Ground Beef Dishes That Always Turn Out Great

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Get ready to beef up your dinner game! Our roundup of ground beef recipes is here to turn your meal prep into a mince-masterclass. From Juicy Smash Burgers to homemade Hearty Tostadas, we’re here to show that ground beef is anything but basic. So, grab your skillet – it’s time to get beefy!

Beef and Sour Cream Noodle Casserole

Beef and noodle casserole up close with lots of sauce.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Experience the ultimate in comfort food with this delicious Sour Cream Beef and Noodle Casserole recipe! Tender egg noodles are cooked to perfection and then smothered in a creamy sauce before being baked with ground beef and sausage for a hearty and satisfying weeknight meal. Your family will love this classic dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

GET THE RECIPE: Beef Noodle Casserole

Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

A stuffed cabbage roll cut in half exposing the ground beef rice mixture inside.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the perfect choice if you’re craving something comforting and homemade. These rolls are a labor of love, filled with a hearty combination of ground beef, rice, and chopped onion and baked in a homemade sauce made with pantry ingredients and spices. The dish has a sweet and savory flavor profile and pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, beets, sweet and sour onions, or a loaf of hearty Challah or other egg bread. Give this ultimate comfort food a try and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

GET THE RECIPE: Cabbage Rolls

Texas Hash – Easy Weeknight Meal

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Image Credit: Noshing with The Nolands.

Texas Hash stands out as a top pick. This hearty one-pot wonder is a family favorite, packed with savory ground beef, green peppers, fluffy rice, and diced tomatoes, all topped with melted cheese. It’s a dish you’ll find yourself returning to make time and again.

GET THIS RECIPE: Texas Hash – Easy Weeknight Meal

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish with tomato sauce.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

These Italian Stuffed Peppers are a delicious combination of bell pepper, tender rice, seasoned ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce, crowned with Parmesan cheese which makes for a delicious crispy topping. This is easy and satisfying food perfect for a weeknight meal, especially when served with warm Garlic Bread. Buon appetito!

GET THE RECIPE: Stuffed Peppers

Easy Chili con Carne Recipe

A bowl filled with savory chili topped with melted cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprig of cilantro. A wooden spoon rests on the edge of the bowl. In the background, there are chopped cilantro and shredded cheese. An avocado half is visible in the foreground.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

Whip up a hearty pot of this simple Chili Con Carne, letting it simmer to perfection by dinnertime! It’s crafted with just the right mix of spices and packed with plenty of hidden vegetables for a nutritious twist.

GET THIS RECIPE: Chili Con Carne

French Onion Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak on a plate with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and corn.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Looking to elevate your dinner game without breaking the bank? Look no further than my easy French Onion Salisbury Steak with gravy recipe! This modern variation on the classic promises gourmet flavor without the gourmet price tag. It merges two comfort food favorites: hamburger steak and French onion soup. Serve over broiled cheesy toast with French onion gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, and a side of corn pudding, or keep it light with a simple green salad. No matter how you plate it, this dish is a weeknight game-changer!

GET THE RECIPE: Salisbury Steak

Cheesy Meatloaf

A close-up of a cooked meatloaf sliced to reveal a cheesy filling inside. The meatloaf is glazed with a shiny tomato-based sauce and garnished with a fresh sprig of parsley, sitting on a wooden cutting board. A fork is visible in the background.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Give Mom’s classic meatloaf an extra cozy touch by stuffing it with cheese! With just seven ingredients, this Cheesy Meatloaf comfort food dinner is both simple and satisfying. Consider doubling the recipe—leftover meatloaf makes fantastic sandwiches for next-day lunches.

GET THIS RECIPE: Cheesy Meatloaf

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Bolognese meat sauce on spaghetti being twirled on a fork.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for a quick and flavorful meal? Try this 30-minute Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meat sauce that’s packed with Italian flavors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this simple version of an Italian classic is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

GET THE RECIPE: Spaghetti Bolognese

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Close-up of three glazed meatballs garnished with chopped green onions and skewered on a stick, placed on a white plate with a green-patterned napkin underneath. A blurred background hints at additional greenery, creating an inviting, appetizing scene.
Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs are fork-tender and bathed in a vibrant and from scratch sweet and sour sauce. Whether you choose the crockpot for convenience or the stovetop for quickness, they’re straightforward to make and absolutely delicious served over rice as a main dish or as a classic party appetizer!

GET THIS RECIPE: Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Moussaka

A portion of ground beef Moussaka on a dinner plate.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Have you tried Moussaka yet? It’s a delightful Mediterranean dish that’s been enjoyed for many years. This particular recipe can be made with either lamb or beef and it’s layered with succulent roasted eggplant. The dish is then topped with feta cheese and baked to perfection. It’s a great option for anyone looking to cut back on carbs or follow a Keto diet. This version is a bit different from the traditional Greek version as it doesn’t include the potato layer and uses eggs in the topping instead of a béchamel sauce that contains flour. Trust me, it’s equally delicious!

GET THE RECIPE: Moussaka

Tostada Recipe

Four tostadas topped with seasoned ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and crumbled cheese are displayed on a wooden board. A lime wedge and an opened bottle of beer are placed nearby, with a woven cloth in the background.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

This straightforward Tostada Recipe whips up tasty, homemade tostadas quickly. Reminiscent of crunchy beef tacos, these tostadas feature an additional layer of refried beans, boosting their heartiness and satisfaction.

GET THIS RECIPE: Tostada Recipe

Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili

Fritos corn chips smothered in chili with jalapeños and chopped tomatoes.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Looking for an easy and crowd-pleasing recipe for your next gathering? Look no further than Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili! This dish is a delicious way to use America’s favorite snacking chip, taking it from the school lunchbox to the party table! With hearty chili con carne, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. And the best part? It’s easily doubled or even tripled to feed even the largest of crowds. So next time you’re planning a party or tailgate, give this recipe a try and watch your guests dig in!

GET THE RECIPE: Frito Pie

Seriously Good Smash Burgers

A juicy cheeseburger with two beef patties, melted cheese, and grilled onions is served on a soft bun. It is accompanied by two pickle spears on a white plate. The background is blurred, showcasing another burger in the distance.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste.

Our homemade Smash Burgers are truly top-notch! They’re crispy, deeply caramelized, and irresistibly tasty. By adding onions directly before smashing, topping with melty cheese, and finishing with our favorite burger sauce, these burgers elevate to an entirely new level of delicious. They’re simply sensational!

GET THIS RECIPE: Seriously Good Smash Burgers

Classic Chili Con Carne

Beef chili con carne over white rice in a serving bowl.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Are you on the lookout for a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing? Then you must try this amazing recipe for Classic Chili Con Carne! It’s a great choice for those casual dinner parties or those cozy family nights in. And the best part? You can serve it alongside some homemade corn muffins or over the Frito Pie recipe in the previous slide to really take it to the next level!

GET THE RECIPE: Chili Con Carne

The Best Wagyu Meatloaf

A wagyu meatloaf with a brown sugar tomato sauce topping in a copper baker.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Looking for a delicious and flavorful meatloaf recipe that will leave your eaters wanting seconds? Look no further than this amazing recipe for the Best Wagyu Meatloaf. Made with American Wagyu beef, this recipe yields a single 2-pound meatloaf that is not only juicy and flavorful but requires only a few simple seasonings. Whether served hot out of the oven or cold in a sandwich the next day, this meatloaf is sure to be a hit around your dinner table. 

GET THE RECIPE: Meatloaf

Best Goulash Recipe

A close-up view of a bowl of cheesy pasta bake. It features curly pasta mixed with ground meat and tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley. A fork is partially visible in the bowl, indicating it's ready to eat.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Goulash is a cheesy, meaty one-pot wonder that practically makes itself—a true comfort food gem. This American-style goulash is not only scrumptious but also quick to prepare, ready in 30 minutes or less. Perfect for your busy schedule, it delivers all the cheesy, comforting goodness you crave in a flash.

GET THIS RECIPE: Best Goulash Recipe

Hamburger and Rice

Beef hamburger rice being stirred with a wood spoon in a pan.
Image Credit: Erren Hart for Erren’s Kitchen

Enjoy this flavorful Hamburger and Rice recipe any night of the week. This comforting dish is easy to make and packed with savory goodness! There’s something undeniably satisfying about a dish that combines ground beef with rice, and this mouthwatering hamburger and rice recipe is no exception. Tender ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice simmer together in a rich, flavorful sauce – it’s pure comfort in every bite.

GET THE RECIPE: Hamburger and Rice

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

A skillet filled with a vibrant mixture of cooked ground meat, cherry tomatoes, leafy greens, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped green onions, with a metal spoon resting in the dish. A small bowl of extra feta cheese sits beside the skillet.
Image Credit: Downshiftology.

This Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is the epitome of a quick and healthy meal! It’s brimming with flavorful veggies, seasoned with classic coastal spices, and offers a burst of flavor all on its own—no sauce needed. This dish is a perfect blend of convenience and taste, ideal for a nutritious dinner on busy nights.

GET THIS RECIPE: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

Ground beef cottage pie with a russet and sweet potato crust topping.
Image Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

Spoil yourself and your family and bake up a Traditional Irish Cottage Pie! This easy ground beef main dish features perfectly seasoned ground beef that comes together in a rich beef broth and red wine gravy, topped with a vibrant duo of creamy mashed potato crusts made from russet and sweet potatoes. Broil during the final minutes of the bake with shredded cheddar cheese, and oh my word! Baked to a golden-brown perfection, this hearty and flavorful cottage pie is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen!

GET THE RECIPE: Cottage Pie

Easy Swedish Meatballs

A close-up of Swedish meatballs served over creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with a generous drizzle of rich brown gravy and sprinkled with chopped parsley. The dish is presented on a white plate.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste.

Our Easy Swedish Meatballs recipe delivers exceptionally juicy and flavorful meatballs that are sure to impress. If you’ve enjoyed Ikea’s famous meatballs, you’ll find these familiar yet even more delightful. Enhanced with a creamy and rich sauce, these meatballs are not just tasty but truly crave-worthy, promising a superior homemade alternative.

GET THIS RECIPE: Easy Swedish Meatballs

Incredible Lasagna

A close-up of a gooey, cheesy slice of lasagna being lifted out of a white baking dish. The lasagna is layered with visible layers of pasta, ground meat, ricotta cheese, and red sauce. The dish is baked to perfection with a golden-brown, bubbling top.
Image Credit: Inspired Taste.

For our Incredible Lasagna, we kick things off by sautéing savory sausage and ground beef until they’re perfectly browned. This meaty mixture is then simmered with tomatoes and a blend of herbs to craft a rich, robust sauce. We assemble the lasagna by layering this flavorful sauce with tender noodles and a luscious cheese mixture, topping it all off with an extra sprinkle of cheese for good measure. This homemade lasagna isn’t just delicious—it’s a showstopper that’s definitely worth the effort!

GET THIS RECIPE: Incredible Lasagna

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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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