Grandma’s 17 genius ways to stretch a pound of ground beef

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Grandma’s genius lies in making every meal feel abundant, and these recipes are no exception. With just a pound of ground beef, you can create dishes that satisfy a crowd or provide leftovers for the week. These ideas combine timeless comfort with practical cooking, making them staples for busy households.

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

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

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

Bringing comfort to your dinner table, Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms offers nostalgic flavors reminiscent of Grandma’s kitchen. The recipe transforms a pound of ground beef into a savory main dish that pairs wonderfully with autumn evenings. Each forkful promises to be as nurturing as a warm blanket on a brisk fall day. As leaves change colors, this dish brings the essence of home with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Cheeseburger Casserole

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

When the crisp autumn air stirs up a hearty appetite, Cheeseburger Casserole steps in to fill your home with its inviting aroma. This dish cleverly stretches ground beef into a family-sized meal, ensuring you get the most out of your ingredients. Gather around the table for a cozy dish that’s a genuine crowd-pleaser on chilly evenings. The casserole offers a practical and enjoyable way to relish the flavors of the season.
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.

As autumn paints the world with vibrant hues, Pasta e Fagioli Soup becomes a star in the seasonal menu rotation. It’s a testament to how a simple pound of ground beef can transform a humble bowl of soup into something truly special. This recipe captures the heart of family gatherings, where warmth is shared not only through quilts but also through nourishing meals.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pizza Casserole

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

Imagine pulling a bubbly, hot Pizza Casserole from the oven just as a gentle autumn breeze wafts through the open window. This ingenious dish gives ground beef a new twist, combining it with the cherished flavors of a pizza in a unique, homestyle casserole. Ideal for game nights or potlucks, it’s the kind of meal that beckons everyone to come together. Plus, it’s a guaranteed solution for fulfilling your cozy weather cravings.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a black slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When the leaves start to rustle and the appetite for comfort food grows, Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich answers the call. This recipe cleverly uses ground beef to create a budget-friendly take on the classic sandwich everyone loves. It’s like wearing your favorite sweater; it wraps you in warmth and familiarity. Ideal for a casual family meal, this dish will make weeknights a bit more memorable this season.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Best Ever Giant Meatballs

A stack of giant meatballs garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs is served on a black rectangular slate plate.
Best Ever Giant Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

As temperatures drop, Best Ever Giant Meatballs emerge as the perfect hearty meal to enjoy by the fireplace. These meatballs provide a creative way to extend a pound of ground beef into a dish that’s sure to impress any guest. Pull your chair closer to the dining table and bask in the flavors and stories that unfold with each mouthful. When the fall harvest is in full swing, this meal celebrates the bounty in a most delicious manner.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Giant Meatballs

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 the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, it’s the right season to bring out Beefy John Wayne Casserole. It’s a nod to simpler times, turning the humble ground beef into something surprisingly hearty. This casserole fills your kitchen with an inviting warmth that’s much appreciated as the days grow shorter. When the evening calls for a touch of nostalgia, this is the dish to serve under the harvest moon.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Korean Beef Bowl

A top-down shot of Korean Beef Bowl with chopsticks and garlic.
Korean Beef Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Korean Beef Bowl has become a fall favorite, offering a quick and flavorful meal that satisfies deeply as the weather cools. It shows off the versatility of ground beef, infusing it with bold flavors that are both comforting and exciting. Enjoy this dish while wrapped up in a woolen throw, watching the serene dance of falling leaves. This is a simple pleasure that’s easily shared with friends around the dining table.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

Mini Meatloaf

3 Mini Meatloaves in a line on a white plate.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

As the first wisps of chimney smoke fill the air, Mini Meatloaf makes its way onto the comfort food scene. These little loaves pack big flavors and bring to life the tradition of stretching ground beef to feed the whole family. Perfect for a lazy Sunday dinner, it’s as much a treat to prepare as it is to eat. As the evening air chills, these mini treats are here to warm the soul.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup in two serving bowls.
Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

There’s something about a simmering pot of Cheeseburger Soup that just feels like fall has arrived. This innovative recipe transforms ground beef into a creamy and satisfying soup that’s a hit with both young and old. It pairs perfectly with a crusty bread roll and a view of the changing leaves. This soup is an invitation to slow down and enjoy the comforting rhythms of the season.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Tacos Dorados

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

Crunchy leaves underfoot, crunchy Tacos Dorados on your plate – both signal the joy of autumn. This recipe spreads the hearty appeal of ground beef across a feast of crispy tacos, perfect for sharing on a brisk evening. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, they add a festive note to any meal. Wrap yourself in a blanket scarf, gather your loved ones, and let the warmth of this meal draw you all closer.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

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.

A steaming bowl of Beef and Barley Soup has the power to dispel any chill that autumn may bring. It showcases how ground beef can enrich a soup with layers of flavor that are as comforting as your favorite flannel shirt. This dish promotes togetherness, ideal for when the family huddles around the table to share stories and create memories. As the trees don the colors of sunset, this soup will be your bowl of edible warmth.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

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.

On a crisp fall day, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. It’s a practical way to fulfill your hunger with a classic American staple, using ground beef to its fullest. This chili is perfect for spending a quiet evening by the fire or for fueling up before a night of trick-or-treating. As the season changes, let this dish be the highlight of your autumn culinary adventures.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Smoked Meatballs

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

Imagine the smoky scent of autumn leaves blending with the aromas of Smoked Meatballs cooking outdoors. This recipe offers an innovative twist by adding a smoky depth to the rich flavors of ground beef. Perfect for an outdoor gathering around a bonfire, it brings a whole new dimension to fall feasting. Enjoy the company of friends as you enjoy this rustic and hearty dish under a canopy of stars.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

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.

As the nights grow longer, Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich makes a timely return to your meal planning. It offers a delicious way to enjoy ground beef with a simplicity that’s evocative of a bygone era. The gentle spice and tender meat make each bite a reassuring presence amidst the harvest season’s splendor. This sandwich pairs well with a late-afternoon picnic, surrounded by the golden hour’s glow.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Shipwreck Casserole

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

When the trees begin their autumn performance, it’s time to enjoy a comforting Shipwreck Casserole. This layered dish turns ground beef into a treat for the senses, with each layer revealing more flavor than the last. It’s a casual yet hearty meal that belongs on your table as you unwind after a day spent enjoying the brisk outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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

Leaves swirling in the wind, crispy Air Fryer Beef Empanadas awaiting on the dinner table—both are signs of an enjoyable autumn. The ground beef filling encased in golden pastry is a creative and flavorful way to gather around and share stories of the day. Perfect for particularly nippy evenings, these little pockets are a hit at any family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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