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19 Ways to Make Ground Beef the Star of Your Dinner Table

Weeknight dinners can sometimes be challenging, but ground beef is a versatile ingredient that makes the job easier. Think of whipping up something delicious and comforting, not just another round of burgers. Whether it’s stuffed peppers, meatballs, or a rich lasagna, there’s no end to the possibilities. What’s great is that this isn’t about following the same old recipes but making ground beef shine. It’s all about having those go-to meals that are quick to prepare and still feel special. You might even look forward to cooking on those busy weeknights.

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

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.

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs combine ground beef and rice into a lovely mix, cooked slowly for maximum flavor. These meatballs are perfect for a cozy fall evening. With minimal prep, they’re an easy win on a busy weeknight. Just set them and forget them until dinnertime. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

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.

Pastitsio is a hearty Greek casserole dish that layers ground beef with pasta and béchamel sauce. It is ideal for a chilly fall night and brings a touch of the Mediterranean to your table. The pasta and meat blend wonderfully, making for a rich and enjoyable bite every time. It’s great for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Pair it with a simple salad to balance out the meal.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

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

Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful dish that transforms leftovers into a delicious meal. This dish combines ground beef, vegetables, and rice in one pan, perfect for those busy fall nights. It’s a great way to use any veggies in the fridge. The ground beef adds a depth of flavor that makes this fried rice stand out. Serve it up hot and watch it disappear in minutes.
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.

Shipwreck Casserole layers ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables into a hearty, one-dish meal perfect for fall. With its simple ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s a family favorite waiting to happen. Just throw everything into a baking dish and let the oven do the work. The result is a delicious, warm casserole perfect for those chilly evenings. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

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.

John Wayne Casserole is a hearty classic that layers ground beef, biscuits, cheese, and more into a Tex-Mex-inspired dish. It’s an excellent choice for a fun fall dinner that’s both filling and flavorful. The biscuits bake fluffy, while the beef mixture stays delicious and fulfilling below. Stack on some jalapenos if you like it spicy. Serve with a dollop of sour cream to cool things down.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings back nostalgic flavors with a rich ground beef patty smothered in flavorful gravy. It’s a perfect way to warm up on a crisp fall evening. Serve it with mashed potatoes or over egg noodles for a comforting meal. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it an easy dish without sacrificing taste. It’s fall comfort food at its finest, giving you that old-school diner feel at home.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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.

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich takes the classic sandwich and gives it a ground beef twist. Perfect for a busy fall afternoon, it’s a great way to serve a crowd-pleaser without much fuss. Cooked with bell peppers and onions and topped with melted cheese, it’s as enjoyable as the original. Quick and easy, it’s a game-day favorite. Serve it with a side of fries for the whole diner experience.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

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.

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a simple and versatile dish that brings bold, comforting flavors to your table. Great for fall taco nights or as a filling for burritos, it’s an easy hit. With ground beef seasoned to perfection, it’s a flavorful option that pairs well with rice, beans, or tortillas. Minimal prep means more time enjoying your meal. It’s a fantastic way to bring a little fiesta to your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Tacos Dorados

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

Tacos Dorados involve ground beef wrapped in corn tortillas and fried to crispy perfection. Ideal for a fall gathering, they are crunchy on the outside and deliciously tasty on the inside. Each bite offers a pleasurable crunch and burst of flavor. They are easy to make in large batches, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Serve with a variety of toppings to keep everyone happy.
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.

Best Ever Giant Meatballs are a hearty take on the classic, perfect for the fall. These oversized meatballs are flavorful and make a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. Whether served over pasta or on their own, they will impress. The generous size means they stay juicy and tender throughout cooking. Pair them with a robust tomato sauce for an unforgettable meal.
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.

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas offers a modern twist on a traditional favorite, bringing a lighter version perfect for fall snacking. The ground beef filling is encased in a crispy shell and cooked perfectly in the air fryer. These empanadas are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. They’re great for gatherings or a cozy night in. Serve them with a side of salsa for an added kick.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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.

Sloppy Joe Casserole takes the best parts of a classic Sloppy Joe and turns it into a comfort food masterpiece. This casserole dish is perfect for those brisk fall evenings, combining ground beef with tangy sauce and a biscuit topping. It’s the best of both worlds: easy to make and eat. Just scoop and serve to enjoy this nostalgic treat. Perfect for a family dinner, it fills everyone without breaking the bank.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Shepherd’s Pie Bites

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

Shepherd’s Pie Bites reimagines classic comfort food into convenient, bite-sized portions. Perfect for fall, these mini versions pack all the flavor of the original into easy-to-eat servings. Ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes come together in a comforting handheld treat. Great for parties or a cozy night in, serve them as a fun appetizer or a main course with a side salad.
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.

Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty, warming dish perfect for fall. Ground beef and barley make for a filling and nutritious combination perfect for chilly days. The slow-cooked flavors meld together beautifully, creating a pleasurable meal in a bowl. This soup is as comforting as it gets. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

Million Dollar Spaghetti layers ground beef, pasta, and creamy cheese into an indulgent dish perfect for fall. The ground beef adds a hearty component to this rich, baked spaghetti. It’s easy to assemble and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of cheese and meat is irresistible. Serve with a green salad for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Smoked Meatballs

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

Smoked Meatballs bring a unique twist with a rich, smoky flavor perfect for fall. These meatballs are slow-cooked to perfection, combining the depth of smoke with the delicious taste of ground beef. Ideal for gatherings, they add an extra layer of flavor that regular meatballs can’t match. They’re versatile enough to be served independently or as part of a larger meal. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty dish that layers ground beef with cornbread. It’s great for a fall evening and the combination of flavors makes it a hit for family dinners or potlucks. The cornbread topping offers a pleasurable contrast to the flavor-filled ground beef below. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare. Serve with a side of beans for a complete, fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Pasta e Fagioli Soup is an Italian classic combining ground beef, pasta, and beans into a filling soup perfect for fall. The slow-simmered ingredients create a rich and hearty flavor. It’s a meal in a bowl that warms you from the inside out. Quick to prepare and full of deliciously simple ingredients, it’s easy to see why this soup is a favorite. Serve with grated cheese on top for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Pizza Casserole combines all the beloved elements of pizza into an easy, bake-and-serve dinner option. Ground beef adds a hearty, meaty component that complements the classic pizza flavors. Great for fall, it’s a warming dish that will surely be a hit with kids and adults. The casserole is layered with cheese, sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings. Serve it with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

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