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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    28 Ground Beef Dishes That Might Surprise You

    Published: Apr 20, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes beyond the usual burgers and meatloaf. From comforting casseroles to unexpected international recipes, there are plenty of creative ways to use this staple. Here are 28 surprising ground beef dishes that will inspire you to try something new in the kitchen.

    Cheeseburger Soup

    CHEESEBURGER SOUP.
    Photo credit: Wholesome Yum.

    Cheeseburger soup is a warm and satisfying dish that brings all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a bowl. It's hearty, nutritious, and can be made in just 20 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ground beef is sautéed with chopped onion and then combined in the crock pot with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, cream cheese, and spices. This is a simple and tasty taco soup that's perfect for any meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

    Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cupcakes and Kale Chips.

    This dish is packed with savory flavors and cheesy goodness, making it a real treat. It's a great choice for a weeknight family dinner and is sure to bring comfort to the table.

    Get the Recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are easy to make and can be done in less than an hour. You can prepare them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, and they'll turn out juicy and full of flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Pesto Hamburger Noodle Casserole

    Cheesy Pesto Hamburger Noodle Casserole on a pan.
    Photo Credit: Eat Move Make.

    This cheesy pesto hamburger noodle casserole is a step up from your usual boxed meals. It's packed with more flavor and excitement thanks to the special seasoning blends.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Stroganoff

    Ground Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This flavorful stroganoff is a great dinner option that packs a punch without taking up too much of your time. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Big Mac Casserole

    A plate of Big Mac casserole.
    Photo Credit: Mary's Whole Life.

    This Big Mac casserole combines the classic flavors of a Big Mac into a delicious baked dish. It features lean ground beef, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and a tasty high-protein version of Big Mac sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Recipe Well.

    Stuffed Pepper Soup has all the flavors of stuffed peppers but is much simpler to prepare. With bell peppers, ground beef or turkey, rice, and beans, this soup is a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Spaghetti Bolognese Bake

    Spaghetti Bolognese Bake.
    Photo Credit: Slow the Cook Down.

    This spaghetti bolognese bake is a comforting family meal that's sure to please everyone. With a hearty meat sauce mixed with spaghetti and topped with cheese, it's baked until bubbly and delicious.

    Get the Recipe

    Potato Ground Beef Casserole

    Ground Beef Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    This ground beef casserole is a family favorite that's sure to please everyone. It features browned beef in a tasty tomato sauce, layered with filling potatoes and topped with melted cheese.

    Get the Recipe

    Quick Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles

    Quick Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar.

    15-minute Mongolian beef noodles are great for busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious meal. This dish is easy to make and full of flavor.

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Beef Alfredo

    Ground Beef Alfredo.
    Photo Credit: Mighty Spatula.

    This creamy ground beef alfredo is a classic dinner that's super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It's sure to be a hit and will quickly become a regular meal in your home!

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Beef Fajitas

    Ground beef fajitas served on a tortilla.
    Photo Credit: Cook Dinner Tonight.

    Ground beef fajitas are a fast and simple dinner option. This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This easy soup is packed with flavor and cooked in a slow cooker. It features fire roasted corn, fresh salsa, and whole black olives.

    Get the Recipe

    Smash Burgers

    Easy Smash Burger Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Burgers can be enjoyed any time of year, and you don't need a grill to make them. These smash burgers are quick and easy, cooked in butter on your stovetop, and ready in about 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Macaroni

    Dutch oven with Cheeseburger Macaroni.
    Photo Credit: Homemade Hooplah.

    This cheeseburger macaroni is a simple dinner option that everyone will enjoy. It combines soft pasta and seasoned ground beef, all topped with gooey cheese, and can be prepared in just one pan.

    Get the recipe

    Arayes

    Arayes.
    Photo credit: Dana's Table.

    Middle Eastern arayes are crispy pita pockets stuffed with tasty, seasoned ground beef. They're perfect for grilling in the summer or can be easily made indoors any time of the year.

    Get the recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant moussaka.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a hearty dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef, all topped with plenty of cheese. This version skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead for a tasty and healthy Mediterranean meal that's easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Cowboy Meatloaf Mashed Potato Casserole

    Cowboy Meatloaf Mashed Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over.

    The Cowboy Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty dish that combines classic comfort food with a Western twist. It features savory meatloaf covered in creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and crispy bacon, all baked until golden and delicious.

    Get the Recipe

    Cottage Cheese Lasagna

    Cottage Cheese Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Ambitious Foodie.

    Cottage cheese lasagna is a simple and satisfying dish that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table. You can prepare it up to five days ahead, making it perfect for enjoying a hearty meal whenever it suits you.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Taco Beef Ramen

    Slow Cooker Taco Beef Ramen.
    Photo Credit: The Lazy Slow Cooker.

    This dish is a winner. Ground beef cooks with tasty taco seasoning, tomatoes, and corn, while the ramen noodles simmer right in the slow cooker, creating a simple one-pot meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Taco Pasta Salad

    Taco Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Recipes from a Pantry.

    Taco Pasta Salad with Doritos is a simple dish that's great for potlucks, BBQs, or family get-togethers. You can easily adjust the amount to serve more people or just whip up a smaller batch when you're in the mood for some tasty Mexican flavors.

    Get the Recipe

    Chili Mac and Cheese

    Chili Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: This View from Great Island.

    Chili Mac and Cheese is a cozy meal that combines hearty chili, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese. It's a great choice for Game Day or any day of the week!

    Get the Recipe

    Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

    CABBAGE ROLL IN A BOWL.
    Photo credit: Rustic Foodie.

    This savory Cabbage Roll In A Bowl is great for an easy dinner! It's made with ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, garlic, onions, and apple cider vinegar.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Enchilada Pasta

    One Pot Enchilada Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Dance Around the Kitchen.

    This creamy one-pot pasta combines all the delicious flavors of beef and cheese enchiladas. It's a simple and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Mexican Bubble Up Casserole

    Bubble up casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This casserole combines the rich flavors of Tex-Mex with the comfort of a pizza, all cooked slowly to bring out the best in every ingredient. With just five simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that's perfect for any night.

    Get the Recipe

    Lasagna without Ricotta

    Lasagna without Ricotta.
    Photo Credit: Elle and Pear.

    This lasagna swaps out ricotta for a creamy béchamel sauce, layered with a hearty meat sauce. It features three layers of meat sauce and béchamel, all topped with crispy, golden parmesan cheese.

    Get the Recipe

    Baked Anelletti

    Baked Anelletti.
    Photo Credit: Like Mother Like Daughter.

    Baked anelletti is a filling and cozy pasta dish that's sure to satisfy. It's layered with a savory meat and tomato sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and cheese, then baked until golden.

    Get the Recipe

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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