Budget Recipe Blog

Delicious Meals That Won't Break the Bank

Budget Ground Beef Recipes Under $15

Family-friendly meals | Serves 4-6 | Stretches 1 lb of ground beef

Ground beef is one of the most versatile budget proteins. These recipes show you how to stretch 1-2 pounds into hearty meals that feed your whole family for under $15.

1. Classic Beef Tacos ($12.50, serves 6)

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20) ($6.00)
  • 12 taco shells or soft tortillas ($2.50)
  • Taco seasoning ($0.80)
  • Shredded lettuce ($1.50)
  • 2 tomatoes, diced ($1.00)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese ($2.40)
  • Sour cream ($1.30)

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks.
  2. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer 5 minutes.
  4. Warm taco shells according to package.
  5. Set up a taco bar with all toppings.

2. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce ($9.80, serves 6)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef ($4.00)
  • 1 lb spaghetti ($1.20)
  • 1 large jar marinara sauce ($2.50)
  • 1 onion, diced ($0.50)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.30)
  • Italian seasoning ($0.30)
  • Parmesan for serving ($1.00)

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, brown beef with onion and garlic.
  3. Drain fat, add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning.
  4. Simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Serve over spaghetti with Parmesan.

3. Beef and Bean Chili ($13.50, serves 8)

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef ($6.00)
  • 2 cans kidney beans ($1.80)
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes ($2.40)
  • 1 onion ($0.50)
  • 1 bell pepper ($1.00)
  • Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder ($0.80)
  • Optional toppings: cheese, sour cream ($1.00)

Instructions

  1. Brown beef with diced onion and bell pepper.
  2. Add beans (drained), tomatoes (with juice), and spices.
  3. Bring to boil, then simmer 30 minutes.
  4. Serve with toppings and cornbread if desired.

Pro tip: This freezes perfectly. Make a double batch!

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers ($14.20, serves 4)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef ($4.00)
  • 4 large bell peppers ($4.00)
  • 1 cup cooked rice ($0.50)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes ($1.20)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese ($1.80)
  • 1 onion ($0.50)
  • Italian seasoning, garlic powder ($0.40)
  • 1 cup beef broth ($0.80)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds. Place in baking dish.
  3. Brown beef with onion, drain fat.
  4. Mix beef with rice, half the tomatoes, 1 cup cheese, and seasonings.
  5. Stuff peppers with mixture.
  6. Pour remaining tomatoes and broth around peppers.
  7. Cover with foil, bake 35 minutes.
  8. Uncover, top with remaining cheese, bake 10 more minutes.

5. Beef Fried Rice ($11.00, serves 4)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef ($4.00)
  • 4 cups cooked rice, cold ($1.20)
  • 2 cups frozen peas and carrots ($1.60)
  • 3 eggs ($0.90)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce ($0.50)
  • 4 green onions ($0.80)
  • 3 cloves garlic ($0.20)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil ($0.30)
  • Optional: sesame oil ($0.50)

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a wok or large skillet. Remove and set aside.
  2. In same pan, scramble eggs. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add oil, garlic, and frozen vegetables. Stir-fry 3 minutes.
  4. Add cold rice, breaking up clumps. Stir-fry 5 minutes.
  5. Return beef and eggs to pan. Add soy sauce.
  6. Toss everything together. Garnish with green onions.

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