Ground Beef Recipes Your Family Will Request Again and Again

BH&G Food Editors
·12 min read

Saucy Meatball Sandwich

Hollowing out the tops of the hoagie buns keeps the sauce from oozing out the sides (though have napkins nearby in case that happens anyway!).
Hollowing out the tops of the hoagie buns keeps the sauce from oozing out the sides (though have napkins nearby in case that happens anyway!).

Our fully loaded hoagie recipe with ground beef, garlic, and two jars of pasta sauce rivals anything from your corner deli. Simmer in a slow cooker, pile onto thick buns, and dig in. You're going to need more napkins to tackle this ground beef sandwich.

Stacked Sweet Corn, Bean, and Beef Casserole

Make this Mexican casserole recipe your own by customizing with your favorite cheese and beans. Whatever you choose, this beef casserole recipe will be a crowd-pleaser!
Make this Mexican casserole recipe your own by customizing with your favorite cheese and beans. Whatever you choose, this beef casserole recipe will be a crowd-pleaser!

Layers of peppery chorizo bulk up the ground beef filling and give it an extra kick in this Mexican ground beef recipe. It also includes a few other favorite ingredients from south-of-the-border cooking, like fresh corn, pinto beans, and zesty green salsa.

Related: Taco Recipes to Inspire You to Celebrate Taco Night All Week Long

Pasta and Meatballs Meat Loaf

Talk about a mash-up meal! Pasta, meat loaf, and an open-faced sandwich join forces in this family-friendly Italian dinner recipe.
Talk about a mash-up meal! Pasta, meat loaf, and an open-faced sandwich join forces in this family-friendly Italian dinner recipe.

Can't decide between meat loaf and Italian for dinner tonight? Make both! This ground beef recipe features homemade garlic butter and toasted bread crumbs for an irresistible topper. Serve on top of ciabatta or hoagie rolls for open-face sandwiches. The combo of meat loaf and carbs makes the ultimate comfort food.

Pasta with Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce is a hearty Italian mix of meat, veggies, wine, and cream. Serve it over your favorite cut of pasta for a classic comfort food dinner.
Bolognese sauce is a hearty Italian mix of meat, veggies, wine, and cream. Serve it over your favorite cut of pasta for a classic comfort food dinner.

Do you prefer sausage or ground beef in your spaghetti sauce? Either works marvelously in this Bolognese recipe. A variety of fresh Italian herbs, a splash of wine, and a hint of cream make this recipe stand out from every other spaghetti sauce with ground beef.

Sesame-Garlic Beef Tacos

A quick pickled slaw takes these ground beef tacos on a trip from Mexico to Asia.
A quick pickled slaw takes these ground beef tacos on a trip from Mexico to Asia.

Turn beef tacos into one of the best ground beef recipes ever by adding some Asian zing with soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Finish it with a quick pickled-cucumber slaw, and bite into your new favorite weeknight meal idea. Break out this ground beef taco recipe whenever you need a change from your usual routine or want to change up taco night with Asian-inspired flavors.

Pressure Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese

Toss classic chili ingredients ground beef and chili powder in the pressure cooker with classic mac and cheese ingredients pasta and cheese for a dinner mash up the entire family loves.
Toss classic chili ingredients ground beef and chili powder in the pressure cooker with classic mac and cheese ingredients pasta and cheese for a dinner mash up the entire family loves.

Classic comfort foods combine in this Southwestern-style update to an easy ground beef recipe. Instead of block cheese, we're using jarred salsa con queso and a shredded Mexican cheese blend to pair with the warm chili seasonings. Bonus: It only takes 15 minutes to cook in your electric pressure cooker!

Buy It: Instant Pot Duo 6-qt 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker, $79.99, Target

Cheeseburger-and-Fries Casserole

Even the name of this recipe sounds fun. This is a classic casserole that keeps coming back. Plus, all ages love it!
Even the name of this recipe sounds fun. This is a classic casserole that keeps coming back. Plus, all ages love it!

Enjoy this twist on an all-American classic any time of year. This cozy casserole recipe features all your favorite toppings: pickles, onions, tomatoes, and more. Plus, this ground beef casserole recipe is a simple way to satisfy your burger and fries craving without spending the night flipping patties on the grill.

Spicy Sloppy Joes

Pro Tip: This zesty sloppy joe meat makes excellent taco salads the next day.
Pro Tip: This zesty sloppy joe meat makes excellent taco salads the next day.

Medium or hot salsa adds a touch of heat to this classic ground beef favorite. Simmer the meat and veggie mixture for up to eight hours for a sandwich filling sure to the whole family. Or, if you're in more of a taco salad mood, skip the buns and serve a ground beef taco salad recipe with lettuce, crushed chips, and a dollop of sour cream.

Cabbage Roll Soup

Cabbage might give this soup its name, but ground beef makes it hearty. Serve this warm, comforting soup on a chilly winter night.
Cabbage might give this soup its name, but ground beef makes it hearty. Serve this warm, comforting soup on a chilly winter night.

If you love eating those little beef- and rice-stuffed bundles of cabbage but don't feel like taking the time to roll them, get all the same flavors in this soup. The ground beef, tomatoes, and brown rice combine for a comforting bowl of soup perfect for a cold night inside.

Beef and Black Bean Chili

Black beans make the perfect addition to a classic slow cooker chili. To finish it off, top with green onions and use toasted baguette slices for dipping.
Black beans make the perfect addition to a classic slow cooker chili. To finish it off, top with green onions and use toasted baguette slices for dipping.

Beans and ground beef are the stuff the best chilis are made of, but we didn't stop there. The secret ingredient in this hearty option? Cocoa powder. The bittersweet powder gives deep flavor to this ground beef chili recipe.

Hamburger Pie

Beef, green beans, and potatoes come together in a savory pie that is sure to satisfy the whole family.
Beef, green beans, and potatoes come together in a savory pie that is sure to satisfy the whole family.

Popular with our Better Homes & Gardens readers since the 1940s, this tried-and-true casserole recipe is perfect for potlucks or a family dinner. Ground beef and veggies are topped with mashed potatoes and shredded cheese before going in the oven.

Buy It: Anchor Hocking Glass 2-qt. Casserole Dish, $9.97, Walmart

Asian Burgers

Turn normal burgers off the grill into delicious Asian-inspired wonders by adding hoisin sauce and Chinese five-spice powder. Serve this easy burger recipe with red onion, pineapple, and snow peas in place of your usual cookout toppings.
Turn normal burgers off the grill into delicious Asian-inspired wonders by adding hoisin sauce and Chinese five-spice powder. Serve this easy burger recipe with red onion, pineapple, and snow peas in place of your usual cookout toppings.

Give your burger a burst of Asian flavor with the addition of hoisin and Chinese five-spice powder. Ground pork is added to the ground beef in this recipe before getting seared on your indoor grilling pan. Don't skip the grilled pineapple, either. It adds the perfect smoky-sweet finish to every bite.

Polenta with Ground Beef Ragout

Sliced polenta on the bottom and a spoonful of pesto or olive tapenade on top add a gourmet angle to this slow-simmered beef recipe.
Sliced polenta on the bottom and a spoonful of pesto or olive tapenade on top add a gourmet angle to this slow-simmered beef recipe.

Slow-simmered beef is the key to this protein-rich ragout recipe, and gives you more time to go about your day while the flavors develop. Using purchased polenta allows for shortened hands-on time, though you can definitely make your own if you keep cornmeal stocked.

Buy It: Crock-Pot 4-qt. Slow Cooker, $34.99, Bed Bath & Beyond

Sloppy Joe Hand Pies

It's a sloppy joe without as much mess! Neatly contained in a pastry packet, this take on a sloppy joe recipe is a fun one-handed entree.
It's a sloppy joe without as much mess! Neatly contained in a pastry packet, this take on a sloppy joe recipe is a fun one-handed entree.

Take the mess out of traditional sloppy joe recipes by turning them into easy-to-eat hand pies. Similar to an empanada, these pastry pockets seal in a filling of savory ground beef, sweet pepper, and pickle. This chili-spiced ground beef recipe is one the whole family will enjoy eating.

One-Pot Spaghetti

No need to worry about a separate pan to boil spaghetti. The noodles cook right in the sauce in this no-fuss dinner recipe.
No need to worry about a separate pan to boil spaghetti. The noodles cook right in the sauce in this no-fuss dinner recipe.

That's right, just one pot! For a hassle-free dinner tonight, try this easy spaghetti recipe with ground beef and mushrooms. Rather than tossing together the noodles and sauce at the end, your spaghetti cooks right in the ground beef sauce so you can skip the step of cooking and draining the pasta.

Deep-Dish Cheeseburger Pizza Casserole

Start to finish:

This easy casserole recipe is like three dishes in one! Besides being an simple weeknight casserole, it also includes everything we love about cheeseburgers and deep-dish pizza (mainly lots and lots of cheese).
This easy casserole recipe is like three dishes in one! Besides being an simple weeknight casserole, it also includes everything we love about cheeseburgers and deep-dish pizza (mainly lots and lots of cheese).

Food mash-ups of our favorite American eats? Yes, please! This deep dish casserole is filled with ground beef, sausage, pizza sauce, and all the best burger fixings. If you're a meal planner, this is a freezer-friendly recipe to save for later.

Related: 38 of Our Best Casserole Recipes

Inside-Out Spaghetti Pie

Now here's a savory pie everyone will devour! A beefy "crust" filled with spaghetti, cheese, and sauce makes a unique twist on your typical spaghetti dinner recipe.
Now here's a savory pie everyone will devour! A beefy "crust" filled with spaghetti, cheese, and sauce makes a unique twist on your typical spaghetti dinner recipe.

Classic spaghetti and meatballs are getting a whole new look. Instead of mixing meatballs in with your noodles, this ground beef recipe turns them into a meaty "crust." Then you fill the insides with plenty of spaghetti, tomato sauce, and ooey-gooey cheese.

Buy It: Cuisinart Deep Dish Pie Pan, $10.99, Macy's

Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

You can use either white or yellow corn tortillas for this layered Mexican-style dish. While yellow corn tortillas are a little more earthy and rustic, white corn tortillas are lighter and more finely textured.
You can use either white or yellow corn tortillas for this layered Mexican-style dish. While yellow corn tortillas are a little more earthy and rustic, white corn tortillas are lighter and more finely textured.

When you're in the mood for Mexican food, start with this delicious casserole recipe with ground beef. Use the make-ahead directions to prep this ground beef casserole up to 24 hours in advance, then just pop it in the oven when you're ready for dinner.

Buy It: Pyrex Basics 3-Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish, $10.99, Target

Mini-Meatball Pizza

This is comfort food at its best: seasoned meatballs cut in half and scattered on top of a saucy pizza.
This is comfort food at its best: seasoned meatballs cut in half and scattered on top of a saucy pizza.

Step aside sausage and pepperoni, this ground beef pizza is giving traditional pizza recipes a new look. Nothing beats a homemade pizza done right, and this one has made-from-scratch crust and meatballs. Add garlic and Romano cheese to your ground beef to make them even more irresistible.

Mexicali Hamburger Casserole

Hamburger, salsa, and corn are covered with corn bread for a bake that's homey and quick.
Hamburger, salsa, and corn are covered with corn bread for a bake that's homey and quick.

Pantry ingredients such as bottled salsa and canned corn make this an easy casserole recipe to prepare on even the busiest weeknight. A cornbread topper adds a homey touch. In about an hour, this ground beef casserole is ready to satisfy all the rumbling stomachs at your table.

Related: Shockingly Good Pantry Recipes You Can Whip Up with Staple Ingredients

Moussaka

Traditional Moussaka, a Middle Eastern entree, features ground meat, eggplant, and a creamy sauce. If you're intimidated by lamb recipes, this delicious Lebanese Moussaka recipe is a great place to start.
Traditional Moussaka, a Middle Eastern entree, features ground meat, eggplant, and a creamy sauce. If you're intimidated by lamb recipes, this delicious Lebanese Moussaka recipe is a great place to start.

This Middle Eastern main dish just might become your new favorite comfort food. Traditionally made with ground lamb, substitute ground beef for an equally delicious result. The homemade cheesy cream sauce (with a hint of cinnamon) really makes this ethnic dish unforgettable.

Related: 13 Ethnic-Inspired Casseroles

Grilled Meat Loaf Burgers

Two classic comfort foods combine in this grilled sandwich that will surely be a favorite at your next backyard barbecue! Serve with grilled pototoes or crispy chips.
Two classic comfort foods combine in this grilled sandwich that will surely be a favorite at your next backyard barbecue! Serve with grilled pototoes or crispy chips.

Throw these meat loaf burgers on the grill for an easy way to put that ground beef to use. Mixing egg, chopped onion, bread crumbs, and a few other flavor-boosting ingredients into your burger makes each patty taste like a mini meat loaf.

Buy It: Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill, $74, Walmart

Taco Pie with Avocado Pie Crust

Use half avocado and half shortening for a flaky, savory crust that's the perfect partner for a taco-flavored beef and black bean filling.
Use half avocado and half shortening for a flaky, savory crust that's the perfect partner for a taco-flavored beef and black bean filling.

Rather than choosing between hard and soft shells, serve this ground beef taco recipe in pie form. Fill a flaky pastry crust (with avocado mixed in) with ground beef, black beans, and plenty of melty cheese. If you want more traditional taco fillings, serve them on top of your slice; try lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.

Skillet Lasagna

Make this easy, indulgent-tasting skillet lasagna with extra-lean ground beef, ground turkey breast, or ground turkey breast.
Make this easy, indulgent-tasting skillet lasagna with extra-lean ground beef, ground turkey breast, or ground turkey breast.

Lasagna is a classic recipe loved by many, but hard to get on the table in a timely manner. But if you have 30 minutes, you have enough time to get make this easy lasagna recipe from start-to-finish. Use lean ground beef and light sauce to make this a healthy one-dish dinner.

All-American Cheeseburger Soup

Here's a fun and tasty soup recipe the whole family can enjoy! For the full cheeseburger effect, serve this cheeseburger soup with a side of toasted buns and all the sandwich fixings.
Here's a fun and tasty soup recipe the whole family can enjoy! For the full cheeseburger effect, serve this cheeseburger soup with a side of toasted buns and all the sandwich fixings.

Thick, melty cheese makes this more of a ground beef stew than soup, and it's packed with all the classic burger fixings: pickles, ketchup, and mustard, as well as a side of roasted potato wedges. This ground beef soup recipe tastes so much like a burger that you'll be surprised that you need a spoon.

Skillet Tostadas

Corn tortillas are typically used in tostadas, which are simply open-faced tacos. You can find tostada shells in the grocery store, or you can create your own by crisping up corn tortillas in hot oil in a skillet.
Corn tortillas are typically used in tostadas, which are simply open-faced tacos. You can find tostada shells in the grocery store, or you can create your own by crisping up corn tortillas in hot oil in a skillet.

Yes, it is possible to have a tasty Mexican dinner on your table in 25 minutes. Mix up this Mexican ground beef recipe with beans and nacho cheese, then serve it serve tostada-style.

Baked Beef Ravioli

Easy casseroles don't get much better than this weeknight-ready dinner recipe. With only 20 minutes of prep time, you'll have a hearty pasta dish in front of you in no time.
Easy casseroles don't get much better than this weeknight-ready dinner recipe. With only 20 minutes of prep time, you'll have a hearty pasta dish in front of you in no time.

Italian comfort food at its finest, our delicious meaty casserole recipe features cheese-filled ravioli topped with both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Even better, this easy ground beef recipe comes together in only 40 minutes.

Related: Mix-and-Match Ravioli Fillings and Sauces

Rolled Lasagna Florentine

Lasagna is the perfect freezer meal. Make this rolled version with spinach on a rainy day to have on hand the next day your schedule is too busy to make dinner.
Lasagna is the perfect freezer meal. Make this rolled version with spinach on a rainy day to have on hand the next day your schedule is too busy to make dinner.

Cheesy spinach-and-ricotta-stuffed pasta rolls turn into a truly special weeknight recipe with ground beef and tomato toppers, plus a handful of melted Parmesan. Serving this ground beef lasagna recipe in rolls instead of layers makes it feel like a special-occasion meal (without much extra prep).

Pizza-Topped Meat Loaf

Sausage, basil, and plenty of cheese help this meat loaf recipe look (and taste) just like pizza.
Sausage, basil, and plenty of cheese help this meat loaf recipe look (and taste) just like pizza.

Why top a pizza with ground beef when you can make a pizza out of ground beef? Rather than a traditional pizza crust, we flattened a meat loaf to create the base for this pizza recipe. Once you top this fun ground beef recipe with fresh tomato slices, mozzarella, and basil, each slice looks like a thick piece of pizza (with a lot less carbs!).