Always at a loss for what to do with extra ground beef? Look no further than these filling recipes that use just 1/2 pound or 3/4 pound of ground beef.
27 Hearty Dinners to Make With Less Than a Pound of Ground Beef
Updated on Jan. 03, 2024
1/27
Broccoli-Cheddar Beef Rolls
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandma's recipe for beef rolls is easy to change up. Load them with ham, veggies, or even olives, as you like! —Kent Call, Riverside, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed roll: 394 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
2/27
Roadside Diner Cheeseburger Quiche
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My savory main-dish quiche tastes just like its burger counterpart. Easy and appealing, this cheeseburger quiche is pretty enough to serve guests. —Barbara J. Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 502 calories, 35g fat (19g saturated fat), 236mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
3/27
Zucchini Boats
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed zucchini half: 312 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
4/27
Skillet Lasagna
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 478 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1552mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
5/27
Ground Beef Stroganoff
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to lighten my mother-in-law's wonderful recipe and came up with this tasty beef Stroganoff. In our home, we call it special noodles. —Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup beef mixture with 3/4 cup noodles: 333 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 329mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
6/27
Easy Chiles Rellenos Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to cook with tasty green chiles and use recipes featuring them when I entertain. This hearty casserole has big pepper taste in every bite.—Nadine Estes, Alto, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 321 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 212mg cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
7/27
Pizza in a Bowl
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On busy days, it’s a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This ground beef recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 495 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 1056mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
8/27
Meatballs Sausage Dinner
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One day I was having trouble deciding what to make for dinner, so I combined whatever was in the refrigerator and freezer. To my surprise, everyone loved it! —Elizabeth Martz, Pleasant Gap, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 289 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
9/27
Tortilla Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I especially like this delicious layered entree because it’s lighter-tasting than some of the traditional lasagnas made with pasta. Even our two young daughters enjoy the pleasantly mild flavor. —Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 356 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 574mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 2 starch.
10/27
Traditional Italian Wedding Soup
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Homemade meatballs pair beautifully with ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken. —Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 253 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
11/27
Barley Beef Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barley adds another dimension to an old-fashioned hamburger. My husband and I really enjoy these juicy patties with onion and barbecue sauce mixed right in. —Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 395 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 2 fat.
12/27
Ramona’s Chilaquiles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A dear neighbor shared this recipe. She used to make it from scratch, but my version takes a few shortcuts. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 573 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1509mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
13/27
14/27
Hawaiian Beef Dish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This elegant dish has been in my family since I was a little girl, and when presented to guests, it brings rave reviews. It was created by my dad, who still enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. Sometimes I prepare it the day before and warm it up while I’m cooking the rice. —Marilyn Taus, Mississauga, ON
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 515 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.
15/27
Black Bean and Beef Tostadas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You only need a handful of ingredients to make one of our family’s favorites. It's also easy to double for company! —Susan Brown, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 392 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1011mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 10g fiber), 23g protein.
16/27
Beef Wellington Fried Wontons
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty bites scale down classic beef Wellington. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 wonton: 47 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
17/27
Sassy Southwest Stuffed Shells
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a child, my mom made this dish quite often. When I came across her recipe on an index card, I quickly copied it. Over the years, I have made very few changes to retain that taste-of-home memory. —Kellie Braddell, West Point, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 487 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
18/27
Southwestern Beef Barley Stew
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Hearty and easy to fix, this thick stew has a comforting, chili-like flavor. It’s my best barley recipe. I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a tasty dish. —Lisa Kolenicn, Regina, SK
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 269 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
19/27
Meatballs in Plum Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
about 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A tasty sauce made of plum jam and chili sauce coats these moist meatballs beautifully. Make sure these delightful treats are on your party menus. —Mary Poninski, Whittington, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 77 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 105mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
20/27
Cannelloni-Style Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this lasagna, combining two favorite dishes, for a family celebration. It was extra special because my parents had just come back from a trip to Italy. —Deborah Loop, Clinton Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 347 calories, 18g fat (8g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 632mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
21/27
Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed pepper halves: 312 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1039mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
22/27
Tacos in a Bowl
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy skillet dish offers a tasty use for leftover taco meat. Garnish it with sour cream and salsa for added southwestern flavor. —Sue Schoening, Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 480 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1279mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
23/27
Rich Baked Spaghetti
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes a little longer to make baked spaghetti, but the difference in taste, texture and richness is well worth the time. I serve this lasagna-style dish with a tossed green salad and breadsticks for a hearty, healthy meal. —Betty Rabe, Mahtomedi, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 343 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
24/27
Spanish Noodles and Ground Beef
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon adds flavor to this comforting stovetop supper my mom frequently made when we were growing up. Now I prepare it for my family. —Kelli Jones, Peris, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 371 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 887mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
25/27
Hearty Rye Melts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When we moved from the Midwest to Kentucky, we were invited to a neighborhood gathering where this appetizer was served. Hanky panky—as it’s often called around here—is traditionally served at Derby Day parties, but at our home it’s become a year-round favorite. —Melanie Schlaf, Edgewood, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 88 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 231mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
26/27
Skillet Meat Loaf
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Who says meat loaf has to bake in the oven for hours? For this convenient recipe, all you need is your stovetop and 30 minutes. It’s a quick, simple dish to make for one or two people. —Emily Sund, Geneseo, Illinois.
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat loaf: 292 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
27/27
Beef and Cabbage Stew
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
6-8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite meals since I don't have to stand over the stove or dirty a lot of pots and pans to prepare it. With six in the family, we have enough dishes to wash after each meal!
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 194 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
