When it comes to feeding a family, finding meals that everyone enjoys can be like searching for a lost sock in the laundry. Luckily, there’s no shortage of ground beef recipes that have been put through rigorous testing by the world’s most discerning critics: kids. With 31 ground beef dishes on this list, there’s something to win over even the pickiest eaters and leave them asking for. These meals are designed to simplify meal planning while keeping things interesting at the dinner table throughout those long winter nights.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
For a unique twist on traditional meatballs, try Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. This dish combines ground beef with rice, creating a texture that resembles a porcupine’s quills. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender and juicy meatballs. Served in a rich tomato sauce, these meatballs are both filling and comforting. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hands-off dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
John Wayne Casserole
Named after the iconic actor, John Wayne Casserole is a hearty Southwestern-inspired dish. It features layers of ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, all baked to perfection. The combination of textures and flavors makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser. It’s an excellent option for potlucks or family gatherings. This casserole is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole
Classic Meatballs
There’s nothing quite like the timeless appeal of Classic Meatballs. These versatile spheres of seasoned ground meat are a staple in many cuisines around the world. They can be served in various ways – with pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetizers. The key to great meatballs lies in the perfect blend of meat, herbs, and spices. When cooked right, they’re tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
Get the Recipe: Classic Meatballs
Pastitsio
Pastitsio is a beloved Greek pasta bake that’s often described as a Greek lasagna. It consists of layers of pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy béchamel sauce. The dish is then baked until golden brown, creating a delicious crust on top. It is known for its rich and comforting flavors. It’s a great way to experience Greek cuisine at home.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio
Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice
When you’re looking for a quick and filling meal, Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice is an excellent choice. This dish combines the simplicity of fried rice with the heartiness of ground beef. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. The beef adds protein and flavor to the dish, making it more substantial. This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice
Shipwreck Casserole
Despite its name, Shipwreck Casserole is a well-organized and comforting dish. It’s a layered casserole typically made with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables. The name comes from its appearance – a delicious “wreck” of ingredients. This hearty meal is perfect for feeding a hungry family. It’s also a great way to use up various ingredients you might have in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are a fantastic handheld meal. These Latin American-inspired pastries are filled with seasoned ground beef and vegetables. Using an air fryer gives them a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying. They’re perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or as party appetizers. Empanadas can be served with various dipping sauces to enhance their flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Sloppy Joe Casserole takes all the flavors of the classic sandwich and transforms them into a fork-friendly dish. It combines seasoned ground beef with a tangy tomato sauce, topped with cheese and typically served over pasta or rice. This casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s an easy way to feed a crowd and can be prepared ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Authentic Bolognese Sauce is a rich, meaty pasta sauce originating from Bologna, Italy. It’s made with a combination of ground beef, pancetta, and a mix of finely chopped vegetables. The sauce is slowly simmered to develop deep, complex flavors. Traditionally served with wide, flat pasta like tagliatelle, it’s a staple of Italian cuisine. Making Bolognese sauce is a labor of love that results in a truly memorable meal.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
This Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak is a twist on the classic sandwich, using ground beef instead of sliced steak. It features seasoned ground beef mixed with sautéed onions and peppers, topped with melted cheese. This version is easier to make at home but still captures the essence of the beloved Philly classic. It’s typically served on a hoagie roll, making it a satisfying handheld meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak
Beef and Barley Soup
Beef and Barley Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal in a bowl. It combines tender chunks of beef with chewy barley and a variety of vegetables in a rich broth. This soup is filling and warming, perfect for cold days. The barley adds a nice texture and helps to thicken the soup. It’s a great make-ahead meal that often tastes even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup
Mini Meatloaf
Mini Meatloaf offers all the comfort of traditional meatloaf in individual servings. These smaller versions cook faster than a full-sized meatloaf and are perfect for portion control. They’re typically made with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, often topped with a glaze. Mini meatloaves are great for meal prep and can be easily customized with different flavors. They’re a fun twist on a classic dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf
Big Mac Tacos
Big Mac Tacos combine the flavors of the famous fast-food burger with the handheld ease of a taco. They typically feature seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and a special sauce reminiscent of the Big Mac, all wrapped in a taco shell. This fusion dish is a fun way to enjoy familiar flavors in a new format. It’s a hit at parties and a great option for a unique taco night at home.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos
Ground Beef and Broccoli
Ground Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy twist on the classic Chinese takeout dish. It uses ground beef instead of sliced beef, making it more budget-friendly and quicker to cook. The beef is cooked with broccoli florets in a tasty sauce, typically served over rice. This dish is a great way to incorporate vegetables into a meat-based meal. It’s a balanced one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
This Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich is inspired by the famous Midwest chain’s signature dish. It features seasoned ground beef that’s cooked until crumbly, then served on a bun. Unlike a traditional hamburger, the meat is loose, not formed into a patty. These sandwiches are often topped with mustard, pickles, and onions. They’re simple yet flavorful, offering a unique take on the classic beef sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal that combines the flavors of the American Southwest. It typically features a layer of seasoned ground beef and vegetables, topped with a layer of cornbread. As it bakes, the flavors meld together, creating a comforting and filling dish. This casserole is great for feeding a crowd and can be easily customized with additional ingredients like beans or corn.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings the comfort of classic diner food to your home kitchen. It consists of seasoned ground beef patties smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. Unlike hamburger steak, Salisbury steak has breadcrumbs and eggs mixed into the meat. It’s typically served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the delicious gravy. This dish is a nostalgic favorite that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak
Million Dollar Spaghetti
Million Dollar Spaghetti is a luxurious twist on traditional spaghetti and meat sauce. It’s a layered casserole that includes pasta, seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese mixture, and tomato sauce. The layers are assembled and then baked until hot and bubbly. This dish is often described as a cross between spaghetti and lasagna. It’s rich, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti
Blackstone Smash Burger
This Blackstone Smash Burger is a popular way to cook burgers on a flat top grill. The technique involves pressing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle, creating a thin patty with crispy, caramelized edges. This method results in a burger with maximum surface area for browning, leading to enhanced flavor. Typically served on a soft bun with classic toppings, these burgers are known for their perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger
Pizza Casserole
Pizza Casserole combines the beloved flavors of pizza in an easy-to-serve casserole format. It typically includes pasta, ground beef, pizza sauce, and various pizza toppings, all baked together under a blanket of melted cheese. This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, offering the taste of pizza in a hearty, comforting form. It’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole
Tacos Dorados
Tacos Dorados, also known as rolled tacos or taquitos, are a crispy Mexican favorite. They’re made by filling corn tortillas with seasoned ground beef, rolling them tightly, and then frying until golden and crunchy. These tacos are often served topped with lettuce, cheese, and salsa or guacamole. They’re great as an appetizer or main dish and are perfect for dipping. Tacos Dorados offer a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
This Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe aims to recreate the popular restaurant chain’s hearty chili at home. It typically features a blend of ground beef, beans, and a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce. The chili is known for its thick consistency and bold flavors. It’s often topped with cheese, onions, and sour cream, making it a filling meal on its own or a great topping for hot dogs or baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a classic Italian dish that translates to “pasta and beans.” This hearty soup combines small pasta shapes with white beans in a tomato-based broth, often including ground beef for added protein. It’s a comforting, nutritious meal that’s perfect for cold days. The combination of pasta and beans makes this soup filling and satisfying. It’s often served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Smoked Meatballs
Smoked Meatballs offer a unique twist on the classic recipe by infusing them with smoky flavor. These meatballs are typically made with a mixture of ground beef and sometimes pork, along with herbs and spices. They’re then cooked in a smoker, which imparts a deep, wood-fired taste. The smoking process also helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender. These are great served as an appetizer, in sandwiches, or with your favorite sauce.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs
Taco Casserole
Taco Casserole takes all the flavors of tacos and transforms them into an easy-to-serve baked dish. It typically includes layers of tortillas or tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and various taco toppings. This casserole is baked until hot and bubbly, melding all the flavors together. It’s a great way to feed a crowd or have an easy weeknight dinner with all the taste of tacos. Serve it with additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Shepherd’s Pie Bites
Shepherd’s Pie Bites are a miniature, handheld version of the classic comfort food. These bite-sized treats feature seasoned ground beef topped with creamy mashed potatoes, all contained in a crispy cup, often made from pastry or mashed potatoes. They capture all the flavors of traditional shepherd’s pie in a fun, portable format. These bites are perfect for parties, appetizers, or as a unique twist on a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites
Korean Beef Bowl
This Korean Beef Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal inspired by Korean cuisine. It features ground beef cooked with a sweet and spicy sauce, typically including soy sauce, brown sugar, and gochujang (Korean red chili paste). The beef is served over rice and often topped with green onions and sesame seeds. This dish offers a balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors. It’s a great introduction to Korean flavors and perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef is a versatile Mexican dish. The beef is typically cooked with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, often including cumin and chili powder. This flavorful meat can be used in a variety of Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, or served over rice. It’s a staple in Mexican home cooking, known for its rich, well-seasoned taste. Carne Molida is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual spice preferences.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers take the classic hamburger to the next level. These indulgent burgers feature a ground beef patty wrapped in crispy bacon. The bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture to the juicy burger. As the burger cooks, the bacon fat bastes the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. These burgers are often served on a bun with classic toppings, but the bacon wrapping makes them stand out from ordinary burgers.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches combine the flavors of Greek cuisine in a handheld format. The meatballs, often called keftedes, are made with ground beef and traditional Greek seasonings like mint and oregano. These flavorful meatballs are nestled in a warm pita bread and typically topped with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and onions. This sandwich offers a perfect balance of meat, vegetables, and creamy sauce. It’s a great way to enjoy Greek flavors in a convenient, portable meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches
Best Ever Giant Meatballs
Best Ever Giant Meatballs are an impressive twist on the classic recipe. These oversized meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef, often combined with other meats like pork or veal, and seasoned generously. Their large size allows them to stay juicy on the inside while developing a nicely browned exterior. These meatballs are typically served as a main dish, often nestled in marinara sauce and topped with cheese.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Giant Meatballs
