21 Old-School Ground Beef Recipes That Still Hit In 2025

Ground beef has been holding dinner together for generations and it’s not going anywhere. These are the meals people actually eat on weeknights, when time is short and no one wants to hear complaints. You don’t need anything fancy or trending to make a solid dinner that hits the spot. These old-school recipes are still around because they work. They’re practical, crowd-friendly and don’t cost a fortune to make. If you’ve got a pound of ground beef and no plan, this list of recipes will solve that dilemma.

Creamy Baked Ziti

This baked ziti keeps things simple with just five ingredients, but still delivers everything you expect from a solid pasta bake. The noodles cook up perfectly in the sauce, the cheese melts into every bite, and the whole thing comes together in one casserole dish. It’s a great choice when you want something filling and familiar that hits the same way it did back in the day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Ziti

Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

This one’s a go-to for busy nights when you need dinner on the table without much effort. Ground beef and rice cook together with melted cheese for a complete meal that’s easy to prep and even easier to clean up. It’s one of those old-school recipes that still shows up in kitchens because it works.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole

Ground Beef and Tater Tot Casserole

You’re not reinventing anything here, and that’s the point. Crispy tater tots stacked on top of beef and creamy soup, then covered in melted cheese—this dish is a throwback in the best way. Great for feeding a crowd or when you want something hearty that doesn’t leave leftovers sitting in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Tater Tot Casserole

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

This quick stir-fry uses cabbage and beef to build a meal that feels light but still holds up as dinner. The cabbage softens while keeping a little crunch, and the beef gives it the flavor it needs. It’s done in one skillet in under 30 minutes, making it great for weeknights or when you don’t feel like dealing with a pile of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole

This is the kind of dinner that shows up when you just need something familiar and filling. Ground beef and onions cook down and mix into egg noodles with a generous amount of cheddar. It’s easy to make ahead, reheats well, and gets bonus points for being one of the few casseroles kids usually don’t complain about.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Noodle Casserole

Ground Beef Stroganoff

This stovetop classic combines browned ground beef, mushrooms, and onions in a rich sauce made from sour cream and mustard. It’s great served over noodles and comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect when you want something old-school and hearty without a ton of effort.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Stroganoff

Shepherd’s Pie

Layers of seasoned ground beef, frozen veggies, and mashed potatoes come together in one comforting bake. It’s a complete meal in a single dish and reheats like a dream. This is one of those dinners that sticks around for a reason.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie

Mexican Ground Beef Taco Soup

This soup takes the flavors of taco night and turns them into a one-pot meal. With ground beef, beans, and taco seasoning simmered in broth, it’s great for meal prep and even better with corn chips and sour cream on top.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Taco Soup

Bomb Meatloaf

This meatloaf is juicy, easy to slice, and topped with a sticky sweet glaze that gives it just enough of a punch. It’s a classic comfort food that doesn’t need any changes to keep showing up on dinner tables.
Get the Recipe: Bomb Meatloaf

Hamburger Helper

Making this at home takes barely any more effort than the box, but it tastes a lot better. Ground beef cooks in one skillet with macaroni and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and great for nights when you’re short on time.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Helper

Shepherd’s Pie

This version leans into the pub-style feel with Guinness, mixed vegetables, and your choice of ground beef or lamb. It’s rich, savory, and works especially well when you have leftover mashed potatoes that need a home. One-skillet cleanup makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Shepherd’s Pie

Stove Top Chili

Ground beef, beans, and tomatoes simmer on the stove with spices that deepen the flavor the longer it cooks. This chili sticks to the ribs and makes enough to feed a group or stash away for leftovers. Great with cornbread or a handful of shredded cheese.
Get the Recipe: Stove Top Chili

Tagliatelle Bolognese

This sauce simmers low and slow to bring out big flavor from ground beef, pork, and pancetta. It’s tossed with tagliatelle for a traditional pasta dinner that still holds up, even in 2025. Great for when you want something hearty that feels a little more put together.
Get the Recipe: Tagliatelle Bolognese

Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Somewhere between lasagna and baked spaghetti, this one brings layers of cheese, meat sauce, and pasta together in a baked dish that feeds a group. It’s easy to assemble ahead and bake when you’re ready.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole

Tamale Pie

Ground beef is cooked with bold seasoning, then layered under cornbread and baked until golden. The cheese melts into everything, and it holds together well enough to cut and serve like a casserole. It’s a great way to switch things up while still keeping it simple.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pie

Cheeseburger Casserole

This one keeps it casual with pasta, beef, cheese, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. Think of it as homemade Hamburger Helper that doesn’t require anything fancy. Just solid comfort in a baking dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Instant Pot Meatloaf

The pressure cooker speeds things up without losing any of the moisture. This meatloaf turns out tender with a thick glaze, and it frees up the oven for anything else you need to make.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Meatloaf

Salisbury Steak

Ground beef patties simmer in a rich mushroom gravy until they’re tender and ready to plate. This is one of those dishes that always feels like a full meal with just a side of mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak

American Goulash

This one-pot dinner has been around forever for a reason. Ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tomato base cook down into a hearty, filling meal that makes a big batch and still tastes great the next day.
Get the Recipe: American Goulash

Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

These thick half-pound burgers cook up with a great sear in a hot skillet and stay juicy on the inside. Perfect when you want that restaurant feel without leaving the house.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Burgers

Sloppy Joes

Ground beef simmers in a sauce made from ketchup and barbecue sauce for a sweet and savory filling that piles perfectly onto a soft bun. This one still hits the mark decades later and never seems to go out of style.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes