35 Sunday Dinner Ideas Starring Ground Beef
35 Sunday Dinner Ideas Starring Ground Beef
Sunday dinners have a special place in many households. They’re a time to gather with family, share stories, and enjoy a comforting meal before the week ahead. But sometimes, planning that Sunday feast can feel overwhelming. That’s where ground beef comes in.
Affordable, versatile, and quick to cook, ground beef is a weeknight hero—but it truly shines on Sundays too. From hearty casseroles and slow-simmered classics to lighter, family-friendly meals, ground beef can transform into just about anything your taste buds crave.
Need some meal-planning help? Check out these 35 delicious Sunday dinner recipes featuring ground beef. Whether you want something cozy and traditional, or bold and global, this list has you covered.
Classic Comforts
1. Homestyle Meatloaf
No Sunday dinner list is complete without meatloaf. Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and seasonings, then bake until golden and tender. Pair it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and tender green beans for a true comfort classic.
2. Beef Stroganoff
Tender ground beef cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce over egg noodles makes for a cozy meal that feels fancy without being complicated.
3. Classic Chili
Cook ground beef slowly with beans, tomatoes, and seasonings to create a cozy pot of chili. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and cornbread on the side.
4. Salisbury Steak with Gravy
Pan-seared beef patties smothered in rich onion gravy pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
5. Shepherd’s Pie
Ground beef layered with veggies and topped with creamy mashed potatoes creates a golden, hearty casserole perfect for family-style serving.
Crowd-Pleasing Casseroles
6. Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Mix ground beef with rice, bell peppers, and tomato sauce, then bake under a blanket of melted cheese.
7. Baked Ziti with Beef
This Italian-American favorite combines pasta, marinara, ground beef, and gooey mozzarella for a cheesy, bubbling masterpiece.
8. Mexican Beef Enchilada Casserole
Layer tortillas with ground beef, beans, enchilada sauce, and cheese for a Sunday dinner with Tex-Mex flair.
9. Tater Tot Beef Bake
Kids and adults both love this casserole of seasoned ground beef topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese.
10. Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Skip the individual peppers—just toss all the flavors of stuffed peppers into one big casserole dish.
Global Inspirations
11. Beef Lasagna
Layer pasta sheets with ground beef, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella for the classic Italian-American dish that feeds a crowd.
12. Moussaka
A Greek classic with layers of ground beef, eggplant, and béchamel sauce that’s as comforting as it is impressive.
13. Beef Empanadas
Make handheld pastry pockets stuffed with spiced beef. Pair with a fresh salad or salsa for a fun dinner.
14. Korean Beef Bowls
Sweet-savory ground beef served over rice with sesame seeds and scallions is fast yet flavorful.
15. Beef and Potato Samosas
Indian-inspired pastry parcels filled with beef, potatoes, and spices are perfect as a Sunday treat with chutney on the side.
Lighter & Healthier Twists
16. Zucchini Beef Skillet
Ground beef, zucchini, and tomatoes cooked in one pan for a lighter, veggie-packed Sunday dinner.
17. Lettuce-Wrapped Beef Tacos
Ditch the tortillas and wrap flavorful ground beef, salsa, and avocado inside crunchy lettuce leaves
18. Mediterranean Beef Bowl
Savory ground beef infused with garlic, lemon, and oregano pairs beautifully with quinoa, creamy hummus, and crisp vegetables.
19. Beef-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful peppers stuffed with beef, rice, and herbs make for a nutritious yet satisfying main course.
20. Cauliflower Beef Stir-Fry
Pair ground beef with cauliflower rice, soy sauce, and stir-fry veggies for a lighter twist on takeout.
Family-Friendly Meals
21. Sloppy Joes
Messy, saucy, and delicious—serve with toasted buns and fries for a nostalgic Sunday treat.
22. Cheeseburger Pizza
Top pizza dough with seasoned beef, cheddar, onions, and pickles for a fun mashup.
23. Beef Quesadillas
Ground beef and cheese folded into crispy tortillas make a kid-approved dinner.
24. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
A timeless family favorite—simmer ground beef in marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti.
25. Hamburger Soup
A cozy soup loaded with ground beef, potatoes, and veggies—perfect for chilly Sundays.
Weekend Specialties
26. Swedish Meatballs
Tender beef meatballs in creamy gravy, served with egg noodles or mashed potatoes, feel extra special.
27. Beef Pot Pie
A golden, flaky pastry shell packed with savory beef, tender veggies, and rich gravy creates a filling, satisfying meal.
28. Greek Beef Gyros
Ground beef seasoned with Mediterranean spices, tucked into pita bread with tzatziki sauce.
29. Beef and Mushroom Risotto
Creamy risotto gets an upgrade with seasoned ground beef and mushrooms for depth of flavor.
30. Taco Lasagna
Layer tortillas, beef, beans, salsa, and cheese in a casserole that blends Mexican and Italian comfort.
Creative Twists
31. Beef-Stuffed Eggplant Boats
Hollowed-out eggplants stuffed with spiced beef and topped with cheese make a healthy yet filling dish.
32. BBQ Beef Sliders
Mini sandwiches filled with saucy ground beef are perfect for a casual Sunday evening.
33. Thai Basil Beef Stir-Fry
Ground beef stir-fried with Thai basil, chilies, and garlic over jasmine rice packs a punch of flavor.
34. Beef Wellington Bites
A fun twist on the classic—mini puff pastry parcels filled with seasoned beef and mushrooms.
35. Gnocchi with Beef Ragu
Soft potato gnocchi tossed in a rich beef ragu is an elegant but approachable Sunday dinner.
Tips for Cooking with Ground Beef
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Choose the right fat content: 80/20 for juicier dishes, 90/10 for leaner meals.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches so the beef browns instead of steams.
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Season generously: Ground beef loves salt, pepper, garlic, onions, and herbs.
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Make it ahead: Many casseroles, chilis, and meatloaves taste even better the next day.
Conclusion
Ground beef is the ultimate Sunday dinner ingredient. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for both simple comfort food and exciting global flavors. With these 35 ground beef dinner ideas, you’ll never run out of inspiration for the end of the week.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to cook on a Sunday, grab a pack of ground beef and try something new. Both your loved ones and your palate will be grateful.
