5 Must-Try Ground Beef Recipes for Your Dinner Rotation

Ground beef has long been a beloved choice for family dinners, and for good reason. It’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that allows for a wide range of dishes, from classic meatballs and meatloaf to hearty bolognese and juicy burgers. If you find yourself in need of fresh inspiration for your dinner table, consider these five easy and delicious recipes featuring ground beef that are sure to become staples in your meal rotation. From comforting Salisbury steak and shepherd’s pie to fun options like nacho casserole and smashburger tacos, these dishes are quick to prepare and packed with flavor.

Nacho Casserole Recipe

Nacho casserole is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of nachos with a hearty beef mixture. This recipe utilizes seasoned black beans, which come in a savory sauce, adding depth to the dish. If you prefer, you can substitute them with your favorite canned beans, just be sure to rinse and drain them to remove excess starch and salt.

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 1 pound ground beef (any fat content)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ½ cup salsa (your choice)
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 15-ounce can seasoned black beans (do not drain)
• 3 cups crushed tortilla chips (divided)
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Avocado
• Black olives
• Green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Fresh or pickled hot peppers (like jalapeño)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and coat a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Mix in the salsa, tomato sauce, and black beans. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
5. Layer 1 cup of tortilla chips in the bottom of the prepared pan, followed by half of the beef mixture, then another cup of chips, and 1½ cups of cheese. Repeat with the remaining beef, chips, and cheese.
6. Cover with foil (spray the foil with cooking spray to avoid sticking) and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
7. Top with desired toppings and serve hot.

Sloppy Joe Recipe

Sloppy Joes are a classic comfort food that can be prepared in advance. Simply make the beef mixture, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (2 cups) tomato sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ⅓ cup chopped white onion
• 1 small green bell pepper (seeded and finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 hamburger buns (toasted if desired)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 3-5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the tomato mixture and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until thickened, adding water or beef broth if it gets too thick.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve on toasted buns.

Salisbury Steak Recipe

Salisbury steak is a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with gravy. It’s perfect served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, making for a hearty meal. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredients:

• For the Steaks:
• 1¼ pounds lean ground beef
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• For the Gravy:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup sliced yellow onion
• 6 ounces cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all steak ingredients (except olive oil), seasoning with salt and pepper. Mix gently and form into 4 oval patties.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3 minutes on each side until browned. Transfer to a plate.
3. In the same pan, add olive oil and onion, cooking for 3-5 minutes until soft. Add mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Stir in butter until melted, then add flour and mix well.
5. Gradually add broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return the patties to the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes until cooked through and gravy thickens. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

This classic dish is not only easy to make but can also be prepared in advance. The beef filling and mashed potatoes can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Here’s how to create a comforting shepherd’s pie that will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• For the Beef Filling:
• 1 pound lean ground beef or lamb
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed peas and carrots

• ½ cup frozen corn

• For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
• ⅓ cup half and half
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine beef and baking soda. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft. Add the beef and cook until no longer pink. Stir in garlic and herbs, cooking for another minute.
4. Add flour, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Add frozen vegetables and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. For the mashed potatoes, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Add butter, half and half, garlic powder, and mash until smooth. Stir in Parmesan.
6. Layer the beef mixture in an ovenproof dish and spread the mashed potatoes on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Smashburger Taco Recipe

For a unique twist on traditional tacos, consider these smashburger tacos. They combine the deliciousness of a smash burger with the convenience of a taco.

Ingredients:

• For the Sauce:
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)

• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (to taste)

  

• For the Smashburger Tacos:

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Neutral oil for the pan
• 4 (6-inch) tortillas (flour or corn)
• 4 slices cheese (American or your choice)

Topping Ideas:

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced red onion
• Diced tomatoes
• Avocado
• Hot peppers

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine ground beef, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Form into four equal patties.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties, pressing down with a spatula or press until thin. Cook for 2-3 minutes until seared.
4. Flip the patties, top with cheese, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and tortillas are golden.
5. Remove from heat, add sauce and toppings, and enjoy your smashburger tacos!

These five recipes not only bring a variety of flavors to the table but also make meal prep easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just cooking for yourself, these ground beef dishes will surely satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the process of cooking and the delightful results that follow!