I Made 29 Ground Beef Dishes And Forgot All About Takeout

ByMandy Applegate

What was supposed to be a quick dinner turned into a small-scale buffet at home. The count hit 29 ground beef dishes before anyone realized takeout menus hadn’t been touched. Plates kept getting refilled, conversations stretched out, and the delivery driver probably wondered where the regular orders went.

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.

Big Mac Pinwheels

Close-up of puff pastry rounds topped with ground meat, shredded lettuce, sesame seeds, and a creamy sauce, arranged on parchment paper.
Big Mac Pinwheels. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Rolling familiar burger flavors into bite-sized pieces makes them fun to serve. Big Mac Pinwheels layer iconic elements into handheld portions everyone loves. Great for sharing at gatherings where you want big flavor in small bites. They’re easy to make disappear from any plate.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Pinwheels

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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

Comfort food layered with hearty textures becomes an instant favorite. Easy Tater Tot Casserole brings crispy bites packed into a filling dish perfect for feeding groups. Its simplicity makes it great for regular meals or leftovers. This option stays popular every time it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot 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.

Rich flavors simmered together create a warm and pleasing experience. Beef Chili makes a hearty main dish that stands out with bold spice and texture. Great for filling bowls and keeping everyone happy at the dinner table. Perfect for those gatherings that need comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

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.

Classic pasta flavors baked together create a meal everyone appreciates. Spaghetti Casserole combines savory textures with an easy-to-serve dish. Perfect for family-style eating or meal prepping for a busy week. It’s always a go-to option when looking for hearty dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti 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.

Pasta with familiar taco ingredients turns this into a party hit. Taco Pasta Salad keeps things light while delivering plenty of flavor in each bite. Perfect for potlucks or packing up for quick meals. Guests love grabbing a scoop with every meal plate.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Crunchwrap Supreme

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

Folding savory flavors into a portable package makes this one fun to eat. Crunchwrap Supreme delivers all the components of a pleasing meal in a neat, handheld form. Great for customizing however you prefer while making no mess. Perfect for quick meals or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

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.

Layers packed with richness make this dish feel like something special. Million Dollar Spaghetti combines comforting flavors that perfectly combine into an easy pasta bake. It works for both family meals and serving guests at gatherings. This is the dish everyone asks about once served.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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.

Bold, saucy flavors paired with soft bread make this dish a classic go-to. Sloppy Joe delivers big flavor in a quick and easy way without complicating things. It’s perfect for casual meals or snacks people can grab with minimal cleanup. Expect everyone to enjoy this no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe

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.

Taking the best parts of burgers and mixing them into pasta creates a hearty meal. Cheeseburger Pasta blends bold flavors with pleasing textures that work well for group dinners. Great for leftovers or feeding a crowd. It’s the kind of combination people keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

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.

Bringing together pizza flavors in a baked dish turns this into an instant hit. Pizza Casserole satisfies cravings with a warm and comforting twist. Perfect for anyone who loves their thin crust toppings but needs something more filling. This tray disappears fast at any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

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.

Hearty pasta with rich meat sauce creates a timeless favorite. Spaghetti Bolognese delivers simplicity and satisfaction without unnecessary extras. Perfect as a quick dinner or a reliable main course. It’s a dish everyone loves digging into for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

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.

Familiar burger flavors reimagined into a fresh base keep this exciting. Copycat Big Mac Salad turns fast food cravings into something approachable for any occasion. It’s great for mixing textures while keeping things balanced. Perfect for both lighter meals and snack gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Cheeseburger Soup

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

Warm, creamy flavors filled with burger-inspired bites make this dish stand out. Cheeseburger Soup brings comfort food straight into a bowl without skipping on hearty textures. Great for larger servings or quick filling meals. Always a crowd favorite at family tables or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

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.

Combining taco flavors into pizza form makes this both unique and fun. Taco Pizza layers bold ingredients over a familiar base, keeping it interesting for large groups. Great for sharing slices at any casual gathering. This option keeps everyone happy and asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pizza

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.

Warm crispy edges paired with rich flavors make this burger memorable. Copycat Smash Burger delivers everything you’d expect from a diner favorite straight out of your kitchen. Perfect for stacking up burgers for large crowds. An easy choice for anyone who loves classic comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

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.

Full flavors packed into one dish make this casserole special. Stuffed Pepper Casserole creates hearty portions that are perfect for feeding guests or family meals. Great for those looking to mix familiar tastes with easy preparation. Always a good option for staying consistent at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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.

Taco flavors packed into small servings make these bites fun to eat. Mini Tacos provide convenience and a punch of flavor in every piece. They’re easy to serve for gatherings or keep for quick weeknight meals. These are never around for long no matter who’s at the table.
Get the Recipe: Mini Tacos

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.

Stuffed fillings set into fresh bases give these boats their charm. Zucchini Boats combine hearty flavors with lighter bites in every serving. Great for those who want to mix creativity with simplicity. They keep dinner spreads unique without complicating preparation.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Boats

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 rich fillings cooked together make this an unforgettable meal. Homemade Lasagna brings classic Italian comfort food straight from the oven to the table. It works beautifully for larger family dinners or meal prepping leftovers. Everyone knows this dish never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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.

Crispy bites topped with savory layers turn this into an instant favorite. Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos mix hearty flavors with easy grab-and-go portions for gatherings. Great for those who love loaded nachos but want simplicity. It’s a dish that’s as popular as it is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Beef Enchilada Nachos

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.

Sweet, tender textures meet bold fillings in this fun twist on a classic. Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes combine hearty bites with light changes everyone appreciates. It’s easy to pack up and serve for both casual meals or outdoor settings. Perfect for those seeking original spins on traditional flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes

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.

Full-bodied flavors mixed with a twist make this dish stand apart from the usual. Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini doubles up on boldness while keeping textures exciting. Great for simple meal settings or celebrations that need something extra. It’s as interesting to eat as it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

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.

Crispy shells and hearty textures make these tacos a go-to option. Baked Beef Tacos ensure every bite feels fulfilling without overwhelming the meal. They’re great for serving on trays at larger dinners or casual meal settings. Simple ingredients keep them approachable for all.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

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.

Tender bites mixed with rich fillings create memorable results every time. Southwest Sweet Potatoes bring together hearty flavors in a way that feels fresh yet satisfying. Perfect for mixing variety into meal spreads or keeping snack menus creative. These are always a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

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.

Bold seasoned meat paired with fresh additions makes these burgers stand apart. Korean Burgers deliver unique flavors while sticking to simple burger building traditions. Perfect for keeping menus interesting or challenging food preferences in a fun way. Great for mixing up regular meal routines.
Get the Recipe: Korean Burgers

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.

Savory layers baked into a dish keep this casserole appealing for groups. Beef Enchilada Casserole balances hearty textures with bold flavors throughout. Great for bigger meals that need easy prep and packing options. It’s a choice that guarantees smiles with each serving.
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.

Familiar fast food flavors folded into portable form make this exciting. Big Mac Crunchwrap combines burger elements with a twist everyone can appreciate. Great for quick meals or making crowd-pleasing batches for larger gatherings. This option is always well-loved no matter where it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

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.

Mixing classic tacos into a fresh bowl keeps this option fun and light. Taco Salad brings bold tastes together while staying approachable for all eaters. Great for lunches or easy party spreads that need variety. It’s a simple dish that fits into any setting.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad

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.

Tender meat paired with creamy textures turns these into an unforgettable serving. Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat) recreate an iconic comfort food into homemade form with ease. Perfect for both smaller meals or spreading onto larger family plates. Everyone always notices when these hit the table.
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.

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