17 ground beef recipes my family would choose over restaurant meals

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Why settle for restaurant chaos when dinner at home can be this good? These 17 ground beef recipes are the kind my family would choose over a night out any day. Packed with variety and made to please, they deliver everything you love about eating out—minus the overpriced drinks and awkward wait times. Who knew your kitchen could be the best table in town?

A Skillet Stroganoff Pie with a small missing portion.
Skillet Stroganoff Pie. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crockpot Slow Cooker Rump Roast

A Crockpot full of savory rump roast with vegetables, ready to be served for dinner.
Crockpot Slow Cooker Rump Roast. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

Sometimes, you just want something that feels like a hug on a plate, and that’s where Crockpot Slow Cooker Rump Roast comes in. This dish has that slow-cooked goodness that makes you wonder why you’d ever settle for takeout. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest at the table, yet it doesn’t require much more than setting and forgetting. My family can’t believe something this simple to make tastes better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Slow Cooker Rump Roast

Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice served in a white bowl.
Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Transform your leftover rice with some ground beef to whip up something truly special. Simple to make yet so effective, this dish can win over anyone who enjoys takeout. Each grain of rice captures the essence of the mixture, creating a balanced and enjoyable eating experience. Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice is a go-to meal for quick weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

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.

This dish layers seasoned ground beef with a mixture that is both filling and tasty. Once it comes out of the oven, it has a melted topping that adds a rich texture to every bite. It’s perfect for large families or those who enjoy leftovers. John Wayne Casserole combines hearty layers into a comforting favorite.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

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

Think of this as a hearty bowl of comfort that starts with ground beef, beans, and bits of pasta. Pasta e Fagioli Soup is like a complete meal in a bowl, making it great for lunch or dinner. Every spoonful is filled with wholesomeness that feels homemade. This soup is perfect for colder days when you need something warming.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Cheeseburger Casserole

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

This is like having a cheeseburger in casserole form, making it a big hit in any household. The way the ground beef blends with the other elements makes it irresistible and ensures everyone will want seconds. Cheeseburger Casserole is an easy choice when you’re craving comfort food without the hassle of grilling. This dish brings a familiar burger taste to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

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

When you need a meal that feels classic but still delivers, Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms might be the answer. Ground beef shaped into patties gets a new life with a rich mushroom sauce poured over it. It’s an easy yet effective way to elevate a simple block of ground beef.This dish makes a great option for an elegant meal without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Take all the great parts of a cheesesteak sandwich and turn them into a delicious meal. Ground beef takes the place of traditional steak, but the hearty goodness remains. Perfect for those nights when you want something filling without much prep. Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak can quickly become a weeknight staple.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

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.

Everyone loves a good sloppy joe, and this casserole form makes it even easier to serve. The ground beef is cooked and then baked with a mix that brings out all those classic tastes. It’s practical for feeding a group and can even be made ahead of time. Sloppy Joe Casserole combines convenience with familiar flavors your family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe 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.

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of this Beef and Barley Soup that’s great for lunch or dinner. The combination of beef and barley makes it a meal in itself that fills you up for hours. Slow-simmered ingredients give it that rich, home-cooked taste you can’t find in any restaurant. Serve this soup with some crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got a comfort meal that everyone will love.
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.

When it comes to chili, sometimes you’re better off making it at home for that full-bodied taste. This Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe brings the deep, rich flavors (without saying ‘flavors’) that will put you in a happy place. It’s a sit-back-and-relax kind of meal that will have you reaching for seconds. Enjoy a bowl with some cheese or chopped onions, and it’s game night ready.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

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.

Throwing this into a slow cooker makes dinner a breeze, and the results are always satisfying. Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are a mix-up from your average meatball dish, offering something new to the table. The slow cooking process ensures the meatballs come out tender and flavorful every single time. Try these meatballs, and you’ll see why they outdo anything you get elsewhere.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Pastitsio

A serving of pastitsio in a black dish is placed in front of a baking tray with more pasta.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Pastitsio is like a party in your mouth with each bite. Layers of pasta, beef, and creamy sauce make it an unbeatable dinner option any night of the week. It’s hearty and filling, bringing a bit of Greek tradition right to your home. When you need something different and universally appealing, this dish is a fantastic choice.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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

Making these beef empanadas in an air fryer gives you that crispy outside while keeping the inside perfectly cooked. They’re great for a quick snack or an easy dinner that won’t take much time out of your day. These beef-filled pastries are sure to impress anyone at the table. You’ll wonder why you ever ordered them out after trying this Air Fryer Beef Empanadas recipe.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

If you love spaghetti, then this recipe will take your appreciation to a whole new level. Million Dollar Spaghetti combines the best of pasta and lasagna into one dish that’s rich and comforting. Each forkful is a balanced blend of flavors, making it a hit for family dinners. It’s one of those meals that gets folks to gather around the table and enjoy every bite.
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.

These bite-sized pieces are a miniature take on a classic favorite but pack the same punch. They’re perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a main course when you’re not too hungry. You get all the components you love in a regular shepherd’s pie in a smaller, more convenient form. Shepherd’s Pie Bites are great for any occasion and are sure to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

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

When it comes to pasta sauces, nothing beats an authentic recipe made from scratch. Authentic Bolognese Sauce takes a bit of time to get just right, but it’s so worth it. A slow-cooked pot of this will have your home smelling amazing and the meal tasting even better. It’s an experience that’s hard to replicate in any restaurant, making home the best place for it.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Skillet Stroganoff Pie

A Skillet Stroganoff Pie with a small missing portion.
Skillet Stroganoff Pie. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This dish combines the best aspects of beef stroganoff and pie into one delicious meal. Cooking it all in a skillet makes preparation and clean-up simple. The creamy, savory filling is enveloped in a flaky crust, offering comfort in every bite. Skillet Stroganoff Pie is a solid pick for anyone looking to switch up their dinner game without too much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Stroganoff Pie

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