So many of the best meals start with a humble package of ground beef. From burgers to bolognese, I’m celebrating that versatility with my favorite ground beef recipes on the blog.
Ground beef is a tried and true staple, which is why we’ve got so many ground beef recipes on the site ~ it’s inexpensive, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and it freezes well so you’re never very far from a delicious, satisfying meal if you’ve got a package of ground beef stashed away.
my favorite ground beef tips
Get creative with your grind!
- Ask your butcher (aka the guy/gal behind the meat counter) to grind different cuts of meat, like short ribs or brisket, for you. It’s an instant upgrade to your favorite ground beef recipes.
- You can also ask for a coarse grind, which gives great texture to chilis and helps the meat stand up to long cooking.
- When I make meatloaf or meatball recipes I use my stand mixer to combine the ingredients ~ it does a better quicker job than I can do with my hands.
- Basic seasoning guide per pound:
- Kosher salt: 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper: about 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic/onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon each
Chopped Steak with Mushrooms and Gravy
These Scandi style burgers are simple and delicious. Basic ingredients put together in a way you’ve probably never had before is my favorite kind of recipe to post (and eat!). PS, the gravy is insanely delish 🙂
The Best Cottage Pie
Traditional cottage pie is one of the world’s great comfort foods ~ ground beef in a rich gravy topped with creamy mashed potatoes, how could it be anything but fabulous? I got a little fancy and piped my mashed potatoes, but don’t let that throw you off. It’ll be just as good if you pile them on with a spoon.
Quick Korean Rice Bowls
Just 30 minutes to this bowl full of spicy, umami flavor. We make it on repeat all year long, changing out the veg to whatever’s in the refrigerator that day.
Easy Pasta Bolognese
A great tasting bolognese sauce doesn’t have to take all day. This easy version takes advantage of the big flavor payoff you get from ingredients like wine and fresh herbs, without a lot of effort!
Swedish Meatball Meatloaf
A creative take on everybody’s favorite meatball!
Stuffed Pepper Soup
This vibrant, flavorful soup is brimming with juicy peppers, savory ground beef and hearty rice. It’s got all the great flavors of a stuffed pepper, but without all the fuss of actually, you know, stuffing peppers.
Salisbury Steak Meatballs
For me meatballs are the ultimate ground beef recipe. I love all kinds of meatballs, and have many variations on the site. Pro tip: you can almost always substitute ground beef for recipes that call for ground lamb, or a mixture of pork and beef, if you need to. You’ll end up with a slightly different flavor profile and fat content, but no less of a tasty meal.
Perfect Patty Melts
Dinner doesn’t get any better, in my book, than a juicy grilled patty melt. A glorified burger? Maybe, but slathered with caramelized onions and lots of melty cheese, this is heaven on a weeknight!
Bourbon Glazed Meatloaf
Meatloaf might be kind of old-school these days, but a sweet, sticky bourbon glaze takes this family-friendly dish into the realm of modern classics. It’s one of the most popular ground beef recipes at tvfgi. Serve it with mashed potatoes, Hasselback Potatoes with Lemon Garlic Butter, or Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary.
Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
One of my favorite meals ever, this Eastern Europe inspired casserole has all the incredible flavors of the original dish, made into a family friendly dinner.
Stephanie’s Spiced Chili
This meaty chili is made with a uniquely delicious blend of seasonings and spices, it’s rich but not at all hot!
Chili Mac and Cheese
The dinner bell can’t come soon enough when this family favorite is on the menu. I use half ground beef and half tender chunks of beef for lots of flavorful texture in this dish.
A Classic Moussaka Recipe
I like to use ground beef instead of lamb to lighten this classic Greek casserole, it’s a family favorite!
The Korean rice bowls doesn’t seem to have a link to the recipe.
I fixed that, sorry!
I loved all of these! They are all on my favorites list and I do something similar with all of them. My mouth is now drooling.