17 Ground Beef Recipes I Use When I’m Feeding a Crowd on a Budget

When the guest list grows but the budget doesn’t, this list of 17 ground beef recipes can step in without complaint. Each one keeps things simple and practical, even with extra mouths around. No need to get fancy or break into the emergency grocery fund. It’s the kind of help that doesn’t talk back or burn the wallet.

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

A spoonful of stuffed pepper casserole with ground meat, red and green bell peppers, cheese, and rice, garnished with herbs.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You can’t go wrong with Stuffed Pepper Casserole when you need something easy and filling. It’s everything you love about stuffed peppers but made for a crowd. This dish is hearty and works well for any group meal. Plus, it’s super budget-friendly without sacrificing satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Million Dollar Spaghetti is a perfect crowd-pleaser if you’re feeding a lot of people. It’s cheesy, baked, and feels a little fancier than your typical pasta dish. This one is a hit with kids and adults alike, and it stretches to serve multiple plates. You’ll love how simple it is to prep, too.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese.
Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Warm, comforting, and super simple, Taco Soup is ideal when you need to feed a big group. It combines bold ingredients into something filling and budget-friendly. This is one of those meals you can whip up quickly without too much fuss. It’s perfect when you want something hearty but still easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Big Mac Crunchwrap

Close-up of a stack of folded tortillas filled with beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and onions on a white plate.
Big Mac Crunchwrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re looking for a fun twist, Big Mac Crunchwrap is crowd-pleasing and easy to assemble. It’s like a fast-food favorite packed into an easy-to-hold meal. This is perfect for a casual gathering or just a big family night. You’ll love how much this feels like a step up from ordinary weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you’re trying to feed a crowd, Spaghetti Casserole is a go-to option that’s filling and simple. It layers hearty pasta with rich meatiness in every bite, making it an easy choice for a gathering. Its oven-baked goodness holds everything together, creating a hearty meal that’s easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby.
Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Beef Chili is a budget-friendly classic that works for any group size. Its slow-cooked richness builds a meal that sticks with you, and it’s easy to adjust based on what you have on hand. It’s perfect with rice, bread, or just on its own in a bowl. Making a big pot guarantees everyone gets their fill.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re craving a fresh option, Copycat Big Mac Salad delivers all the flavors you know in a lighter form. It’s a fun way to bring a fast-food vibe to the table while sticking to a budget. This works well for a crowd, especially paired with some simple sides. It’s a good balance between a hearty meal and something a little lighter.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Korean Burgers

Close-up of a hamburger with a sesame seed bun, beef patty, green onions, and rich brown sauce.
Korean Burgers. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Korean Burgers add a flavorful twist to your usual ground beef recipes. These are perfect when you want something a little different but still easy to make. They’re great for a crowd because the portions are easy to customize. You’ll enjoy the fun take on a classic burger night.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

A platter of nachos topped with ground meat, melted cheese, sliced jalapeños, cherry tomatoes, black beans, red onions, cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. Lime wedges are on the side.
Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When it comes to simplicity, Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos make feeding a group super easy. It’s loaded with everything you’d expect from nachos but prepared in a way that keeps the stress low. Perfectly shareable, this meal is ideal for any no-fuss gathering. Crowd-pleasing doesn’t get easier than this.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re feeding a group and need something filling, Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a winner. It’s hearty, simple, and comes together fast. Perfect when you want minimal fuss with maximum payoff. This dish guarantees everyone leaves the table happy and full.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Craving something satisfying that feels like takeout? Crunchwrap Supreme is a great meal for the whole group, without stressing your wallet. It layers all the good stuff into a neat package. Everyone loves having their own handheld dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Need a comfort food dish for hungry guests? Cowboy Casserole hits the spot with a mix of textures and flavors. It’s easy to make ahead if you’re working with limited time. This one definitely gets cleaned out quickly at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Sloppy Joe

Close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich with ground meat, diced vegetables, and sauce in a toasted hamburger bun.
Sloppy Joe. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When you’re short on time and need a crowd-pleaser, Sloppy Joe is a lifesaver. It’s a classic that’s loved by kids and adults alike. Just grab some buns, and you’re set. Super budget-friendly and perfect for big families or groups.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Want all the fun of tacos without juggling individual shells? Taco Casserole is a smart way to stretch flavors for a crowd. Everything you love about tacos is baked together into one dish. It’s hearty and efficient, making cleanup a breeze too.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Burgers don’t always need to break the bank, and Copycat Smash Burger nails it every time. These patties turn simple ground beef into something special. It’s all about the crispy edges and tender inside. Set out a build-your-own station, and let everyone make their own!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re going for something timeless, you can’t go wrong with Beef Tacos. Add a bunch of toppings and let everyone customize their plate. This dish is fun, easy, and stretches to feed a crowd on a dime. Simple but always a hit every time you make it.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Nothing beats a big pot of Spaghetti Bolognese when you need to keep it simple. This dish is comforting, filling, and uses affordable ingredients. Serve it with a big salad and some bread for a complete meal. It feels classic and keeps everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

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