13 Ground Beef Surprises to Break Your Weeknight Monotony

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13 Ground Beef Surprises to Break Your Weeknight Monotony

Let’s face it, weeknights and ground beef can feel like a never-ending loop of burgers and tacos. These 13 surprises are guaranteed to become your new weeknight heroes, leaving you feeling excited about dinner again.

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Walking Taco Casserole

Mexican casserole in a glass dish.
Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Walking Taco Casserole assembles ground beef, cheese, veggies, and Fritos for a fun twist on a classic snack. It’s a whimsical and satisfying dish that breaks the monotony of everyday fast-food options.
Get the Recipe: Walking Taco Casserole

Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Copycat recipe: Cheesy corn tortillas with tomatoes and cheese on a plate.
Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza stacks tortillas with a hearty filling of meat and beans, topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting and inviting meal that provides a more thrilling experience than making burgers, again.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Instant Pot Pineapple Chili

Top view of a bowl of pineapple chili.
Instant Pot Pineapple Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Sweet meets heat in this Instant Pot Pineapple Chili, blending spicy beef with the tropical twist of pineapple. This dish offers a unique and comforting break from the usual boring dinners.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pineapple Chili

Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Dirty rice with ground beef in a bowl topped with green onions.
Instant Pot Dirty Rice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Quick and zesty, Instant Pot Dirty Rice brings the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine to your table. With beef and rice cooked together, it’s a convenient and flavorful alternative to dinnertime monotony.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dirty Rice

Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Cheeseburger egg rolls cut in half and dipped into sauce.
Cheeseburger Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

In just 30 minutes, these Cheeseburger Egg Rolls combine the classic burger fillings in a crispy, golden package. A more engaging and convenient choice than traditional fast food, they’re perfect for a quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Egg Rolls

Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cheese covered slow cooker chili mac in the crock pot with a wooden spoon.
Slow Cooker Chili Mac. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Slow Cooker Chili Mac combines the robustness of chili with the comfort of mac & cheese for a simple, one-pot meal. It’s an easy and more compelling dinner option that the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili Mac

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Two slices of meatloaf on a plate with mashed potatoes and carrots.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This Cracker Barrel Meatloaf recipe brings homestyle flavors to your kitchen, creating a seasoned and hearty meal that easily beats boring burgers.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs

A spoonful of meatballs and vegetables in a pot.
Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

With minimal effort, Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs deliver a blend of sweet and savory tastes. They’re a perfect choice for any dinner, offering a more exciting flavor than a drive-thru meal.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pineapple Meatballs

Meatball Crescent Rolls

Meatballs wrapped in dough on a wooden cutting board.
Meatball Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Meatball Crescent Rolls wrap savory meatballs in a flaky, buttery pastry. Ready in 30 minutes, they present a more creative dinner alternative that is simple to make and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Crescent Rolls

Taco Rice Skillet

Closeup of a skillet with ground beef, cheese and tomatoes.
Taco Rice Skillet. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

The Taco Rice Skillet is a fuss-free, one-pan meal that comes together in about 20 minutes. It’s a practical and more rewarding dinner choice compared to fast-food tacos.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Instant Pot Meatball Soup

Instant Pot Meatball Soup. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A quick and nourishing option, Instant Pot Meatball Soup combines beef meatballs with vegetables in a rich broth. This easy-to-make meal is a heartwarming alternative to your usual boring meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Meatball Soup

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Cincinnatti chili on top of spaghetti and covered with cheese, beans and onions.
Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili is a hands-off dish with a rich mix of spices and tomato sauce. It’s a more exciting and comforting meal, and the slow cooker does all the work!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cincinnati Chili

Instant Pot Gnocchi with Sauce

An Instant Pot recipe for a bowl of pasta with meat and vegetables.
Instant Pot Gnocchi with Sauce. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Ready in just 30 minutes, Instant Pot Gnocchi with Sauce is a robust, all-in-one meal. It’s a heartier and more gratifying alternative to basic spaghetti, and still perfect for a busy evening.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Gnocchi with Sauce

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