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Ground beef is one of the most versatile ingredients. Take advantage of that last package in your freezer, and whip up some of these savory and satisfying recipes for dinner tonight!
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Traditional Lasagna
My family first tasted this rich, homemade lasagna recipe at a friend's home on Christmas Eve. We were so impressed that it became our own holiday tradition as well. I also prepare it other times of the year. This classic lasagna recipe is requested often by my sister's Italian in-laws—I consider that the highest compliment! —Lorri Foockle, Granville, Illinois 3 / 102
Korean Beef and Rice
A friend raved about Korean recipes for bulgogi—beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger—so I tried it. It's delicious! Dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota 4 / 102
Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
This is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California 5 / 102
Fold-Over Tortilla Bake
Here’s something a little different to shake up taco night. But don’t reserve this zippy dish for a weeknight—it’s perfect for potlucks and serving company, too. something a little different from the usual tacos. It's special enough for potlucks or dinner guests. —Deborah Smith, DeWitt, Nebraska 6 / 102
Spaghetti Pie Casserole
My family adores this spaghetti casserole. It's old-timey comfort food. This is how to make baked spaghetti with cream cheese. —Patricia Lavell, Islamorada, Florida 7 / 102
Greek Sloppy Joes
I always loved the taste of feta cheese. I did not want just to do a meat patty with feta inside, so I came up with this sloppy joe version. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California 8 / 102
Cheesy Fiesta Beef Casserole
Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a wonderful, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos, if you prefer a little more heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 9 / 102
Perfect Four-Cheese Lasagna
Lasagna is one of my favorites, and this is the recipe I’ve been making since I was a teenager. It’s a tantalizing combo of pasta, meat sauce, cheese and more cheese that really lives up to its name! —Lauren Delaney-Wallace, Glen Carbon, Illinois 10 / 102
Buffalo Blue Cheese Meat Loaf
I made meat loaf with wing sauce for my guy, who prefers food with big flavors. He went crazy for it, and now likes it even more than traditional Buffalo wings! —Latesha Harris, Beaverton, Oregon 11 / 102
Stovetop Cheeseburger Pasta
Cheeseburgers are delicious in any form, but I'm partial to this creamy pasta dish that seriously tastes just like the real thing. It's weeknight comfort in a bowl. —Tracy Avis, Peterborough, Ontario 12 / 102
Butternut Squash Chili
Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California 13 / 102
Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole
One of our favorite comfort food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We're crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies and has the same beloved flavors! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas 14 / 102
Slow-Cooker Cheeseburger Dip
This fun dip recipe uses ingredients I always have in the fridge, so it's easy to throw together on short notice. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska 15 / 102
Beef Barley Skillet
This versatile dish goes together fast since it's made with quick-cooking barley. You can make it with ground turkey or chicken, and any color bell pepper that you have on hand. —Irene Tetreault, South Hadley, Massachusetts 16 / 102
Spaghetti Meatball Supper
It was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming 17 / 102
Moo Shu Lettuce Cups
I took ordinary ground beef and turned it into a new classic. Sweet and savory flavors that make this dish a dinnertime favorite. We love the meat mixture served in flour tortillas, too! —Christine Keating, Norwalk, California 18 / 102
Chili Skillet
Like most farmers, my husband loves a good hearty chili. With all the vegetables, cheese and meat in it, this dish makes a super supper—and it comes together in one skillet on top of the stove. I serve it frequently in fall and winter. —Katherine Brown, Fredericktown, Ohio 19 / 102
Cheesy Pizza Casserole
I discovered this recipe in the reader's exchange page of our local electric cooperative's magazine. Serve it whenever you've got a crowd to please!—Judy Chandler, Franklin, Kentucky 20 / 102
Italian Stuffed Shells
A dear friend first brought over this stuffed shells recipe. Now I take it to other friends' homes and to potlucks, because it's always a big hit! —Beverly Austin, Fulton, Missouri 21 / 102
Barbecued Meatballs
Grape jelly and chili sauce are the secrets that make these meatballs so fantastic. If I’m serving them at a party, I prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat them right before guests arrive. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 22 / 102
Meatball Chili with Dumplings
My family enjoys this delicious recipe—it's like a spicy meatball stew with dumplings!—Sarah Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana 23 / 102
Farmhouse Barbecue Muffins
Tangy barbecue sauce, fluffy biscuits and cheddar cheese combine to make these hearty muffins. Try them with ground turkey or other shredded cheeses to vary the flavor. —Karen Kenney, Harvard, Illinois 24 / 102
Inside-out Stuffed Peppers
Our daughters Kimberly and Kristina don't like the way the meat and rice mixture is usually stuffed inside big green peppers. So Kristina added a chopped pepper to the other ingredients in a casserole.—Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon 25 / 102
Beefy Taco Dip
This taco dip is actually a combination of several different recipes I received from friends. I just experimented until I came up with my favorite. It's always a hit, no matter where I take it. —Faye Parker, Bedford, Nova Scotia 26 / 102
Easy Cuban Picadillo
My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey 27 / 102
Santa Fe Skillet
As a mother who works full-time, I’m always looking for quick, easy meals to prepare. This is a timeless recipe. —Lorie VanHorn, Waddell, Arizona 28 / 102
Mexican Stuffed Peppers
This nutritious yet economical summer meal makes the most of my home-grown peppers. I like to top it with sour cream and serve with tortilla chips and salsa, but it’s wonderful on its own, too. —Kimberly Coleman, Columbia, South Carolina 29 / 102
Easy Beef Taco Skillet
Busy day? Save time and money with this stovetop supper the whole family will love. It calls for handy convenience products, so it can be on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia 30 / 102
Ground Beef Spinach Alfredo Lasagna
With two types of sauces, ground beef, spinach and three kinds of cheese, this dish is super hearty and goes beyond the expected. When serving, be sure to scoop all the way down to the bottom of the slow cooker so everyone gets a good taste of all the yummy layers. —Deborah Bruno, Mira Loma, California 31 / 102
Cowboy Calico Beans
This is a tradition at the table when my girlfriends and I go up north for a girls' weekend. The husbands and kids are left at home, but the slow cooker comes with us! —Julie Butsch, Hartland, Wisconsin 32 / 102
Inside-Out Stuffed Cabbage
Preparing stuffed cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, but this version with butternut squash has the classic flavors —and it’s table ready in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 33 / 102
Make-Ahead Lasagna
This is an old standby when time's limited and guests are expected for dinner. It's a combination of several easy lasagna recipes I have tried over the years. —Mary Grimm, Williamsburg, Iowa 34 / 102
Presto Pizza Patties
Craving both beef and pizza? These patties feature both in an open-faced sandwich. And they're lighter than you'd think! —Barbara Schindler, Napoleon, Ohio 35 / 102
Super Spaghetti Sauce
At my house, we never know how many we'll have for dinner. That's why this spaghetti sauce is one of my favorites - flavorful, filling and fast. Smoked kielbasa gives it depth, and salsa adds the kick. —Bella Anderson, Chester, South Carolina 36 / 102
One-Pot Spaghetti Dinner
Mamma mia! What’s the secret to this one-pot spaghetti? A homemade jar sauce and a one-pot cooking method makes this family favorite recipe quick and delicious. —Carol Benzel-Schmidt, Stanwood, Washington 37 / 102
Smothered Burritos
My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri 38 / 102
Couscous Meatball Soup
This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California 39 / 102
Curried Beef Pitas with Cucumber Sauce
A good friend gave me this recipe when I first got married. I was a bit apprehensive to try it since the ingredients weren't that familiar to me, but, years later, it's now one of our family favorites. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia 40 / 102
Slow-Cooker Pasta e Fagioli
This chunky soup is good to the last spoonful. It's my go-to recipe because it's so hearty and we all always want more. —Penny Novy, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 41 / 102
Chili Beef Cornbread Casserole
This recipe is my potluck standby. And when I hear that someone may need a comforting home-cooked meal, I bring them this casserole. —Lorraine Espenhain, Corpus Christi, Texas 42 / 102
Taco Spaghetti
I came up with this kid-friendly Southwestern recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas 43 / 102
Beef & Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
This recipe is special to me because it’s an easy one-pot meal that tastes like you spent the whole day in the kitchen. My family loves it. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama 44 / 102
Greek Beef Pitas
A local fast-food pita restaurant inspired me to make my own Greek-style sandwiches at home. Add olives if you like. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana 45 / 102
Rhode Island Hot Wieners
Many Rhode Islanders spell wiener with an “ei” and serve theirs “all the way” with meat sauce, mustard, onion and a sprinkle of celery salt. —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island 46 / 102
Walking Tacos
These Walking Tacos are great for an on-the-go dinner, campfire meal or easy game night supper. The ingredients transform a bag of chips into a taco in a bag! —Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington 47 / 102
Beefy Huevos Rancheros
This recipe is quick and easy, and helps use the eggs from our chickens. It works for breakfast, lunch or dinner, especially served with flour tortillas and fruit or salad. Guests can top them however they like. —Sandra Leonard, Peculiar, Missouri 48 / 102
Mom's Spanish Rice
My mom is famous for her Spanish rice recipe, the ultimate comfort food. When I want a taste of home, I whip up this dish. Punch up the flavor with a little lime and extra chili powder. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas 49 / 102
Gluten-Free Chili Beef Pasta
After I got married, my aunt gave me her recipe for skillet spaghetti and told me it was ideal for a quick weeknight meal. Over the years I’ve tinkered with the ingredients and played with the seasonings to make it healthier. It's a dish my family truly loves. —Kristen Killian, Depew, New York 50 / 102
Meaty Sloppy Joe Pockets
It’s easy to turn sloppy joes into hearty hot pocket snacks. I make the filling ahead and use refrigerated biscuits. I time them so they’re done baking just before kickoff. —Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine 51 / 102
Beef, Potato & Egg Bake
To keep my family going all morning, I start with lean ground beef and spices, then sneak some spinach into this protein-packed dish. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas 52 / 102
Taco Stew
Sure, the ingredients are simple, but together they make this awesome stew. Bake a quick pan of cornbread to eat on the side. It's perfect for sopping up what's in your bowl. —Suzanne Francis, Marysville, Washington 53 / 102
Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked Chili
This chili may be loaded, but we love to build it up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin 54 / 102
Deluxe Walking Nachos
This slow-cooked potluck chili makes an awesome filling for a little bag of walk-around nachos. Cut the bag lengthwise to make loading your fork easier. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin 55 / 102
Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad
Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 56 / 102
Frito Pie
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here’s my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico 57 / 102
Skillet Nachos
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas 58 / 102
Deluxe Cheeseburger Salad
I was planning to grill burgers, and then it dawned on me: How about a Big Mac salad? The original recipe doesn't call for a tomato, but it's awesome here. —Pam Jefferies, Cantrall, Illinois 59 / 102
Danish Meatballs with Pan Gravy
My great-grandmother made these meatballs, and I'm sure her mother must have taught her. Six generations have enjoyed them, and one of my daughters even served them at her wedding. —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California 60 / 102
One-Pot Spinach Beef Soup
My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup that simmers in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the crackers. —Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida 61 / 102
Beefy Noodle Casserole
When life calls for a potluck dish or family event, we stir up a batch of beef and noodles. That’s our cheesy, bubbly comfort food. —Susan Lavery, McKinney, TX 62 / 102
Three-Cheese Meatball Mostaccioli
When my husband travels for work, I make a special dinner for my kids to keep their minds off missing Daddy. This tasty mostaccioli is meatball magic. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan 63 / 102
One-Pot Beef & Pepper Stew
I’m a fan of green veggies. If it’s green, it belongs in my hearty beef stew. We serve it with buttered French bread. —Sandra Clark, Sierra Vista, BC 64 / 102
Fajita Burger Wraps
This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio 65 / 102
Vegetable & Beef Stuffed Red Peppers
I love making this stuffed pepper recipe. It's one of the few ways I can get my husband to eat veggies. Make it meatless by replacing the beef with eggplant and adding more vegetables like mushrooms or squash. You can also replace the rice with barley, couscous or even orzo. —Jennifer Zimmerman, Avondale, Arizona 66 / 102
Garlic Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
I have reduced grains and other starches in my diet due to health reasons, so I was looking for filling, comforting meals without pasta or potatoes. When I was tinkering with this spaghetti squash recipe, I discovered something fun to eat! —Becky Ruff, Mc Gregor, Iowa 67 / 102
Big Batch Cheeseburger Soup
When my mother-in-law gave me her recipe for cheeseburger soup, I changed it a little to make it my own. You can use turkey meat instead of beef or add bell peppers or jalapenos for a little kick. —Christina Addison, Blanchester, Ohio 68 / 102
Santa Fe Chipotle Chili
Sausage and ground beef make this spiced chili a meat lover's delight. I can freeze and reheat it later without sacrificing any of the flavor. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida 69 / 102
Individual Shepherd's Pies
These comforting little pies make a fun St. Patrick's Day surprise for the family. Extras are easy to freeze and eat later on busy weeknights.—Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee 70 / 102
Dad's Favorite Barbecue Meat Loaves
It may sound old-fashioned, but it warms my heart to serve dishes that make my family and friends happy. This recipe does just that, and then some. —Leta Winters, Johnson City, Tennessee 71 / 102
Fiesta Beef & Cheese Skillet Cobbler
I tweaked my beefy skillet cobbler until it achieved the wow factor. I must have gotten it right, as it's now a family tradition. Top it off with lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois 72 / 102
Chipotle Chili Sloppy Joes
My husband didn't like sloppy joes until he tried my rendition with its smoky heat. If you need to dial down the fiery zip, cut down on or eliminate the peppers. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona 73 / 102
Grilled Beef Chimichangas
I created this recipe when I didn't have the ingredients for my go-to dish. After making this, it became my new favorite! —Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, Washington 74 / 102
Beef & Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
My mom frequently cooked the giant zucchini that she grew in her garden. I adapted this recipe from one of her favorite weeknight meals. Though I love the taste of fresh-picked zucchini, the ones I've bought from the grocery store work great, too.—Susan Peterson, Blaine, Minnesota. 75 / 102
Hearty Garden Spaghetti
My husband and I wanted a pleasing dish that didn’t leave a ton of leftovers. My spaghetti with beef and fresh veggies is perfectly filling for four. —Wanda Quist, Loveland, Colorado 76 / 102
Beef Stroganoff Sandwiches
For an American take on classic Russian comfort food, we turn beef Stroganoff into a sandwich. It comes together fast, and our family devours it. —Alison Garcia, Beatrice, Nebraska 77 / 102
My Favorite Chili Dogs
The very thought of a hot dog dressed in chili makes me giddy. To get that straight-from-the-ballpark taste, I combine ketchup, mustard, chili and pepper sauce. —Patricia Pauling, Adams, New York 78 / 102
Mediterranean Meatball Sandwiches
I grow onions, garlic and herbs, so that’s what I use in these saucy sandwiches. Make patties or form the ground beef into meatballs instead. —Alysha Braun, St. Catharines, Ontario 79 / 102
Beefy Chili Dogs
For years, people have told me I make the best hot dog chili out there. It’s timeless, it’s family-friendly, and I carry the recipe with me because people ask for it. —Vicki Boyd, Mechanicsville, Virginia 80 / 102
Barbecue Sliders
When company dropped in by surprise, all I had was sausage and ground beef defrosted. We combined the two for juicy burgers on the grill. —BJ Larsen, Erie, Colorado 81 / 102
Saucy Beef & Cabbage Supper
My beef and cabbage supper began as a Reuben sandwich idea without the gluten. We also make it with smoked sausage. It’s comforting on cooler days. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas 82 / 102
Ground Beef Taco Dip
Beef up your snack game and serve this easy taco dip with meat. Full of classic flavors, it's a little extra satisfaction for those football-day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, Wisconsin 83 / 102
Mexican Cabbage Roll Soup
I love sharing our humble and hearty soup made with beef, cabbage and green chiles. A blast of cilantro gives it a sunshiny finish. —Michelle Beal, Powell, Tennessee 84 / 102
Butternut Goulash
We make this treasured family goulash recipe using squash from our own backyard. The chili powder and cayenne really warm you up! —Allison Wilmarth, Forest City, Pennsylvania 85 / 102
Sloppy Cheesesteaks
Sloppy joes are a favorite go-to dish for busy families, and my spin with melty provolone, green pepper and onions makes for a fun, unexpected twist on a classic! — Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina 86 / 102
Deluxe Pizza Casserole
This is the family favorite dish for special occasions, and we always make it for my granddaughter's birthday. Mushrooms are a wonderful addition if you like them. —Vickie Oldham, Dubuque, Iowa 87 / 102
Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce
This Italian classic takes on a distinctive Latin American flourish with the addition of chorizo. The sausage adds an extra kick and awesome flavor to a dish that's already a favorite. —Crystal McDuffy, Fairfax, Virginia. 88 / 102
Deep-Dish Beef 'n' Bean Taco Pizza
My whole family enjoys this dish that tastes like a taco and looks like a deep-dish pizza. The thick tasty crust can handle lots of toppings, so load it up for a bright, fun meal. —Nancy Circle, Perkins, Oklahoma 89 / 102
Ramen Sliders
I grew up eating ramen and love it to this day. A fun spin on my favorite type of noodle soup, these sliders are topped with an egg and kimchi. —Julie Teramoto, Los Angeles, California 90 / 102
Breakfast Burger
My husband is big on eggs and bacon, so I wanted to merge his breakfast favorites with a grilled burger for an over-the-top treat. Topping it with my homemade blackberry jam sealed the deal. —Tina Janssen, Walworth, Wisconsin 91 / 102
Zucchini Beef Skillet
This is a speedy summer recipe that uses up those abundant garden goodies: Zucchini, tomatoes and green peppers. —Becky Calder, Kingston, Missouri 92 / 102
Italian Joes on Texas Toast
This is ideal for a weeknight on the go. If you double the tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you'll have enough sauce to freeze. —Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia 93 / 102
Butternut Squash Chili
Add butternut squash to chili for a tasty, filling, energy-packed dish your whole family will love. Mine does! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California 94 / 102
Chili Cottage Pie
This filling cottage pie is super simple and loaded with flavor. The kids love to help layer it up. —Jacob Miller, Ledyard, Connecticut 95 / 102
Lemony Greek Beef and Vegetables
I love the lemon in this recipe, which is the latest addition to my collection of quick, healthy dinners. I'm sensitive to cow's milk, so I use goat cheese crumbles on my portion instead of the Parmesan. —Alice Neff, Lake Worth, Florida 96 / 102
Lehmejun (Armenian Pizza)
This pizza-style recipe came from my friend Ruby's mom, who is a crazy-good cook. I added my own flair and tweaked it by using flour tortillas instead of making a dough. —Tamar Yacoubian, Ketchum, Idaho 97 / 102
Beef and Bean Taco Chili
This chili recipe is a lifesaver when I'm cooking on the fly. It's loaded with convenience ingredients, but you can pile on the veggies if you're in the mood for a fresh crunch. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan 98 / 102
Cheeseburger Omelet Sliders
A cheeseburger inside an omelet? Yes, please! This fun twist on both breakfast and dinner faves is easy to assemble and delicious any time of day. —Denise LaRoche, Hudson, New Hampshire 99 / 102
California Burger Wraps
I love the way these fresh flavors blend together. It's a snap to throw this together using leftover burgers for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns. —Rachelle McCalla, Batesville, Arkansas 100 / 102
Tasty Taco Chopped Salad
My friends and I love Mexican food, but we also try to eat healthy. My mom taught me how to make this tasty taco salad for my friends. —Matthew Smith, Knippa, Texas 101 / 102
Wisconsin Butter-Basted Burgers
It’s no secret that Wisconsinites love their dairy—so much that they sometimes top their burgers with a generous pat of butter. My recipe is a lot like the butter burgers you’ll find in popular restaurants all over the state. —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio —Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio 102 / 102
Cheeseburger Bowl
This recipe is a unique and lighter way to enjoy an American summer staple. You can also make the dressing with ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1 tablespoon of ketchup. —Laurie Rogerson, Ellington, Connecticut Originally Published: July 30, 2020