded with tender rice, seasoned ground beef in a delicious tomato sauce. They’re finished with Parmesan cheese for a crisp topping that can’t be beat! Serve with warm Garlic Bread for the perfect weeknight meal!

33. Greek Style Ground Beef Gyros

Easy Ground Beef Gyros are so delicious and ready in 30 minutes! Ground beef is perfectly seasoned with a greek spice blend then tucked inside of a soft pita with lots of fresh lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Finish the gyro with homemade tzatziki sauce and feta cheese.

34. Thai Basil Beef

This quick and easyThai Basil Beefrecipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and is so delicious! It’s made with ground beef (or steak) and a homemade Thai basil sauce that’s easy to customize to your preferred spice level.

35. Indian Spiced Beef Mince Curry

This is an authentic Indian curried beef mince recipe called Qeema (or keema or kheema). It’s a gem of a find because it tastes incredible but unlike many Indian dishes, there are no hard-to-find spices in the ingredients. And it’s super fast – on the table in 20 minutes!

Vegetarian and Beef Blends

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36. Beef and Black Bean Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas with an extra tasty, saucy filling, smothered with a homemade Enchilada Sauce. The time saving trick in this recipe is to use one base Enchiladaspice mix for both the sauce and filling!

37. Beef and Lentil Sloppy Joes

These Slow Cooker Beef & Lentil Sloppy Joes pack such a nutritional punch, with protein and fiber from lentils, and sneaky veggies! The whole family will love this healthy, hearty meal!

38. Beef and Mushroom Stuffed Bell Peppers

These Beef and Mushroom Stuffed Peppers are easy to make, have the perfect texture, and keep well. This means you can enjoy them more than once during a given week. They are grain-free, keto, paleo, and full of flavour.

39. Beef and Cauliflower Taco Skillet

This Beef and Cauliflower Taco Skillet is like souped up Cauliflower rice, with ground beef, black beans, and abunchof fresh ingredients on top. You get a wonderful mix of hot and cold flavors and textures, like when you eat a taco, but in bowl form.

40. Beef and Chickpea Curry

This is a savoury mince curry, made into a magnificently easy meal by adding chickpeas and serving with a lovely tomato salad and with toasted naan.

Eastern European Ground Beef Recipes

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41. Russian Beef Pelmeni:

Russian pelmeni are traditional dumplings stuffed with juicy ground meat, onions, and simple seasoning. Serve them on a cold winter’s day with sour cream or melted butter.

42. Romanian Mici:

Thesehomemade sausages,also known as mici (which will translate as “small” or ‘little’ and pronounced “Meech”), are a Romanian BBQ staple. There is no bbq without these tasty little ones. Mici or mititei is street food in Romania, loved by everyone that likes meat.

43. Polish Gołąbki:

The blend of seasoned ground meat and rice filling is a timeless favourite in Poland. Wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and bathed in a rich tomato sauce, these Polish-style stuffed cabbage rolls offer a comforting and hearty meal that satisfies both hunger and nostalgia.

44. Ukrainian Beef Kotlety:

Seasoned with garlic, onions, and herbs, these pan-fried Ukrainian ground beef patties are cultural favourites. Commonly served with mashed potatoes, buckwheat, or even a creamy mushroom sauce, these patties are one of the most delicious budget ground beef recipes.

45. Bulgarian Kufte:

Kufteta is ground meat combined with onions, spices, and different ingredients, often served with a side of yogurt sauce.. They are either shaped, elongated, or round-shaped and mostly grilled. Kufteta is extremely popular in Bulgaria, Turkey, Middle East, the Balkans, and India.

46. Bosnian Burek:

Burekis a mouth-watering Balkan phyllo dough pie with a filling of potatoes, onions and ground beef. Bosnian burek is an amazing dish is prepared with homemade phyllo stuffed with meat and potatoes. This budget beef recipe is definitely comfort food at it’s finest!

47. Croatian Ćevapi:

Croatian Cevapi are easy-to-make grilled ground beef sausages similar to Romanian Mici, seasoned with garlic and paprika. Usually served with flatbread and ajvar (roasted red pepper and eggplant spread).

48. Serbian Pljeskavica:

Pljeskavica are grilled ground beef and pork patties mixed with onions and spices. A budget ground beef recipe that is commonly served in a flatbread with toppings like kajmak (a creamy dairy spread) and ajvar.

49. Czech Sekaná:

This baked Czech meatloaf is made with ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onions, and spices. You will see it most likely served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

50. Lithuanian Cepelinai:

These large potato dumplings are stuffed with seasoned ground beef or pork, boiled until tender, and served with sour cream and a bacon or mushroom sauce.

Conclusion

These 50 budget ground beef recipes offer a delicious solution to your mealtime dilemmas. With a diverse array of flavors and culinary inspirations, there’s no need for boring dinners on a budget. From comforting classics to inventive dishes, you’ve discovered a treasure trove of economical yet satisfying options. So why settle for bland meals when you can enjoy affordable culinary delights that tantalize your taste buds and keep your wallet happy?

Related

50 Budget Ground Beef Recipes That are The Opposite of Boring (2024)

FAQs

What is a cheaper alternative to ground beef? ›

Ground Turkey

This beef substitute is a fantastic choice to select when you're looking to add more protein to your menu. As a bonus, it's also cheaper than ground beef. Enjoy it in pasta, meat sauces, and anything else that would typically call for ground beef.

What is a good substitute for ground beef in spaghetti? ›

There are many delicious and nutritious options to substitute for meat in spaghetti. Some popular choices include diced vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, as well as plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, or lentils.

What is a good bean substitute for ground beef? ›

Pinto beans are some of the most palatable and versatile options in the store. You can grind them up to make refried beans or bean dip, they can be used in place of part of the ground beef for almost all recipes, and canned ones can be instantly opened, drained, rinsed, and added to any dish.

What is a good substitute for ground beef in chili? ›

With a similar texture, ground chicken or ground turkey can be superb substitutes for ground beef. The poultry is a bit paler than beef, which can change the appearance of some dishes, but they still taste equally delicious.

What are 3 good meat alternatives? ›

Meat Substitutes
  • Tofu. 1/10. Tofu is a plant-based choice that packs a protein punch -- half a cup has over 11 grams. ...
  • Tempeh. 2/10. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh has even more protein than tofu. ...
  • Seitan. 3/10. ...
  • Jackfruit. 4/10. ...
  • Mushrooms. 5/10. ...
  • Beans. 6/10. ...
  • Textured Vegetable Protein. 7/10. ...
  • Chickpeas. 8/10.
Sep 28, 2023

What are 5 meat alternatives? ›

Meat alternatives are growing in popularity
  • Tofu. Tofu is the classic meat alternative and has been one of the basic sources of nutrition in Asia for centuries. ...
  • Soy protein. ...
  • Tempeh. ...
  • Seitan/wheat protein. ...
  • Lupin protein. ...
  • Green spelt. ...
  • Oat flakes. ...
  • Black beans.
Nov 11, 2019

What is a healthy substitute for beef? ›

Cooked legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils can be swapped for a lot of ground beef recipes. Buying canned or dried beans instead of meat can also save you money. In addition to protein, beans, and legumes are packed with health-beneficial fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

What is a healthy alternative to beef? ›

Six good choices include:
  • fish.
  • chicken and turkey.
  • nuts.
  • beans.
  • low-fat dairy products.
  • whole grains.
Jun 8, 2012

What is a good vegetarian substitute for beef? ›

Vegetarian Meat Alternatives Ranked From Best to Worst
  • Texturized Soy Protein. This is a no-brainer – texturized vegetable protein, also known as texturized soy protein, wins in overall meat-like texture and taste. ...
  • Tofu. ...
  • King Oyster Mushrooms. ...
  • Seitan. ...
  • Jackfruit. ...
  • Tempeh. ...
  • Cauliflower. ...
  • Beans and legumes.
Apr 21, 2022

What are the best beans for meat substitute? ›

Black eyed peas, pinto beans, edamame, these are all legumes that are good sources of protein and can be a healthy substitute for meat. Having a meatless meal occasionally is good for your pocket book as they tend to be less expensive than some cuts of meat.

What bean tastes most like meat? ›

The color and chewiness of chickpeas can mimic that of chicken and turkey meat. Coarsely mashed, chickpeas can stand in for poultry in your favorite sandwich salads. Blended with breadcrumbs, they can be turned into mouthwatering burgers and kid-friendly nuggets.

What is the cheapest beef for chili? ›

Ground beef

This is the quickest and least expensive type of beef to use for chili. Yes, the dish still simmers for a while, but you don't have to worry about tenderizing the meat.

What is the most similar meat to beef? ›

Now available in supermarkets across the country, bison is unofficially the most popular red meat alternative to beef. It's known for its mild flavor and super-low fat and cholesterol content. A 3-ounce portion of cooked beef (trimmed) contains about 9 grams of fat; you'll see below that bison is much, much leaner.

Are impossible burgers healthy? ›

The Impossible Burger can be a sustainable alternative to regular burgers and does contain higher amounts of several important nutrients, including vitamin B12, folate, and thiamine (3, 4 , 5 ). However, the Impossible Burger contains more sodium than regular ground beef and is lower in some vitamins and minerals.

What is the cheapest meat you can buy right now? ›

8 Best Inexpensive Cuts of Meat to Look Out For
  1. Chicken Legs, Thighs & Drumsticks. Chicken on the bone is always cheaper. ...
  2. Pork Shoulder. When it comes to cheap cuts of meat, it's hard to beat pork shoulder for value. ...
  3. Beef Brisket. ...
  4. Beef & Pork Ribs. ...
  5. Beef Mince. ...
  6. Skirt Steak. ...
  7. Lamb Scrag & Middle Neck. ...
  8. Organ Meats.
Feb 8, 2023

What is the best substitute for beef? ›

The most popular meat alternatives are traditional substitutes which include foods like tofu, tempeh, seitan, lentils, beans, and chickpeas. Plant based meat emits 30%-90% less greenhouse gas than conventional meat.

What is cheaper than beef? ›

Pork is cheaper than beef and there is a plentiful supply. Retailers can offer pork with low pricing to the consumer and maintain profit margins.

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