Ground beef emerged as a way to utilize less desirable cuts of meat. It’s a staple ingredient in many dishes around the world and it’s also one of the most nutritious types of meat you can eat. 

This article will explore most of the dishes that can be made with ground beef from around the world. It’s a very detailed and thorough compilation of the best ground beef recipes, ranging from various categories and ethics profiles. Use the table of contents for more accessible and efficient navigation. 

Best Things to Make with Ground Beef- Ideas and Recipes

Some recipes using ground beef stand the test of time, tradition and heritage and continue to offer some of the best ground beef cooking dishes and flavors. The following are delicious ground beef recipes we can use over and over without getting tired of them. They are staple dishes for a reason!

Burger Ground Beef Ideas 

Hamburger – an American classic that symbolizes fast food culture and casual dining. Variations of the cheeseburger include the Bacon Cheeseburger, Mushroom Swiss Burger, Double Cheeseburger, Teriyaki Burger, Chili Cheeseburgers and many more. 

Here are our top 3 burger recipes:

  1. Best Burger Patty Recipe by A Spicy Perspective: This burger recipe scored 4.9 stars and takes only 30 minutes to make. Check it out!
  2. Steak House Burgers by Once Upon a Chef: This burger recipe received a rating of 5 stars and is very simple to make. Full recipe here
  3. The Perfect Burger by Food.com: This burger incorporates novel ingredients to stand out from the crowd. It scored a 5-star and is in line with other picks. Full recipe

Sandwich Ground Beef Ideas and Recipes

If you don’t feel like traditional hamburgers you can always make a delicious alternative, using regular white bread or whatever bread you wish to use.  Some ideas include Sloppy Joes, Hot Beef sandwiches or Patty Melts.  

Here are our top 3 ground beef sandwich recipes:

  1. Best Sloppy Joe by Natasha Kitchen: This recipe is fast and includes some bell pepper, garlic and onion. It was rated 5 stars on Google search engine rankings. Check it out here!
  2. Best Patty Melt Sandwich by Amanda Cooks and Styles: Patty melts are ground beef sandwiches with cheese and onions, and are typically served on regular white bread. Try these if you want something different but delicious too. 
  3. Ground Beef Gyro by Yep Recipes: If you enjoy Greek cuisine and flavors then this is right up your alley. This recipe had a respectable 4.8 rating on Google and takes approximately an hour to make. complete recipe.

Ground Beef Ideas for Meatballs and Meatloaf

Ground beef can be used to make very tasty meatball or meatloaf recipes, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Meatballs and meatloaf are a low-carb alternative to hamburgers since there is no bun or bread required. However, some meatball or meatloaf recipes do call for breadcrumbs or some other starchy carbohydrate. Depending on your liking you can add more or less bread crumb/starch to your recipe.

Best Ground Beef Meatball Recipes

The best ground beef meatball recipes depend on your personal taste and preference. Some examples of meatball recipes include Italian meatballs, Swedish meatballs, Greek and Mexican-style meatballs, Moroccan spice meatballs, cranberry glazed, BBQ, cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped and Tex-Mex. 

Our Top 3 Ground Beef Meatball Recipes:

  1. Melt-In-Your-Mouth Italian Meatballs by cookery.com:  this is a very easy and quick-to-make (30 min) meatball recipe full of Italian spice and flavor. The recipe is rated 5 stars on a Google search. Checkout the full recipe here
  2. Sweedish Meat Balls by The Cozy Cook: Perhaps you feel like something different than Italian seasoned meatballs. Another top pick and very easy to make, this recipe includes ground pork and a creamy delicious sauce! Make it today!
  3. Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs by Healthy Recipes Blog: This fun-to-make recipe offers an exciting alternative to regular meatballs, which include yummy cheese, stuffed inside. get the recipe here

Ground Beef for Tacos and Burritos Recipes

If you enjoy a Mexican flare to your cuisine, then using ground beef to make tacos or burritos will serve you well. Some examples of taco and burritos recipes with ground beef include traditional tacos, burritos, taco stuffed peppers, burrito bowls, beef enchilada, Mexican lasagna, taco dip, taco salad and taco casserole. 

Our Top 3 Ground Beef Taco and Burrito Recipes:

  1. Best Ground Beef Tacos by House of Yum: this is a traditional taco recipe, which only requires 20 minutes to make. Nothing odd or different and to the point. This recipe will satisfy your craving for classic Mexican food. full recipe here
  2. Classic Ground Beef Burrito by Recipetineats: This easy-to-make burrito recipe takes only 35 minutes to make. It ranks 5 stars and is considered one of the best, delicious burritos recipes online. Try it today
  3. Loaded Beef Enchilada by Tasting Table: the perfect recipe for people who want the classic Mexican flavors but want something a little different. This ground beef enchilada recipe can also be considered a casserole. It takes 35 minutes to make and is rated the best on Google search. full recipe here

Ground Beef Casseroles and Bakes Recipe and Ideas

If you’re looking for something a bit more hearty, perhaps a ground beef casserole or bake might be a better choice. There are a ton of things you can do with ground beef, especially in a casserole or bake style. Some dishes might include, Cheesy Beef and Macaroni, Hamburger Casserole, Sheppard’s Pie, Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Bake and more.

Our Top 3 ground beef Casseroles and Bake recipes:

  1. Best Classic Shepard’s Pie Recipe by The Wholesome Dish: This recipe has over 1,500 reviews with a rating of 5 stars on Google. This ground beef recipe is a classic, with simple ingredients and wholesome flavors. get the recipe here  
  2. Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce by This Delicious House: If you enjoy pasta and ground beef together, this is the perfect recipe for you. A medley of Italian flair combined with satisfying pasta and filling protein: a hearty recipe the whole family will love! Full recipe
  3. Ground Beef and Casserole Recipe by Savory Tooth: Incorporate your veggie greens with this tasty, satisfying casserole meal. Preparation time is approximately 60 minutes and score high for satisfaction! full recipe here 

Ground Beef Stir Frys and Skillet Recipes

Incorporating ground beef into stir-fry and skillet recipes generates delicious, healthy and flavorful outcomes. If you lean towards recipes with more vegetables and fibre and not carbs, this is a perfect way to prepare ground beef. Some famous ground beef stir fry and skillet recipes include Mongolian beef, Ground Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry,  Korean Beef Bowl, Beef and Cabbage Skillet, Thai Basil Ground Beef Stir Fry and more. 

Our Top 3 Ground Beef Stir Fry and Skillet Recipes:

  1. Ground Beef Stir Fry by Carmy: a simple, easy and fast ground beef stir fry recipe designed to satisfy your ground beef cravings. This recipe scored a 5-star rating and takes approximately 20 minutes to make. see full recipe 
  2. Korean Beef Bowl by Khin’s Kitchen: this fast and easy Korean beef bowl recipe hits all the spots for flavor, time preparation and ease. The dish takes roughly 20 minutes to prepare and incorporates the distinct flavor of Korean cuisine. Complete recipe 
  3. Thai Basil Ground Beef by The Modern Proper: another Asian rendition of a healthy, quick easy, and gluten-free ground beef recipe. If you like Thai food, and the taste of basil, this could be a future staple recipe for you. It takes only 20 minutes to make and is also gluten-free. Try it out

Pasta Dishes with Ground Beef

Maybe you’re in the mood for some pasta but can’t figure out how to incorporate ground beef with the meal. If you’re seeking a carb-rich meal with plenty of protein, ground beef pasta dishes will not disappoint. These dishes are designed to be filling, energy dense and typically served for dinner time. However, these pasta dishes can be served for any meal of the day! Some ground beef pasta recipes include Spaghetti Bolognese, Lasagna, Beef Stuffed Shells, Penne with Ground Beef Penne and Vodka Sauce, Beef and Spinach Manicotti and many more. 

Our Top 3 Pasta with Ground Beef Recipes:

  1. Pasta Bolognese by Food and Wine: This recipe has a rating of 5 stars with almost 5,000 reviews! You can definitely change the type of pasta to your liking and the meal won’t take longer than 50 minutes to make. A great choice for the entire family! Completed recipe here 
  2. Beef and Spinach Cannelloni by RecipeTin Eats: Your friends and family will certainly appreciate this stellar recipe, full of Italian shimmer. This recipe takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare but is worth the time and wait, as it provides a full macronutrient profile. You get a good serving of protein and carbs all in one meal, guaranteeing a satiated belly and a happy soul.  See full recipe 
  3. Penne Alla Vodka with Ground Beef by Tasty: If you enjoy creamy sauces, especially on your pasta, this recipe is made for you. A classic dish that originated in Italy and was glorified in the United States in the late ’70s. Enjoy this hearty and mouth-watering pasta dish, with a respectable 4.8 rating and 1700 reviews. Check out the full recipe here 

Soups and Stews with Ground Beef Recipes

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient, typically used as a main component in recipes, however, this is not always the case. Adding ground beef to soups and stews is another way to enjoy this great-tasting ingredient. Some ground beef soup and stews recipes include Goulash, Chilli, Italian Wedding Soup, Beef and Barley Soup and Beef and Vegetable Soup. 

Our Top 3 Soups and Stews with Ground Beef Recipes:

  1. Best Classic Chilli by The Wholesome Dish: This dish needs no introduction, as it’s been a hearty go-to recipe for many many years. This recipe will satisfy any family’s hunger and also speak to your soul. Great for cold nights and a great way to bring the family together, or simply enjoy in solitude.  Get the full recipe here
  2. Beef and Barley Soup by Spend with Pennies: this recipe originated in Scotland and has become an international favorite. This soup is relatively light on the stomach and is typically served as an appetizer or light lunch. However, you can elect to have it as a main course, as well.  This recipe takes about an hour to prepare. See recipe here
  3. Goulash by I Wash You Dry: a Hungarian soup or stew made from meat and vegetables and seasoned with paprika and other Hungarian spices. This dish is a staple in Central Europe but has become a staple recipe in North America. Full recipe here

Ground Beef Appetizers and Snacks

Ground beef can also be used for things such as appetizers and snacks. Some appetizers and snacks that incorporate ground beef include Spring Rolls, Ground Beef Stuffed Mushrooms, Ground Beef Nachos, Beef and Cheddar Poppers, Beef Empanadas and many more. 

Our Top 3 Ground Beef Appetizers and Snacks:

  1. Ripper Ground Beef Nachos by RecipeTin Eats: Everyone loves nachos, especially when ground beef is added. Adding ground beef to your nachos elevates your nachos to hearty meal status, and can be satisfying on its own. Famous finger food served all over the world with no plans of retreating. Get the full recipe here 
  2. Stuffed Jalapenos with Cheese and Ground Beef by A Fork’s Tale: another ground beef appetizer that won’t disappoint, If you like a bit of spice and don’t mind using your hands to eat, this recipe is right up your alley! Get the full recipe here 
  3. Cheese Burger Stuffed Mushrooms by Spend with Pennies: a marriage of mushrooms and ground beef is a match made in culinary heaven. It’s easy, takes only 30 minutes to make and is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Get the full recipe here 

Ethnic-Based Ground Beef Ideas and Recipes

The last segment of this article will discuss ground beef recipes and ideas from various ethnic profiles and cultures. An ethnic take on ground beef includes Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Asian, Latin American, African, European, Mediterranean and Oceanic flavor profiles. 

Middle Eastern Ground Beef Ideas and Recipes

Middle Eastern people enjoy ground beef, as it is a staple ingredient for many of their home dishes. Some of these recipes include Lebanese Kafta, Iranian Koofteh, Palestinian Musakhan, Turkish Cig Kofte and many more. 

Our Top 3 Ground Beef Middle Eastern Recipes:

  1. Ground Beef Kafta by Feel Good Foodie: This dish is basically a meatball on a stick, full of regional spices and can be baked or grilled. This dish is versatile in preparation and also with what can be served with it. It takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and the full recipe can be found here. 
  2. Koofteh Tabrizi by Persian Mama: This Iranian dish is a meatball recipe stuffed with dried fruits, berries and sometimes nuts. It’s very unique and the flavors will dance in your mouth. The recipe takes about an hour to prepare but is worth the time invested since the dish will always be remembered by your tastebuds! Find the full recipe here 
  3. Cig Kofte by Turkish Foodie: another meatball recipe but with a Turkish flare. This easy-to-follow recipe takes approximately an hour to prepare and requires pomegranate molasses to make. See the full recipe here

Caribbean Ground Beef Ideas and Recipes

Perhaps ground beef doesn’t come to mind when thinking of the Caribbean, as chicken is the most consumed protein in that region.  However, there’s still a special spot for ground beef in Caribbean cuisine. Some Caribbean ground beef recipes include Jamaican Beef Patties, Curry Chickpeas with Ground Beef, Puerto Rican Picadillo, Cuban Ropa Vieja or Haitian Griot. 

Our Top 3 Caribbean Ground Beef Recipes:

  1. Jamaican Beef Patties by Flawless Food: The Jamaican patty is a derivative of the Cornish pastry, brought to the Caribbean during colonial times by the British. The African and Indian people of the Caribbean enhanced the dish to reflect their regional flavors and influence. This recipe takes about an hour to make and can be found here for complete instructions.  
  2. Puerto Rican Picadillo by Salimas Kitchen: This Latin American dish is a favourite of Puerto Ricans. The dish originated in Andalusia, Spain and was brought to Latin America during the period of colonization by the Spaniards. This sweet, salty and tangy dish is worth trying for its unique flavors and hearty satisfaction. See recipe here
  3. Crispy Chickpeas with Ground Beef by NYT Cooking: This recipe has a 5-star rating with over 2,500 reviews. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and the ingredient list is short. Very simple and hearty with regional flavors. See the recipe here

Asian Ground Beef Recipes and Ideas

It may seem hard to believe but Asians love their ground beef dishes. You typically wouldn’t associate ground beef with Asia, but keep in mind Asia is the biggest continent on Earth.  Some Asian ground beef recipes include Korean Bibimbap, Thai Larb, Indonesian Rendang, Filipino Picadillo, Vietnamese Bo Bia, Cantones Ground Beef Rice and Eggs, Bangladesh Kima Parata, Nepail Yomari, Indian Galouti Kebabs and many more! 

Our Top 3 Asian Ground Beef Recipes:

  1. Korean Bibimbap by My Korean Kitchen: This is a Korean rice dish, served as a bowl with warm white rice and topped with Namul (seasoned vegetables), gochujang(red chilli paste) and garnished with egg and meat. Thai recipe takes a bit longer, clocking at roughly 1.5 hours. Find the full recipe here
  2. Moughlai Paratha by Archanas Kitchen: This popular street food dates back to the Mughal Empire in Bangladesh. It’s a crispy flatbread stuffed with eggs, meat, chillis and turmeric. Great food for snacking! Get the full recipe here 
  3. Pakistani Aloo Keema by Tea for Tumeric: This dish comes from North India/ Pakistan. Some people believe the recipe has Persian origins. This is a simple rice and meat dish that won’t disappoint. Try it today here 

Mediterranean Ground Beef Recipes and Ideas

The Mediterranean is a mecca of culinary delights, where ground beef plays a big role in their ingredient go-to list. Some recipes include Italian Cannelonni, Spanish Empanada, Turkish Lahmacun, Greek Souvlaki, Lebanese Feeha, Moroccan B’stilla and many, many more.

Our Top 3 Mediterranean/European Ground Beef Recipes:

  1. Italian Cannelonni from Abruzzo by The Pasta Project: This recipe does take a bit longer, coming in at approximately 1.5 hours, however, you’ll be making something astounding that your friends and family will love! See full recipe here
  2. Spanish Empanada/ Beef Turnovers by Goya Foods: This recipe is moderately difficult and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare. Empanadas are beef turnovers, with a rich, crispy olive oil crust and stuffed meat and spices. They are a great finger food that your kids and anyone else will love. See full recipe here
  3. Turkish Lahmacun by Turkish Style Cooking: Lahmacun resembles a flatbread pizza, but is covered with ground beef and savory spices. However, it also can be served rolled up. This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes and typically includes ground lamb in the mix. See here for the full recipe 

Oceanic Ground Beef Recipes and Ideas

Oceania is a geographical region which includes Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. Cuisine from Oceania encompasses a wide variety flavors and ingredients from across the Pacific Ocean, which are tied to the region’s natural resources, culture and history.  Although seafood is Oceanias’s main staple protein, ground beef is still a popular ingredient.

Some examples of Oceanic ground beef recipes are Australian Meat Pie, New Zealand Mince and Cheese, Maori Rewena Paraoa, Samoan Luau, Hawaiian Loco, and Fijian Kokoda (meat substitute). 

Our Top 3 Oceanic Ground Beef Recipes:

  1. Loco Moco by Ono Hawaiin Recipes: translated Loco Moco means “crazy burger”. An Oceanic take on an international classic, but without a bun! This recipe is quick and easy and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Get the full recipe here
  2. Australian Meat Pie by Food.com: As the name suggests, this recipe is a meat pie with an Australian flare. The recipe requires simple ingredients and also incorporates a puff pastry for the filling enclosure. Try it today here
  3. Mince and Cheese Pie by VJ Cooks: This dish from New Zealand is similar to the Australian version but New Zealanders use a more flaky type crust. This recipe takes about one hour to make. Get the full recipe here 

African Ground Beef Recipes and Ideas

Africa is a huge continent with a wide array of cultural and regional influences.  However, beef and chicken can be considered the main protein ingredients used throughout the entire continent. Some examples of African ground beef recipes include Moroccan Kefta, Nigerian Suya, Tunisian Brik, South African Bobotie, Ethiopian Kitfo and Algerian M’halbi. 

Our Top 3 African Ground Beef Recipes:

  1. Ethiopian Kitfo by 196 Flavors: if you’re a fan of steak tartar then this might be a recipe you might enjoy. This traditional Ethiopian dish features raw, minced ground beef seasoned with chili and other spices. It can be served as an appetizer or simply as a main course. Find the full recipe here
  2. Moroccan Kefta Kabab by Black Stone Products: This very quick and easy kabab recipe offers a satiating snack, lunch or dinner for any occasion. Basically, it’s meat on a stick with Moroccan spices, including cinnamon. Serve it up today
  3. Meat and Potatoe Birk by BabaMail: If you’re after something very fast and delicious this is the recipe for you. This Tunisian favorite is essentially a puff pasty stuffed with potatoes, ground beef and seasoning. It’s typically fried but can also be cooked in an oven. Full recipe here 

Latin American Ground Beef Recipes and Ideas

Latin America is racially, ethically and geographically diverse. This applies to their cuisine, as well. Ground beef is a main staple ingredient in Latin America, typically integrated into maize-based(corn) dishes. Some Latin American ground beef recipes include Colombian Papas Rellenas, Mexican Chiles en Nogada, 

  1. Chiles en Nogada by Mamma Maggie’s Kitchen: This traditional Mexican dish made of stuffed chilis with a sweet-savory filling is a crowd pleaser. This recipe is quite complex with many ingredients and flavor combinations and takes about 1 and 3/4 hours to prepare. However, it will be worth it in the end. Get the full recipe here
  2. Colombian Papas Rellenas by My Colombian Recipes: another snack-sized meal, consisting of a fried potato batter, filled with ground beef and spices and formed into a ball. This recipe takes 50 minutes to make. See full recipe here
  3. Beef Empanadas by Handle the Heat: this crescent-shaped pastry is filled with savory ground beef and spices, similar to a turnover. This dish is influenced by Spanish cooking, which was brought to Latin America during Spanish colonial times. See full recipe here 

Conclusion

Ground beef is an easy-to-use, versatile ingredient used all throughout the world. It’s a culinary winner for its nutritional value and ease of use. Ground beef makes a great topper on a wide variety of complementary ingredients and is also quick to prepare.  There are a ton of things you can do with ground beef, so grab some today and let your kitchen imagination run wild!