21 Hearty Dinners Built on Beef

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This lineup isn’t just beefy—it’s downright irresistible. From French Onion Salisbury Steak that tastes like a five-star hug to Birria Tacos dripping with queso and clout, these recipes know how to bring the flavor. There’s Grandma’s Beef and Noodles for full-on comfort, Smash Burgers for your griddle fix, and Sizzlin’ Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fry for when you want dinner to punch back. We’re also talking Leftover Tenderloin Sandwiches (luxury, but practical), and Shepherd’s Pie two ways—because one just isn’t enough. Whether it’s slow-simmered, stir-fried, or smothered in gravy, beef is what’s for dinner. And lunch. And maybe breakfast, too.

Sizzlin’ Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fry

Sizzlin' Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fry
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Sizzlin’ Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fry is a quick and easy meal that can be customized with your choice of protein, like beef, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the spice level to your preference for a delicious and satisfying dish. Top with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor!
Get the Recipe: Sizzlin’ Spicy Szechuan Stir-Fry

Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

A meatloaf topped with gravy, garnished with fresh rosemary, accompanied by mashed potatoes on a patterned plate.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf! This recipe elevates the classic comfort food with a creamy onion gravy that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Meatloaf with Creamy Onion Gravy

French Onion Salisbury Steak

A plate of meatloaf with gravy, served with mashed potatoes and corn on the side, garnished with parsley. The plate is set on an orange-patterned napkin.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This French Onion Salisbury Steak recipe elevates a classic comfort food with gourmet flavors. It combines ground beef patties with a rich French onion gravy, topped with melted Swiss and Parmesan cheeses. Serve over French bread for a comforting and refined weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Salisbury Steak

Thai Basil Beef Noodle Stir-Fry

Thai Beef Noodle Stir-Fry
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Thai Basil Beef Noodle Stir-Fry is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Customize it with your favorite protein and veggies, all tossed in a delicious stir-fry sauce. Top it off with green onions, sesame seeds, or peanuts for an extra crunch!
Get the Recipe: Thai Basil Beef Noodle Stir-Fry

Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness

Shepherd's Pie half eaten from a white baking dish with Guinness gravy and a spoon
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This hearty Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness is the ultimate comfort food. Made with ground lamb, mashed potatoes, and the rich flavor of Guinness stout, it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or a cozy winter meal. This recipe is sure to warm you from the inside out!
Get the Recipe: Traditional Irish Shepherd’s Pie with Guinness

Leftover Beef Tenderloin Sandwiches

Beef tenderloin roast sandwiches and au jus ready to eat.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Don’t let that leftover beef tenderloin go to waste! These sandwiches are easy to assemble and require very few ingredients to elevate already tender slices of beef. Add roasted red peppers and horseradish cream for a flavorful lunch.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Beef Tenderloin Sandwiches

Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

In the image, a cast iron skillet contains sautéed peppers, onions, avocado slices, and crumbled cheese. Nearby are tortillas, lime wedges in a bowl, and a bowl of sliced cherry tomatoes.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

These Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal! Paper-thin sheets of beef pair perfectly with sweet peppers and caramelized onions, all seasoned with a smoky blend of spices. Top with cotija cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Tender Shaved Beef Fajitas

Farm to Table Thick Beef Stew Recipe

featured image 2 for Thick Beef Stew Recipe
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This thick and hearty beef stew is the perfect Southern classic, made even richer with the addition of dry red wine and whole grain mustard. Each bite is packed with flavor from the tender beef chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, and other savory ingredients. Serve up a comforting bowl of this stew for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Farm to Table Thick Beef Stew Recipe

Easy Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich

Two hoagie rolls filled with sliced steak, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and lettuce on a tray.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich recipe elevates the classic with marinated and grilled steak, crisp romaine, and a zesty mayo. It’s the perfect combination of Southern comfort and satisfying flavors. Get ready to sink your teeth into a sandwich that’s anything but poor!
Get the Recipe: Easy Po’ Boy Steak Sandwich

Shepherd’s Pie

Irish Shepherd's Pie with Beef
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Shepherd’s Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food! It features tender beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes, all brought together by a flavorful herb sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

A close-up of a baked noodle casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground beef, melted cheese, noodles, and visible seasoning.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole is comfort food at its finest, combining lean ground beef, Italian sausage, and a creamy sour cream sauce with wide egg noodles. Topped with a generous blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, this bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

The Best Meatball Recipe

meatballs on white plate with pasta
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

Looking for the best meatball recipe? Look no further! These meatballs are unbelievably flavorful, tender, and soft thanks to special techniques and spices. Perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: The Best Meatball Recipe

The Best Lasagna Recipe

Finished lasagna on a white plate
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

This lasagna recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring a rich, homemade meat sauce and creamy ricotta filling, this dish is layered to perfection. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll be serving up a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: The Best Lasagna Recipe

Birria Tacos (Quesotacos)

Birria Quesatacos with Limes and Dipping Sauce
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

These gluten-free birria tacos, also known as quesotacos, feature crispy tortillas filled with flavorful beef and cheese. Served with extra birria broth for dipping, this Mexican-inspired dish is sure to be a crowd favorite. Customize with toppings like cilantro, onions, avocado, and jalapeños!
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos (Quesotacos)

Veggie-Packed Meat Sauce (freezer-friendly, great for kids!)

hidden vegetable meat sauce over pasta on a plate
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This veggie-packed meat sauce is a flavorful and easy recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It’s freezer-friendly and great for kids, making it a convenient and healthy option for busy families. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a satisfying and delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Veggie-Packed Meat Sauce (freezer-friendly, great for kids!)

Grandma’s Beef and Noodles

Presenting a delicious Grandma’s Beef and Noodles
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This recipe brings a classic Midwestern comfort food to your table with ease. Using simple ingredients, the flavorful beef and noodles dish is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy night in, it’s a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Beef and Noodles

Cozy Pot Roast Recipe

Two forks in a dutch oven with shredded beef, carrots, and baby potatoes inside.
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

This cozy pot roast recipe is perfect for a comforting fall or winter meal! The chuck roast cooks for hours with carrots and potatoes, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that can be made in the oven, slow cooker, or instant pot. Garnish with parmesan cheese and parsley for a delicious finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Pot Roast Recipe

Smash Burgers

Homemade smash burger with a side of waffle fries.
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

Craving a restaurant-quality burger at home? This smash burger recipe delivers a caramelized crust and cheesy goodness in just 10 minutes. Quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Smash Burgers

Greek Meatballs

A plate with six meatballs on a bed of rice, garnished with fresh herbs, accompanied by lemon wedges, cucumber slices, and a dollop of yogurt.
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

These Greek Meatballs by Gimme Some Oven are easy to make and are bursting with fresh garlic-herb flavor. The recipe uses both ground beef and lamb for a tender and moist bite. Serve as an appetizer or a main dish with a lemon-tahini sauce for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatballs

The Best Sloppy Joe Recipe

ground beef barbecue sandwich on a golden brown bun
Photo credit: Sugar Spun Run

Ready in just 25 minutes, this sloppy joe recipe is entirely from scratch, offering the best flavors without using ketchup. It features a savory blend of ground beef, smoked paprika, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. This recipe is perfect for a quick, delicious, and comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: The Best Sloppy Joe Recipe

Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Photo credit: Gimme Some Oven

This Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is ready in just 30 minutes and is coated in a delicious sesame ginger sauce. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also great for meal prepping!
Get the Recipe: Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

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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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