One Pot Ground Beef Meals

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Some nights I don’t mind cooking dinner. It’s cleaning the kitchen afterward that I want to avoid. One pot meals keep the dishes under control while still putting a filling dinner on the table.

Browse the collection below to find one pot ground beef meals without digging through recipe blog clutter. Just simple recipes that help make dinner a little easier.

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easy beef chili with kidney beans and cheddar cheese
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Easy Beef Chili

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1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. 2. Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed. 3. Stir in chili powder and cook 30–60 seconds to toast the spice slightly. 4. Add drained kidney beans. Stir to combine. 5. Pour in pasta sauce and stir well. Use just enough to coat everything generously while keeping the chili thick. 6. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. 7. Simmer uncovered 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. The chili should hold its shape on a spoon rather than run. 8. Taste and adjust chili powder or salt if needed. 9. Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar cheese. 10. Warm regular buns and gluten-free buns separately and serve on the side.

  • ground beef

  • chili powder

  • cheddar cheese

  • buns

  • gluten-free buns

  • kidney beans

  • pasta sauce

Ground beef and kidney beans simmered into a thick and hearty chili.
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cheeseburger rice with ground beef and melted cheese
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Cheeseburger Rice by @cookinginthemidwest

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1. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until beef is browned and no pink remains. 2. Add garlic and seasoning. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant. 3. Add rice, broth, and sauce. Stir and bring to a simmer. 4. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. 5. Turn heat to low. Add cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Rice should be soft and mixture cohesive.

  • ground beef

  • onion

  • garlic

  • rice

  • beef broth

  • tomato sauce

  • cheese

Ground beef, rice, and cheese cooked together in one pan for an easy dinner.
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dirty spaghetti with ground beef sausage and peppers
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Dirty Spaghetti by @onestopchop

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1. Brown ground beef and turkey sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked (internal temp 160°F). Drain excess grease. 2. Add onion and peppers. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. 3. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. 4. Add tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor. 5. Add seasoning and stir. 6. Sprinkle in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. 7. Slowly add beef broth while stirring. Simmer until thickened. 8. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. 9. Serve hot. Sauce should cling to pasta and appear rich and thick.

  • ground beef

  • turkey sausage

  • red pepper

  • green pepper

  • onion

  • garlic

  • tomato paste

  • flour

  • beef broth

  • spaghetti

Spaghetti coated in a rich meat sauce with beef, sausage, and peppers.
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ground beef ramen bowls with mushrooms noodles and green onions

Ground Beef Ramen Bowls

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1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 3. Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms are softened. 4. Stir in 4 cups beef broth, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp grated ginger, and 1 tsp sugar. Bring to a simmer. 5. Add 4 packages ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets). Cook 3-4 minutes until noodles are tender. 6. Remove from heat and finish with 2 tbsp sliced green onions.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • mushroom

  • garlic

  • beef broth

  • soy sauce

  • ginger

  • sugar

  • ramen noodles

  • green onion

Ground beef ramen bowls with mushrooms and broth finished with green onions.
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ground beef nacho skillet with beans corn cheddar and cilantro
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Ground Beef Nacho Skillet

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1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 4. Stir in 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed, 1 cup canned corn drained, 1 tsp chili powder, 0.5 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Cook 3 minutes until heated through. 5. Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture. Cover skillet with lid and reduce heat to low. 6. Cook 3-4 minutes until cheese melts and sauce coats ingredients. 7. Remove from heat and finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • canned black beans

  • canned corn

  • chili powder

  • cumin

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • cheddar cheese

  • cilantro

Ground beef cooked with beans, corn, and melted cheddar in one pan for an easy dinner.
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italian pasta with ground beef tomato sauce and basil

Italian Pasta with Seasoned Ground Beef

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1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil. Oil should shimmer. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in single layer. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned with no pink. Internal temp 160°F, firm texture. Drain fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and softened. 4. Stir in 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning and 0.5 tsp salt. Cook 1 minute. 5. Add 1.5 cups canned crushed tomatoes. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. 6. Meanwhile, cook 12 oz pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain. 7. Toss pasta with beef sauce in skillet over low heat for 1 minute to combine. 8. Finish with 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil off heat.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • dried Italian seasoning

  • salt

  • crushed tomatoes

  • pasta

  • fresh basil

Ground beef simmered with tomatoes and herbs, tossed with pasta for an easy dinner.
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ground beef taco soup with beans corn tomatoes and broth
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Ground Beef Taco Soup

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1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 4. Stir in 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed, 1 can (15 oz) corn drained, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 4 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp taco seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. 5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. 6. Remove from heat and finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • canned black beans

  • canned corn

  • canned diced tomatoes

  • beef broth

  • taco seasoning

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • cilantro

Ground beef simmered with beans, corn, and tomatoes in a flavorful broth for an easy dinner.
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ground beef spaghetti with tomato sauce and fresh basil

Ground Beef Spaghetti

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1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and heat until shimmering. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 4. Stir in 24 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer. 5. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon. 6. Meanwhile, cook 12 oz spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain. 7. Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce in the skillet over low heat to combine. 8. Finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil off heat.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • canned crushed tomatoes

  • dried oregano

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • spaghetti

  • basil

Ground beef simmered in tomato sauce and tossed with spaghetti for a simple and easy dinner.
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ground beef and potato skillet with diced potatoes onion and spices
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Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

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1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 4. Add 3 cups diced peeled potatoes in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are tender and golden brown. 5. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Cook 2 minutes to combine and coat ingredients. 6. Remove from heat and finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • potato

  • smoked paprika

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • chives

Ground beef cooked with potatoes, onion, and spices in one pan for an easy dinner.
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ground beef pasta bake with marinara pasta and melted mozzarella

Ground Beef Pasta Bake

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 3. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 4. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 5. Stir in 24 oz marinara sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef. 6. Stir in 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni) and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese off heat. 7. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. 8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. 9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. 10. Finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil off heat.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • marinara sauce

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • cooked pasta

  • mozzarella cheese

  • basil

Ground beef pasta baked with marinara and melted mozzarella for an easy oven dinner.
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cheesy taco meat pasta with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar in a skillet

Cheesy Taco Meat Pasta

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1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. 3. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook 4-5 minutes until browned, breaking up meat. Drain fat. 4. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. 5. Stir in 2 tbsp taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer on medium-low until sauce thickens and coats meat, about 2-3 minutes. 6. Reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to skillet. Stir until cheese melts and coats pasta and meat evenly. 7. Remove from heat and finish with chopped fresh cilantro.

  • pasta

  • ground beef

  • onion

  • garlic

  • taco seasoning

  • water

  • cheddar cheese

  • olive oil

  • cilantro

Seasoned taco beef, tender pasta, and melted cheddar combine into a warm skillet dinner that’s quick to make and satisfying for busy weeknights.
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ground beef and rice skillet cooked in a pan with onions garlic and fresh parsley
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Beef and Rice Skillet

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1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side, then stir and continue cooking until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant. 4. Stir in 1 cup long grain white rice, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil. 5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. 6. Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes. 7. Fluff rice with a fork and finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley off heat.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • long grain white rice

  • beef broth

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • parsley

A simple beef and rice skillet made with ground beef, tender rice, onion, and garlic cooked together in one pan. A filling dinner that’s easy for busy nights.
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Why One Pot Ground Beef Meals End Up On My Menu So Often

There are nights when I have plenty of time to cook, but I still don’t want to wash three frying pans afterward. That’s usually when I end up making a one pot meal. Everything cooks together, and the kitchen doesn’t look like a disaster by the time we’re finished eating.

Ground beef works especially well for this style of cooking. It cooks quickly and pairs with rice, potatoes, vegetables, pasta, and simple sauces without making dinner feel repetitive. A few small changes can turn the same package of ground beef into completely different meals throughout the week.

I don’t make one pot meals because they’re trendy. I make them because fewer dishes means less time cleaning the kitchen and more time doing literally anything else. That’s a trade I’ll take every time.

Common Questions About One Pot Ground Beef Meals

What is a one pot meal?

A one pot meal is cooked primarily in a single pot, skillet, or Dutch oven. Using fewer dishes helps make both cooking and cleanup easier.

Can I meal prep one pot ground beef meals?

Yes. Many one pot meals store and reheat well. Look for recipes tagged Meal Prep Friendly or Make Ahead Meals if you’re planning ahead.

Can I freeze these meals?

Many ground beef casseroles, soups, and skillet meals freeze well. Recipes tagged Freezer Friendly are a great place to start.

Are one pot meals good for busy families?

They can be. Cooking everything together often means fewer dishes, less cleanup, and a simpler dinner routine after a busy day.

Can I add these meals to my meal plan?

Yes. Press the + button beside any recipe to save it to your meal plan. Once you’ve signed up, you can choose the ingredients you need and send them straight to your shopping list.