Keep It Simple Or Make It Elegant With 25 Ground Beef Recipes

Sometimes, the humble package of ground beef sitting in the fridge is all it takes to spark dinner inspiration. It’s amazing how this one ingredient can be the foundation for a multitude of delicious meals. Whether the aim is simple and pleasing or to add a touch of elegance for a special occasion, there’s a way to make it happen with 25 ground beef recipes.

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

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.

Inspired by the rugged spirit of the Wild West, this casserole is as hearty as it gets. Ground beef, beans, and a mix of veggies are baked together in the Cattle Drive Casserole. It’s a dish that’s meant to fill you up after a long day. And honestly, who can say no to a cheesy, beefy casserole?
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive 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.

When it’s chilly outside, nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Beef Chili is filled with ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato base. It’s perfect for enjoying with a side of cornbread. Every spoonful brings comfort and a bit of spice.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

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.

Missing your favorite fast-food burger but want something a bit lighter? Copycat Big Mac Salad is a fresh take on the iconic burger. It has all the classic Big Mac flavors, deconstructed into a salad. Perfect for a fulfilling meal without the bun.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When taco night meets comfort food, the result is a dish everyone will rush to the table for. Taco Casserole layers all your favorite taco fillings in one pan for an easy bake. Just scoop and serve, it’s that simple. It turns the taco concept into a one-dish wonder ideal for busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Crunchwrap Supreme

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

Wrapping your favorite taco ingredients in a flour tortilla can create wonders. Crunchwrap Supreme upgrades your meal with layers of seasoned ground beef and crisp veggies. All folded into a neat, eat-on-the-go package that’s griddled to a crispy finish. It’s a fun and convenient twist on traditional tacos.
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.

Elevating your spaghetti night can be as easy as adding creamy layers. Million Dollar Spaghetti is designed to impress, with its cheesy interior and meaty sauce. It’s a decadent take on the classic pasta dish. Perfect for those nights when plain spaghetti just won’t do.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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.

Transforming an Italian favorite into a baked delight is a clever dinner solution. Spaghetti Casserole takes the beloved pasta and sauce duo and layers it with cheese for a bubbly top. It’s then baked to achieve a melty and crispy texture. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti 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.

Taking inspiration from a fast-food favorite and giving it a fun twist is what it’s all about. The Big Mac Crunchwrap combines all the classic burger elements in a crispy tortilla wrap. It’s a unique way to satisfy those fast-food cravings at home. Plus, it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

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.

Reimagining a classic stuffed pepper into a casserole is both ingenious and tasty. Stuffed Pepper Casserole involves layers of peppers, ground beef, and rice, all married together with a flavorful sauce. It’s a hearty and colorful dish that simplifies meal prep. Just bake and serve for a wholesome dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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.

Combining the warm comfort of soup with the bold flavors of a taco makes for a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. Taco Soup is a pot full of ground beef, beans, and all the taco seasonings simmered together. Ladle it up and top with cheese or sour cream for an extra touch. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy from the inside out.
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.

Turning your favorite enchiladas into a casserole makes dinner a breeze. Layers of tortillas, ground beef, and cheese come together in the Beef Enchilada Casserole. It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and thoroughly enjoyable. Top it off with some sour cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and ketchup on a plate. A bowl of lettuce is in the background.
Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

There’s nothing more classic than biting into a juicy, perfectly cooked burger. The Cheeseburger takes simple, yet quality ingredients to create something truly timeless. With just the right amount of cheese melting over the beef patty, it’s a staple that never disappoints. Pair it with your favorite sides for a meal that always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

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.

Enjoying an Italian classic from the comfort of home is always a pleasure. Spaghetti Bolognese is rich with a meaty, tomato-based sauce served over tender spaghetti. It’s a dish that’s cherished from one generation to another. Everyone gathers around when it’s spaghetti night.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

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.

There’s something about a casserole that speaks to soulful cooking. Cowboy Casserole is a testament to that, with its layers of ground beef, beans, and cheese. It’s hearty, filling, and utterly comforting. A dish that makes you feel like you’re dining in the heart of cowboy country.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

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.

Adding a twist to sweet potatoes can completely transform them. Southwest Sweet Potatoes are stuffed with spicy ground beef and topped with fresh elements that pack a punch. It’s a balanced meal that combines sweet and spicy beautifully. A creative take on filling a versatile vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

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.

Imagine merging your favorite cheesy burger with pasta. That’s exactly what Cheeseburger Pasta does, creating a comfort food masterpiece. It’s a simple dish, with the flavors of a cheeseburger and the hearty feel of a pasta meal. Perfect for nights when you can’t decide between two favorites.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

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.

Bringing a taste of Sweden into your kitchen can be as easy as mixing up some ground beef and spices. Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat) replicates the beloved furniture store’s cafeteria classic, right at home. Serve them with a creamy sauce for the full experience. It’s like a mini-trip to Ikea, minus the flat-pack furniture assembly.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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

What happens when you combine tater tots and ground beef? You get the Easy Tater Tot Casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Just layer it in a dish, bake, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will rush to the table for. It’s a simple twist on the classic casserole.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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.

Bringing that irresistible fast-food style burger into your kitchen, that’s the goal. Copycat Smash Burger nails the crispy outer edge and juicy inside of a traditional smash burger. It’s all about getting that perfect sear on the beef. A way to impress with a simple, yet delicious, burger.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

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.

Layering pasta, cheese, and beef calls for a special dish. That’s where Homemade Lasagna comes into play, with its rich layers melding perfectly in the oven. It’s a true showstopper at any dinner table. Serve it hot for a cozy and fulfilling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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.

Sometimes, you just need a meal that feels like a warm hug. Easy Meatloaf Recipe is the epitome of home-cooked comfort. With a mix of ground beef and mild seasonings, it’s formed into a hearty loaf. Finish it off with a glaze and it’s ready to serve, no fuss necessary.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

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.

Fusion cuisine can bring about some unexpected and delicious dishes. Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini combines Italian pasta with Mexican flavors for a spicy kick. It’s enveloped in a rich sauce and baked till perfect. A dish that bridges two culinary worlds with style.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Cheeseburger Soup

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

For those times you crave the flavors of a burger but want something more comforting, there’s Cheeseburger Soup. This innovative dish captures all the essential cheeseburger components in a spoonful. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with ground beef. A unique dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

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.

Who says meatloaf has to be traditional? Taco Meatloaf infuses every bite with your favorite taco seasonings and a kick of spice. This dish puts a fun twist on a classic, making it a refreshing change from the norm. Plus, it’s a great way to spice up dinner any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatloaf

Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Assembling your own taco can be the highlight of a casual dining experience. Beef Tacos are all about customizing with your favorite toppings on a crispy shell or soft tortilla. Ground beef simmered in rich spices is the star of this dish. It’s a hands-on meal that brings fun to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

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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