13 ground beef recipes that aren’t just ordinary burgers

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Ground beef often gets boxed into the burger corner, but it’s got so much more to offer. Think about transforming that humble meat into dishes that bring a new game to the dinner table. From cozy classics with a twist to fresh new ideas, a world beyond burgers is waiting to be explored.

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

Shepherd’s Pie Bites

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

Grabbing traditional comfort food by the fork and turning it on its head, we end up with something that marries the hearty and familiar into a bite-sized delight. These bites bring together the savory mix of ground beef, veggies, and mashed potato in a way conducive to appetizers and a main course. Shepherd’s Pie Bites are where fun meets tradition, and they will surely be a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

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

When we think of ground beef transforming into something extraordinary, this sauce takes center stage in the pasta world. Slow-cooked to perfection, it melds rich and comforting flavors, offering more than just a mere topping for noodles. Authentic Bolognese Sauce proves that some classics don’t need any tweaking to impress.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

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.

Ever find yourself craving that famous restaurant chili but don’t want to leave the house? This recipe brings Texas Roadhouse Chili’s bold and hearty flavors to your kitchen. It stands out as a warming meal on a cold day and a perfect addition to any game day spread.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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

With a name that evokes the rugged allure of the old West, this casserole combines layers of flavors in a dish that’s hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetite. It merges ground beef with ingredients that create a robust, oven-baked feast. Beefy John Wayne Casserole nods to simplicity and good, fulfilling food.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

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.

Nothing says comfort quite like a hot bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with tender ground beef and barley. This soup is a hug in a bowl, offering both nourishment and warmth with every spoonful. Beef and Barley Soup is ideally suited for those chillier days when you need some comfort food.
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.

Elevating the humble spaghetti dish to new heights, this meal infuses a luxurious twist into an everyday favorite. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with the flavor of ground beef, earning its ‘million dollar’ title. Million Dollar Spaghetti is for those nights when ordinary just won’t cut it.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Smoked Meatballs

Smoked meatballs in a dish with grilled bread.
Smoked Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Giving a smoky spin to the traditional, these meatballs are not just an accompaniment to spaghetti. They stand proud on their own, offering a nuanced flavor that invites a variety of pairings. Smoked Meatballs explore the depth of flavor that ground beef can achieve with just the right touch.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these are not your everyday tacos. Filled with ground beef and fried to perfection, they bring a satisfying crunch that elevates the taco experience. Tacos Dorados offer a delightful twist, proving that there’s always room for innovation in the world of tacos.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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

Using an air fryer, these empanadas come out perfectly crispy without the heaviness of traditional frying. They encase a flavorful ground beef filling within a tender crust, making them a perfect handheld treat. Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are a testament to how modern techniques can streamline classic recipes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

Cabbage Roll in a Bowl.
Cabbage Roll in a Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Deconstructing the classic cabbage roll, this dish offers all the beloved flavors without the fuss of rolling. It’s a straightforward, one-pan meal that combines ground beef and cabbage in a symphony of taste. Cabbage Roll in a Bowl is a smart solution for a busy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Blending the heartiness of a stew with the lightness of a soup, this Italian classic comforts with every bite. Ground beef plays a starring role, alongside pasta and beans, in a tomato-based broth that’s both rich and satisfying. Pasta e Fagioli Soup embodies the essence of Italian home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Two servings of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole on plates.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine a dish encapsulating the spirit of cowboy cooking right in your kitchen. This casserole layers ground beef, beans, and a golden cornbread topping in a rustic yet utterly satisfying meal. Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is where simplicity meets big, bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Blackstone Smash Burger

A burger held in two hands.
Blackstone Smash Burger. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Reimagined for your griddle, this burger challenges the very notion of what a burger can be. Ground beef pressed to crispy perfection creates a texture and taste sensation unlike any other. Blackstone Smash Burger reminds us that sometimes, the simplest variations make the biggest impact.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Smash Burger

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