Tailgating season is upon us, and this year’s gatherings deserve something better than your basic grill fare. This collection of these inventive burger recipes ensures everyone will talk about the food long after the game ends. From unexpected ingredients to unique grilling techniques, these burgers bring something special to your usual spread. Even the biggest burger purists will have to admit these are something different. So grab your apron and get ready to impress—predictable isn’t on the menu this season.
Shipwreck Casserole
For a hearty fall meal, Shipwreck Casserole layers ground beef, veggies, and potatoes for a one-dish wonder. This comforting blend ensures you get a bit of everything in each bite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s simple yet pleasurable. Its name hints at the fun chaos of ingredients working harmoniously together. It is ideal for those chilly evenings when you crave warmth in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole
John Wayne Casserole
Named after the iconic actor, John Wayne Casserole brings bold flavors and a true sense of heartiness. Ground beef, biscuits, and peppers combine for an outstanding meal. Its rich layers serve up a blend that’s both filling and flavorful. It is an excellent addition to your fall recipe repertoire, perfect for family dinners. You’ll feel like a cooking star with this dish at your table.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Ideal for fall, Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs mix ground beef and rice, simmered to perfection. These meatballs are cooked low and slow, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. They are easy to prep in the morning and ready by dinner, making busy nights simpler. The unique texture and taste will surely intrigue the family. This dish brings comfort and convenience in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice
Take a break from traditional casseroles with Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice, a quick and versatile dish. Ground beef paired with rice and veggies balances protein and carbs. This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something special, perfect for using up leftovers. With minimal effort required, it’s great for those nights when time is of the essence. Each bite brings warmth, perfect for fall evenings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice
Pastitsio
Greek comfort food shines with Pastitsio, a baked pasta dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, béchamel sauce, and pasta. This dish is rich in tradition and flavor, perfect for switching up your dinner game. The creamy layer on top contrasts perfectly with the delicious meat and pasta below. It is ideal for when you want a meal that feels both special and homey. Serve it up on a cool autumn night to warm your soul.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio
Best Ever Giant Meatballs
Go big with Best Ever Giant Meatballs, an invitation to try something beyond the usual size. These oversized meatballs promise juicy interiors with a perfect crust outside. Packed with ground beef, they’re great for a fall dinner centerpiece. Serve them with pasta or crusty bread for a hearty meal. This recipe is destined to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Giant Meatballs
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Revolutionize hand-held snacks with Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Ground beef encased in a crispy shell offers portability and flavor. Using an air fryer for these empanadas ensures a healthier twist on the fried classic. Perfect for game days or quick dinners, their golden, flaky crust contrasts beautifully with the rich beef filling. Every bite is a fun adventure.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Opt for indulgence with Million Dollar Spaghetti, combining ground beef, pasta, and creamy layers to create a dinner that’s anything but boring. This baked spaghetti dish promises multiple textures and rich flavors. It is ideal for feeding a crowd or a cozy family dinner. Each serving ensures satisfaction and comfort, especially on those cooler fall nights. It’s a pasta dish upgraded to new heights.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Shepherd’s Pie Bites
Have fun with dinner using Shepherd’s Pie Bites, mini versions of the classic dish perfect for meals or appetizers. These bites feature seasoned ground beef, mashed potato topping, and flavorful gravy. They come together quickly and are always a hit with kids and adults alike. Great for fall gatherings where bite-sized dishes are convenient. They’re as fun to eat as they are to serve.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Combine convenience and flavor with Sloppy Joe Casserole, bringing sloppy joes to a new level. Ground beef, tomato sauce, and a biscuit topping create a blend that’s a hit every time. This dish eliminates the fuss of assembling individual sandwiches. Perfect for weeknight dinners where time is of the essence. Fall comfort food has never been more approachable.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Tacos Dorados
Bring a crunch to your dinner table with Tacos Dorados, crispy folded tacos filled with seasoned ground beef. Frying these tacos offers a textural delight different from the usual soft tacos. They’re a great handheld meal option for family dinners or game nights. Pair them with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch. Crispy, delicious, and fun to eat, they boost any evening.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Beef and Barley Soup
Warm up with comforting Beef and Barley Soup, a hearty dish perfect for fall’s cooler days. Ground beef and barley blend well, offering a pleasurable texture and rich taste. This soup simmers, developing deep flavors that warm you from the inside out. It’s perfect for weekends when you have a bit more time to let it cook—a wholesome, nourishing meal in a single bowl.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Add comfort to your fall dinners with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole, where ground beef meets a cornbread topping. This dish is a great blend of textures and flavors, offering something for everyone. It’s perfect for family dinners where you want minimal fuss with maximum flavor. The cornbread topping soaks up the juices, creating a delicious contrast. It’s a substantial and fulfilling meal, especially as the weather cools.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Blackstone Smash Burger
Impress everyone with a Blackstone Smash Burger, a flavorful twist on the traditional burger. Smashing the burgers creates a crispy exterior that’s hard to resist. These burgers will be a hit at any cookout, perfect for fall grilling. Serve with your go-to toppings and favorite sides for a fantastic meal. This recipe is destined to become a backyard favorite.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Enjoy a bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup, a classic Italian dish perfect for fall. Combining ground beef, beans, and pasta, this soup offers a rich and hearty experience. It’s a wonderful dish for slow-cooking on the weekends or prepping ahead for busy weeknights. Each spoonful brings warmth and comfort. This soup is sure to be a staple in your fall meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Smoked Meatballs
Change up your meatball game with Smoked Meatballs, where ground beef gets an extra layer of flavor from smoking. These meatballs offer a depth of taste that’s unique and fulfilling. They’re perfect for adding a bit of flair to meatball subs, pasta, or on their own. Smoking them ensures a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with various dishes. They’re ideal for those cooler fall evenings when something warming is a must.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs
Pizza Casserole
Combine two favorites with Pizza Casserole, where ground beef and pizza ingredients meet in a hearty bake. This dish is perfect for when the family can’t decide between pizza and a casserole. It’s easy to prepare and great for using up some pantry items. Kids and adults alike will love this fun twist on a classic meal. Perfect for cozy fall nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole