13 ground beef meals that won’t let you reach for the takeout menu

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Fed up with the same old takeout routine? These 13 ground beef recipes are here to save the day and your wallet. From quick fixes to hearty classics, they’ll have you ditching the delivery guy for home-cooked goodness in no time. No need to spend a fortune or wait forever—just get cooking and enjoy meals that’ll make you forget the drive-thru exists!

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.

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who needs to wait at a fast-food line when you can have a bit of that juicy, cheesy goodness at home? Imagine combining the classic charm of a cheeseburger with the homey feel of a baked casserole. Cheeseburger Casserole turns this dreamy combo into reality, making your kitchen the new go-to spot for a comforting meal that sticks to your ribs without the need for a drive-thru.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Forget about picking up the phone and ordering takeout on a chilly evening. There’s a soup that brings the heartiness of pasta and beans together in a way that warms you from the inside out. Pasta e Fagioli Soup is your ticket to a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, offering a blend of flavors that are robust and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

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

Sometimes, all you crave is that diner-style comfort food, but who says you can’t recreate those flavors at home? With Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms, you get to bring the classic diner experience right into your dining room. It’s rich, it’s hearty, and those mushrooms add an extra layer of flavor that makes you question why you’d ever leave home for it.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

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

Why settle for ordinary burgers when you can wrap them in bacon and achieve peak deliciousness? Bacon-Wrapped Burgers offer a twist on the traditional, adding a smokey flavor and irresistible texture that only bacon can provide. These burgers are more than just a meal; they’re a statement piece that declares you don’t need to go out to enjoy gourmet flavors.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

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.

There’s nothing like the sweet and tangy taste of a sloppy joe, but when you bake it into a casserole, you upgrade it to a whole new level of comfort. Sloppy Joe Casserole is the perfect fusion of ease and flavor, embodying the messiness we all love with a structured, dinnertime twist. It’s a creative way to serve a household favorite, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Have you ever thrown ingredients into a slow cooker and returned to find something magical? That’s the story of Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. This dish might sound prickly, but in reality, it’s incredibly tender and flavorful, making it a hands-off masterpiece that cooks itself to perfection. Perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal, these meatballs are a fuss-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

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.

Craving a trip to Mexico but stuck at home? Bring the flavors of Mexican street food to your kitchen with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. This isn’t just any beef dish; it’s a celebration of spices and flavors that come together to offer a simple yet unforgettable meal. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a taco night that beats any local taco shack, no passport required.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who knew the secret to a memorable meal could be found right between two buns? Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich is a nostalgic take on a classic, bringing the unique taste of the Midwest straight to your kitchen. It’s simple, it’s savory, and it packs a punch of flavor that will make you wonder why you’d ever opt for the fast-food version. This dish is proof that sometimes, the best flavors are those that feel like home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

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.

When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing more wonderful than a bowl of Beef and Barley Soup. This meal is a wintertime warrior, offering both the hearty richness of beef and the wholesome goodness of barley. It’s a soup that doesn’t just warm your body; it comforts your soul, making it the perfect antidote to a cold day. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, meaning you get more time curled up under a blanket and less time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Turn your leftover rice into a globetrotting meal with Ground Beef Fried Rice. This dish is a clever twist on a takeout favorite, offering the ease of a stir-fry with the robust flavor of ground beef. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it packs a punch of flavor that makes it a weeknight winner. With a dish this good, you’ll start looking forward to leftovers and the opportunity to whip up this wonderful meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

If you’re tired of the same old spaghetti, it’s time to level up your pasta game. Million Dollar Spaghetti is less about the cost and more about the rich and creamy experience it offers. It’s a layered dish that combines your love for pasta with the decadent flavors of a home-cooked meal, making every forkful feel like a gourmet experience.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Shepherd’s Pie Bites

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

Imagine the hearty and comforting flavors of shepherd’s pie, but in a bite-sized form. Shepherd’s Pie Bites bring you all the traditional goodness of the classic dish with a playful twist. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a fun family dinner, making every bite a little celebration of flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a creative way to serve up comfort food, these pie bites are the solution.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

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.

There’s something about a Diner Style Salisbury Steak that feels like it’s straight out of a cozy, retro diner booth. This dish brings all the comfort and flavor of your favorite diner meal, but with the pride of having made it yourself. It’s juicy, flavorful, and when those mushrooms are added, it’s like you’ve been transported to your favorite diner spot, but without the wait.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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