Ground beef is perfect for when you want a meal that feels fancy without costing a fortune. It’s easy to cook and can be used in so many different ways, making it great for dinner any night of the week. You can mix it up with spices or keep it simple, and either way, you’ll end up with something delicious. Try out these 13 budget-friendly favorites, and you’ll be saying, “Wow, I can’t believe it’s not gourmet!” with every bite.
Cheeseburger Casserole
If you love everything about cheeseburgers but want the coziness of a home-cooked meal, this Cheeseburger Casserole is your go-to. It’s like a hug in the form of food, perfect for any night of the week. The best parts? It’s budget-friendly and likely to leave you with some tasty leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms
This Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms recipe is a homemade wonder that brings a classic dish right to your table. Juicy ground beef patties are covered in a mushroom gravy that’s rich in flavor. It’s a meal that screams comfort and is perfect alongside some creamy mashed potatoes. A true reminder of home-cooked meals.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms
Pizza Casserole
The Pizza Casserole brings all the joy of pizza night into a hearty casserole that’s sure to feed and please a crowd. It’s layered with pasta, ground beef, loads of cheese, and your choice of pizza toppings. Perfect for when you’re craving pizza but want something a bit different. Plus, it’s super customizable to match everyone’s tastes.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
For a soup that feels like a warm embrace, this Pasta e Fagioli Soup has got you covered. It’s a satisfying mix of veggies, ground beef, beans, and pasta, all swimming in a rich tomato broth. Economical and heartwarming, it’s a great answer to the dinner dilemma on a chilly day. And it’s even better the next day, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms
These Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms pack all the classic flavors you love into one bite-sized package. Ground beef, peppers, onions, and melty cheese come together in a gourmet yet simple appetizer. Perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering. A true upgrade to classic flavors.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms
Korean Beef Bowl
Want to take your tastebuds on a trip right from your kitchen? Try this Korean Beef Bowl. It’s got ground beef seasoned perfectly with a blend of soy, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, all served over rice. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty, it’s a budget-friendly way to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl
Taco Casserole
This Taco Casserole recipe is all the fun of taco night baked into a delicious dish that everyone will love. It layers ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and all your favorite taco toppings. A perfect dish for a family dinner or to wow guests at a potluck. Everyone will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Mini Meatloaf
For a fun twist on a classic, these Mini Meatloaves are perfect. They cook quicker than a traditional meatloaf, are packed with flavor, and are incredibly fun to eat. If you’re looking for portion control or something that freezes well, this is it. Plus, who doesn’t love having their own little meatloaf?
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf
Cheeseburger Soup
This Cheeseburger Soup is everything you love about a cheeseburger, but in a bowl. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with ground beef. Economical and simple to make, it’s like gourmet flavors without the price tag. A real treat for any cold day.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup
Ground Beef and Broccoli
When takeout cravings hit but not the price, this Ground Beef and Broccoli recipe is a winner. It’s a simple stir-fry that’s full of flavor and comes together in no time. Healthier than takeout and satisfying for any weeknight dinner. A perfect mix of savory beef and crisp broccoli.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
These Bacon-Wrapped Burgers are a game changer. Wrapping them in bacon adds a whole new level of flavor and keeps the patties super juicy. Perfect for your next BBQ, they’re sure to be a hit. It’s a simple way to make an ordinary burger extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
When you need something versatile and full of flavor, this Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef recipe is the way to go. Perfect for stuffing into tacos, burritos, or topping off salads. It’s quick to cook and packed with a flavorful punch that beats out any bland beef dish. Truly a simple ingredient turned star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Kefta Beef Kabobs
These Kefta Beef Kabobs will bring the exciting flavors of the Middle East right to your table. Ground beef is mixed with herbs and spices, then formed around skewers for an easy-to-eat treat. Perfect for a quick dinner or an appetizer. Don’t forget the tzatziki or hummus for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Beef Kabobs