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35 Frugal & Easy Dinners Using a Pound of Ground Beef

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Wondering what to make with a pound of ground beef? Here are 35 simple ground beef recipes that make great dinner ideas for busy weeknights! These 1 lb ground beef recipes are both easy AND delicious!

pound of ground beef

One of the easiest ways I save money on meat is by using a pound or less of ground beef in recipes for my family of six. I will buy my meat on sale, cook it up, freeze it, and then simply toss one of the bags of beef into my recipes, making meal time even simpler and easier as homeschooling mama to four!

Frequently Asked Questions about a Pound of Ground Beef

I live in the Midwest, which means my prices tend to be on the lower side. I see a pound of ground beef on average of about $4 a lb.

I stretch 1/2 to 1lb of ground beef pretty far for my family of six. The secret is to not make it the star of the meal, but incorporate it into dishes.

As I said, being in the Midwest, my cost will likely be less, but I usually buy ground beef when it’s around $3 or less a pound. I will stock up, cook, and freeze it. Then, it’s simply dump and go. Perfect for those busy weeknights!

There are 1,506 calories in 70/30, 1,153 calories in 8/20, and 795 calories in 90/10.

A cup of ground beef is about a half a pound. I tend to use 1-2 cups in most of my recipes. I usually purchase the 3lb rolls of ground beef on sale and don’t measure them by weight. This stretches it even further.

If you struggle to come up with easy dinner ideas, and need inspiration for things to make with a lb of hamburger, look no further than this list of 35 simple ground beef recipes.

35 Recipes Using a Pound of Ground Beef:

Slow Cooker Chili

chili in the slow cooker

Dump & go slow cooker chili is such a fast, easy, and cheap frugal meal. Make it exceptional with my favorite, secret chili topping!

Beef Ramen

healthy beef ramen noodle stir fry

Want to save money by using ramen noodles, but don’t want to compromise your health? I present, healthy beef ramen noodles stir fry!

Tater Tot Casserole

A savory ground beef filling topped with cheesy tatertots, this easy casserole is ready to eat in 30 minutes. It’s classic comfort food perfect for busy weeknights!

Baked Tortellini

This Baked Tortellini Casserole is done in under 30 minutes, and you only need 4 simple ingredients to make it. Your family will love this satisfying weeknight dinner!

Doritos Taco Salad

Doritos Taco Salad is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the combination of Doritos, savory beef, and fresh veggies any night of the week.

Egg Fried Rice with Ground Beef (GF)

This Delicious Egg Fried Rice with Ground Beef has all the flavors of your favorite Beef and Broccoli takeout dish. It’s an easy to make, 20-minute dinner your whole family will love.

Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme

This Copycat Taco Bell Crunchwrap Supreme recipe is easy, delicious, and so much better than the original! Each is filled with taco meat, nacho cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a tostada to give its signature crunch!

Sloppy Joes

If you’re looking for an Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes recipe like Grandma used to make, this is it! You’ll love this quick and easy sandwich that’s ready in 30 minutes.

Taco Meatloaf

This taco meatloaf is an easy, Tex-Mex-inspired recipe packed with the unmistakable taco flavors of ground beef, tortilla chips, salsa, and sour cream.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

pound of ground beef

This family friendly casserole is stuffed with all of the classic flavors of stuffed peppers, but can be made in just minutes! A great way to serve up the flavor to a crowd.

Cheeseburger Sliders

pound of ground beef

Enjoy these super tasty, super easy cheeseburger sliders for dinner or as an appetizer. They are kid friendly and a crowd favorite!

Taco Pasta

pound of ground beef

Make your whole dinner in one pot and in about a half hour. This taco pasta is quick, easy and full of veggies. It is a complete meal and there’s only one pot to clean!

Egyptian Macarona Bechamel

pound of ground beef

Egyptian macarona bechamel (مكرونة بشاميل,) is a comfort food recipe popular in Egypt made from penna pasta baked in béchamel sauce. Uses very basic pantry staples and minimal ingredients.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

pound of ground beef

Simple ingredients that taste good. This Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry with a sticky garlic ginger sauce is a nourishing dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Cheesy Taco Rice

pound of ground beef

Super flavorful, filling and incredibly easy to make, this one pot cheesy taco rice is an absolute winner for those rushed weeknight dinners.

Korean BBQ Ground Beef

pound of ground beef

Quick and easy Korean Ground Beef is made with a pack of ground beef and a savory sauce that cooks up in minutes. Great for lettuce wraps, rice bowls and more.

Beef Stroganoff

pound of ground beef

Quick and easy, this 3-Ingredient Beef Stroganoff is perfect for busy weeknights and budget-friendly too! Your family will love this simple and satisfying meal!

Crustless Pizza

pound of ground beef

This crustless pizza is cheesy, meaty, and so easy! No crust pizza is a delicious alternative to traditional pizza. It is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the carbs.

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

pound of ground beef

This Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe is a tasty meal or snack to spice up your regular menu. Here’s how to make it!

Sloppy Joe Pasta

pound of ground beef

This budget-friendly dinner for Sloppy Joe Pasta is a delicious, family-friendly twist on classic Sloppy Joes.

Ground Beef Curry

pound of ground beef

This ground beef curry (Pakistani Kima) is my most requested recipe. It’s a great kid-friendly dish and is always a winner when company comes.

Hamburger Vegetable Soup

pound of ground beef

Hamburger Vegetable Soup is a hearty weeknight dinner filled with lean ground beef, potatoes and carrots for a delicious family dinner.

Homemade Hamburger Helper

pound of ground beef

This homemade hamburger helper is seasoned ground beef, noodles and cheese, all cooked together in a creamy tomato sauce. An easy one pot meal that’s a big hit with both kids and adults!

Instant Pot Spaghetti

pound of ground beef

Instant Pot Spaghetti is a 15-minute one-pot meal made with seasoned ground beef, a flavorful marinara sauce, and tender spaghetti noodles. No draining required!

French Onion Pasta

pound of ground beef

French Onion Pasta is a fusion dish that combines the rich, caramelized flavors of traditional French onion soup with pasta. Sweet caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and gooey melted cheese coat al dente pasta, creating a delicious dinner that’s both filling and satisfying.

Zucchini Boats With Ground Beef

pound of ground beef

Zucchini boats with ground beef are a delicious and hearty vegetable dish that can be served as a main course or a tasty side to any dinner! It’s a great way to transform your favorite summer squash into a dish that will be loved by kids and adults alike!

Creamy Taco Soup

pound of ground beef

A fiesta of flavors, this Creamy Taco Soup is so easy to make! This soup comes together with a few minutes of prep work. In 30 minutes or less it’s time for dinner, and if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers they reheat well too.

Salisbury Steak

This Simple Salisbury Steak will make for a perfect weeknight recipe idea to serve the family. Add in some mashed potatoes and your favorite veggies for the ultimate comfort food. An easy meal idea that is inexpensive and tasty.

Ground Beef and Noodles

This quick and easy Stove Top Ground Beef and Noodles recipe is a satisfying family dinner that is ready in just 20 minutes! Made with ground beef, egg noodles and fridge and pantry staples, this delicious dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.

Mince and Tatties

A traditional, hearty, Scottish recipe of ground beef and mashed potatoes.

Crescent Roll Taco Bake

This crescent roll taco bake recipe comes together with seasoned ground beef and creamy refried beans in a soft, buttery crescent roll crust. Add your favorite taco toppings for the ultimate easy weeknight meal.

Gnocchi Bolognese

This easy gnocchi Bolognese recipe combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with a rich, meaty sauce. It comes together in 30 minutes and is perfect for date night, Sunday supper, or a simple weeknight meal.

Bisquick Cheeseburger Pie

Bisquick cheeseburger pie is a simple, delicious comfort food that cooks up in 35 minutes! This savory pie recipe is a weeknight favorite.

Swedish Meatballs

This Swedish Meatballs Recipe lets you skip the tedious monitoring of each meatball on stovetop. Instead, simply broil the meatballs in the oven for even browning and tenderness.

Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pitas

Arayes are delicious Lebanese meat-stuffed pitas. Learn how to make this roadside favorite, including the secret ingredient to getting them nice and crispy.

There you have it! 35 recipes using one pound of ground beef or less! Which one will you try? Let me know down in the comments!

a pound of ground beef

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24 Comments

  1. I’d love to make the taco salad, but I still have a bunch of lettuce-hating kids, ha. We love the ramen. You can really stretch out the meat in that one. I usually use 1 1/2 lbs of beef for my family of 7, but stretch it out for lunch the next day as well.

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