Not in the mood for burgers, but need to use up that pound of ground beef in your fridge? That’s where these recipes come in. From casseroles to pastas to rice bowls, these dishes highlight just how versatile this protein can be. So next time you don’t feel like firing up the grill, try our Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole or 5-Ingredient Taco Stuffed Peppers for a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

01 of 11

Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

This hearty dinner takes all the flavors of classic stuffed zucchini and turns them into an easy casserole. Instead of hollowing and stuffing each zucchini, everything is layered in one dish for a quicker, no-fuss dinner. A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top melts into a bubbly, golden layer that ties it all together. This cozy casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is an excellent way to use up summer zucchini.

View Recipe

02 of 11

High-Protein Ground Beef & Sweet Potato Skillet

This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a fast, hearty meal made with just five simple ingredients (not counting oil, salt and pepper) for a flavorful one-pan dinner. The sweet potatoes cook until tender, soaking up the savory flavors from the beef and veggies. With no complicated prep or cleanup, it’s a satisfying and stress-free option for any night of the week.

View Recipe

03 of 11

5-Ingredient Taco Stuffed Peppers

These five-ingredient stuffed peppers are a simple, satisfying twist on taco night with all the flavors you love. Sweet bell peppers act as the perfect vessel for a filling of lean ground beef, black beans, salsa and melty cheese. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado and/or fresh cilantro for a little extra flair.

View Recipe

04 of 11

Loaded Broccoli & Beef Casserole

This loaded broccoli-and-beef casserole is packed with comforting flavors. Lean ground beef teams up with broccoli and brown rice to create a hearty, fiber-packed base with a creamy sauce. The highlight is the melted cheese on top—once broiled, it transforms into a golden, crispy layer that’s finished with bacon and scallions for the ultimate “loaded” experience. To keep prep simple, look for bags of pre-cut broccoli florets.

View Recipe

05 of 11

Taco Skillet Pasta

This taco pasta casserole is the ultimate mashup of comfort food and Tex-Mex flavors. This one-pan wonder that combines pasta with classic taco ingredients cuts down on cleanup and packs a serious protein punch, thanks to lean ground beef and shredded Mexican cheese. Top it off with fresh cilantro, avocado, tomato and a dollop of sour cream for a nutritious, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

View Recipe

06 of 11

Stuffed Pepper Skillet

This stuffed pepper skillet recipe takes the ingredients in a classic stuffed pepper and spins them into a convenient skillet dinner. Earthy, sweet bell peppers take the spotlight, softening just enough while still retaining their delightful crunch. Ground beef packs in the protein and can easily be swapped out for ground turkey or crumbled tofu. Precooked brown rice completes this hearty dish. With a blanket of gooey melted cheese on top, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes.

View Recipe

07 of 11

Cheesy Beef & Black Bean Skillet Casserole

Think of this creamy skillet casserole as a one-pan taco. The corn tortillas crisp up under the broiler, adding crunch to go with the creamy filling. If you enjoy a bit of spiciness, opt for hot salsa or chipotle salsa for some smoky undertones. Tomatillo salsa works well, too, adding tang and a fresh flavor to this easy skillet dinner.

View Recipe

08 of 11

Bibimbap-Inspired Rice Bowls

While not traditional, these protein-rich brown rice bowls take inspiration from Korean bibimbap, with a mix of sweet and spicy ground beef and sliced veggies topped with a fried egg. Gochujang, a fermented paste made from chiles, soybeans and rice, adds subtle spice and tons of complexity. Toasted sesame oil finishes the dish with a nutty flavor.

View Recipe

09 of 11

Philly Cheesesteak Casserole

With the combo of beef, cheese and bell pepper, this easy casserole hits the nail on the head when it comes to the flavors of classic Philly cheesesteak. It’s sure to be a new family favorite that’s quick enough to pull off on a weeknight. We love the flavor smoked provolone lends to the dish, but if you want a more traditional flavor, aged provolone works just as well.

View Recipe

10 of 11

Easy Meatloaf

Comforting, flavorful and filling, this easy meatloaf recipe has it all. A combination of ground beef and Italian turkey sausage provides tons of flavor. Of course, you can’t forget the familiar ketchup topping. Serve alongside a leafy salad or with mashed potatoes and green beans.

View Recipe

11 of 11

Cheeseburger Casserole

If you love a classic cheeseburger with all the fixings, you’ll love this family-friendly cheeseburger casserole. Rotini pasta picks up all the flavors of this comforting dish, but any shape pasta you have in your pantry will work well. We love the crunch shredded fresh lettuce offers, but feel free to mix it up with another green like spinach or kale, or top your casserole with Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms for a different spin.

View Recipe