What to Do with Leftover Ground Beef – 14 Creative Ways to Use It Up

Ground beef is a kitchen staple in many households. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and easy to cook with. However, we often end up with extra ground beef after cooking up burgers or meatloaf. Luckily, there are plenty of delicious ways to use up leftover ground beef!

In this article, I’ll share 14 creative recipes and ideas to help you make the most out of leftover ground beef. Whether you have raw beef or pre-cooked patties, these tips will prevent any waste and turn your leftovers into tasty new meals.

1. Tacos

Ground beef tacos are a no-brainer! Cook up your beef with taco seasoning and let everyone build their own tacos with tortillas, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and more. This is one of the quickest and easiest ways to use up leftover beef.

2. Nachos

Similar to tacos, nachos are another great option for using up ground beef. Prepare your meat with taco spices. Then, layer beef, beans, salsa, cheese, and other toppings over tortilla chips. Baked or broiled until the cheese is melted. Easy peasy!

3. Stuffed Peppers

Leftover ground beef makes a perfect filling for stuffed peppers. Mix cooked beef with rice, cheese, onions garlic and seasonings. Stuff the mixture into hollowed bell peppers and bake until tender. You can also top with marinara sauce or extra cheese.

4. Shepherd’s Pie

Transform your cooked ground beef into a hearty shepherd’s pie. Layer beef and veggies in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until heated through and the potatoes begin to brown. It’s a warm and comforting meal!

5. Pasta Sauce

Instead of serving your leftover beef in a burger or taco, use it in a delicious pasta sauce! Cook the beef with tomato sauce, Italian herbs, garlic, and red wine. Toss with hot pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bellissimo!

6. Chili

Chili is a great way to use up a lot of extra ground beef. Brown the beef, onions, and spices. Then simmer in broth and tomatoes. Top your chili with cheddar, sour cream, and chives. The flavors get even better over time.

7. Meatballs

Turn that leftover beef into juicy, bakeable meatballs! Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Form into balls and bake until fully cooked. Use in pastas, subs, or serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

8. Beef Empanadas

For a fun twist, stuff your leftover ground beef into empanada dough Add onions, olives, raisins, and spices to the beef. Fold the dough over and seal edges. Bake until golden Enjoy this Latin American favorite!

9. Burritos

Burritos make for a quick and satisfying meal using leftover ground beef. Warm up the beef and wrap in flour tortillas with beans, rice, cheese, lettuce, salsa, etc. Serve with guacamole, sour cream and jalapeños on the side.

10. Tater Tot Casserole

This kid-friendly casserole is a great way to use up leftovers. Brown some ground beef with onion and garlic. Combine with tater tots, cream of mushroom soup, veggies, and cheese. Top with more tater tots and bake!

11. Cabbage Rolls

Here’s a creative spin on cabbage rolls – stuff cooked ground beef, rice, onion, and spices into large steamed cabbage leaves. Roll up and place seam side down in a baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over top and bake to desired doneness.

12. Beef and Broccoli

For a quick Chinese-inspired stir fry, use up leftover ground beef with fresh broccoli florets. Toss together with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger and red pepper flakes. Serve over steamed jasmine rice.

13. Sloppy Joes

Sloppy joes are a fun and messy sandwich for kids and adults alike. Cook ground beef with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and spices. Spoon onto burger buns and dive in! Any leftover meat mixture keeps well in the fridge.

14. Beef Enchiladas

For amazing enchiladas, wrap tortillas around seasoned leftover ground beef and cheese. Top with enchilada sauce and more cheese, then bake until hot and melty. Garnish with cilantro, crema, avocado…anything goes!

Next time you have extra ground beef, try whipping up one of these tasty recipes. With a little creativity, you can transform leftover beef into all sorts of mouthwatering family meals. No more boring burgers or letting it go to waste! Which recipe will you try first?