When you’re looking for a dinner that’s both satisfying and easy on the wallet, ground beef casseroles are a great option. They bring comfort to the table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. These recipes transform simple ingredients into hearty dishes that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something cozy and delicious, these casseroles will quickly become a staple in your home.
Steps
- Hamburger and Macaroni
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add cooked macaroni, canned tomatoes, and seasonings to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined, then serve.
- Easy Hamburger Soup
- Cook ground beef in a pot until browned. Stir in beef broth, mixed vegetables, and seasonings. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, and serve hot with rolls or crackers.
- Stovetop Taco Soup
- Brown ground beef in a large pot. Add canned beans, corn, tomatoes, and taco seasonings, then simmer. Serve the soup with toppings like sour cream and cheese, if desired.
- Ground Beef Bulgogi
- Cook ground beef in a skillet with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger until browned. Serve the beef in lettuce wraps or use it as a filling for Korean tacos. Pair with fresh vegetables for balance.
- Dad’s Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of cooked ground beef, rice, and seasonings. Top with ketchup, if desired, and bake until the peppers are tender.
- Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Cook ground beef with onions and peas, then spread in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until the top is golden brown.
- Chili Mac and Cheese
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, add chili spices, and cooked pasta. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake until bubbly and golden.
- Salisbury Ground Beef
- Sauté ground beef with mushrooms in a skillet. Combine with a savory gravy and serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
- Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Cook ground beef in a skillet, then add broccoli florets and soy sauce. Stir-fry until the broccoli is tender, then serve with rice.
- Penne Pasta With Meat Sauce
- Brown ground beef with onions and garlic, then add pasta sauce and seasonings. Serve over cooked penne pasta with fresh herbs.
- Chili Beans With Rice
- Cook ground beef with chili spices, then add canned pinto beans. Serve the mixture over cooked rice for a hearty meal.
- Hamburger Stroganoff
- Sauté ground beef with mushrooms, add sherry or water, then stir in sour cream. Serve over egg noodles for a comforting dish.
- Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add onions, peppers, and cheese. Serve the mixture on toasted buns for a cheesy delight.
- Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Cook ground beef with taco seasoning, then fill taco shells. Let everyone add their preferred toppings and enjoy the crunch.
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Brown ground beef in a pot, then add russet potatoes, bacon, and broth. Stir in milk, cream cheese, and cheddar until creamy.
- Albondigas Soup
- Mix ground beef with spices and mint, form into meatballs, and add to a simmering tomato-based broth with vegetables.
- Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs
- Mix ground beef with rice and seasonings, form into meatballs. Cook in an Instant Pot with tomato sauce until the rice is tender.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
FAQ
- Can I substitute ground beef with other types of meat in these recipes?
- Yes, these recipes are quite versatile. You can use ground turkey or meatless grounds as alternatives to ground beef.
- What are some budget-friendly ways to make ground beef meals more filling?
- You can stretch ground beef recipes by adding staples like pasta, potatoes, or rice, making the meal more substantial and cost-effective.
- Are there vegetarian options for these ground beef dishes?
- Absolutely! Many of these recipes can be adapted to vegetarian versions by using plant-based meat substitutes or increasing the amount of vegetables and beans.
- How can I make ground beef dishes healthier?
- Consider using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey. You can also enhance the nutritional content by adding more vegetables to the recipes.
- Can I prepare these meals in advance and freeze them?
- Most of these dishes can be prepared ahead of time and frozen, making them convenient for future meals. Just ensure they are properly stored in airtight containers.
Tips
- When preparing recipes like Hamburger and Macaroni or Chili Mac and Cheese, consider making extra for leftovers. These dishes often taste even better the next day and save time on future meals.
- For dishes like Ground Beef Bulgogi or Taco Soup, enhance the flavors by serving with fresh, crisp vegetables or incorporating a variety of toppings to add texture and freshness to the meal.
- If you’re aiming to cut costs further, try bulking up ground beef recipes with affordable staples such as beans, rice, or pasta. This not only stretches your budget but also adds nutrition and variety to meals.
- Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or plant-based options, for a healthier or more diet-specific version of these recipes, without sacrificing the flexibility and ease of cooking.
Equipment
- Instant Pot or Stovetop Pressure Cooker – For the Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs.
- Large Skillet with Lid – Useful for dishes like Chili Mac and Cheese, Salisbury Ground Beef, and Ground Beef Bulgogi.
- Dutch Oven or Soup Pot – Required for making soups such as Easy Hamburger Soup, Stovetop Taco Soup, and Cheeseburger Soup.
- Lettuce Wrap Ssam (optional specialty item) – For serving Ground Beef Bulgogi in a traditional style.
- Baking Dish – Needed for recipes like Easy Shepherd’s Pie, to bake the dish in the oven.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Helpful for mixing ingredients for meatballs in Albondigas Soup and Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs.
