Stretching a food budget doesn’t have to mean settling for bland meals, especially when ground beef is part of the equation. It offers endless possibilities for quick, easy, and flavorful dishes that everyone can enjoy. With 23 recipes to explore, it’s a great reminder that you don’t need expensive cuts of meat to create memorable meals for the family.

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate. — Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Zucchini Lasagna

For those looking to enjoy lasagna with a twist, Zucchini Lasagna offers a flavorful take by using thinly sliced zucchini in place of pasta. Layers of ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese combine to create a dish that’s both hearty and gluten-free. Perfect for pairing with a fresh side salad, it’s a recipe that feels lighter but doesn’t compromise on comfort. This dish is a great way to incorporate vegetables while keeping the rich essence of traditional lasagna intact.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Lasagna

Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs

Honey-Garlic Meatballs in a thick red sauce are being stirred with a wooden spoon in a white ceramic pot. — Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Adding sweet and tangy components together, Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs make use of ground beef to form bite-sized meatballs. Slowly cooked in a sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and garlic, each meatball absorbs robust flavor during the cooking process. Great for serving over rice or noodles, the dish works equally well as a main meal or an appetizer option. Preparation is hands-off once they’re set in the slow cooker, making it a convenient choice.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Honey-Garlic Meatballs

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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I've gathered 31 of my favorite casseroles for you and your family to love! I've created and tested each recipe many times, and you can be sure of no AI. Just dependable, scratch-made dishes to dig into!

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Frito Pie

A classic combination of chili, ground beef, and crunchy corn chips comes together in Frito Pie. Each serving includes layers of chili topped with shredded cheese and crushed Fritos, creating a mix of textures and flavors in every bite. Easy to assemble and loved by many, this dish brings bold simplicity to the table. Serve in individual bowls or directly from a casserole dish for easy sharing during meals.
Get the Recipe: Frito Pie

Recipe for Poor Man’s Meal

A plate of ground beef and diced potatoes cooked with tomatoes and herbs, garnished with parsley, with a fork on the side. — Recipe for Poor Man’s Meal. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Often praised for its back-to-basics approach, Recipe for Poor Man’s Meal combines ground beef, potatoes, and onions for a one-pan dish filled with comfort. This economical staple cooks quickly in a skillet while delivering a familiar, hearty taste. Whether eaten as-is or paired with a slice of bread, it’s a filling meal that proves simplicity doesn’t mean compromise. Perfect for stretching ingredients without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Recipe for Poor Man’s Meal

Cabbage Roll Soup

Inspired by the traditional cabbage roll, Cabbage Roll Soup turns the flavors into a convenient and hearty bowl form. Featuring ground beef simmered with cabbage, rice, and tomato broth, this soup balances texture and richness effortlessly. The recipe simplifies the labor-intensive nature of stuffing cabbage leaves while offering the same taste. It’s a practical choice when you want comforting flavors in less time.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll Soup

Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice served in a white bowl with blue chopstick on top. — Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Packed with protein and tasty flavor, Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice makes good use of leftover rice. Stir-fried with cooked ground beef, vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil, every ingredient brings balance to the dish. It’s great for an easy weeknight dinner or even meal prep over several days. The versatility of the recipe allows you to adjust the vegetables or seasoning based on preference.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Pastitsio

Often referred to as Greek lasagna, Pastitsio layers ground beef cooked in a spiced tomato sauce under pasta and a creamy béchamel topping. Rich and comforting, it’s baked until golden and delivers a distinct Mediterranean flavor. This dish works well as an impressive main course for family dinners or gatherings. It highlights an elegant combination of textures while presenting comfort food in upgraded form.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Easy Hamburger Stew

Ideal for fast and hearty cooking, Easy Hamburger Stew uses ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery in a rich tomato-based broth. It’s a one-pot recipe that brings warmth and familiarity while ensuring leftovers reheat well. Great for dipping bread or enjoying on its own, this stew balances nutrients with a straightforward preparation process. You can easily adapt spices or ingredients to enhance its flavor to suit personal tastes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Hamburger Stew

Taco Stuffed Tomatoes

A sliced tomato stuffed with seasoned ground meat, shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and jalapeño slices is served on a white plate with a fork. — Taco Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Combining fresh produce with taco-inspired filling, Taco Stuffed Tomatoes hollow out ripe tomatoes to fill them with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and toppings of choice. This inventive recipe keeps everything bite-sized yet deliciously full of flavor. Perfect for serving as appetizers or a unique main dish, they offer a low-carb alternative to traditional taco shells. Prepare and garnish individually to customize each stuffed tomato effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Tomatoes

Shipwreck Casserole

Bringing old-fashioned comfort into modern kitchens, Shipwreck Casserole layers ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, and canned vegetables. Baked together with a tomato sauce base, the dish melds flavors and textures for everyone to enjoy. Ideal for an easy-to-make meal, it requires minimal preparation, relying on pantry staples. Saving time without sacrificing homemade feels, this casserole proves family dinners can remain simple yet enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Spaghetti Bread

Toasted bread slices topped with spaghetti, meat sauce, melted cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley on a metal baking sheet. — Spaghetti Bread. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Merging two favorites, Spaghetti Bread combines the rich flavor of pasta with the convenience of baked bread. Ground beef, marinara, and spaghetti are folded inside dough to form an easy-to-slice meal perfect for sharing. Whether served as a fast family dinner or alongside sides, it brings novelty to the plate. The recipe showcases how creative twists revive traditional staples into something unique.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bread

Beefy Cabbage Roll Casserole

Reworking cabbage rolls into an easier format, Beefy Cabbage Roll Casserole layers ground beef and shredded cabbage with rice and tomato sauce. Baked until tender, its casserole form ensures you get the same delicious layers as stuffed cabbage without the extra preparation steps. This recipe is practical yet still offers rich depth in taste. Pairing well with simple side options like bread, it’s perfect for an everyday meal or larger gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Beefy Cabbage Roll Casserole

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A clever classic, Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs blends rice directly into ground beef to create uniquely textured meatballs. Slowly simmered in tomato sauce within the slow cooker, the flavors deepen as they cook. Their versatility allows for pairing with pasta, mashed potatoes, or on their own. Prepping and letting them cook hands-free is part of what makes this recipe consistently appealing to busy households.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Inspired by the iconic sandwich, Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak swaps out steak for ground beef while keeping the peppers, onions, and cheese intact. Perfectly sautéed ingredients blend well together when served on hoagie rolls or as a skillet dish. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy bold, familiar flavors without needing any specialty cuts of meat. Great for quick meals or gatherings where handheld food is preferred.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna

A skillet lasagna topped with melted cheese, a dollop of ricotta, and fresh basil. — Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Combining convenience and homestyle essence, Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna blends ground beef with pasta, tomato sauce, and a medley of cheeses within one pan. Designed to mirror store-bought boxed meals, it delivers upgraded homemade appeal. Being prepared in a skillet makes cleanup easy, and the layers of flavor appeal to families looking for quick yet nourishing recipes. It’s versatile enough to tweak seasoning or extras based on preference.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Four stuffed mushrooms on a white plate. — Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Reimagining the sandwich into bite-sized goodness, Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms packs seasoned ground beef with melted cheese and sautéed peppers into mushroom caps. Each bite carries the familiar cheesesteak taste in an appetizer-friendly format. Perfect for small gatherings or a creative lunch idea, this recipe balances fun presentation with comforting flavors. Preparation can be scaled for smaller or larger servings effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Big Mac Tacos

Bringing familiar fast-food flavors into home kitchens, Big Mac Tacos combine ground beef seasoned to taste like the iconic burger with signature toppings like sauce, lettuce, and cheese. These tacos merge handheld convenience with nostalgic flair in every bite. Served in taco shells, the recipe ensures bold flavors are packed while allowing customized extras like pickles or onions. Perfect for recreating favorites without leaving the house.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Taco Casserole

Uniting classic taco flavors into a baked dish, Taco Casserole combines ground beef with tortillas, cheese, and beans for layered goodness. This recipe simplifies taco night by removing the need for individual assembly, instead presenting all elements in casserole format. Whether served for family meals or leftovers, it delivers consistent flavor with minimal fuss. Customizing toppings before baking adds flexibility to suit everyone’s preferences.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate. — Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Highlighting Mediterranean flavors, Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches feature seasoned ground beef shaped into tender meatballs served inside pillowy pita bread. Condiments like tzatziki, lettuce, and tomato bring freshness to the flavorful base. Easily portable and filling, this recipe works equally well for casual dinners or preparing ahead for packed lunches. Adding extra herbs or spices allows flexibility while enhancing its Greek-inspired essence.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas. — Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Calling back to classic diner meals, Diner Style Salisbury Steak forms ground beef into juicy patties, simmered in rich brown gravy made with onions or mushrooms. Paired with mashed potatoes or vegetables, it’s a timeless recipe that continues to comfort generations. While preparation involves simple techniques, the resulting combination feels hearty and fulfilling. Perfect for recreating nostalgic restaurant charm in the comfort of home settings.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A plate of beef and broccoli with chopsticks. — Ground Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Stir-frying ground beef with crisp broccoli makes Ground Beef and Broccoli a quick and filling dish for busy days. Soy sauce and garlic-based seasoning coat both components evenly while balancing salty and spicy tones. This recipe pairs seamlessly with rice or noodles for a complete meal. By keeping the ingredients straightforward, it works as a budget-friendly option without sacrificing taste or convenience.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate. — Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For added barbecue-inspired flair, Bacon-Wrapped Burgers wrap ground beef patties in smoky bacon before cooking to maximize flavor. Served with classic burger toppings and buns, they become a hearty centerpiece for any meal. The bacon introduces not only a crispy texture but also adds richness to the dish. It’s an easy yet tasty way to enjoy home-cooked burgers with attention to detail in preparation.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

Combining gooey cheese with bold tomatoes and chilies, Queso Blanco Rotel Dip offers an easy-to-make appetizer that pairs well with chips or vegetables. The ground beef adds depth and heartiness to the creamy mix, making it a go-to recipe for casual gatherings. Finished quickly on the stovetop, the dip remains warm, inviting, and ideal for dipping. This recipe ensures simple ingredients result in bold flavors that everyone can enjoy effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco Rotel Dip