Ground Meat Recipes You’ll Want to Make on Repeat Every Week

Easy Ground Meat Recipes for Every Kind of Craving!

Let’s be real—ground meat is the unsung hero of weeknight dinners. Whether it’s beef, turkey, chicken, or even pork, it’s affordable, versatile, and cooks up in no time. From hearty comfort food to quick, healthy meals, ground meat recipes have your back when you’re hungry and just don’t feel like dealing with a bunch of steps.

If you’re staring at a pack of ground meat in your fridge thinking, “Ugh, not burgers again,” don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. These ground meat recipes are super easy, packed with flavor, and most importantly, don’t require a culinary degree or hours in the kitchen.

1. One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Taco night is a favorite in most households, but sometimes you just want all the flavor without the fuss. Enter: the taco skillet.

You’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

• 1 can black beans, drained

• 1 cup salsa

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• Salt & pepper

• Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado for topping

How to make it:
Brown the beef in a large skillet. Add onion and pepper; cook until soft. Stir in beans, corn, salsa, and seasonings. Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Top with cheese, cover to melt, and boom—dinner. Serve it in bowls, over rice, or scooped with tortilla chips.

2. Turkey Lettuce Wraps (Better Than Takeout)

Light, flavorful, and fast—these wraps are a go-to when you want something satisfying but not heavy.

What you need:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-inch ginger, grated

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• Water chestnuts (optional, but crunchy and fun)

• Butter or romaine lettuce

Quick steps:
Sauté garlic and ginger in a little oil. Add turkey and cook through. Stir in sauces and optional chopped water chestnuts. Spoon into lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy.

3. Ground Chicken Meatballs in Garlic Parmesan Sauce

These are cozy, comforting, and low-key fancy—without being fussy.

You’ll need:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• More Parmesan to finish

To do:
Mix chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings. Form into small balls. Sear in a pan until golden. Remove and make a quick sauce with butter, garlic, broth, and cream. Simmer meatballs in the sauce for 10 minutes. Serve over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.

4. Classic Sloppy Joes

They’re messy, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious. Way better than anything from a can.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced

• 3/4 cup ketchup

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp mustard

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper

• Hamburger buns

Instructions:
Cook beef, onion, and pepper until everything’s browned and soft. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Pile onto toasted buns. Bonus points if you serve with kettle chips or pickles.

5. Ground Pork Stir Fry with Veggies

This one is fast, full of flavor, and feels like a healthy takeout fakeout.

You’ll need:

• 1 lb ground pork

• 2–3 cups chopped veggies (broccoli, bell pepper, carrots, snap peas—whatever you’ve got)

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

How to make it:
Cook pork with garlic. Add veggies and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Stir in sauces. Serve over rice or noodles. It’s just that easy.

6. Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Total comfort food with minimal effort. It’s got that creamy, cheesy, old-school vibe we all secretly crave.

You’ll need:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 small onion

• 2 cups cooked rice

• 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup shredded cheddar

• Salt, pepper, and paprika

Steps:
Cook the beef and onion, season, and mix everything together. Spread in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Serve with a side salad if you’re trying to feel balanced.

7. Ground Lamb Kofta with Yogurt Sauce

Feeling a little adventurous? Ground lamb has a rich, savory flavor that works great in Mediterranean dishes.

You’ll need:

• 1 lb ground lamb

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

• Salt and pepper

Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove

• Salt

Instructions:
Mix lamb and spices, form into small oval patties or skewers, and pan-fry or grill. Stir together the yogurt sauce. Serve in pita or with couscous and a chopped salad.

Ground meat recipes might not sound exciting at first glance, but with the right recipe, it’s a total dinnertime MVP. It can go global—Mexican, Asian, Italian, Mediterranean—or be the cozy comfort food you grew up with. Plus, it cooks quickly, works in a million dishes, and is almost always in the fridge or freezer.

So the next time you’re stuck staring into the void of your refrigerator, wondering what on earth to make with that pound of ground meat—come back to this list. Mix it up, try something new, and remember: dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be good.

Want a version of these for meal prep? Or freezer-friendly ideas? Just let me know—I’ve got plenty more where that came from.