Why Everyone Loves Ground Beef And 25 Recipes That Prove It

There’s a reason ground beef never gets left behind in the freezer for months—it’s too useful to sit around. Whether it’s quick meals, big portions, or something everyone actually eats, it never disappoints. These 25 recipes make the case even stronger, proving there’s no wrong way to cook with it. If food had a fan club, this one would have its own stadium.

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

If you’re craving something hearty, this dish brings comfort food to your table with ease. It’s perfect for when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Cattle Drive Casserole combines rich flavors in a way that makes you feel like you’re out on the range under the stars.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive 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.

Who says you can’t enjoy the flavors of a fast-food favorite in a healthier way? This creative twist on a classic brings all the beloved tastes right to your plate without the bun. Copycat Big Mac Salad is a guilt-free way to indulge in those unique flavors we all crave. It’s a crowd-pleaser that makes for a perfect lunch or dinner, fulfilling your fast-food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

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.

Imagine your favorite pasta dish baked into a comforting casserole. This dish takes the traditional spaghetti experience and upgrades it to a new level of delicious. Spaghetti Casserole is a fantastic option for feeding a crowd or ensuring leftovers for the week ahead. It’s cozy, it’s cheesy, and it guarantees to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti 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.

Sometimes, all you want is the warming spice of tacos in a soul-soothing soup form. This dish is a unique take on traditional soups, offering a zingy kick with every spoonful. Taco Soup is not only easy to whip up on a chilly day but also leaves you feeling satisfied and energized. It’s a go-to for anyone looking to spice up their soup routine.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

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.

For a twist on the classic stuffed peppers, why not turn the dish into a casserole? It’s less work but just as flavorful and fulfilling. Stuffed Pepper Casserole simplifies dinner while still packing in all the nutrients and tastes of the original dish. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a well-loved recipe.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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.

When taco night comes around, stepping it up a notch with this baked version makes the evening special. Baked Beef Tacos are a fun and crunchy twist that will get everyone excited to gather around the dinner table. Loaded with toppings and baked to perfection, they offer a wonderful crunch with every bite. This dish is a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

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.

There’s nothing more comforting than a slice of homemade lasagna, layered with love and savory flavors. Each layer of Homemade Lasagna is a testament to the time and care put into the dish, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. It’s a classic that never fails to impress and satisfies all those comfort food cravings.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

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 knew that combining tacos and meatloaf would result in such a wonderful meal? Taco Meatloaf packs a punch, mixing the classic comfort of meatloaf with the spicy kick of tacos. It’s an ingenious way to bring new life to familiar flavors, sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Great for a hearty dinner, it promises to leave smiles on faces.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatloaf

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.

If spaghetti had a rich cousin, this would be it. Million Dollar Spaghetti is not your average pasta dish; it’s layered with cheese, meat, and more, making each bite luxuriously delicious. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings a bit of decadence to the dinner table without breaking the bank.
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.

Who doesn’t love the comforting crunch of tater tots, especially when they’re part of a casserole? Easy Tater Tot Casserole is as fun to eat as it is to make, filling your mealtime with joy and comfort. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of childhood but with a flavor that appeals to all ages. Quick to prepare, it makes for a stress-free yet utterly fulfilling dinner.
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.

For those cooler evenings when you need a bit of warmth, a bowl of Beef Chili does just the trick. It’s rich, hearty, and filled with warmth-inducing spices that make every bite a pleasure. This dish is a true classic, bringing together friends and family over a meal that comforts both the body and soul. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any topping your heart desires.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

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.

Imagine layering all your favorite enchilada ingredients into one sensational casserole. Beef Enchilada Casserole makes it possible, with less mess but all the flavors you love. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy the essence of enchiladas without the fuss of rolling each one. This dish is a weeknight lifesaver, offering a delicious solution to the dinner dilemma.
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.

Sometimes, only a classic Cheeseburger will satisfy that deep-set craving for something juicy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. It’s a staple that transcends trends, always promising a bite of comfort and nostalgia. Crafting it at home allows for customization to your heart’s content, making it a personal joy to consume every time.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

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.

Love the iconic flavors of a Big Mac but craving a different twist? Big Mac Crunchwrap takes all those beloved elements and wraps them up in a crispy exterior. It’s an inventive take that combines the best of two worlds into a hand-held delight. This dish is great for a casual night in, ensuring smiles and satisfied appetites all around.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

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.

When you can’t decide between pasta night or burger night, Cheeseburger Pasta steps in as the hero. It merges the savory goodness of a cheeseburger with the comfort of a bowl of pasta. This dish is like a cozy blanket for your stomach, offering a fulfilling mix of flavors that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s a delicious way to shake up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

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.

For a touch of Italian flair that’s always welcome at the dinner table, Spaghetti Bolognese is your go-to. It combines rich meat sauce with tender pasta, making each forkful a wonderful experience. This dish is universally loved for its comforting essence and depth of flavor. It’s the answer when you’re in need of a meal that feels like a warm embrace.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Cheeseburger Soup

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

Imagine deconstructing a cheeseburger and turning it into a comforting bowl of soup. Cheeseburger Soup does just that, offering all the flavors you love in a sip-able form. It’s creative, comforting, and perfect for those days when you need a little extra warmth. This dish proves that soup can be just as fulfilling as its solid counterpart.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

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.

On nights when simplicity and flavor are key, Beef Tacos come to the rescue. They’re quick to put together, packed with flavors, and customizable to each person’s taste. It’s a social dish, perfect for gathering around the table and enjoying a build-your-own taco night. Versatile and loved by all, they’re a constant favorite that never fail to please.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

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.

Craving that unique smash burger texture and taste without heading out? Copycat Smash Burger brings the restaurant experience home. It’s all about that crispy, caramelized crust and juicy inside, making each bite a perfect blend of textures and flavors. This dish is ideal for those looking to recreate their favorite fast-food cravings in their own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

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.

No need to plan a trip to the store when you can enjoy Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat) right at home. This dish captures the essence of the beloved furniture store’s cafeteria classic, bringing it to your dining table. It’s comforting, it’s savory, and paired with the right sides, it transports you straight to Sweden.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

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.

When rugged flavors meet the comfort of a casserole, you get Cowboy Casserole. It’s a dish that’s as hearty as it is flavorful, perfect for filling up those with big appetites. Ideal for a relaxed evening meal, it brings together simple ingredients in a deliciously fulfilling way. This dish is sure to become a weeknight staple, offering a taste of the frontier.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

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.

For those who like a bit of spice in their life, Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini offers just that. It’s a unique fusion that combines Italian pasta with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. This dish is a flavor adventure, perfect for an evening when you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen. It’s a meal that’s bound to become a new favorite among those who dare to try it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

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.

Looking for a classic that’s both simple to make and comforting to eat? Easy Meatloaf Recipe fits the bill. It’s a timeless dish that brings back memories of family dinners. This recipe keeps things straightforward but delivers on flavor, making it a go-to for any night of the week. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

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.

If you’re in search of a dish that’s a bit healthier but still packed with flavor, Southwest Sweet Potatoes are a brilliant choice. This meal brings a vibrant twist to sweet potatoes, incorporating tastes that remind you of the Southwest. It’s fulfilling, colorful, and perfect for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Crunchwrap Supreme

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

Love the convenience of fast food but prefer to make it yourself? Crunchwrap Supreme is the homemade answer to your cravings. Folding in all the tasty elements of a classic taco but in a neat, easy-to-eat package, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for a grab-and-go meal or a sit-down dinner, it offers the best of both worlds.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

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.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *