10 budget-friendly beef mince dinners

If you’ve got a packet of beef mince in the fridge, you’ve basically got dinner sorted – the trick is keeping it interesting, quick, and budget-friendly. I know the struggle: groceries are expensive, weeknights are chaotic, and everyone seems to want something different. That’s why I pulled together this collection of beef mince dinners that tick all the boxes – affordable, minimal prep, and guaranteed family-pleasers. Think One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles for nights you’re racing the clock, Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowls when you want fakeaway vibes for less, classic Beef Rissoles and Juicy Burgers for fuss-free family favourites, and Veggie-Loaded Bolognese and Cottage Pie when you need comfort food that stretches further. And if you’re after something with a bit of a twist, Speedy Teriyaki Beef Bowls or Korean Beef Rice Bowls will shake up your weeknight routine without blowing the budget.

Close-up shot of beef ramen noodles and a pair of chopsticks on top.

One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles

One-pan Beef Ramen Noodles is an easy, flavoursome stir-fry featuring juicy beef, ramen noodles and fresh veggies in a hoisin-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Top view of a Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl with crispy potatoes, seasoned beef, shredded lettuce, pickles, diced onions, and special sauce, served in a speckled ceramic bowl.

Loaded Potato Big Mac Bowl

Crispy potatoes, juicy seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a creamy homemade burger sauce — this is a fakeaway dinner the whole family will love. It’s quick to prep, easy to customise, and perfect for those busy nights when you want something fun, filling and fuss-free. Add it to your meal plan for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that saves you money (and a trip to the drive-thru).

Juicy Beef Rissoles

Juicy Beef Rissoles

Delicious Beef Rissoles are the perfect quick and easy family dinner. Make a big batch to freeze, ready for a rainy day!

Close up of Juicy Homemade Beef Burgers Recipe

Juicy Homemade Beef Burgers

Juicy Homemade Beef Burgers are a quick and easy, meal-in-a-bun favourite with kids and adults alike. You can prep and cook them in under 25 minutes in one pan, using simple, low-cost ingredients, which you can mix and match to suit all palates.

beef and vegetables in a glossy teriyaki sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Speedy Beef Teriyaki

This quick and easy Speedy Beef Teriyaki is a family favourite made with either homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights!

Platter of oven-baked kebabs served with flatbreads, garlic yoghurt, sumac onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs for assembling wraps

Juicy Oven-baked Kebabs

This Juicy Oven-baked Kebabs recipe is a quick, budget-friendly fakeaway that delivers bold flavour, and it’s easily cooked in the oven. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or customising for fussy eaters, and the garlic yoghurt + sumac onion combo takes it over the top. Make it once and it’ll be on regular rotation.

Korean Beef Rice Bowls

Korean Beef Rice Bowls

Quick, bold, and satisfying Korean Beef Rice Bowls with a creamy gochujang mayo drizzle, served with tangy kimchi and optional fresh toppings. Perfect for a flavour-packed weeknight meal. It’s also customisable.

Bowl of fettuccine pasta topped with hidden vegetable Bolognese sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, served on a woven placemat.

Hidden Veggie Bolognese

This Hidden Veggie Bolognese is a fast, flavour-packed dinner loaded with hidden vegetables that melt into the sauce. With simple steps that build rich flavour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or freezer-stash building.

Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie is my go-to dinner when I need something delicious, nourishing and comforting to serve the family at the end of a busy day. My version of this classic recipe is loaded with extra vegetables.

Side view close-up of a potato taco bowl served in a white bowl with a fork on the side.

Loaded Potato Taco Bowl

Crispy roasted potatoes make the perfect base for this loaded taco bowl, topped with spiced beef, guac, salsa and cheese. Loaded Potato Taco Bowl is budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and a fun way to mix up taco night without adding extra effort.

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