17 ground beef dinners that are too good to be this simple

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Ground beef is a dinnertime hero—versatile, flavorful, and quick to cook, making it the perfect go-to for busy nights. But these 17 recipes are packed with bold flavors and comforting ingredients.

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Taco Bubble Up Bake

A close-up of a cheesy taco casserole topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream, being served.
Taco Bubble Up Bake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Taco Bubble Up Casserole is a weeknight dinner win, offering a delightful change from typical boring ground beef recipes. It combines ground beef and taco fixings with fluffy canned biscuits for a quick, cheesy, family-friendly meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bubble Up Bake

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Two stuffed yellow bell peppers with melted cheese and herbs served on a white plate.
Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers are a mouthwatering ground beef recipe that uses simple ingredients and cooks quickly for perfectly crispy exteriors and juicy fillings. This healthy and easy dish makes a great weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers

Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Dirty rice with ground beef in a bowl topped with green onions.
Instant Pot Dirty Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Instant Pot Dirty Rice is a one-pot wonder that brings the flavors of Cajun cuisine to your dinner table, offering a delightful departure from the ordinary. Made with beef and rice, this slightly spicy dish is a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Chili Mac offers an effortless one-pot meal that combines the hearty flavors of chili with the cheesy goodness of mac & cheese, providing a delightful change from a boring dinner. This mouthwatering fusion of flavors is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Chili cornbread casserole on a white plate.
Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This chili cornbread casserole is a flavorful ground beef recipe that delivers big taste without the hassle, making it a welcome departure from the ordinary. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Chili Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Copycat recipe: Cheesy corn tortillas with tomatoes and cheese on a plate.
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy Taco Bell Mexican Pizza recipe allows you to recreate the beloved dish at home, offering a delicious twist on standard ground beef recipes. Tortillas layered with seasoned meat, beans, and plenty of cheese and toppings make for a tasty meal.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Baked Manicotti

Baked manicotti in a cast iron skillet.
Baked Manicotti. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This hearty dinner features pasta shells stuffed with cheese and topped with a savory combination of ground beef and homemade marinara sauce. This cheesy, comforting dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Baked Manicotti

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions.
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili is a flavorful ground beef recipe and a no-stress dish that’s perfect when you need something different from standard chili recipes. This dump-and-go recipe features a savory blend of ground beef, spices, and tomato sauce that cooks itself while you’re busy with life.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This mouth-watering copycat meatloaf recipe brings the flavors of Cracker Barrel to your kitchen, providing a tasty alternative to standard ground beef dishes. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, this meatloaf is a delicious and comforting meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Taco Pasta Casserole

A baking dish filled with baked pasta covered in melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Taco Pasta Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Easy Baked Taco Casserole is ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights. Cheesy, kid-approved, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Casserole

Meatball Crescent Rolls

Meatballs wrapped in dough on a wooden cutting board.
Meatball Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These meatball crescent rolls offer a perfect meal and a delightful twist on standard ground beef recipes. Featuring savory, juicy meatballs and melted cheese wrapped in buttery crescent dough, these tasty bites are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Crescent Rolls

Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

A wooden spoon is being lifted out of a stuffed bell pepper casserole dish.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole is a mouthwatering ground beef recipe that brings all the flavors of classic stuffed peppers into an easy-to-make dish. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy one-dish taco rice skillet offers a quick and delicious solution for busy weeknights and a tasty departure from standard ground beef recipes. With only 8 simple ingredients, you can get dinner on the table in about 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Crockpot Chili Without Beans

A slow cooker dinner recipe featuring two bowls of chili topped with avocado.
Crockpot Chili Without Beans. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This crockpot chili without beans offers a hearty and flavorful meal. The slow cooker recipe skips the beans and incorporates extra veggies for a satisfying and nutritious dinner that’s easy to make and delicious to the last spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili Without Beans

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole offers a fun and flavorful twist on a favorite and a delicious change from typical ground beef dishes. Layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, veggies, and crunchy Fritos create a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili

Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This slow cooker pineapple chili is a mouthwatering ground beef recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors, offering a delightful change from standard chili dishes. It’s an easy weeknight meal that’s perfect for family dinners and can be conveniently prepared in the crock pot.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pineapple Chili

French Onion Casserole

A bowl of French onion casserole
French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

French Onion Casserole is a delicious ground beef recipe and a weeknight dinner hero, providing a delicious twist on typical ground beef dishes. This one-pan meal features crispy onions and a secret French Onion Dip trick, making it an easy, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole

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