30 Hearty Dinners to Make With Less Than a Pound of Ground Beef (2024)

Home Recipes Ingredients Beef Ground Beef

Updated: Jan. 03, 2024

Always at a loss for what to do with extra ground beef? Look no further than these filling recipes that use just 1/2 pound or 3/4 pound of ground beef.

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Broccoli-Cheddar Beef Rolls

My grandma's recipe for beef rolls is easy to change up. Load them with ham, veggies, or even olives, as you like! —Kent Call, Riverside, Utah

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Roadside Diner Cheeseburger Quiche

My savory main-dish quiche tastes just like its burger counterpart. Easy and appealing, this cheeseburger quiche is pretty enough to serve guests. —Barbara J. Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

3/29

Garden-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These boats are not only healthy, but they’re also basically a one-dish meal that covers all the bases—just grab your favorite garden goodies and add any spices or mix-ins you like. —Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

4/29

One-Skillet Lasagna

This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

5/29

Ground Beef Stroganoff

My mother-in-law gave me this recipe 25 years ago. It’s been a staple in my meal-planning ever since because it’s easy and takes little time to prepare. I usually serve it with green beans or another vegetable and a salad. -Marjorie Kriegh, Nampa, Idaho

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Easy Chiles Rellenos Casserole

I love to cook with tasty green chiles and use recipes featuring them when I entertain. This hearty casserole has big pepper taste in every bite.—Nadine Estes, Alto, New Mexico

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Pizza in a Bowl

On busy days, it’s a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This ground beef recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio

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Meatballs Sausage Dinner

One day I was having trouble deciding what to make for dinner, so I combined whatever was in the refrigerator and freezer. To my surprise, everyone loved it! —Elizabeth Martz, Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania

9/29

Tortilla Pie

My husband and I especially like this delicious layered entree because it’s lighter-tasting than some of the traditional lasagnas made with pasta. Even our two young daughters enjoy the pleasantly mild flavor. —Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan

10/29

Traditional Italian Wedding Soup

You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Homemade meatballs pair beautifully with ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken. —Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana

11/29

Barley Beef Burgers

Barley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really enjoy these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed right in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan

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Ramona's Chilaquiles

A dear neighbor shared this recipe. She used to make it from scratch, but my version takes a few shortcuts. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

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Hawaiian Beef Dish

This elegant dish has been in my family since I was a little girl, and when presented to guests, it brings rave reviews. It was created by my dad, who still enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. Sometimes I prepare it the day before and warm it up while I’m cooking the rice. —Marilyn Taus, Mississauga, ON

15/29

Black Bean and Beef Tostadas

You only need a handful of ingredients to make one of our family’s favorites. It's also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas

16/29

Beef Wellington Fried Wontons

These tasty bites scale down classic beef Wellington. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia

17/29

Sassy Southwest Stuffed Shells

When I was a child, my mom made this dish quite often. When I came across her recipe on an index card, I quickly copied it. Over the years, I have made very few changes to retain that taste-of-home memory. —Kellie Braddell, West Point, California

18/29

Southwestern Beef Barley Stew

Hearty and easy to fix, this thick stew has a comforting, chili-like flavor. It’s my best barley recipe. I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a tasty dish. —Lisa Kolenicn, Regina, SK

19/29

Meatballs in Plum Sauce

A tasty sauce made of plum jam and chili sauce coats these moist meatballs beautifully. Make sure these delightful treats are on your party menus. —Mary Poninski, Whittington, Illinois

20/29

Cannelloni-Style Lasagna

I created this lasagna, combining two favorite dishes, for a family celebration. It was extra special because my parents had just come back from a trip to Italy. —Deborah Loop, Clinton Township, Michigan

21/29

Easy Stuffed Poblanos

My partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon

22/29

Tacos in a Bowl

This easy skillet dish offers a tasty use for leftover taco meat. Garnish it with sour cream and salsa for added southwestern flavor. —Sue Schoening, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

23/29

Rich Baked Spaghetti

It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota

24/29

Spanish Noodles and Ground Beef

Bacon adds flavor to this comforting stovetop supper my mom frequently made when we were growing up. Now I prepare it for my family. —Kelli Jones, Peris, California

25/29

Hearty Rye Melts

When we moved from the Midwest to Kentucky, we were invited to a neighborhood gathering, where this appetizer was served. Hanky panky—as it’s often called around here—is traditionally served at Derby Day parties, but at our home it’s become a year-round favorite.

26/29

Stovetop Meat Loaves

Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. It’s a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. —Emily Sund, Geneseo, Illinois.

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Beefy Cabbage Bean Stew

While on a small-group quilting retreat, one of my friends made this wonderful recipe for dinner. We all loved it and have since passed it around for others to enjoy—now I’m passing it on to you. —Melissa Glancy, La Grange, Kentucky

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This has been a family-favorite for years. Everyone can help prepare the pizza—from the homemade dough to the customizable toppings. —Marla Alexander, Beloit, Wisconsin

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Originally Published: January 18, 2019