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Don’t Waste That Beef: 17 Creative Ways to Use Every Bit in Your Freezer

Finding creative ways to use up frozen beef can turn your average dinner into an enjoyable kitchen adventure. Fall is here, and with it comes the desire for heartwarming meals that keep the cold at bay. From leftover steak to bits of ground beef, there are numerous innovative ways to ensure none goes to waste. Small leftovers can become brilliant appetizers or even the star of your weekly family dinner. It’s a great way to cut down on grocery trips and make the most of what you already have stashed away. Before you know it, you’ll be the master of resourceful cooking!

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice served in a white bowl.
Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s nothing quite like Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice to turn a few simple ingredients into a comforting meal. This dish brings the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your kitchen. It uses ground beef and leftover rice for a fast, enjoyable dinner. Sprinkle in some veggies for a balanced meal that warms you up on chilly fall nights. It’s a simple dish that makes the most out of your freezer staples.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole in a black dish with a spoon.
Shipwreck Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

This layered goodness of Shipwreck Casserole makes it a real crowd-pleaser. It’s a mix of ground beef, vegetables, and potatoes baked into a hearty dish that feels like home. The fall season is the ideal time to enjoy this warming meal. Every bite delivers a blend of ingredients that are usually just sitting around waiting to be used. It’s called Shipwreck because you throw in whatever you’ve got, saving trips to the grocery store.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Pastitsio

A serving of pastitsio in a black dish is placed in front of a baking tray with more pasta.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

With the flavors of Greece, Pastitsio is a hearty pasta casserole that brings something new to the table. Combining beef with pasta, it offers comfort perfect for those cold nights. This dish layers meat sauce and creamy béchamel for an impressive filling meal. It’s the ideal solution for when you’re staring at your freezer and wondering how to make dinner exciting. Keep this recipe handy for potlucks or family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with slow cooker porcupine meatballs, garnished with fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Just the name, Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, sparks curiosity. These meatballs incorporate rice and cook slowly for great flavor. Convenient and effortless, they simmer in a sauce that melds all the ingredients perfectly. Perfect for those busy fall days when you’re focused on holiday prep, throw these together in a cooker and come home to a meal that’s ready to be devoured. Ideal for anyone who loves a good, hearty meatball dish.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

John Wayne Casserole

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a black plate beside a baking dish of the same casserole.
John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Named after the legendary actor, John Wayne Casserole layers flavor in a simple yet robust way. This dish combines beef, biscuits, and cheese for a filling experience. Each hearty bite feels like a hug when the weather turns crisp. Serve this casserole to guests and watch it quickly become a seasonal favorite. It’s a straightforward, lovely option with big flavors that please.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s nothing like a warm Pasta e Fagioli Soup bowl to conquer cold days. This soup uses beef combined with beans and pasta for something nutritious and filling. Using simple ingredients means the pot will be empty in no time. Perfect for when you’re looking for something easy yet flavorful. Fall is the season when this soup truly shines, bringing everyone together around the table for a moment of comfort and connection.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Blackstone Smash Burger

A burger held in two hands.
Blackstone Smash Burger. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those who can’t get enough of burgers, the Blackstone Smash Burger offers something special. This burger’s secret lies in its smashed style, giving you the perfect crust. Whether it’s game day or a simple gathering with friends, it’s newsworthy enough to turn heads. Pair it with fall comfort sides, and you’ve got a winner. It’s a burger experience that will become a staple when you want something easy but impressive.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Two servings of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole on plates.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining beef with cornbread topping, Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is perfect for cozy fall evenings. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect as the centerpiece of a casual dinner party. Mix and match ingredients to make it your own, using whatever suits you. A dish that combines the heartiness of winter meals with the ease of fall cooking. It’s sure to become a household favorite, promising warmth in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Shepherd's Pie Bites on a black platter.
Shepherd’s Pie Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform an everyday meal into something special with Shepherd’s Pie Bites. They pack the traditional comforting taste into an easy and portable form. Each bite-sized morsel offers a burst of beefy goodness perfect for any gathering. They’re also great for quick snacking or entertaining guests. These bites deliver both convenience and flavor, and they are fun as the evenings get cooler.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Beef and Barley Soup

A bowl of Beef and Barley Soup with a burger on a long white tray.
Beef and Barley Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Prepare for cooler temps with Beef and Barley Soup packed with rich flavors. It’s a traditional favorite that feels perfectly natural in between Thanksgiving and Halloween feasts. The barley adds a hearty touch, making it filling and fulfilling. It’s a dish where the flavors and textures blend to comfort you like a wool blanket. With each warm spoonful, it’s easy to appreciate the simplicity and heartiness of such a well-loved classic.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you wish to enjoy the classic taste of a messy sandwich without the mess, try Sloppy Joe Casserole. This dish turns the beloved sandwich into something you can bake and share easily. It combines well-seasoned beef in a way that only the fall foods can highlight. This meal is perfect for feeding hungry families when everyone comes inside after a day in the crisp air. It’s a classic that never goes out of season, bringing smiles with each bite.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Smoked Meatballs

Smoked meatballs in a dish with grilled bread.
Smoked Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the smoky flavors that come with making Smoked Meatballs in your fall meal lineup. These meatballs stand apart with their deeply seasoned richness. They’re perfect for game days or relaxed weekends as the air becomes crisp. Make sure you have extras, as these tasty little morsels tend to disappear fast! Their unique smoky taste will have everyone asking for seconds, making them an ideal addition to any festive occasion.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Don’t overlook Million Dollar Spaghetti because it combines delicious, cheesy goodness perfectly. This dish takes an ordinary pasta meal and turns it into something irresistibly rich. Enjoy it on nights when you want to indulge in a warm, cheesy dinner. Its allure is in the layered flavors and impressive presentation, offering the best comfort for fall and beyond. It’s the ultimate comfort food that stands the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a black slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing a beloved sandwich into your kitchen, the Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich delivers a classic taste. Its required ingredients are those already in the kitchen, making it straightforward and convenient. It’s warm and cheesy, ideal for game-day or quick fall lunches. This option highlights the beef, contributing delicious flavor to this beloved favorite. It’s a sure way to bring a smile to anyone who enjoys a good sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring the taste of Mexico to autumn with Tacos Dorados. These crispy, beef-filled snacks can be easily made with frozen beef. Whether it’s a family meal or a get-together, these tacos stand out. Use the cold weather as an excuse to try something new and exciting. With minimal prep, they offer a tasty solution for any fall gathering.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Best Ever Giant Meatballs

A stack of giant meatballs garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs is served on a black rectangular slate plate.
Best Ever Giant Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Make dinner memorable with Best Ever Giant Meatballs, which pack flavor into each bite. These meatballs are substantial enough to stand alone or accompany pasta. They’re ideal for slow days when you’re looking to feed the family with ease. They’re hearty and delicious, making them just right for warming you up. Celebrate the pleasures of cooking with this wonderful dish that’s about as substantial as your favorite fall sweater.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Giant Meatballs

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

To make beef exciting again, try out Air Fryer Beef Empanadas, which offer crispy delight in every bite. These little pockets are perfect for a quick meal or party snack without the fuss. Using the air-fried method, they crisp up beautifully while staying tender inside. They offer a fusion of robust taste and easy handling, suitable for gatherings or solo lunches as the temperature drops. These empanadas will definitely become a fall favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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