Ground Beef Wizardry: 17 Recipes That’ll Make Your Family Believe In Magic

Ever look at that package of ground beef and think, “Burgers again?” Well, think again! Here are 17 recipes that flip the script and turn that humble meat into something worth talking about. From the ‘been there’ to the ‘who knew you could do that?’, these recipes are your ticket to becoming a ground beef wizard.

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for some Italian comfort without hopping on a plane, Pasta e Fagioli Soup is your ticket. This isn’t just soup; it’s a hearty meal that combines pasta, beans, and ground beef in a way that’ll warm you up from the inside out. It’s like bringing the Italian countryside to your kitchen table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Transform pizza night with Pizza Casserole, a dish that takes all the beloved flavors of pizza and wraps them up in a comforting, oven-baked package. Ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings come together in a way that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Pizza night will never be the same again.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Salisbury Steak With Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak With Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Comfort food at its finest, Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms brings the classic diner favorite right to your home. This dish pairs ground beef steaks with a rich mushroom gravy, promising a meal that’s both filling and soul-warming. It’s a ticket back to those childhood dinners, but with a flavor that’s all grown up.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak With Mushrooms

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Cheeseburger Casserole is exactly what it sounds like – all the delicious elements of a cheeseburger in casserole form. This dish takes the classic flavors everyone loves and layers them into something incredibly comforting. It’s a fun twist on burger night that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A plate of Salisbury steak with gravy on mashed potatoes, and a side of peas on a white square dish. The meal is set on a white wooden table beside silver cutlery and a floral napkin.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bringing the essence of the diner right to your dining room, Diner Style Salisbury Steak is the epitome of Americana comfort food. This version features a flavorful ground beef steak smothered in gravy, making every bite a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s like having a 50s diner at home, minus the jukebox.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A serving of Sloppy Joe Casserole pasta with meat on a plate with a fork.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a delicious twist on a classic, check out Sloppy Joe Casserole. It’s all the tasty goodness of sloppy Joes but baked into a casserole that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. This dish packs a flavorful punch in a form that’s surprisingly neat to eat. Wave goodbye to messy sandwiches; this is a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Beef and Barley Soup

A bowl of Beef and Barley Soup with a burger on a long white tray.
Beef and Barley Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Beef and Barley Soup is the definition of a hearty meal that’ll keep you cozy on those chilly evenings. With tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and barley, it’s a well-rounded soup that’s so much more than broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl, ready to make any day better. Just the thing when you need a bit of warmth.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

A plate of cooked ground beef mixed with diced vegetables and garnished with lime wedges and chopped herbs. A red striped cloth is placed beside the plate.
Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bite into the vibrant flavors of Mexico with Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef. This dish offers ground beef seasoned with traditional spices, making it the perfect filling for tacos, burritos, or even just served over rice. It’s a simple way to serve some international flair. Expect requests for this one on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Carne Molida: Mexican Ground Beef

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Take your burger experience to the next level with Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. These aren’t your ordinary patties; they’re wrapped in bacon and packed with flavor, making every bite a mini celebration. It’s like discovering the secret to burger happiness. Be prepared for them to bring some magic.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Spaghetti with meat and cheese in a baking dish
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Amp up spaghetti night with Million Dollar Spaghetti, a dish that takes everything you love about spaghetti and bakes it into a cheesy, creamy casserole. This isn’t your average pasta dish; it’s a step up that’s bound to make an impression. It’s like turning spaghetti into a treasure hunt, where every forkful is a find.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A staple of the Midwest, Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich is a comfort food that’s easy to make and even easier to love. This version brings the classic taste of the Maid-Rite sandwich to your kitchen, with seasoned ground beef held by a bun. It’s simple, delicious, and uniquely filling.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup in two serving bowls.
Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Imagine all the best parts of a cheeseburger distilled into a comforting bowl of soup, and you have Cheeseburger Soup. This dish combines ground beef, cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings in a spoonable form. It’s quirky, fun, and utterly mouthwatering. A definite way to spice up your soup routine.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy, golden, and filled with flavor, Tacos Dorados are the answer when you’re craving something a bit crunchier. Stuffed with seasoned ground beef and fried to perfection, they’re a delicious twist on the traditional taco. It’s like biting into a little piece of heaven. Just the thing to liven up taco night.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Smoked Meatballs

Smoked meatballs in a dish with grilled bread.
Smoked Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want a show-stopping appetizer or a unique twist on dinner? Smoked Meatballs have you covered. These are not your grandma’s meatballs; smoking them adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s like discovering a whole new level of meatballs. Watch them vanish the moment they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas are proof of the wonders of the air fryer, turning a traditional dish into an easy, weeknight meal. This version packs a flavorful ground beef mixture into a crispy, golden shell. It’s a crunchy, tangy treat that will impress. Who knew empanadas could be this simple and delicious?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with several meatballs covered in tomato sauce, garnished with chopped basil.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fun and fuss-free, your family will love Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. These meatballs get their name from the rice that sticks out, making them look like little porcupines. They’re tasty, easy to make, and perfect for those busy days. It’s like setting a cooking trap that everyone will want to fall into.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Shepherd’s Pie Bites

Shepherd's Pie Bites on a black platter.
Shepherd’s Pie Bites. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a bite-sized twist on a classic dish, try these cute and irresistible Shepherd’s Pie Bites. These are all the cozy flavors of shepherd’s pie, packed into mini, bite-sized portions. It’s comfort food that’s both fun to eat and serve. An amazing way to make dinner time a little more magical.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie Bites

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