From Comfort Food to Classics, 18 Ground Beef Dishes to Try

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Ground beef is the kitchen MVP that makes weeknight cooking a breeze! This collection of 18 delicious recipes will show you just how versatile it can be. From comforting classics like spaghetti and meatballs and traditional cottage pie to bold flavors in dishes like Mongolian ground beef and taco mac and cheese, there’s something for every craving. Whether you’re after quick, easy dinners or hearty family favorites, these recipes are packed with flavor and guaranteed to please. Which one will you try first?

Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese twirled on a fork — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Craving a hearty Italian meal but short on time? This Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese recipe delivers a rich, flavorful meat sauce in just 30 minutes! Serve it over spaghetti with a generous sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

Classic Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne in a bowl with rice — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Classic Chili Con Carne recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Hearty and flavorful, it combines ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of spices in a rich tomato base. Top with fresh parsley for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Chili Con Carne

Spaghetti and Meatballs

This classic Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe features flavorful homemade meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Served over a bed of spaghetti, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings. It can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

This traditional homemade meatloaf recipe is the ultimate comfort food! It’s incredibly juicy and flavorful, topped with a caramelized shiny glaze that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a game-day gathering.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Homemade Meatloaf

Salisbury Steak

a ground beef patty in mushroom gravy — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Salisbury Steak recipe is a quick and easy way to get a comforting meal on the table in just 30 minutes! Made with lean ground beef and a savory mushroom gravy, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

Hamburger and Rice

This Hamburger and Rice recipe is a comforting and satisfying one-pot meal. Tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and fluffy rice come together for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger and Rice

Italian Meatloaf

This Italian Meatloaf recipe takes the classic comfort food and infuses it with Italian flavors. Packed with ground beef, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of marinara sauce, this meatloaf is sure to be a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Italian Meatloaf

Traditional Cottage Pie

This Traditional Cottage Pie recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring a savory beef filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection, it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner or game day gathering. This classic dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Traditional Cottage Pie

One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

A pan of Hamburger Stroganoff with noodles in a skillet. — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This One-Pot Hamburger Stroganoff is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! It features a creamy, flavorful sauce made with ground beef, mushrooms, and sour cream, all cooked together with egg noodles in one skillet. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Hamburger Stroganoff

Ultimate Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie topped with slice potatoes and cheese — Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Cottage Pie recipe puts a modern spin on a British classic. It’s packed with ground beef, mushrooms, and veggies, and topped with a cheesy, creamy, sliced potato gratin. It’s comfort food perfection!
Get the Recipe: Ultimate Cottage Pie

Mongolian Ground Beef

This quick and easy Mongolian Ground Beef recipe is a weeknight winner! Combining ground beef with a flavorful stir-fry sauce and green onions, it’s a simple one-pan meal that’s ready in minutes and perfect for meal prep. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Ground Beef

Taco Mac and Cheese

A skillet filled with macaroni and cheese. — Photo credit: The Cookie Rookie

This Taco Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect marriage of comfort food and Tex-Mex flavors! It’s a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Get ready for a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Taco Mac and Cheese

One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Beef Pasta

beef and spinach pasta in a pot — Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This one-pot cheesy mushroom spinach beef pasta is a hearty and comforting meal that the whole family will love. With savory mushrooms, layers of cheese, and tender egg noodles, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can be made in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Mushroom Spinach Beef Pasta

Frito Pies

overhead shot of slow cooker frito pie in a bowl. — Photo credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Enjoy a fuss-free dinner with these Slow Cooker Frito Pies! This recipe combines ground beef, beans, and a medley of delicious spices, all cooked together in your slow cooker. Top with Fritos, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.
Get the Recipe: Frito Pies

EASIEST Hamburger Helper

Overhead Image of easy Hamburger Helper in a Pot – one-pot comfort food — Photo credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

This homemade Hamburger Helper is the ultimate comfort food and is ready in just 30 minutes! It’s made in one pot for easy cleanup and loaded with cheesy goodness. This recipe is a guaranteed family favorite!
Get the Recipe: EASIEST Hamburger Helper

Beef Lentil Soup

This Beef Lentil Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting dinner. Packed with tender beef, healthy lentils, and a medley of aromatic spices, this one-pot meal is both nutritious and delicious. Top it off with a refreshing mint yogurt sauce and a squeeze of lemon for an extra burst of flavor!
Get the Recipe: Beef Lentil Soup

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 that’s sure to please. It’s packed with ground beef, vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs in a tomato-based broth. This Olive Garden copycat recipe is a family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup {Olive Garden Copycat Recipe}