15 recipes that keep ground beef on my weekly shopping list

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Every week needs those meals you can count on, and these recipes deliver without breaking a sweat or requiring a cooking degree. Ground beef is like that friend who’s good at everything but never brags about it, showing up just when you need it the most. These dishes prove it by turning ordinary dinners into something you actually look forward to—and maybe even leftovers, too, if they last that long.

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

Shipwreck Casserole

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

Sometimes you just need a dish that takes comfort food to a whole new level, and that’s where Shipwreck Casserole steps in. It layers everything perfectly to make dinner feel like a breeze, even on busy nights. This is the kind of recipe that keeps ground beef in my fridge every single week. If you’re not making it already, you’re seriously missing out on a weekly dinner superstar.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

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

Take a classic dish and give it a weekly makeover with Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice. It’s the perfect excuse to skip takeout without feeling like you’re sacrificing anything. Ground beef never gets old when it stars in something this effortless and delicious. Trust me, this one keeps my skillet busy every single week.
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.

Few things can make ground beef shine like John Wayne Casserole, with its hearty layers that pack a serious punch. This recipe makes dinner feel like a treat without adding unnecessary fuss. You’ll be coming back for seconds every time, and your grocery list will always include ground beef because of it. It’s a keeper that practically writes itself into your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

The name doesn’t lie – Million Dollar Spaghetti makes ground beef feel like the VIP of your meal rotation. With its rich and indulgent layers, this dish is proof that weeknight dinners can feel special without breaking a sweat. It’s one of those recipes you look forward to making because you know it’s always a hit. Let’s just say ground beef owes a lot of its popularity to this one.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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

When crispy edges meet savory fillings, you know you’re in for a treat, and Air Fryer Beef Empanadas deliver every time. These pockets of perfection make ground beef the star of handheld dinners or snacks that everyone loves. It’s so easy to whip these up that you’ll wonder why they’re not already in your weekly rotation. The air fryer magic just seals the deal for me every time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

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.

Messy but worth every bite, Sloppy Joe Casserole takes a childhood favorite and turns it into an easy crowd-pleaser. This dish is a big reason ground beef never stays on my grocery shelf for long. It’s hearty, it’s fun, and it always gets a thumbs-up at the dinner table. If comfort food could win awards, this one would take the gold.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe 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 you mix ground beef into something as iconic as Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, you know you’ve hit dinner gold. It’s a sandwich that feels indulgent but still keeps things simple enough for a busy weeknight. Ground beef fits right in, giving it that hearty touch that makes every bite worthwhile. You’ll be adding this one to your regular sandwich lineup for sure.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Smoked Meatballs

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

It’s not a barbecue without Smoked Meatballs, which give ground beef that smoky, irresistible flavor everyone loves. These little bites are proof that simple ingredients can create something unforgettable. Whether they’re the main course or an appetizer, they always bring their A-game to the table. Ground beef just tastes better when it’s smoked.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

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.

Comfort in a bowl is exactly what you get with Beef And Barley Soup, making ground beef a must-buy every week. This hearty, warming dish is perfect for cold days or when you just need something filling and rewarding. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a hug after a long day. You’ll keep coming back to it because it’s just that good.
Get the Recipe: Beef And Barley Soup

Tacos Dorados

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

Crispy and packed with flavor, Tacos Dorados make ground beef shine in the most delicious way possible. These golden tacos are the definition of why weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. You’ll wonder how something so simple can taste so good. Keep these on your list when you need a dinner win without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

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.

Nothing says “you’re going to love dinner” like Best Ever Giant Meatballs stealing the show. These oversized bites prove that ground beef doesn’t need a ton of extras to stand out. They’re big, bold, and everything you want in a weeknight dish. Plus, they make leftovers something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Giant Meatballs

Big Mac Tacos

Two Big Mac tacos filled with ground beef, shredded lettuce, and pickles, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, placed on a white plate.
Big Mac Tacos. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Why choose between burgers and tacos when you can have both in Big Mac Tacos? Ground beef makes this mashup a weekly favorite in my house, and for good reason. It’s playful, easy, and guarantees no one leaves the table hungry. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself putting it on repeat just like I do.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

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.

A touch of tradition meets ground beef greatness in Pastitsio, turning it into a baked masterpiece. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from your oven and makes dinner feel a little extra special. Ground beef keeps this one grounded (pun intended) and gives it that rewarding heartiness. Honestly, this is why I stock up on ground beef every time.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

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.

Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting with Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, a ground beef classic that’s all about easy comfort. These meatballs simmer their way into being one of the best weeknight meals you’ll ever make. Ground beef is the star here, proving why it’s always on my shopping list. This recipe is as reliable as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Skillet Stroganoff Pie

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

There’s nothing like a creamy, rich dinner to make ground beef feel like a superstar, and Skillet Stroganoff Pie does just that. This skillet wonder keeps weeknight meals exciting without making things complicated. Ground beef never fails to impress when it’s in something this fulfilling. You’ll keep this recipe on hand for those nights when you need a guaranteed winner.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Stroganoff Pie

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