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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    29 Gourmet Ground Beef Dinners You Can Still Afford in January

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 2, 2024, updated December 18, 2024 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile and budget-friendly ingredient that can be the star of many delicious meals. In January, when wallets might be feeling a little lighter, there are still plenty of hearty and satisfying dinners you can make with ground beef. From classic comfort foods to creative new dishes, these recipes will help you whip up affordable and tasty meals for the whole family.

    Rigatoni Bolognese

    A bowl of Rigatoni Bolongese.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This bolognese combines traditional Italian flavors and can be ready in under an hour. It's a filling and straightforward meal that's great for busy weeknights, using ingredients you likely already have.

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    Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

    Salisbury steak in mushroom gravy.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Ground beef Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy is an easy and affordable meal that feels a bit special. This one-pan dish features a large, seared meat patty topped with a tasty mushroom sauce, and you can leave out the gravy if you prefer.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This instant pot spaghetti is simple to prepare with just 9 ingredients and only one pot. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you want a classic family meal.

    Get the recipe

    3 Cheese Lasagna

    3 Cheese Lasagna.
    Photo credit: Dominican Cooking.

    This lasagna is loaded with three types of cheese and seasoned ground beef, making it a tasty dish that everyone will love. It's a perfect choice for a filling and affordable dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers

    Stuffed Anaheim Peppers.
    Photo credit: Tia Clara.

    Stuffed Anaheim peppers are filled with tasty ground beef and melted cheese, then drizzled with a creamy avocado sauce. This dish is satisfying and budget-friendly, yet still has a touch of elegance.

    Get the recipe

    Ravioli Lasagna

    Ravioli lasagna.
    Photo credit: Mom Foodie.

    Lazy Lasagna is an easy and delicious baked dish that combines ravioli, meat sauce, and plenty of cheesy goodness. This comforting Italian meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

    Get the recipe

    Cottage Pie

    Cottage Pie.
    Photo Credit: Our Love Language is Food.

    This dish features a filling of beef and vegetables, all topped with a cheesy mashed potato layer. With some easy ingredients, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for family dinners.

    Get the Recipe

    Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

    Ground beef lettuce wraps.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps are a quick and tasty dinner option. They come together easily and are great for busy nights.

    Get the recipe

    Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

    Cheeseburger sliders.
    Photo credit: House of Yumm.

    Cheeseburger sliders with Hawaiian rolls are quick and easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. They’re perfect for a family dinner or a fun snack, packed with tasty ground beef, gooey cheese, pickles, and a yummy burger sauce.

    Get the recipe

    Beef Bibimbap

    Beef Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl).
    Photo credit: Dish 'n' the Kitchen.

    Ground beef bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl filled with veggies, seasoned beef, and a fried egg on top. This is a great dinner choice when you're pressed for time but still want something delicious.

    Get the recipe

    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs

    Baked Shells Stuffed with Meatballs.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This dish features pasta shells stuffed with cheese and meatballs, topped with a quick tomato sauce. It's a classic meal that's sure to please everyone.

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    Beef and Beer Chili

    Beef and beer chili.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Beef and Beer Chili is perfect for any day, whether you're catching a game or sharing a meal with family. It's loaded with classic chili ingredients like ground beef, various beans, and a splash of beer for added flavor.

    Get the recipe

    Easy Shepherd’s Pie

    Easy Shepherd’s Pie
    Photo Credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Shepherd’s Pie is a cozy meal that combines ground beef with a few simple ingredients. It's affordable and easy to prepare, and you can make it a bit fancier by using lamb and adding homemade gravy.

    Get the recipe

    Umami Burgers

    Umami Burgers.
    Photo credit: Pups with Chopsticks.

    These burgers combine ground beef and pork, seasoned with miso and spices for a delicious flavor. They’re a great option for a tasty meal that feels a bit fancy without being too complicated.

    Get the recipe

    Chorizo Burgers

    Chorizo burger.
    Photo credit: 2 Cookin' Mamas.

    Chorizo Burgers are a fun upgrade to regular burgers, combining chorizo with ground beef for a juicy and flavorful patty. Grill them for just six minutes, add some cheese and your favorite toppings, and they’ll be a hit at the table.

    Get the recipe

    BBQ Smoked Meatloaf

    BBQ Smoked Meatloaf.
    Photo credit: xoxoBella.

    BBQ smoked meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic dish. With its rich flavor and a tasty garlicky tomato glaze, this is a meal you'll want to enjoy again and again.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Hotpot

    Ground beef hot pot.
    Photo Credit: Fab Food 4 All.

    This one pan dinner is loaded with root vegetables and peas, giving you a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. A touch of horseradish sauce adds a nice kick, making it a comforting dish for the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    Cottage Cheese Lasagna

    Cottage cheese lasagna on a dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cottage cheese lasagna is a cozy and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare. You can even make it in advance, so when you're busy, you can just bake it and enjoy a hearty homemade dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie

    Gluten-Free Shepherd’s Pie.
    Photo Credit: What a Girl Eats.

    Shepherd's pie is a warm and filling dish that brings a taste of England to your table. While it's usually made with lamb, using ground beef turns it into a comforting cottage pie.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Beef and Shells

    Instant Pot Beef and Shells
    Photo Credit: Earing In An Instant.

    This dinner features ground beef and pasta cooked together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It's a creamy and cheesy meal that's easy on the wallet but still feels a little special.

    Get the recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This bolognese pasta sauce is easy to whip up in the Instant Pot. Enjoy the classic flavors without spending all day cooking.

    Get the recipe

    Manestra

    Greek orzo with ground beef.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    This Greek-style "Manestra" offers a delicious take on classic comfort food. It's a satisfying dish that brings a bit of flair to your dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole

    Cheesy Beef & Rice Casserole.
    Photo credit: Dominican Cooking.

    This cheesy ground beef and rice casserole is a great way to use up leftover rice. It's easy to make, loaded with vegetables, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

    Get the recipe

    Crunchy Ground Beef Tacos

    Ground beef tacos.
    Photo credit: Confetti & Bliss.

    This quick recipe is perfect for when you're craving something delicious without the need to go out. You can have it ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great alternative to takeout.

    Get the recipe

    Smash Burgers

    Easy Smash Burger Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Smash burgers are simple to prepare in a cast iron skillet using just ground beef and salt. They turn out thin and crispy with a rich buttery flavor, and you can have them ready in about 15 minutes.

    Get the recipe

    Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

    Meatballs in Tomato Sauce.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Spaghetti and meatballs in tomato sauce is a classic dish that feels special while being easy on the wallet. It's a comforting meal that everyone loves.

    Get the recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are easy to make and taste great, ready in under an hour. You can prepare them on the stove, in the air fryer, or in the oven for a juicy and tender result every time.

    Get the recipe

    Beefy Pasta Bake

    Beefy Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Bitz n Giggles.

    This dish features beef and noodles, all topped with crunchy French fried onions. It's a satisfying meal that's both affordable and a bit fancy.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    This dish offers a fun and flavorful take on Stuffed Peppers that you can whip up in just 45 minutes. With a mix of taco seasoning and cheese, it's a filling meal that works well on its own or alongside some tortilla chips.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      21 Cheap Casseroles That Are Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
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      21 Grandma Approved Ground Beef Recipes That Will Make You Feel Right at Home
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      22 Quick and Delicious Pasta Recipes for Lazy Summer Nights
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      17 Easy Vegetarian Crockpot Meals That Are Full of Flavor

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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