Ground Beef Recipes That Fed My Crew Without Blowing The Budget—29 To Try

ByMandy Applegate

Getting everyone fed on a weeknight is hard enough without a recipe that needs a dozen specialty items. This batch of 29 recipes makes things simple, filling, and just low-key enough to repeat without complaints. You can double a few, freeze a few, and still not blow your whole food budget trying to keep everyone full.

A skillet filled with penne pasta topped with shredded cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles—a delicious take on cheeseburger pasta.
Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.

There’s nothing ordinary about Million Dollar Spaghetti. It mixes layers of ground beef, rich sauce, and creamy goodness to stretch dinner further. It’s great for feeding a crowd without much hassle. No big splurges, just simple and satisfying for everyone’s plate.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole brings all the flavor of stuffed peppers without spending time slicing and stuffing. Everything cooks together, making it easier. It’s hearty but not too heavy, and the leftovers are just as good. This works wonderfully for hungry people.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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.

Don’t think fancy layers make this hard — Homemade Lasagna is perfect for families on a budget. It’s cheesy, beefy, and comforting all in one bite. You won’t feel like you’re breaking the bank. Plus, the portions are big, so it feeds everybody.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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.

Add familiar fast-food flair to dinner with Big Mac Crunchwrap. It’s got everything you’d love from that burger but in a wrap that stays neat. It’s like handheld comfort, ideal for eating on the go. Perfect for keeping meals interesting without much work.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

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.

Combine two favorites into one dish with Taco Meatloaf. It’s hearty like regular meatloaf but with a twist that keeps it exciting. It’s all the best taco flavors baked into an easy dinner. Leftovers keep well, which is a bonus for busy weeks.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatloaf

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.

Simple yet satisfying, Spaghetti Casserole turns ground beef into something filling. It’s a new way to enjoy pasta without needing extra steps. Everything comes together in one dish for easy cleanup. It’s perfect to feed everyone without much thought.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti 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.

Ground beef shines in this Easy Meatloaf Recipe. There’s no complicated prep needed, but it still fills everyone up. It’s classic comfort food with minimal effort, and it doesn’t cost too much. Great option when time and money are both tight.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Taco Salad

A taco salad served in an edible tortilla bowl, topped with ground meat, lettuce, black beans, diced tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese.
Taco Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Keep things fresh and fun with Taco Salad. It’s great if you want something lighter than the usual casseroles but still filling. It’s quick to toss together, so it works for busy evenings. Plus, it’s flexible enough that everyone can enjoy it their way.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad

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.

Cowboy Casserole is the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs in the best way. It combines beef with a hearty topping that makes it a classic. Perfect when feeding a full table without spending a fortune. Everything bakes in one dish, keeping cleanup simple.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

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.

Turn dinnertime into something fun with Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos. It’s a crowd-pleaser that lets everyone grab their favorite parts. Prep is minimal, but the flavor is bold and filling. Serve it straight from the pan for an easy, affordable option.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

Three slices of glazed meatloaf are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of brown sauce.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Recreate a restaurant classic with Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe. It’s simple, filling, and feels homemade. Everything you want from a hearty meal without the restaurant price tag. It’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a down-to-earth crew.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe

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.

Skip delivery and try Pizza Casserole instead. It brings all the classically loved flavors but in a baked form. This dish is easy to split up for big groups without messy slices. It’s a winner when you need comfort on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Taco Pasta Salad

A bowl of fusilli pasta mixed with ground beef, black beans, chopped tomatoes, and herbs, garnished with lime wedges.
Taco Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Try mixing up your usual salad routine with Taco Pasta Salad. It’s quick to prepare and makes for a unique spin with plenty of beefy bites. This works great for meals or as something you can bring to gatherings. Affordable and always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

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.

Keep it simple with a classic like Sloppy Joe. It’s messy but in the best way, perfect for feeding hungry people fast. Ground beef, sauce, and buns come together for an easy dinner. It’s a full meal without being overly complicated or expensive.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

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.

Give dinner a twist with Southwest Sweet Potatoes. They combine the heartiness of ground beef with something a little lighter. A great excuse to mix up the usual casserole routine. Perfect for a quick dinner people can load up as they like.
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.

Take ground beef and turn it into Taco Soup, a bowl of hearty flavor without much effort. It’s ideal when you need to feed several without standing at the stove for hours. A warm dinner option that doesn’t require much cleanup. Perfect for busy dinnertimes.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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

Kids love it, and you will too with Easy Tater Tot Casserole. It’s beefy, cheesy, and topped with crispy potato goodness. This is a one-dish wonder that makes its way to the table in barely any time. Everything about it screams comfort on a budget.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Skip the drive-thru and make Copycat Big Mac Salad. It’s got all the big burger flavors but served in a refreshing way. It’s great if you’re searching for lighter options when using ground beef. Simple, fresh, and wallet-friendly even for a group.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

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.

Classic and reliable, Spaghetti Bolognese goes a long way. It’s perfect for turning ground beef into a meal that everyone enjoys. You just can’t beat this pasta-and-sauce combo when money is tight. An easy win when you’re feeding a full table.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Crunchwrap Supreme

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

Add something fun to the week with Crunchwrap Supreme. It’s a fast fix that combines your taco favorites into a folded handheld dinner. You’re getting a meal without any forks or mess. Easy to make, share, and enjoy with your crew.
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.

Change up dinner pasta with Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. It’s a fusion of beefy enchilada flavors with a twist of creamy pasta. An exciting mix for when you’re tired of the same dishes. Great for trying something new without straining your budget.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Taco Pizza

A close-up of a loaded flatbread pizza topped with avocado slices, diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, seasoned meat, black beans, and a drizzle of creamy sauce.
Taco Pizza. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Put ground beef center stage in Taco Pizza for a fun dinner. It’s all your favorite taco toppings served up slice-style. Everyone gets what they love in every bite without breaking the bank. Perfect for family meals or casual gatherings alike.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pizza

Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

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.

Skip the trip to Ikea and make Swedish Meatballs at home. They’re rich, hearty, and easy to whip up for a big meal. Serve them over your favorite starch for a filling option without overspending. These meatballs never fail to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Zucchini Boats

Four zucchini boats topped with ground meat, tomato sauce, melted cheese, and chopped parsley on a white plate.
Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Zucchini Boats make an easy ground beef dinner that’s a little lighter. They’re a neat way to use something healthy while still keeping things hearty. Everyone gets their own portion without extra work. Great option for budget-friendly meals that stand out.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Boats

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.

Stick to something simple with Copycat Smash Burger. It’s all about bringing a fast-food favorite home, minus the markup. Crispy, juicy beef patties make up this winner. A no-fuss meal with maximum flavor for burger-loving groups.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Three baked sweet potatoes topped with minced meat, melted cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions on a white plate.
Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Twist a classic meal with Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes. It adds just a hint of change while still being grounded in comfort food territory. Makes for an easy option that keeps your group full. Simple enough that it doesn’t demand extra time or money.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

Mini Tacos

A plate of beef tacos topped with cheese, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro, served with avocado sauce and lime wedges. A bowl of cilantro and a jar lid are next to the plate.
Mini Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mini Tacos turn ground beef into a party-style meal everyone can grab. These small portions are great for groups and easy to make. It’s a fun, budget-friendly twist when larger dishes feel like too much. You don’t need much to make this work.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

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.

Feed a hungry bunch easily with Cattle Drive Casserole. It merges hearty ingredients into a single dish for simplicity. There’s no need to spend extra time prepping sides. It’s a reliable, affordable way to have something filling on the table.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Cheeseburger Pasta

A skillet filled with penne pasta topped with shredded cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles—a delicious take on cheeseburger pasta.
Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combine two favorites in Cheeseburger Pasta, where beefy burger vibes meet easy noodles. It’s simple, filling, and works for just about any crowd. With no fancy steps needed, it’s the kind of meal to keep everyone full without breaking the grocery budget.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

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.

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