17 ways to make ground beef the MVP of your dinner table

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Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated when one ingredient can handle 17 different roles without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s hearty, comforting, or a little unexpected, there’s always a way to make it work. It can take five ingredients or fifteen and still come out looking like it took way more effort than it did. With a little creativity and a few smart tricks, there’s no reason ground beef won’t steal the show every single time.

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re on the hunt for a comfort dish that puts a twist on traditional pasta, look no further. Spaghetti Casserole combines your love for spaghetti with the cozy vibe of a baked casserole. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something filling, but with a bit more pizzazz. Plus, it’s a great way to transform leftover pasta into something new and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese.
Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Feeling chilly and need something to warm you right up? Taco Soup is your go-to. It’s like the fun night of tacos turned into a comforting bowl of goodness. You won’t miss the crunch as every spoonful is packed with flavor, making it a hearty choice for dinner. And the best part? It’s pretty easy to whip up on a busy night.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Close-up of a baked casserole topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley.
Stuffed Pepper Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Forget stuffing individual peppers and try Stuffed Pepper Casserole instead. It has all the flavors you love, deconstructed into an easy-to-make casserole. This dish is a weeknight winner, offering both the beauty of peppers and the hearty addition of ground beef. It’s a clever dinner trick when you want the taste but not the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Craving fast food but want to keep things a bit lighter? Copycat Big Mac Salad has got your back. It’s a salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor, capturing all the iconic tastes of a Big Mac. This is the choice when you want something quick and fulfilling, without the bun. It’s a creative twist on a classic that’ll surprise you with its taste.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

On days when only the heartiest dish will do, Cowboy Casserole rides to the rescue. Picture layers of ground beef, beans, and cheese, all baked into a dish that screams comfort. It’s a bit like a chili and a shepherd’s pie had a delicious baby. This casserole is a hit for anyone who loves bold flavors and filling meals.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Who says you can’t enjoy your fast food favorites made at home? With Crunchwrap Supreme, you’re crafting a classic right in your kitchen. It’s a fun project with a tasty reward, complete with all the beefy, cheesy goodness you know and love. This version gives you the power to add your own twist, making it a customizable dinner favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Beef Tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s Tuesday or any other day, these are a hit with both kids and adults. You can keep them simple or dress them up with all the trimmings. Plus, there’s something about making tacos that gets everybody in the kitchen, turning dinner time into a fun, interactive affair.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

A close-up of Swedish meatballs covered in a creamy sauce, piled in a wooden bowl.
Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Reminisce about your last store trip with a dish that’s surprising but familiar. Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat) offer that distinct flavor you’ve browsed furniture rows. This comforting meal serves as a reminder of leisurely shopping days but is enjoyed in the comfort of your home. It’s perfect for gatherings or a quiet dinner with family.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Close-up of a slice of cheesy taco casserole topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeño slices on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in slow cooker taco meatloaf.
Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Redefine comfort food with a twist on two classic favorites with Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing Mexican-inspired flavors into a traditional meatloaf, making it an effortless dinner solution. It’s especially handy when you want a fulfilling meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Miss the thrill of biting into a freshly made smash burger? Copycat Smash Burger lets you recreate that experience at home. This recipe is all about achieving that crispy, juicy patty we can’t get enough of. It’s perfect for when you’re looking to level up your burger night with a bit of restaurant flair.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If tacos on a plate seem too usual, layer those same ingredients in Taco Casserole for a fun dinner twist. This oven delight allows for all the taco toppings to merge beautifully, serving up warm, gooey bites. It’s a staple for anyone who loves taco flavors but wants a no-fuss, oven-baked dish to serve to friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those nights when you crave something Italian, Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic choice. It’s a robust, meaty sauce served over tender spaghetti, making for a fulfilling meal. This dish is all about taking your time to develop deep, rich flavors. It’s ideal for a weekend dinner where you can enjoy the process of cooking something special.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

On the hunt for a dinner that feels like a hug? This Easy Meatloaf Recipe is just the ticket. It’s a no-fuss, comforting meatloaf that goes back to basics, delivering warmth and satisfaction. This version is about keeping it uncomplicated, focusing on the hearty, familiar flavors that make you feel good inside.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Homemade Lasagna is like the best layers of love. It requires some effort, but the result—a beautiful, cheesy, meaty creation—is worth every minute. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gathering the family around the table. Every bite oozes with flavor, making it a dish that’s both rewarding to make and to eat.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Kick up your dinner a notch with Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. This dish merges the spice of enchiladas with the comfort of tortellini, creating a unique blend of flavors. It’s perfect for those who like a little heat with their meals, offering an exciting twist on classic ingredients. Plus, it’s a playful way to mix up pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Cheeseburger Pasta

A skillet filled with penne pasta topped with shredded cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles—a delicious take on cheeseburger pasta.
Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you can’t decide between pasta night and burger night, Cheeseburger Pasta comes to the rescue. This dish cleverly combines the best of both worlds, creating a cheesy, beefy pasta that satisfies those fast food cravings. It’s quick, easy, and utterly comforting, proving that sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Tater Tot Casserole is a dream come true for those who love a bit of nostalgia with their meal. It’s a simple, hearty dish that brings together crispy tater tots and savory ground beef in a way that feels both comforting and indulgent. This casserole is all about minimal effort for maximum flavor, making it a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

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