11 Easy One-Pan Ground Beef Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners

When weeknights get busy, the last thing you want is a pile of dirty dishes or a complicated dinner plan. That’s where one-pan meals shine. Ground beef is affordable, cooks quickly, and can take on all kinds of flavors, making it the perfect base for fast, family-friendly recipes. These one-pan dinners keep cleanup to a minimum while still delivering comfort and flavor. Here are 11 easy ground beef dishes that prove simple really can be satisfying.

1. One-Pan Beef and Rice Skillet

This classic dish combines seasoned ground beef, rice, and vegetables in a single skillet, making it a filling and balanced dinner without any fuss. The beef is browned first, then simmered with uncooked rice and broth until the grains are tender and the flavors meld together. You can use frozen peas, carrots, or corn for convenience, or swap in fresh veggies if you prefer. A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top adds the final touch, and you’ve got a meal that feeds the whole table with almost no cleanup.

2. Ground Beef Stroganoff Skillet

Beef stroganoff doesn’t have to be a weekend project. By swapping traditional steak for ground beef, the whole dish comes together quickly in one pan. The beef is sautéed with onions and mushrooms, then simmered in a creamy sauce of broth and sour cream. Egg noodles cook directly in the skillet, soaking up flavor and saving you from washing an extra pot. It’s rich, comforting, and hearty, with the kind of flavors that feel like a hug at the end of a long day.

3. One-Pot Taco Pasta

Think of this as taco night meets pasta night. Ground beef is browned with onion and taco seasoning, then combined with pasta, tomatoes, and broth all in the same pan. As it simmers, the pasta absorbs the flavors, giving every bite a satisfying kick. A layer of melted cheese at the end makes it extra indulgent. Top with sour cream, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips to customize it. The best part is how quickly it comes together, making it a reliable go-to for weeknights.

4. Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

This simple skillet is hearty, affordable, and loaded with flavor. Ground beef is cooked with onion and garlic, then paired with shredded cabbage that softens as it cooks. A splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire gives it depth, while red pepper flakes add optional heat. It’s a recipe that stretches a pound of beef to feed several people while keeping things nutritious. Serve it as is for a low-carb meal or spoon it over rice for something more filling. Either way, it’s quick and satisfying.

5. Cheeseburger Skillet

If you love the taste of a cheeseburger but don’t want the grill or the extra mess, this skillet version is perfect. Ground beef is browned with onions, garlic, and a little ketchup or mustard for that burger flavor. Pasta or potatoes are added along with broth to make it a one-pan meal. A generous handful of cheese melts into the mixture, creating a gooey, comforting dish that tastes like your favorite diner burger in a simpler, family-style form. It’s pure comfort food with easy cleanup.

6. Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Hash

This dish balances hearty and healthy in one pan. Ground beef cooks with diced sweet potatoes until they’re golden and tender. Add bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra color and nutrients. A pinch of cumin or smoked paprika ties everything together. It’s hearty enough for dinner but also works for breakfast with a fried egg on top. Because it all cooks in one skillet, the flavors develop together, giving you a dish that’s both satisfying and nutrient-dense with hardly any cleanup.

7. Beef and Zucchini Skillet

When you want a lighter option, this beef and zucchini skillet delivers. Ground beef is sautéed with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs, then mixed with chopped zucchini that cooks until tender but still has a bit of bite. A handful of cherry tomatoes or tomato sauce can make it saucier, or you can keep it more like a stir-fry. It’s versatile, quick to make, and pairs well with rice, pasta, or even just a loaf of crusty bread. The clean flavors make it a refreshing weeknight option.

8. Sloppy Joe Skillet

This recipe takes everything you love about sloppy joes and turns it into a one-pan dinner. Ground beef is cooked with onions, peppers, and a tangy tomato-based sauce that’s both sweet and savory. Instead of piling it onto buns, pasta or rice is added right to the pan, soaking up the sauce. The result is all the flavor of the classic sandwich, but in an easy skillet form. It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially for kids, and it leaves you with far fewer dishes at the end.

9. Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

This dish feels like a hearty meat-and-potatoes dinner but with a simpler approach. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, then diced potatoes are added to the same skillet to cook until golden and tender. A mix of paprika, thyme, or rosemary adds depth without needing a long ingredient list. You can toss in bell peppers or green beans for extra color and nutrition. The result is a balanced meal that tastes comforting and rustic, with everything cooked together in one pan. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and an easy way to stretch a pound of ground beef into a complete dinner.

10. Ground Beef Chili Mac

This skillet combines two comfort food favorites into one. Ground beef and beans are simmered with chili spices, then macaroni is cooked right in the same pot with tomatoes and broth. As the pasta cooks, it takes on the chili flavors, creating a dish that’s rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. A topping of shredded cheese and green onions makes it complete. It’s filling, flavorful, and a guaranteed hit for anyone who loves both chili and pasta but doesn’t want to choose between them.

11. One-Pan Shepherd’s Pie Skillet

Shepherd’s pie usually means layering and baking, but this shortcut version keeps everything in one skillet. Ground beef is cooked with onion, carrots, and peas, then topped with a layer of mashed potatoes. Instead of baking, the potatoes are spread over the beef mixture and allowed to heat through on the stovetop. A sprinkle of cheese melts into the top, giving you all the comfort of the traditional dish in a fraction of the time. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a busy weeknight.