16 Ground Beef Dinners That Are Anything But Basic

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Ground beef is the unsung hero of weeknight dinners—affordable, versatile, and always ready to deliver big flavor. Whether you’re craving a hearty chili, a comforting pasta dish, or something with a little crunch like crispy taquitos, this roundup has you covered. From classic favorites like spaghetti and meatballs to creative twists like Doritos taco salad, these recipes prove that ground beef can do it all. Let’s dig into these deliciously satisfying dishes!

Salisbury Steak

Delight your family with this amazing Salisbury Steak recipe, ready in just 30 minutes! Transform your weeknights into a delicious culinary experience that everyone will love!

Get The Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Hamburger Rice

A close-up of a dish featuring rice mixed with ground meat, mushrooms, and garnished with fresh parsley. Sliced carrots and pieces of cooked vegetables are visible on a green plate. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This tasty hamburger and rice recipe comes together in a flash, bursting with flavor and using just a few dishes. With tender ground beef, fluffy rice, and a sprinkle of magic (okay, fine, it’s just some yummy seasonings), this meal is sure to satisfy any busy night!

Get The Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Cincinnati Chili

Looking for a unique and flavorful dinner option? This Cincinnati Chili recipe features a sweet and savory sauce made with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, served over spaghetti and topped with cheddar cheese and onions. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Cincinnati Chili

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

A close-up of spaghetti bolognese topped with grated cheese highlights this classic ground beef recipe. The dish features spaghetti noodles mixed with a savory meat and tomato sauce, garnished with shredded cheese, creating a hearty and appetizing appearance. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Whip up this speedy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe and you’ll have a meat sauce so packed with Italian flavor, it might just start singing opera! Ready in just 30 minutes—because who has time to wait for deliciousness?

Get The Recipe: Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic Chili Con Carne

A bowl of chili con carne served over white rice, garnished with chopped herbs. The dish includes kidney beans and ground meat in a rich, red sauce. A fork is placed beside the chili in the bowl. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort! This Classic Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful favorite that’s perfect for family dinners or laid-back gatherings with friends.

Get The Recipe: Chili Con Carne

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Skip the jar! These homemade Italian meatballs are simmered in rich spaghetti sauce for a taste of authentic Italian comfort food.

Get The Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Smash Burgers

smash burger on cutting board — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

Get ready for your new favorite burger recipe: smash burgers! These burgers feature crispy edges and a juicy middle that are sure to satisfy. Top with your favorite toppings and condiments!
Get the Recipe: Smash Burgers

Chopped Cheese

Craving a classic NYC bodega sandwich? This chopped cheese recipe delivers that iconic taste in just 10 minutes! Made with seasoned ground beef, melted American cheese, and your favorite toppings all piled high on a toasted hoagie, it’s a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Cheese

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Craving a Philly Cheesesteak but want something a little different? These Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes combine the classic flavors of juicy beef, peppers, and onions with a tangy sloppy joe sauce, all piled high on a toasted brioche bun with melted provolone. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on two comfort food favorites!
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Chili Mac (One Pot Recipe)

a pot of chili mac next to a plate — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This one-pot chili mac is the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re short on time! Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines classic chili flavors with the comforting goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s a kid-friendly meal that the whole family will love, plus, clean up is a breeze!
Get the Recipe: Chili Mac (One Pot Recipe)

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

close up of beef and potatoes on a spatula. — Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

This Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin is the perfect hearty meal! Made from scratch with simple ingredients, it’s an easy and comforting dish that the whole family will love. Let your slow cooker do the work for a delicious dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Person holding up plate filled with sweet pepper, avocado, and sweet potato — Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

These taco stuffed bell peppers are a healthy and delicious dinner option that are perfect for meal prep. The recipe includes flavorful taco-seasoned ground beef, sweet potatoes, and your favorite toppings, all baked on one pan for easy cleanup!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Bell Peppers

Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in a large white pot. — Photo credit: Cooking Classy

This Pasta e Fagioli Soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is an Olive Garden copycat and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This soup is packed with flavor and is surprisingly easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}

Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos

Cooked Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos with tomatoes and cilantro. — Photo credit: Carlsbad Cravings

These Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos are ready in under 30 minutes and are bursting with creamy, cheesy, spicy beef. Wrapped in crispy tortillas, they’re perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Jalapeno Popper Beef Taquitos

Doritos Taco Salad

An image of a bowl of taco salad with doritos, taco meat, chopped tomatoes, and green onions. — Photo credit: House of Nash Eats

This Doritos Taco Salad is a Tex-Mex delight, packed with seasoned ground beef, kidney beans, cheese, and fresh veggies, all topped with crunchy Nacho Cheese Doritos. It’s a fun and flavorful twist on a classic taco salad that’s perfect for summer dinners or holiday gatherings. Serve with Thousand Island dressing for a complete and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Doritos Taco Salad

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. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

A comfort food classic, this cottage pie is pure coziness. Savory ground beef, carrots, onions, and peas simmer in rich gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes baked to golden perfection. Hearty, delicious, and soul-warming, it’s the ultimate craving-satisfier.

Get The Recipe: Traditional Cottage Pie