Turning Ground Beef into Gourmet (Sort Of)

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Get ready to unleash the magic of ground beef—because who needs a fancy steak when you’ve got this much flavor in a pan? From the hearty comfort of Traditional Irish Cottage Pie to the cheesy, creamy dream that is Easy Creamy Beef and Shells, this slideshow is a one-way ticket to beef heaven. Maybe you’re in the mood for a spicy bowl of Classic Chili Con Carne, or perhaps a French Onion Salisbury Steak that’ll have you swooning? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back with Super Easy Ground Beef Tacos too—no judgment if you eat them all in one sitting. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, go for the Best Wagyu Meatloaf—because why settle for average when you can have the best? So, grab that ground beef and let’s get this party started—your taste buds will write you a thank-you note.

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie

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The image shows a plate of shepherd's pie and a side salad on a white dish, set on a rustic wooden table.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Traditional Irish Cottage Pie is a hearty classic that’s hard to resist. Seasoned ground beef simmers in a rich beef broth and red wine gravy, then gets crowned with creamy mashed russet and sweet potatoes. A quick broil with cheddar cheese seals the deal for a golden, comforting finish!

Get the Recipe: Cottage Pie

Easy Creamy Beef and Shells

Close-up of a dish featuring pasta shells mixed with ground meat in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with chopped herbs. The shells are thoroughly coated, and bits of onion and herbs are visible, adding texture and color.
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

In 30 minutes, you can have this creamy beef and shells recipe on the table! It’s a family friendly meal that’s easy to make and ultra comforting with inexpensive ground beef.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Beef and Shells

Classic Chili Con Carne

A bowl of chili con carne with kidney beans and ground meat served over white rice. The dish is garnished with chopped herbs, and a fork rests on the side of the bowl.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Classic Chili Con Carne is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for cozy nights or casual gatherings. Serve it with homemade corn muffins or layer it over Frito Pie to bring bold, comforting flavor to the table. This dish is perfect for sharing and savoring!

Get the Recipe: Chili Con Carne

French Onion Salisbury Steak

Salisbury Steak on a plate with onion gravy, mashed potatoes, and corn.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

French Onion Salisbury Steak with Gravy brings gourmet flavor without the price tag. Mixing hamburger steak with the savory goodness of French onion soup, this dish is a weeknight game-changer. Pair with cheesy toast, mashed potatoes, or a salad to make it a full meal!

Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Bolognese meat sauce on spaghetti being twirled on a fork.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese is the 30-minute meal you’ve been craving. A rich, flavorful meat sauce packed with Italian goodness, this dish is simple enough for beginners and tasty enough for seasoned chefs. Perfect for a fast family dinner!

Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Super Easy Ground Beef Tacos

Three tacos filled with ground beef, diced onions, lettuce, and topped with salsa, served on a white plate. Lime wedges and cilantro garnish the dish.
Photo credit: Salt and Lavender

This 30-minute ground beef taco recipe is affordable, so tasty, and is way better than other tacos since it uses a homemade seasoning mix! It’ll be a new favorite for taco night.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Ground Beef Tacos

The Best Wagyu Meatloaf

A wagyu meatloaf with a brown sugar tomato sauce topping in a copper baker.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Best Wagyu Meatloaf elevates the classic with rich, juicy American Wagyu beef. Simple seasonings bring out big flavor in this 2-pound loaf. Whether served fresh or cold in a sandwich, it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table!

Get the Recipe: Meatloaf

Middle Eastern Ground Beef Bowls

A plate with seasoned ground meat mixed with diced carrots on a bed of couscous, garnished with a dollop of yogurt sauce and a mint leaf. A lemon wedge is on the side, and a fork rests on the plate.
Photo credit: Chelsea Messy Apron

Middle Eastern Ground Beef Bowl is a flavorful blend of warming spices and savory ground beef. This dish comes together for a satisfying, aromatic meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious!
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Ground Beef Bowls

Chili Mac

A man's hand holding a fork and reaching into a bowl of chili macaroni with shredded cheese and sour cream on top.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

Chili Mac is the perfect quick fix for busy nights. With pasta, beef, and beans all in one pot, this dish is comforting, filling, and easy to clean up. It’s a stress-free meal that’s sure to satisfy!

Get the Recipe: Chili Mac

Ukrainian Holubtsi or Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage rolls in a decorative bowl, surrounded by a textured red candle and autumn decor, with a fork on the side.
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

Ukrainian Holubtsi (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls) bring homemade comfort to your table. Tender cabbage wraps a hearty mix of ground beef, rice, and onion, all baked in a sweet and savory sauce. Pair with mashed potatoes, beets, or hearty bread for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is comforting!

Get the Recipe: Cabbage Rolls

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Ground beef and tomatoes with feta cheese and green onions.
Photo credit: Downshiftology

Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry is a quick, healthy dinner that’s bursting with flavor. Packed with savory veggies and coastal seasonings, it’s a dish that doesn’t need sauce to shine. Simple, tasty, and ready in no time!

Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry

Loose Meat Sandwich (Maid-Rite Copycat)

A close-up of hands holding a freshly made loose meat sandwich. The sandwich features a fluffy bun filled with seasoned ground beef and onions. The background is slightly blurred, highlighting the focus on the sandwich.
Photo credit: Culinary Hill

Loose Meat Sandwiches bring the Iowa diner classic right to your kitchen. This easy ground beef recipe comes together in just 10 minutes for a quick, delicious meal. Perfect for when you want something simple but full of flavor!

Get the Recipe: Loose Meat Sandwich (Maid-Rite Copycat)

One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

A skillet filled with beef stroganoff, featuring wide egg noodles, ground beef, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. A wooden spoon rests in the skillet, garnished with chopped parsley.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

One-Skillet Ground Beef Stroganoff is creamy, savory comfort food that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Beef, mushrooms, and tender egg noodles come together for a flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for busy nights. One skillet, no fuss, just deliciousness!

Get the Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Pimento Cheeseburgers

Close-up of a juicy burger with a sesame seed bun, topped with melted cheese, chopped pickles, and nestled on crisp green lettuce. The burger patty is grilled, and the background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the fresh ingredients.
Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Pimento Cheeseburgers are the ultimate homemade burger with perfectly seasoned ground chuck patties and a creamy, addictive cheese spread. These burgers take comfort food to a whole new level!
Get the Recipe: Pimento Cheeseburgers

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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