50 of Grandma’s Best Ground Beef Recipes

Grandma's Swedish Meatballs

My mother made these hearty meatballs when we were growing up, and now my kids love them, too. My daughter likes to help shake the meatballs in flour. —Karin Ness, Big Lake, Minnesota

Upper Peninsula Pasties

I grew up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where many people are of English ancestry. Pasties—traditional meat pies often eaten by hand—are popular there. —Carole Lynn Derifield, Valdez, Alaska

Mini Meat Loaf Sheet-Pan Meal

I grew up with this meat loaf recipe, but I adapted it to mini meatloaves so that it would bake more quickly. The sauce topping is always a hit. I added the potatoes and asparagus to make the meal easier. —Deanne Johnson, Reading, Pennsylvania

Ground Beef Spaghetti Skillet

I remember my grandma making this stovetop supper many times—we always loved Granny's spaghetti! My husband and I now enjoy making it. You can easily substitute ground turkey for the ground beef if that's what you have on hand. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana

Beef & Onion Piroshki

When I lived in Seattle, one of my favorite places was a small stand that sold piroshki—Russian stuffed pocket sandwiches. Whenever I’m missing my former town, I make my own batch. —julie merriman, Seattle, Washington

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

Slow-Cooker Italian Sloppy Joes

These tasty sloppy joes with plenty of mass appeal are perfect for a gathering. If you're taking them to an event later in the day, simplify your morning by cooking the beef mixture and stirring in other ingredients the night before. Cool the meat sauce in shallow bowls in the fridge, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker to finish cooking, and then keep it warm for the party. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, OH

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

Ground Beef Wellington

Trying new recipes is one of my favorite hobbies. It's also the most gratifying. What could beat the smiles and compliments of the ones you love? This recipe is easy yet fancy, perfect for when it's just you and one kid or a friend.

Southwest Frito Pie

I got a real culture shock when we moved to New Mexico several years ago, but we grew to love the food. Now, back in South Carolina, we still crave New Mexican dishes, and this is one of my go-to favorites.—Janet Scoggins, North Augusta, South Carolina

Hearty Rye Melts

When we moved from the Midwest to Kentucky, we were invited to a neighborhood gathering where this appetizer was served. Hanky panky—as it’s often called around here—is traditionally served at Derby Day parties, but at our home it’s become a year-round favorite.

Creamy Beef & Potatoes

One of my husband's favorite childhood memories was eating his Grandma Barney's Tater Tot Casserole. It's just as much fun making with O'Brien potatoes, too. — Heather Matthews, Keller, Texas

Makeover Tater-Topped Casserole

I love Tater Tot casserole, but wanted a lighter version of the recipe. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen slashed the fat in this classic dish, while keeping all the Tots my family loves. Who know you could have healthy Tater Tots?! —Scott Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Mince Pies

Most people use canned mincemeat, but this is the old-fashioned way to make a mince pie. It is a sweet holiday dish that will satisfy you and your loved ones. —Diane Selich, Vassar, Michigan

The Best Ever Chili

My dad and my father-in-law are the gurus in our chili-loving clan. But after my honeymoon to New Mexico, inspired by the fresh and fragrant chile peppers at the Santa Fe farmers market, I felt it was time to introduce them to my spicy, meaty version with a touch of masa harina. —Sarah Farmer, Taste of Home Culinary Director

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

Stuffed Whole Cabbage

My husband's fantastic about trying new recipes—like this one I experimented with before getting just right! —Wyn Jespersen, Suffield, Connecticut

Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes

I was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn't stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it's quick to make, and my husband and grandchildren love it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland

Open-Faced Pizza Burgers

I'm not sure where I first saw this pizza burger recipe, but I'm glad I did! My family requests this meal often. A dash of oregano livens up canned pizza sauce. —Sharon Schwartz, Burlington, Wisconsin

Slow-Cooked Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie is to the British as meat loaf is to Americans, so when I was a young child living in the U.K., I had it almost once a week. This is my go-to recipe when I'm longing for the sights and smells of my mother's kitchen. Turns out people here love it just as much! —Mari Sitkiewicz, Downers Grove, Illinois

Slow-Cooker Golombki

I modified my mom's classic Polish dish to fit my hectic life. Instead of boiling the cabbage and then filling it with beef, I just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker. It's much easier and tastes just as good. —Mary Walker, Clermont, Florida

Traditional Italian Wedding Soup

You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Add homemade meatballs but use ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken.—Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana

Tourtieres

Some time ago, a co-worker brought a meat pie to lunch. The aroma was familiar—after one taste, I was amazed to discover it was the same pie my grandmother used to serve when I was a youngster! She shared the recipe, and I have been enjoying it ever since. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana

Sloppy Joe Stew

This old-fashioned stew has a slightly sweet taste from the addition of canned corn. You can make the stew ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal later on. - Clair Long, Destrehan, Louisiana

Church Supper Hot Dish

This recipe was in my mother's church cookbook, and now it's in my church cookbook! Apparently is was too good to miss a generation. I often make this dish to take along to potlucks...and it seems that if I don't, someone else will! It's hearty and so tasty! —Norma Turner, Haslett, Michigan

French Meat and Vegetable Pie

Some time ago, a co-worker brought a meat pie to lunch. The aroma was familiar—after one taste, I was amazed to discover it was the same pie my grandmother used to serve when I was a youngster! She shared the recipe, and I have been enjoying it ever since. —Rita Winterberger, Huson, Montana

Vegetable Beef Casserole

This easy one-dish recipe has been a family favorite ever since my husband's aunt handed it down to me 35 years ago. Try adding whatever vegetables you have on hand. A simple salad goes nicely with this dish. —Evangeline Rew, Manassas, Virginia

Skillet Beef and Macaroni

I found this simple skillet recipe many years ago on a can label. I made some tweaks, and my family loved it. Because it's so easy to put together, it's a real timesaver for people with super busy schedules. —Maxine Neuhauser, Arcadia, California

Old-Fashioned Cabbage Rolls

It was an abundance of dill in my garden that led me to try this. My family liked the taste so much that, from then on, I made my old-fashioned cabbage rolls recipe with dill. This is how to make easy cabbage rolls. – Florence Krantz, Bismarck, North Dakota

Porcupine Meatballs

These well-seasoned porcupine meatballs in a rich tomato sauce are one of my mom's best main dishes. I used to love this meal when I was growing up. I made it at home for our children, and now my daughters make it for their families. —Darlis Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin

Beef 'n' Biscuit Bake

This recipe is quick, easy and satisfying. With its beef and corn combo, it's cozy cuisine at its best! —Erin Schneider, St. Peters, Missouri

Ground Beef Stroganoff

MY mother-in-law gave me this recipe 25 years ago. It's been a staple in my meal planning ever since because it's easy and takes little time to prepare. I usually serve it with green beans or another vegetable and a salad. -Marjorie Kriegh, Nampa, Idaho

Sloppy Joe Under a Bun

I usually keep a can of sloppy joe sauce in the pantry, because our kids love sloppy joes. But sometimes I don't have buns on hand. With this fun casserole, we can still enjoy the flavors that they love in a flash. The bun-like top crust is made with biscuit mix, sprinkled with sesame seeds and baked until golden. —Trish Bloom, Ray, Michigan

Great-Grandma's Italian Meatballs

My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavor’s so good, you won’t miss the extra calories. —Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts

Italian Pasta Sauce

As a special part of their wedding buffet, my daughter Kris' husband fixed a big batch of this thick flavorful pasta sauce. The recipe was brought by his grandmother from Italy more than 80 years ago. —Judy Braun, Juneau, Wisconsin

Tangy Beef Turnovers

My mom's recipe for these flavorful pockets called for dough made from scratch, but I streamlined it by using crescent rolls. My children love them plain or dipped in ketchup. —Claudia Bodeker, Ash Flat, Arkansas

Vegetable Soup with Hamburger

I work full time and have a family of four. We sit down to a home-cooked meal just about every night, many times thanks to my slow cooker. This hearty soup is often on the menu. —Theresa Jackson, Cicero, New York

Grandma's Rice Dish

My grandmother often made rice dishes when I was young. I forgot about this casserole until I found myself one day adding the same ingredients to leftover rice. The memories came flooding back, and I've made this recipe regularly since then. —Lorna Moore, Glendora, California

Hearty Rye Melts

When we moved from the Midwest to Kentucky, we were invited to a neighborhood gathering where this appetizer was served. Hanky panky—as it’s often called around here—is traditionally served at Derby Day parties, but at our home it’s become a year-round favorite.

Southwestern Beef Barley Stew

Hearty and easy to fix, this thick stew has a comforting, chili-like flavor. It's my best barley recipe. I'm sure you'll agree that it's a tasty dish. —Lisa Kolenich, Regina, Saskatchewan

Beefy Swiss Bundles

Kids and adults alike will devour these comforting, yet special, pockets. With creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese and flavorful seasonings, what's not to love? Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen

Makeover Traditional Lasagna

I’ve never been quick to pass along my special recipes, but this one is so good that it’s become our family’s Christmas Eve tradition! —Michelle Behan, Littleton, Colorado

Italian Mushroom Meat Loaf

Healthful oats and flaxseed amp up the nutrition in this tasty meat loaf. —Kylie Werning, Candler, North Carolina

Shepherd's Pies

When you need a real meat-and-potatoes fix, try this hearty layered casserole that blends from-scratch mashed potatoes with cream cheese and a meat filling. Your favorite barbecue sauce gives the dish an extra tang. —Cindy Kliskey, Pepperell, Massachusetts

Traditional Italian Wedding Soup

You don’t have to be Italian to love this easy-to-make soup with tiny round pasta! Add homemade meatballs but use ready-made stock and rotisserie chicken.—Mary Sheetz, Carmel, Indiana

Stovetop Goulash

I created this recipe after trying goulash at a local restaurant. The blend of spices gives it fabulous flavor, and it’s so easy to make on a weeknight! —Karen Schelert, Portland, Oregon

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

Pressure-Cooker Ground Beef Stroganoff

My mother gave me this recipe 40 years ago. It's a wonderfully tasty dish to share around the dinner table. —Sue Mims, Macclenny, Florida

Ground Beef Veggie Stew

This is a wonderful, hearty stew to help use up all the late-summer veggies in your garden. I like that it's filling enough to make a meal, and it's good for you too! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy

This hearty main dish is a favorite at our house. It really warms you up. —Kim Kidd, New Freedom, Pennsylvania