11 ground beef dinners you’ll wish you tried sooner

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If your weeknight dinners could use a little excitement, these 11 ground beef meals are here to rescue the menu. They manage to combine comfort and creativity in ways that might make you wonder why you didn’t try them sooner. Think quick prep, bold ideas, and a lineup that refuses to be boring. Whether it’s a twist on old favorites or something totally fresh, this is how ground beef gets its moment to shine.

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.

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.

Ever crave something warm, filling, and easy to share? Imagine layer upon layer of spaghetti and seasoned ground beef, baked to perfection, creating a homestyle Spaghetti Casserole that’s both familiar and pleasantly surprising. It’s a clever twist on the classic pasta dish, ideal for potlucks or busy weeknights. Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, reheat like a dream, ensuring your mealtime is stress-free and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

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.

Fast-food favorites can easily make it to your home kitchen with Copycat Smash Burger. This quick fix gives you that crispy seared beef and those juicy bites that you associate with drive-thru treats. It’s a perfect candidate for casual dinners or when you’re craving that iconic burger taste. Best enjoyed with friends and some good conversation, this dish brings the restaurant experience to your table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

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.

Cold days ask for a bowl of something that warms from the inside out, and Taco Soup does just that. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines the heartiness of ground beef with zingy flavors in a soul-soothing broth. This soup’s easy prep makes it a favorite for those with little time but a big appetite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to welcome any of your preferred toppings.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

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.

A plate of Spaghetti Bolognese is comfort food at its finest, with a meaty sauce that hugs every noodle. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and when you want to impress guests, it’s as nourishing as it is heartwarming. This dish is a testament to the beauty of simple, well-cooked meals that have stood the test of time. A gentle simmer brings out rich flavors, making it a dish you’ll want on repeat in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

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.

Bringing the essence of a beloved classic to a bowl, Copycat Big Mac Salad fills the gap when salad night needs a fun twist. It’s all the flavors you enjoy from a Big Mac, deconstructed into a fresh salad form. It’s an ingenious way to enjoy a burger without the bun and the perfect dish for a light yet fulfilling meal. Plus, it’s a playful addition to any BBQ or casual dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

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.

Transform your meatloaf game with a Mexican twist that Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf offers. Packed with flavor and cooked slowly to perfection, it is convenience and taste rolled into one. It frees up your time while the slow cooker does all the work—a win for anyone with a busy schedule. Slap it on some bread the next day for a meatloaf sandwich that’s out of this world.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf

Crunchwrap Supreme

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

Ever tried creating your own fast-food magic at home? With Crunchwrap Supreme, you have a crowd-pleaser that’s fun to eat and even more enjoyable to make. It’s a nifty package of ground beef and other tasty fillings wrapped snugly for a hand-held feast. Ideal for gatherings or simply to shake up your dinner routine, it promises enjoyment in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

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.

For those who like a bit of heat, Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini melds Italian and Mexican cuisines into a fiery dish. It’s a daring take on dinner that proves pasta can be bold and adventurous. This dish becomes the star of the show with its robust flavors and satisfyingly hearty nature. Not to mention, it’s a vivid conversation starter on a plate, bound to ignite some lively table talk.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

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.

Everyone loves a good casserole, and Stuffed Pepper Casserole manages to capture all the homeliness of stuffed peppers without the hassle. It’s a dish where simplicity and comfort meet, delivering a satisfying mealtime experience. Easy to toss together and even easier to enjoy, this casserole can be the cozy end to any day. It’s like a warm hug in the form of food, nestled right into a baking dish.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Pepper Casserole

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.

Cheeseburger Pasta marries the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comfort of a hearty pasta dish. It’s casual dining taken up a notch, ensuring smiles all around the dinner table. Great for kids and adults alike, it’s a one-pot meal that simplifies cleanup and maximizes satisfaction. So, when you’re in the middle of a busy week, remember this is a go-to dish that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

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.

Going back to roots can be delicious, and Cowboy Casserole is hearty fare that seems straight from the wild west. Chunky, meaty, and full of homestyle goodness, it’s a dish that fills the belly and soothes the soul. Suited for large gatherings or for when you need leftovers to last through the week, it’s as practical as it is tasty. When the evening calls for comfort food, this casserole answers with a hearty “yeehaw!”
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

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