21 Comforting Ways to Cook with Beef

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Consider this your official permission slip to cook beef in as many delicious forms as humanly possible. Whether you’re spooning up Simple Chili Mac, diving into Beef Ramen Stir Fry, or braising Short Ribs like you’ve got a sommelier on speed dial, these 21 recipes bring the bold. From Tailgater Frito Pie to Thai Larb Salad and Homemade Salisbury Steak, it’s a global beef tour with zero layovers—just flavor, comfort, and a whole lot of satisfied forks!

Simple Chili Mac

a bowl of chili mac with a spoon
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This simple chili mac recipe combines the best of both worlds: hearty chili and creamy mac and cheese! This one-pot wonder uses simple ingredients like lean ground beef, chili powder, and elbow macaroni, all simmered together in a rich, flavorful sauce. Top it off with Mexican blend cheese for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal!
Get the Recipe: Simple Chili Mac

Beef Ramen Noodles (Stir Fry)

ground beef and ramen noodles in two bowls
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

These Beef Ramen Noodles are quick, easy, and incredibly comforting! The star is the addictive sweet and savory peanut sauce that coats the ground beef, veggies, and ramen noodles. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Beef Ramen Noodles (Stir Fry)

Grilled Beef Tenderloin

beef tenderloin grilled.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This Grilled Beef Tenderloin recipe is so easy to make, it only takes 20 minutes to cook! The simple seasonings really make the beef flavor pop, and it’s perfect for Christmas dinner. Plus, it’s gluten-free and keto-friendly!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Beef Tenderloin

Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs

Baked Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs | halfbakedharvest.com
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

These Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs are the perfect quick and easy appetizer to throw together for Game Day! The meatballs are mixed in one bowl, come together easily, and are packed with flavor. Plus, they’re gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Chili Cheese Meatballs

Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

a dutch oven with red wine braised short ribs
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

These Red Wine Braised Short Ribs are perfect for a special occasion! The deep, rich red wine sauce complements the fall-off-the-bone tender meat. This recipe is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Red Wine Braised Short Ribs

Homemade Salisbury Steak

skillet with salisbury steak and gravy.
Photo credit: The Big Man’s World

This homemade Salisbury steak recipe is comfort food at its finest! Tender ground beef patties are simmered in a rich and savory mushroom gravy with onions, creating an irresistible main dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in. Serve it with mashed potatoes or your favorite side for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Salisbury Steak

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs | halfbakedharvest.com @hbharvest
Photo credit: Half Baked Harvest

This classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is simple, quick, and easy to make, perfect for holiday entertaining or a cozy family night. Made with lean ground sirloin, whole wheat pasta, and a jar of marinara sauce, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Top it off with mozzarella and parmesan for a truly delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Pot roast in a crock pot.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

This Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe is the perfect hearty meal for a cozy night in. With minimal prep and a crockpot doing all the work, you’ll have a delicious and comforting dinner that the whole family will enjoy. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

overhead photo of Frito Pie Casserole on a tray
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food! A hearty chili con carne meets America’s favorite corn chips for a fun twist on a classic casserole. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions.
Get the Recipe: Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

Moussaka

This traditional Moussaka Recipe is made with thick layers of succulent eggplant in a rich tomato-meat sauce, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce. Vegetarian & Vegan adaptable. Video!
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Moussaka recipe is a hearty, layered Greek classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Featuring layers of tender eggplant, a rich tomato meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping, this dish is comfort food at its finest and can easily be adapted to be vegetarian or vegan.
Get the Recipe: Moussaka

Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

overhead shot of Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Ukrainian Holubtsi, or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, are a comforting labor of love that’s well worth the effort. Ground beef, rice, and spices are nestled in tender cabbage leaves and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or special occasion!
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

close-up of a shallow bowl with homemade spaghetti sauce over top of spaghetti
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is easy to make and perfect for meal prepping! With classic, rich flavors from beef, pork, and a medley of vegetables, this meat sauce for pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it anytime.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Beef Ragu

beef ragu in a white bowl with a fork.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This hearty Beef Ragu recipe is the perfect comforting Italian dish. Tender chuck roast is slow-cooked in a rich tomato and red wine sauce, creating a deeply flavorful ragu that’s perfect served over pappardelle pasta. It’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Beef Ragu

Super Easy Ground Beef Tacos

close-up of three ground beef tacos on a white plate with extra lime wedges and cilantro
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

Looking for a quick and easy taco night solution? These ground beef tacos come together in just 30 minutes and feature a flavorful homemade seasoning mix that elevates them above the rest. Get ready to enjoy a new family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Ground Beef Tacos

Thai Larb Salad

A bowl of ground meat salad mixed with cucumber slices, red onion, fresh herbs, and watermelon radish, accompanied by a wooden spoon on the side.
Photo credit: Feasting at Home

This Thai Larb Salad recipe by Feasting at Home is bursting with flavor! Fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy lime dressing come together in this vibrant and healthy dish that can be served as lettuce wraps or with jasmine rice. It’s easily customizable with your choice of ground meat or tofu.
Get the Recipe: Thai Larb Salad

Taco Salad

Taco Salad in a white individual serving bowl set over a marble surface. Taco salad is layered with romaine lettuce, seasoned ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, avocado and sour cream.
Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Taco Salad recipe is a quick, flavorful, and hearty classic that’s a total breeze to make! Featuring seasoned ground beef, fresh toppings, and a zesty salsa, it’s a guaranteed dinner pleaser. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying meal with minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad

Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Stuffed zucchini boats with ground beef and taco toppings.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

These taco stuffed zucchini boats are a healthy and delicious Mexican-inspired meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. The zucchini is filled with a flavorful taco filling that’s both light and surprisingly filling. Top it off with sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and lime for the perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Homemade Hamburger Helper

An image of cheesy pasta noodles and ground beef with spices in a pan.
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

This Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe is a cheesy and satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It features lean ground beef, cavatappi pasta, and plenty of cheddar cheese, all cooked together in a skillet for an easy cleanup. It’s a guaranteed family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hamburger Helper

Stuffed Peppers

Fully cooked meal on a plate, showcasing the hearty filling of meat and melted cheese.
Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These stuffed peppers are a quick and easy dinner that roasts to perfection in the oven. Filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, rice, and spices, topped with cheese and fresh parsley. You’ll love this no-fuss, healthy meal!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Traditional Cottage Pie

Close-up of a shepherd's pie featuring a golden-brown mashed potato topping. Below, there's a mixture of cooked ground meat, peas, carrots, and other vegetables, all in a brown gravy, served on a white plate.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Traditional Cottage Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food! With a savory beef filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s a hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Bake it until golden for a comforting, classic meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Cottage Pie

Beef Steak Pie

a spoon holding up some filling from the inside of a beef steak pie
Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

This hearty Beef Steak Pie is a rich, meaty taste of history perfect for cold weather! Tender chuck steak and mushrooms are baked in a homemade pie crust until golden and flaky. It’s a super comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Beef Steak Pie

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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