14 Leftover Ground Beef Recipes

Try these yummy leftover ground beef recipes the next time you have some meat hanging around in the fridge.

I know that burgers are always a hit, but sometimes, we wind up with leftover ground beef after making our patties. Luckily, there’s no reason to let all that delicious meat go to waste!

There are plenty of ground beef recipes you can use for a week’s worth of meals.

From cheesy pies to Asian rice bowls, the options are endless! You won’t even need to go out and buy anything extra.

We’ll be using simple ingredients you already have in your home.

Ready for a mighty, meaty meal? Let’s get started! These 14 recipes turn leftover ground beef into a delicious dinner.

1. Leftover Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

Good old mac and cheese is an all-time favorite, but add in some leftover ground beef, and it tastes even better. 

You can use your preferred mac and cheese recipe, but if you want an extra creamy dish using just one pan, try boiling your macaroni in milk before adding cheese.

Mix in cooked burger bits, serve, and enjoy!

2. Ground Beef Casserole

Here’s another delicious way to enjoy your leftover ground beef with some pasta.

This time, you’ll have a baked dish with perfectly al dente penne pasta and hearty tomato sauce topped with your cheese of choice.

Add in your cooked ground beef before baking, and you’ll have a delicious casserole in less than 30 minutes.

3. Beef Noodle Casserole

No pasta? No problem! You can also use some egg noodles! I especially love making this because I find that egg noodles are lighter than regular pasta. 

Cook your beef with your favorite marinara sauce. Once that’s done, add it into your cooked egg noodles and bake for 20 minutes. It’s that easy! 

4. Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

If you’re in the mood for ground beef recipes without pasta, you need to check out these Korean rice bowls.

Cook the ground beef in a pan with some minced garlic and add in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.

Serve your sweet and savory beef over a bowl of warm rice, and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

You can even add in some veggies like julienne carrots, cucumbers, or cabbage!

5. Cheesy Beef and Macaroni

Got some extra elbow macaroni in your pantry? You can’t go wrong with cheesy beef and macaroni. And the kids will surely love it!

For this recipe, my secret ingredient is Worcestershire sauce! It adds a lovely hint of sweetness to the dish.

I also make sure to use lots of basil and oregano. Yummy!

6. Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Let’s give your leftover ground beef a little Mexican spin… with quesadillas! This is a great snack or on-the-go lunch. 

You can make your own tortillas, but I like to go with store-bought. It just makes the dish that much easier to make.

Make them as simple as beef and cheese or add in some extra goodies like corn, guac, peppers, or cilantro.

Dip them in some salsa or sour cream, and you’ll be in quesadilla heaven!

7. Ground Beef Tacos

Can’t get enough of Mexican food? Pair your quesadillas with some tacos. They only take 15 minutes to prepare, and they’re super customizable, too!

Add some taco seasonings to your ground beef, place it on your tortilla of choice (soft shell is highly recommended!), and top with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

8. Best Ever Chili

I know, I know. Everyone says their chili is the best ever, but trust me, this chili is THE BEST EVER.

You’re going to need quite a few ingredients for this one, but it’s definitely worth it.

It’s made with chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, plus beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and kidney beans.

This chili definitely packs a punch!

9. Stuffed Peppers

Here’s a delicious and colorful way to use your leftover ground beef.

I love stuffed peppers because they’re super fun to make and you can customize them by adding your favorite ingredients.

Some of my favorites to go with ground beef are rice, sweet potatoes, and corn, plus some melted mozzarella cheese on top.

It’s a simple side dish you’ll make again and again!

10. Old-School Hamburger Hash

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal that’s still amazingly tasty, you’re going to love old school hamburger hash!

This works great with cooked or raw ground beef. Just dice up some potatoes and season your beef with some delicious spices and bake or fry.

It’s the perfect quick and easy meal, without breaking the bank!

11. Leftover Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

Who doesn’t love a nice, warm, homemade pie? Get those potatoes, peas, carrots, and cheese ready because this could be your new favorite comfort food.

Seriously, this pie is so good, you’ll wish you had more leftover ground beef!

The only work you really need to do is to mash the potatoes. This pie is a tasty breeze to make. 

12. Cheesy Taco Pasta

That’s right. You can have Italian and Mexican food in one dish by using up your leftover ground beef! This one will be a sure hit.

The two main ingredients for your sauce will be taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, plus some onions, garlic, chicken broth, and cheese. Yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds!

13. Tex Mex Ground Beef and Rice Skillet

Think of this as a Mexican paella that you can make in just 20 minutes! You’re going to love this rice and beef dish, and so will the entire family. 

The best part? You only need one pan. Hooray for less dishes!

Boil the rice and get your favorite Mexican ingredients together. Cook in a pan over medium to high heat and don’t forget to garnish with cilantro!

14. Make Your Own Nacho Bar

I love setting up a good DIY bar whenever I’m having guests over. This is usually for desserts, but why not try a Make-Your-Own Nacho bar? 

On a counter or table, set up some sauces and toppings, including your ground beef, plus guacamole, salsa, sour cream, jalapeños, cheese, and olives!

Trust me, your leftover beef will be gone before you know it.