17 Ground Beef Makeovers That Beat Any Restaurant Burger

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17 Ground Beef Makeovers That Beat Any Restaurant Burger

Ready to upgrade your dinner game? These 17 ground beef makeovers bring serious variety to your meals, making restaurant burgers seem a little basic. From comfort food classics to creative new ideas, there’s something here to shake up your routine and keep things exciting. No more sticking to the same old burger—these dishes will keep your kitchen lively, your meals fresh, and your plate anything but boring.

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.

Pizza Casserole

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

Mixing ground beef with your favorite pizza toppings, Pizza Casserole offers a creative twist on a classic dish. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty but don’t want to go out. This casserole combines the convenience of a one-dish meal with the universally loved flavors of pizza. Get ready to enjoy a weeknight meal that’s as easy to make as it is enjoyable to eat.
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.

For a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, try this Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. This dish pairs ground beef patties with rich mushroom gravy, creating a perfect match. It’s ideal for a family dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly evening. Your kitchen will fill with aromas that draw everyone to the table, ready to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

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.

If you love the classic sandwich, you’ll adore transforming it into a Sloppy Joe Casserole. This recipe layers traditional sloppy joe mix with pasta or potatoes under a layer of melted cheese. It’s a fun and hearty way to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Gather the family, serve this dish, and watch it disappear!
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Korean Beef Bowl

A top-down shot of Korean Beef Bowl with chopsticks and garlic.
Korean Beef Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Korean Beef Bowl is a splendid way to shake up your dinner routine with bold and fresh ingredients. This meal is quick to prepare, making it a superb choice for a busy weeknight. It combines ground beef with a savory sauce, fresh vegetables, and steamed rice. The result is a dish that’s as exciting as it is fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

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.

As the weather cools, a bowl of Beef and Barley Soup can be particularly comforting. This soup is a rich blend of ground beef, vegetables, and barley, simmered to perfection. It’s a nutritious meal that fills you up and warms you from the inside out. Perfect for any day that needs a bit of warmth.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Mini Meatloaf

3 Mini Meatloaves in a line on a white plate.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Mini Meatloaf offers a fun, individual twist on the traditional meatloaf. These mini versions make it easy to serve and manage portions. They cook quicker than their larger counterpart and are perfect for a meal that requires personal touches. Children and adults alike will appreciate having their little loaf.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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

If spaghetti night needs an upgrade, Million Dollar Spaghetti is the way to go. This dish is layered like lasagna, with cheese, spaghetti, and a rich ground beef sauce. It’s named for its rich taste and indulgent feel, without the steep price tag. Get ready for compliments to the chef when this dish hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Reimagine taco night with this Taco Casserole, which layers all your favorite taco elements into one delicious dish. This meal is as fun to prepare as it is to eat, and it’s perfect for a casual dinner with friends or family. The result is a comforting casserole that’s both familiar and new. This could quickly become a go-to for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Smoked Meatballs

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

To add a twist to traditional meatballs, try Smoked Meatballs with your next meal. Smoking the meatballs infuses them with a unique flavor that stands out in any dish, whether it’s pasta or a sub sandwich. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, but the result will make it seem like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. These meatballs promise to be a memorable part of any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Meatballs

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole in a black dish with a spoon.
Shipwreck Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Shipwreck Casserole is a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines layers of ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables, topped with cheese. Each bite is comforting and filling, making it a hit with families. This dish is a surefire way to end the day on a delicious note.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Tacos Dorados

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

For a crispy take on tacos, Tacos Dorados are fried until golden and crunchy. These tacos fill crisp shells with seasoned ground beef and are typically garnished with lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. They offer a delicious contrast in textures, from the crunchy shell to the juicy filling. It’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering and a fun way to switch up taco night.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Cheeseburger Soup

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

When you crave the taste of a cheeseburger but want the comfort of a soup, Cheeseburger Soup is your answer. This unique soup features all the hallmark ingredients of a burger, simmered into a creamy, cheesy broth. It’s a playful dish that’s sure to intrigue and please. Perfect for a lighthearted, cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Ground beef meatballs seasoned with Greek spices are tucked into soft pita breads with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions. This sandwich is both nutritious and bursting with flavor. It’s a portable meal that brings variety to your lunch or dinner options.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Ground Beef Fried Rice is a quick and budget-friendly meal, ideal for using up leftovers. Stir-fried with vegetables and eggs, the ground beef adds substance and protein to this popular dish. It’s a versatile recipe that can adapt to whichever veggies you have on hand. This makes for a filling and comforting meal that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

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

For burger enthusiasts, Bacon-Wrapped Burgers offer a fantastic twist on the classic. These burgers are wrapped in bacon and cooked to juicy perfection. The added bacon provides a smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch. It’s an easy way to impress at your next barbecue or family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

John Wayne Casserole

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a black plate beside a baking dish of the same casserole.
John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Named after an American icon, John Wayne Casserole delivers robust flavors in a hearty dish. It’s layered with beef, biscuit mix, and a combination of vegetables and cheese. This casserole is filling and guaranteed to feed a hungry crowd. It’s the perfect dish for a potluck or a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne 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.

Diner Style Salisbury Steak revives an old-school favorite with its hearty gravy and tender beef patties. It’s a classic that never fails to please, reminiscent of those generous, home-style meals. Perfect for a relaxed, sit-down dinner, it brings the warm, comforting atmosphere of a diner right into your home. Nothing beats the simplicity and joy of a well-made Salisbury steak.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

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