27 Delicious Ways To Use Ground Beef From Breakfast To Dinner

Whether the sun’s just up or nearly down, ground beef somehow fits right into the plan like it was invited all along. These 27 ways to use it stretch from morning to night without ever getting boring. It’s like the ingredient equivalent of that one friend who’s always helpful.

A close-up of Swedish meatballs covered in a creamy sauce, piled in a wooden bowl. — Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil. — Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layers of tender pasta mixed with hearty ground beef between tasty, gooey cheeses make Homemade Lasagna a star for any dinner table. Comfort food at its finest, this dish warms hearts at each bite. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Lasagna remains a classic for endless, delicious reasons.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley. — Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Combining ground beef with pantry staples, Cattle Drive Casserole offers a quick and easy meal that brings smiles. This rewarding dish is hearty and packs a punch. A favorite for busy weeknights, it delivers a touch of homemade comfort. Fisher out the simple joys dinner with a trusted dish.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Taco Meatloaf

Close-up of a slice of cheesy taco casserole topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeño slices on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in slow cooker taco meatloaf. — Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing a twist on traditional meatloaf, Taco Meatloaf incorporates flavors sure to please. A hit at family dinners, this meatloaf benefits from bold elements. It’s a fantastic way to switch up mealtime while sticking to familiar ingredients. This combination of two favorites into one dish makes it truly stand out.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatloaf

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Making dinner a breeze, Stuffed Pepper Casserole gives you everything you love about stuffed peppers without the extra fuss. Each spoonful offers comfort and familiar tastes. This dish simplifies the classic preparation while still achieving excellent results. You’ll find it brings the joy back to dinner prep.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Cheeseburger Soup

A pot of cheesy potato and meat stew garnished with chopped parsley and crispy bacon. — Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Transforming a beloved burger into a warm bowl, Cheeseburger Soup is hearty and rewarding. This flavorful soup brings all those cheeseburger tastes into a comforting, spoon-friendly form. Ideal for cold nights, it’s rich and filling. You’ll enjoy the blend of ground beef within this unexpectedly enjoyable dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

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.

This dish’s indulgent reputation is well-earned; Million Dollar Spaghetti is a layered masterpiece. Combining pasta with a deliciously rich meat sauce, it’s perfect for special occasions. The creamy, cheesy layers create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Let this dish add a touch of luxury to your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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

Easy Tater Tot Casserole makes a fun, crowd-pleasing meal by topping tasty ground beef with crispy, golden tots. Simple yet incredibly rewarding, it’s a go-to for laid-back dinners. Kids and adults alike will love the playful take on a traditional casserole. Quick to prep and hearty to eat, it’s a winner every time.
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.

For a fun, hands-on meal, Crunchwrap Supreme combines layers of seasoned beef with crunchy and soft textures. Perfect for casual dining, it stands out with its portable, mess-free form. A great choice for taco night, it’s an exciting twist on the typical taco. It’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions. — Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Merging comfort with a kick, Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini brings bold flavors together in a single dish. The combination of ground beef and tender tortellini works perfectly. Adding just the right amount of heat, this dish is both cozy and exciting. It’s a blend that satisfies with every bite and offers warmth.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

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.

Bringing a unique twist to burger night, Korean Burgers feature ground beef with exciting, tasty flavors. They’re perfect for grilling and offer a burst of something special at each meal. Ready for both casual and more refined settings, they’re versatile and full of flair. These burgers prove memorable with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

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.

A classic at dinner tables worldwide, Spaghetti Bolognese pairs rich meat sauce with long strands of pasta. Time-honored and comforting, this dish serves up satisfaction. The slow-cooked sauce melds flavors beautifully, creating a meal everyone loves. Sharing it with family or friends never misses the mark.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Pizza Casserole

A close-up of a baked pasta dish with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, and herbs, showing a serving being lifted, revealing gooey cheese strands. — Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Blending two favorites into one, Pizza Casserole combines the gooey goodness of pizza with the heartiness of a casserole. Easy to assemble and perfect for an instant hit, it’s a dinner hero. Each bite mixes saucy ground beef, gooey cheese, and various toppings. Weeknight meal prep just became more exciting with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery. — Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Staying true to a time-tested favorite, Easy Meatloaf Recipe offers comfort and simplicity. Ground beef works its magic with a few staples, making a great meal. It’s quick, reliable, and family-approved, turning any evening into a special occasion. This recipe proves that classic, homey dishes never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Copycat Smash Burger

For burger fans, Copycat Smash Burger offers the crispy edges and juicy center beloved by many. It’s a homemade take on a fast-food favorite, easy to recreate at home. Bringing together ground beef in the perfect texture, this burger satisfies cravings. Serve these up at a gathering or family night for guaranteed smiles.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Baked Beef Tacos

Two tacos with beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate. — Baked Beef Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Upgrading taco night, Baked Beef Tacos offer a crispy, cheesy meal in each shell. Simple yet unforgettable, these tacos are packed with ground beef in every bite. Baked to perfection, they’re a reliable and flavorful choice for a fun dinner. Enjoy them with friends or when craving something comforting and filling.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

Cheeseburger

Ground beef turns into a classic favorite with Cheeseburger, offering timeless satisfaction. This staple is simple but always hits the mark. The perfect way to keep things familiar while delivering on flavor. This dish reminds us why some classics stay beloved through the years.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

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.

For a comfort dish combining the best of pasta bake and tasty flavors, Spaghetti Casserole stands out. It’s cozy, filling, and perfect for easy meals. Layered pasta and ground beef meld together into a rewarding dish. This is ideal for making weeknights feel special without additional effort.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Beef Tacos

Ground beef cooked to perfection makes Beef Tacos an essential, easy meal choice. They’re perfect for gatherings, reliable and customizable for individual tastes. Simple prep and classic flavor deliver a stress-free dinner. Providing both familiarity and delight, these tacos never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

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.

Transforming a fast-food favorite into a healthier option, Copycat Big Mac Salad keeps all the flavors with a twist. Ground beef mixed in adds richness without guilt. It’s both worthwhile and fun, making any meal exciting and nutritious. Embrace this fresh take on an iconic burger, proving you can enjoy it in a lighter way.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Taco Casserole

Taking taco components and baking them together creates Taco Casserole, an easy, rewarding meal. Each spoonful delivers full, delicious flavors. Combining the familiar taste of ground beef with other classic ingredients, this dish brings smiles. Perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends, it’s comfort redefined.
Get the Recipe: Taco 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.

Ground beef shines in Beef Chili, a hearty meal that warms from within. Full of rich aromas, it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. This dish stays timeless, offering the hearty flavors we love. Full of comfort, each spoonful serves up a blend of memories and good times.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, avocado, sliced jalapeños, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, with lime slices on the side. — Southwest Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Change up how you enjoy sweet potatoes with Southwest Sweet Potatoes. Mixing hearty beef and vibrant flavors creates something special. It’s a fulfilling and unique combination worth trying. Perfect for a new twist on dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

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.

Taco Soup features ground beef in a warm, comforting bowl, perfect for easy weekday meals. Quick to prepare and full of familiar tastes, it’s a go-to recipe. Combining favorite aspects of tacos with a brothy base, it’s both filling and amusing. Ideal for cooler nights, it stands out in both flavor and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Beef Enchilada Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy dish with melted cheese, beef, beans, and scattered cilantro leaves. Red onion slices are visible in the foreground. — Beef Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Ground beef stars in Beef Enchilada Casserole, built from layers of familiar textures and tastes. This dish offers the comfort of enchiladas with the ease of a casserole. An ideal choice for those seeking full, rich flavors without fuss. It’s a go-to meal for nights when you want fulfilling comfort with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

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.

Put a spin on a fast-food favorite with Big Mac Crunchwrap; this dish merges familiar tastes with a fun, portable form. Ground beef ensures it packs a flavorful punch. Adding all the right touches, it’s a hit for casual dinners or snacks. It’s a creative way to enjoy something loved while mixing up the usual presentation.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Cowboy Casserole

Ground beef combines with homey elements to bring Cowboy Casserole to life, perfect for an easy, fulfilling meal. It’s rich, filling, and a family favorite, ideal for shared dinners. This casserole makes use of easy-to-find ingredients mixed beautifully. It’s always a welcome addition to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Enjoy a taste of Sweden with Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat), featuring ground beef in a classic formation. These meatballs are soaked in a creamy, rich sauce. A fan favorite for home-cooked meals, providing comfort and satisfaction every time. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or gathering, these never fail to please.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

About the Author

A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.