From lasagna to lettuce wraps: 15 ground beef makeovers

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From hearty dinners to lighter options, these 15 ground beef makeovers prove that versatility is key in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, these recipes are here to impress without breaking a sweat. Each one brings a fresh twist to a classic, keeping mealtime exciting without the extra hassle. Get ready to stop making the same old dishes on repeat—your lineup just got a much-needed upgrade.

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.

Pizza Casserole

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

You can whip up this dish as a super chill meal option. By blending traditional pizza elements with the comfort of a baked casserole, Pizza Casserole turns a usual dinner night into a relaxed, family-friendly event. It’s easy to prepare and serves as a perfect dish to break the routine without leaving the comfort of familiar flavors. No need to call for delivery when you can create this crowd-pleaser right at home.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

As the seasons change, a bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup can be the heartwarming meal you need. It’s packed with ingredients that meld together for a fulfilling finish. Perfect for any day of the week, its preparation doesn’t demand much, yet the end result always feels special. This soup is about bringing simple cooking back to the table with a touch of nostalgia.
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.

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms gives an old-school dish a fresh twist. It blends rich beef with the earthy touch of mushrooms. This classic proves simple ingredients create comfort that stands the test of time. Serve it, and it might just become a new dinner favorite.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Cheeseburger Casserole

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

If you can’t decide between a burger and a hot dish, this Cheeseburger Casserole bridges the gap perfectly. It’s like having your favorite burger ingredients but layered and baked to perfection in casserole form. This dish can easily be the centerpiece for your next meal, offering both novelty and familiarity. It’s casual enough for a family dinner yet special enough to break the weekly monotony.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger 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.

Set it and forget it with Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, where convenience meets taste in one slow-cooked dish. These meatballs are perfect for when you want a meal that’s both hands-off and fulfilling. Just pop the ingredients in your slow cooker and let the hours bring out the rich, homely tastes. It’s an ideal recipe for busy bees who want to come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

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 all about making a quick and fulfilling meal using the simplest ingredients. It transforms leftover rice into a vibrant dish packed with hearty ground beef. Ideal for a last-minute dinner plan, this recipe proves that quick meals can also be moreish and wholesome. Get your pan ready for a straightforward dish that promises flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

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.

When you crave something comforting and uncomplicated, turn to Sloppy Joe Casserole. It takes the beloved flavors of a sloppy joe and reinvents them in a unique, baked form. This casserole is fuss-free and a guaranteed hit for those who enjoy a bit of nostalgia with their meals. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a busy weekday, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, Air Fryer Beef Empanadas make for a charming snack or light meal. The air fryer gives these empanadas a perfect texture while keeping the cooking mess to a minimum. They’re just right for when you want something different without spending hours in the kitchen. Whip these up for a quick appetizer that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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.

For a meal that fills you up and warms you up, Beef and Barley Soup could be your go-to. It’s a simple concoction that brings hearty beef and wholesome barley together in one pot. Great for a no-fuss lunch or dinner, this soup keeps things straightforward yet scrumptious. Serve this and watch it become a fast favorite for its comforting qualities.
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.

With a name like Million Dollar Spaghetti, this dish promises big on flavor and doesn’t disappoint. It reimagines comfort food with layers of cheese, pasta, and beef, baked till everything melts together gloriously. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking a sweat. This is one pasta bake that stands out for its easy prep and irresistible finish.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

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.

Bring the diner experience home with a Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. This simple yet unique sandwich packs a punch with its loose meat filling, capturing a classic taste that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s especially great for a quick dinner or when you have a craving for something satisfyingly meaty but different from the usual burger. Whip these up and it’s like having your own diner at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

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

Transform your pasta night with Authentic Bolognese Sauce, a rich and hearty sauce that clings to your pasta perfectly. It’s all about slow cooking to achieve the deep and comforting taste that makes Bolognese a beloved classic. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this sauce pairs well with any pasta and promises a meal that is both filling and warming. It’s a classic done right, ready to grace your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole in a black dish with a spoon.
Shipwreck Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Shipwreck Casserole is a throw-together type of dish that turns simple ingredients into a filling meal. Layered and baked, each component melds beautifully to create a comforting dish ideal for busy nights. It’s named intriguingly enough to spark curiosity while being straightforward to prepare. This casserole could quickly become a staple for its ease and heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck 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.

There’s something truly rewarding about a well-made Diner Style Salisbury Steak. It brings back classic diner vibes with a juicy steak topped with savory gravy. This dish makes for a fulfilling meal that goes great with mashed potatoes or your favorite side. It’s all about bringing that cozy diner feel into your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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 isn’t just a dish, it’s an event on a plate. Named after an iconic figure, this casserole combines layers of ingredients that bake up into a robust and hearty meal. It’s particularly great for gatherings where you want something different and filling. This casserole makes a bold statement on the dinner table with its rich layers and hearty flavors.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

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