I always have an extra pound of ground beef in my freezer, which is why I keep this collection of healthy ground beef recipes close by. For lunch and dinner ideas that use ground beef (and even some breakfasts, too), these 40+ recipes are the ones I come back to the most. Whether it’s my husband’s favorite meatloaf, my go-to meal prep meatballs, or a cozy cottage pie, I have so many of these ground beef recipes basically memorized at this point since I make them for my family so often.
1. Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Bowls
I often make these Korean-inspired ground beef bowls as a weekly meal-prep option for my family of five. With the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, this recipe is super quick to make on weeknights, and I can easily customize the serving size for everyone from toddlers to adults.
Dairy-Free| Egg-Free | Gluten-free | High Protei
2. Easy Beef Taco Bowls
I’m never one to miss Taco Tuesday, and this easy taco bowl recipe is a fun way to switch things up! It’s simple, nourishing, delicious, and easy for everyone to customize and satisfy their flavor preferences or dietary needs. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ingredients (like cheddar cheese or tomatoes) I have on hand.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
3. Burger Bowl With Special Sauce
These infinitely customizable burger bowls mean I don’t even have to use the grill or form hamburger patties to enjoy everything I love about a classic burger meal! I recommend pairing them with sweet potato fries for a rounded-out, healthy dinner.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
4. Crockpot Hamburger Soup Recipe
This veggie-packed soup is one I make (along with my fellow RFD Team Members) on repeat every fall and winter. It’s hearty, healthy, and loaded with savory flavor, always satisfying my taste buds. Plus, it boasts lots of protein and fiber to keep me full. It’s also a great choice for make-ahead prep and makes for a tasty cook-once-eat-twice ground beef meal.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
5. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chili
Stacie put a twist on classic chili recipes with this crowd-pleasing chili that incorporates canned pumpkin for a touch of sweetness, fiber, and vitamin A. Not only does it hit the spot when I’m craving a big bowl of chili, but it’s also a great way to sneak more veggies into my family’s day.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
6. Slow Cooker Beef And Bean Chili
This is one of my favorite chili recipes of all time, and I look forward to making it every fall. It’s thick, chunky, spicy, packed with fiber, and perfectly balanced with all the right chili flavors (e.g., diced green chiles, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder). Nutritious ground beef is combined with three types of beans, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and two unique spices – ground cinnamon and cocoa powder – that make this chili a standout dish.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
7. Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Lasagna lovers, meet soup lovers. The RFD social community manager, Ana, combined two comfort foods to create a warm and cozy soup that’s easy to make and has big lasagna flavors. I can’t get enough! This easy soup brings together Italian seasoning, soft lasagna noodles, and ground beef in a base of tomato-basil marinara topped with dollops of creamy ricotta and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | High Protein | Nut-free
8. Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup With Bacon
Jess thinks this is the perfect soup recipe to enjoy on a chilly day, and I have to agree. It has the rich flavor of a perfect cheeseburger with the comfort and creaminess of a perfect soup. Plus, it’s a perfect prep-and-freeze meal!
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
9. Instant Pot Taco Soup
This Mexican-inspired taco soup is veggie-loaded, wholesome, hearty, and flavor-filled. It’s quick, tasty, and one of those recipes with endless topping possibilities. Even better, it’s meal-prep and freezer-friendly, making it a delicious reheat-and-eat meal. It makes my evenings so easy on busy days!
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
10. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Chili
This comforting, cozy chili recipe is exactly what I crave when the weather starts to get chilly. High-quality protein and vitamin-loaded sweet potatoes make the base of this flavorful, easy chili, meaning it fits into many special diets. It’s incredible on its own, but I love to serve it with cornbread muffins to soak up every last drop!
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
11. Healthy Tater Tot Casserole
The classic tater tot casserole gets an upgrade with simple, real foods – and the addition of lots of veggies. Combined and cooked in a large skillet, it requires minimal prep time and is ready to be served in about an hour.
Egg-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
12. Taco Casserole
This is one of my favorite meals to feed my whole family. Delicious and budget-friendly, this recipe combines one of my favorite handheld foods into one cozy hot dish. It features lean ground beef, plenty of veggies, tender rice, taco seasonings, and black beans, so it’s full of protein, fiber, and nutrients. But all my picky eaters taste are the warm spices, meat, and cheese!
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | High Protein | Nut-free
13. 5-Ingredient Baked Ziti
With just a handful of ingredients, I can enjoy a classic Italian meal that’s one of the RFD Team’s all-time favorite ground beef dinner recipes. Not only that, but this recipe is easy to prep ahead of time for a delicious, well-balanced meal. I tend to make two at a time – one for dinner that night and another for the freezer that I’ll bake to sizzling perfection at a later date.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Nut-free
14. Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
This is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the rich, savory flavor of classic Philly cheesesteak sandwiches in an easy-to-make (and eat), low-carb skillet. With just a little hands-on time, I can have this satisfying and cheesy comfort food ground beef casserole on the table in a total time of just 30 minutes.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
15. Zucchini Lasagna
I love finding simple ways to make family favorites a little more nutritious, and this zucchini lasagna is one of my go-to dinners for doing just that. By swapping traditional noodles for thinly sliced zucchini, I still get all the classic lasagna flavors I crave while adding an extra boost of veggies. It’s an easy, hearty weeknight meal that’s always a hit with my family – even with it being noodle-free.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
16. Ground Beef Stroganoff
This easy beef stroganoff is a budget-friendly twist on the classic comfort food I grew up eating. Made with ground beef instead of tenderloin or ribeye (plus beef broth and sour cream), it’s quick to make, but still has all the umami flavor I remember from more traditional versions. I love serving the bolognese-style mixture over cooked white or brown rice, but it’s also delicious over egg noodles and mashed potatoes.
Gluten-free | High Protein | Nut-free
17. Beef Skillet Enchiladas
These beef skillet enchiladas are an easy one-pan recipe that requires just a fraction of the work of making traditional rolled enchiladas, yet still has all the savory, cheesy flavors. It’s made with corn tortillas and only takes 15 minutes to prep. I find myself either adding it to my weekly menu or pulling it together at the last minute on busy weeknights.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | High Protein | Nut-free
18. Ground Beef And Zucchini Skillet
This is my new favorite way to use up end-of-summer zucchini. Combined in a single skillet and ready to eat in 30 minutes, this Mexican-inspired meal is quick to prepare but tastes like it took all day. My kids love to add their favorite toppings, and I love that they’re eating their veggies. It can also be made with other ground meats, such as ground chicken, pork, or turkey.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | High Protein | Nut-free
19. Easy Skillet Lasagna
On busy weeknights, I turn to this hearty one-skillet lasagna a few times a month. Instead of layering everything in a casserole dish, this recipe features jumbled-up “layers” of lean ground beef, curly lasagna noodles, vegetables, and cheese. It’s a super easy ground beef skillet meal my entire family loves.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | High Protein | Nut-free
20. Ground Beef Stir Fry
This is one of the best dishes to satisfy my Chinese takeout cravings. It’s a quick, budget-friendly meal made with plenty of veggies and a homemade sweet and savory stir-fry sauce. I love serving it over noodles, white rice, or cauliflower rice.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
21. Stovetop Sloppy Joes
I make this stovetop, veggie-filled Sloppy Joe recipe for my family often. Made with lean ground beef, bell pepper, onion, and the perfect blend of spices, these are a fun twist on a childhood favorite. I serve the Sloppy Joe mixture in buns, between cooked sweet potato slices, or in a salad (for an option that’s lower in carbohydrates).
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
22. Easy Baked Tacos
I can never go wrong with these classic ground beef baked tacos. They’re one of my favorite things to make for football game days because I can bake a big batch of sheet-pan tacos all at once and serve them alongside a toppings bar. They’re always a family favorite and couldn’t be easier to make.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Nut-free
23. Taco Stuffed Peppers
This southwest-style take on traditional stuffed peppers makes for a yummy, gluten-free, and veg-filled meal that keeps my family coming back for more. It’s also an extremely special recipe to me, as it’s the very first one the RFD Team ever published (though it’s been updated a few times through the years).
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Whole30
24. Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats
When I have an abundant crop of zucchini in my garden, I make this stuffed zucchini recipe nearly every week in the summer. It’s a great way to use up one of my favorite garden-grown veggies and sneak more nutrients into my family’s meals. Plus, leftovers store and reheat well for on-the-go lunches or for later.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
25. Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaf
This recipe was created out of the need to satisfy a meatloaf craving with very little time. Shaping the barbecue sauce-infused ground beef into mini meatloaves shortens the cooking time so I can get this dinner on the table faster. Think: Sunday dinner, only much simpler and with far fewer dishes to wash!
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
26. BBQ Meatloaf Muffins With Sweet Potato Topping
These adorable meatloaf muffins are almost too cute to eat – but they’re far too delicious to resist! The seasoned ground beef mixture bakes in standard-size muffin cups before getting topped with creamy sweet potatoes and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
27. Baked Italian Meatballs
I’m a huge fan of Italian food, and these savory, cheesy meatballs are one of my go-to ways to enjoy bold, herbaceous flavors in a high-protein dish that both my husband and kids look forward to. I typically pair them with a salad and spaghetti, which makes me feel like we’re eating out at an Italian restaurant.
High Protein | Nut-free
28. Saucy Beef And Lentil Meatballs
I love to serve this super-easy meatball recipe as a party appetizer or a quick, one-pan weeknight meal. Packed with protein and fiber, these tender, savory meatballs come together with a dairy-free tomato sauce for a quick, comfort meal. Plus, leftovers store well, making this recipe perfect for meal prep.
Dairy-Free | Gluten-free | Nut-free
29. Teriyaki Meatballs
The RFD Team managed to develop this recipe for super flavorful homemade teriyaki meatballs with fewer than 10 ingredients. That even includes a homemade teriyaki sauce recipe with the iconic sweet-salty, gooey-delicious glaze that Asian-inspired teriyaki dishes are known for. I’ll serve them as a party appetizer or as a main course over rice, rice noodles, or greens.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
30. Ultimate Meal Prep Meatballs
For a nutritious, high-protein, easy dinner, the whole RFD Team turns to this healthy ground beef recipe. It’s great for using up any veggies and herbs (like green onions and cilantro) I have on hand. Plus, it’s so simple to double (or triple) and store extras in the freezer for high-protein meals throughout the week. I’ll reheat and serve them in a variety of ways, including over spiralized veggies, in salads, over rice, and more.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
31. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
This updated twist on traditional shepherd’s pie is a hearty, wholesome comfort food at its finest. It’s a fantastic make-ahead recipe that is still simple enough for a busy weeknight. It features ground beef, sneaky veggies, dried herbs, and a touch of chili powder, topped with a smooth layer of creamy, mashed sweet potatoes. What’s not to love?
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
32. Easy Grilled Pizza Burger
This is the meal I go to when I can’t decide between two all-American favorites: a pizza or a burger. These kid-friendly grilled pizza burgers are made with lean ground beef, melty mozzarella cheese, and the most flavorful pizza sauce. The best part is, they take less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | High Protein | Nut-free
33. Egg Roll In A Bowl
Traditionally, this dish is made with ground turkey or pork, but I like to make it with ground beef. This one-dish meal fits into almost any dietary plan, and is a fresh, nutrient-dense meal ideal for any night of the week. I use coconut aminos to lower the sodium, but I also include instructions for using soy sauce or tamari in the recipe if that’s all I have on hand.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
34. Slow Cooker Cowboy Beans
This is a Southwestern twist on traditional baked beans that’s incredibly easy to make in the slow cooker. It’s made with ground beef with red bell pepper, onion, garlic, three types of beans, and a reduced-sugar sauce. This recipe is a go-to of mine when I need a hearty side dish for a potluck, backyard barbecue, or summer cookout.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | Nut-free
35. Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Hash
This easy ground beef recipe is one of my favorites for making good use of leftover taco meat in a simple, one-skillet dish. It’s a tasty and hearty breakfast or weeknight dinner option that’s meal-prep friendly and a delicious reheat-and-eat meal to enjoy throughout the week.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
36. Grain-Free Spaghetti Pie
This Italian-inspired meal combines strands of spaghetti squash, nutritious veggies, spices, and marinara sauce to create a nutritious grain-free “pasta” dish that’s easy to make in an oven-safe skillet.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
37. Chili Cornbread Casserole
I’m all about ease and convenience, so I decided to transform the two dishes into one filling meal with this chili cornbread casserole recipe. The chili base is warm, savory, and loaded with veggies, then topped with sweet cornbread biscuits. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is one meal everyone in my house is always excited to eat.
Gluten-free | Nut-free
38. Classic Meatloaf Recipe
This Italian-inspired meal combines strands of spaghetti squash, nutritious veggies, spices, and marinara sauce to create a nutritious grain-free “pasta” dish that’s easy to make in an oven-safe skillet.
Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
39. Goulash Recipe
This American goulash recipe is a well-rounded source of protein, carbs, and veggies that’s made in one skillet for a savory, filling meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s great for busy weeknights, easy to customize, and even better the next day as leftovers.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Nut-free
40. Smash Burger Tacos
This smash burger tacos recipe is one of my favorite meals to make, featuring lean beef, a homemade special sauce, and endless topping possibilities. It’s a quick, family-friendly meal perfect for gatherings and fun weeknight dinners. I love that I can cook them on a flat-top grill or in a skillet on the stovetop so that I can enjoy them any time of year.
Dairy-Free | Gluten-free | Nut-free
41. Homemade Hamburger Helper
This easy homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is my better-for-you twist on a favorite childhood meal with extra nutrition, hidden veggies, and 34 grams of protein per serving. My whole family always asks for seconds, and it’s quickly earned a permanent spot in my meal-planning rotation.
Egg-Free | High Protein | Nut-free
42. Crockpot Beef Ramen
This crockpot beef ramen recipe has all the savory, umami flavors of microwaveable ramen packets, but in an easy, nourishing, high-protein, veggie-packed slow cooker meal. I’ll serve this beef ramen with a variety of toppings, such as sriracha, kimchi, chili oil, chili crisp, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of hot honey. To make it a larger meal, I’ll pair it with jasmine rice and cold cucumber salad.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | High Protein | Nut-free
43. Stovetop Picadillo
This Latin American-inspired picadillo recipe has been one of my family’s favorite meals for years. It’s a flavorful one-skillet meal that comes together quickly and is ready to eat in just 40 minutes. I’ll serve it alongside rice and plantain chips, topping it off with lime wedges and chopped fresh cilantro.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | Grain-Free | High Protein | Nut-free | Paleo | Whole30
44. French Onion Meatballs
Inspired by French onion soup, this French onion meatballs recipe is a hearty, one-skillet weeknight dinner with plenty of protein and rich flavor. I like to serve it over top of egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or with cheesy sourdough bread for soaking up the sauce.
Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Gluten-free | High Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Lean ground beef is a healthy, low-cost, and high-quality protein food that I often incorporate into my dietitian-created recipes and personal meal plans. Ground beef is an excellent source of iron to help prevent anemia, rich in zinc for immunity, high in protein, and offered in leaner cuts, which are great choices for balancing red meat consumption with leaner choices.
Raw, uncooked ground beef can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking. The same goes for pre-cooked and crumbled ground beef that is cooled and then stored in the fridge – it can safely be stored there for up to 3 days. If frozen (whether raw or pre-cooked), ground beef will keep at good quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Typically, “healthy” beef refers to leaner cuts with no more than 5-10% fat content. I also love the benefits of grass-fed beef; it tends to be lower in sodium and fat but higher in a few key vitamins than grain-fed varieties.
I also always try to buy ground beef that’s certified organic or labeled hormone- and antibiotic-free. A local meat locker could be a good option to supply high-quality beef. As another option, high-quality beef could be sourced from a delivery service, such as Butcher Box. Here are some additional tips for choosing quality beef.
I prefer to thaw ground beef overnight by placing it in the refrigerator 12-24 hours before using it in a recipe. This thawing method yields the best flavor results.
However, any of these methods will work:
Thaw overnight: Place the frozen ground beef package on a plate (to catch any thawing liquid) and place it in the refrigerator to thaw for 12-24 hours.
Defrost in 1 hour: Fill a bowl with cold water and submerge the frozen package of ground beef. Refill the bowl with cold water every 20-30 minutes. The beef should be thawed in about 1 hour and cooked right away.
Thaw in 5 minutes: Remove the frozen ground beef from the packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it at 50% power for 2-3 minutes, rotating and flipping the ground beef every 30 seconds. The ground beef can then be used right away.
For ultimate success, we highly recommend reading the tips in the full blog post above. All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish a recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words. Link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians. Thank you!
I made your hot honey bowl which was delicious! But for some reason I can not find it now?? HELP! Please!
This is an email exclusive recipe so here is the link to get that!
https://therealfoodrds.kit.com/2999e461c0
🥩 These ground beef recipes look so nourishing and easy. Love how you keep them healthy and balanced. We’ve also shared some top high-protein food picks here if anyone wants to explore more options: High Protein Foods. Thanks for these meal prep inspirations!
You are very welcome!
Are these for CKD patients?
Hi Mike – we do not create recipes for specific conditions such as CKD so we suggest working with your dietitian or healthcare provider to help you understand what types of recipes are appropriate for you.
Great collection! Ground beef recipes are always among my favorites because they’re versatile and easy to adapt. It’s interesting to see how different cultures create comforting meals with similar ingredients. Thanks for sharing such a useful roundup.
We appreciate the feedback!