17 ground beef dinners that aren’t just meat and sauce

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Who says ground beef has to be dull? With these 17 recipes, we’re proving it’s anything but. Forget about defaulting to meatloaf or spaghetti. Each recipe takes the familiar and flips it on its head, offering you a fresh take on what ground beef can do. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just upgrade your weeknight dinner game, these dishes have got you covered.

3 Mini Meatloaves in a line on a white plate.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Cheeseburger Casserole

A top-down shot of Cheeseburger Casserole with pickles and cheese nearby.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Imagine your favorite cheeseburger transformed into a hearty, baked delight. That’s what you get with Cheeseburger Casserole, blending all the beloved burger elements with the comfort of a casserole. It’s a surefire way to please a crowd, making dinner time fun and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Turning a classic diner special into a homemade masterpiece, Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms is both rich in flavor and comforting. This dish features tender beef patties smothered in a savory mushroom gravy, perfect for a cozy night in. It’s comfort food that truly satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

When you’re craving something warm and filling, Pasta e Fagioli Soup hits the spot with its rustic Italian charm. This hearty soup combines pasta, beans, and ground beef in a tomato-based broth for a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. It’s like a hug in a bowl.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Four stuffed mushrooms on a white plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms are a genius way to enjoy the flavors of the iconic sandwich without the bread. These mushrooms are stuffed to the brim with beef, onions, peppers, and cheese, creating a mouthwatering appetizer or side. It’s a creative twist on a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Pizza Casserole

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

If you love pizza but crave the ease of a casserole, Pizza Casserole has got you covered. It takes all your favorite pizza toppings and bakes them into a gooey, cheesy masterpiece. This dish is a weeknight winner that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Four tacos with Mexican molida on a wooden table.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Carne Molida brings the foundational flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table, versatile enough to top off tacos or stuff into burritos. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to elevate your meals with the rich taste of seasoned beef. It’s a staple recipe that’s bursting with possibilities.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce on pasta.
Authentic Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ditch the jarred sauces and discover the rich, slow-cooked flavors of Authentic Bolognese Sauce. It’s a labor of love that pays off with every savory bite, perfect for dressing up your pasta nights. This sauce is a taste of Italy, right in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beefy John Wayne Casserole is as bold and robust as its namesake, offering layers of flavors that satisfy the heartiest appetites. This casserole combines beef, beans, and a cheesy crust in a dish that’s bound to become a family favorite. It’s a taste of the wild west at home.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Recreate the bold, hearty flavors of your favorite steakhouse with the Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. This chili packs a punch with spices and succulent ground beef, warming you up from the inside out. It’s perfect for those who love a little heat with their comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Mini Meatloaf

3 Mini Meatloaves in a line on a white plate.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Mini Meatloaf offers all the comforting flavors of the traditional dish but in a fun, single-serving size. These little loaves are not only adorable but packed with taste, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a classic dinner made simple and cute.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

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 shrink down the hearty classic into bite-sized treasures, perfect for snacking or as a unique appetizer. They capture all the cozy flavors of the traditional pie, complete with a savory meat filling and a potato topping. It’s comfort food made fun and portable.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Kefta Beef Kabobs

Kefta Beef Kabobs stacked on a white platter.
Kefta Beef Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bring the aromatic flavors of the Middle East to your backyard with Kefta Beef Kabobs. These skewers are easy to make and even easier to devour, offering a juicy, flavorful bite every time. They’re perfect for shaking up your barbecue routine with something deliciously different.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Beef Kabobs

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Taco Casserole deconstructs the classic taco into a layered, bakeable feast that’s as delicious as it is convenient. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or just ensuring there are tasty leftovers. It’s a hassle-free way to enjoy taco night with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you wrap burgers in bacon, you get an irresistible combo that’s smoky, savory, and utterly delicious. Bacon-Wrapped Burgers are a decadent upgrade to the classic, perfect for when you want to treat yourself. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, sure to impress any guest.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup in two serving bowls.
Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, dreamy concoction that turns your favorite sandwich into a spoonable delight. It’s packed with all the fixings of a classic cheeseburger, making it a unique and comforting meal. This soup is a fun and tasty way to switch up your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Korean Beef Bowl

A top-down shot of Korean Beef Bowl with chopsticks and garlic.
Korean Beef Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a quick trip to flavor town, the Korean Beef Bowl mixes sweet and savory in one delightful dish. It’s an easy way to enjoy international flavors without leaving your kitchen, perfect for a busy weeknight meal. This bowl is a fusion of taste that’s both satisfying and simple.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A plate of beef and broccoli with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry is a quick, nutritious meal that brings together juicy beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce. It’s a simple dish that packs a punch of flavor, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast. It’s a healthy, easy win.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

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