Cooking dinner for a large family can be both a joy and a challenge. One of the most versatile ingredients to help manage this task is ground beef. I love how it can be stretched to feed a crowd and still deliver delicious, comforting meals that everyone enjoys.
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Budget-conscious and full of flavor, ground beef can be the star of many different types of dishes. From Italian to Tex-Mex, there's no shortage of creative possibilities that make it easy to keep dinner interesting and satisfying for the whole family.
1) Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
I love making Salisbury Steak with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy for my family. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone enjoys. The rich gravy and tender beef patties always hit the spot.
To start, I mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, an egg, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like garlic powder and onion powder. Once everything is well-blended, I shape the mixture into oval patties. They need to be about one-inch thick.
Next, I heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the patties until they’re nicely browned on both sides. While the patties are cooking, I whip up a quick gravy. This involves a blend of flour, beef broth, water, and a bit of Worcestershire and Dijon mustard.
I add mushrooms and onions to the skillet for an extra layer of flavor. Once they soften, I pour in the gravy mixture and let it simmer until it thickens. Then, I place the patties back in the skillet to soak up the delicious gravy.
I always serve this dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy from the Salisbury steaks is perfect for drizzling over them. This entire meal is a comforting and filling option that’s perfect for feeding a large family.
2) Moussaka
Moussaka is a hearty, comforting dish that combines layers of sliced eggplant, ground beef, and a rich béchamel sauce. It's perfect for feeding a large family.
I start by preparing the eggplants, slicing them and brushing them with olive oil before roasting until golden. This step adds great depth to the dish.
For the meat sauce, I brown ground beef with onions and garlic, then add crushed tomatoes and a pinch of cinnamon. Simmering this mixture for a bit allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Once the eggplants and meat sauce are ready, I layer them in a baking dish. I top everything with a homemade béchamel sauce, made from butter, flour, milk, and a touch of nutmeg.
Baking the assembled Moussaka until it's bubbling and golden on top makes the house smell amazing. The creamy béchamel and flavorful meat sauce make each bite satisfying.
Whether I serve it with a simple salad or some crusty bread, Moussaka is always a hit.
3) Goulash
Goulash is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for feeding a big family. I love how versatile and easy it is to make.
I start by browning lean ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then, I add diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers, letting them soften.
Once the veggies are tender, I add beef broth, canned tomatoes, marinara sauce, and seasonings like paprika, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Next, I let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
Finally, I stir in cooked elbow macaroni or any other pasta, and let everything cook for a few more minutes. The result is a delicious one-pot meal that's both flavorful and satisfying. My family always looks forward to goulash night!
4) Cheesy Beef Nachos
Cheesy Beef Nachos are a hit with my family! They're easy to whip up and great for sharing. I start by preheating my oven to 400°F and prepping my baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large skillet, I cook ground beef with onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. I drain any excess fat and return the skillet to the stove.
Next, I add pinto beans, salsa, and taco seasoning to the beef mixture. I give it a good stir and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.
While the beef mixture is cooking, I spread half of my tortilla chips on the baking sheet. I sprinkle half of the beef mixture over the chips, followed by a generous handful of shredded cheese and some jalapeño slices.
I layer the rest of the chips on top and repeat with the remaining beef, cheese, and jalapeños. I pop the baking sheet in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
When they're done, I pull the nachos out of the oven and garnish with fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. My family can't get enough!
5) Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a family favorite at my house. The rich, hearty sauce simmered with ground beef makes it perfect for feeding a crowd.
I start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery until they're soft and fragrant. This veggie mix adds a great base for the sauce.
Next, I add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces and cooking until browned. Then, tomato paste and diced tomatoes join the mix, creating a thick, flavorful sauce.
A splash of milk helps to tenderize the meat and add a bit of creaminess.
After letting the sauce simmer, I toss it with al dente spaghetti, making sure every strand is coated. I always reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce.
The aroma fills the kitchen and brings everyone to the table. A simple sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top completes the dish.
6) Ground Beef Tacos
One of my family favorites is ground beef tacos. They're easy to make, highly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I like to start by cooking ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it's browned and crumbled.
I then add a homemade taco seasoning mix, tomato paste, and a bit of water. Stir it all together and let it simmer until the mixture thickens. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Once the beef is ready, I spoon it into taco shells or tortillas. I love having a variety of toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, lettuce, and avocado. This allows everyone to make their own perfect taco.
7) Beef and Bean Chili
One of my favorite go-to recipes for a large family gathering is Beef and Bean Chili. This dish is both hearty and satisfying.
I start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, I add ground beef and cook until browned.
Next, I toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them cook until fragrant. Then, I mix in my favorite seasonings: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
After the beef and seasonings are well combined, I add a mix of kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. This blend gives the chili a rich and robust flavor.
To let all the ingredients meld together, I simmer the chili on low for about 30 minutes. The aroma fills the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.
When the chili is done, I serve it hot, sometimes topping it with cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream for an extra treat. This Beef and Bean Chili always hits the spot!
8) Stuffed Bell Peppers
One of my favorite dinners for a large family is stuffed bell peppers. They're colorful, delicious, and a packed meal all in one. I enjoy preparing them a day ahead and baking them right before dinner.
To start, I brown ground beef in a pan. Next, I add chopped onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, and seasonings like basil and oregano.
While the beef mixture cooks, I prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops and removing the seeds. I like using various colors for a vibrant presentation.
Once the beef mixture is ready, I mix in cooked rice. The rice helps stretch the meal and adds texture.
I stuff each bell pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture, then place them in a baking dish. Topping them with a bit of cheese is always a hit.
Baking them at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes ensures they're heated through and the cheese melts perfectly.
9) Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are a family favorite dinner that's easy to make and loved by kids and adults alike. I love how customizable they are, letting you adjust the flavors to your family's taste.
First, I brown the ground beef in a large skillet. I make sure there's plenty of space to cook evenly. I usually add chopped onions and bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Next, I mix in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a little brown sugar for that perfect sweet and tangy balance. I let it simmer until the sauce thickens, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
Serving sloppy joes on toasted buns gives a nice crunch that pairs perfectly with the savory filling. Sometimes, I like to add a slice of cheese on top while the sloppy joe mixture is still hot to make it even tastier.
To keep things simple, I often cook a large batch and use a crock pot to keep it warm until serving time. This makes it super convenient for feeding a crowd.
10) Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for feeding a large family. This dish combines tender ground beef with savory mushrooms and a rich cream sauce.
I love how versatile and quick Beef Stroganoff is to make. Using ground beef speeds up the cooking process. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with egg noodles or rice, making it a filling dinner.
With just a few simple ingredients, like sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, you can achieve a deep and savory flavor. Everything comes together in one skillet.
This makes clean-up easy and keeps the kitchen stress-free. It's one of those reliable recipes that always satisfy, especially on busy weeknights.
11) Mini Meatloaves
I find mini meatloaves to be a real crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make and can be whipped up with simple ingredients. Plus, kids love having their own individual portions.
I start by mixing ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, and my favorite seasonings. Then, I shape them into small loaves and place them on a baking sheet. A tangy glaze made from ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard goes on top.
I usually bake them at 350°F for about 35 minutes. What’s great is that they cook faster than traditional meatloaf. Sometimes, I use a muffin tin for perfectly portioned servings.
Adding some finely chopped veggies like onions or bell peppers into the meat mix boosts flavor and nutrition. These mini meatloaves pair well with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies.
12) Beef and Cheese Quesadillas
I love making beef and cheese quesadillas for my family because they're quick, easy, and delicious. To start, I cook ground beef with taco seasoning or my homemade blend, making sure it's well-seasoned and flavorful.
After preparing the beef, I heat a large tortilla in a skillet over medium heat. I sprinkle shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla and then add a generous portion of the beef mixture on top.
When the cheese begins to melt, I fold the tortilla in half and cook until it's crispy and golden on both sides. Each quesadilla gets cut into 3-4 triangles, perfect for sharing.
Serving these with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa really elevates the dish. My family loves the variety of toppings, and it makes dinner fun and interactive.
It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients, and it's easily customizable to suit anyone's taste. Whether we're craving something mild or a bit spicy, beef and cheese quesadillas never disappoint.
13) Shepherd's Pie
Shepherd's Pie is one of my favorite dishes to prepare when I'm cooking for a large family. It's hearty, comforting, and easy to make in big batches. The combination of ground beef, mixed vegetables, and creamy mashed potatoes always hits the spot.
I start by browning ground beef in a large skillet, then add chopped onions and garlic. Once the onions soften, I throw in mixed veggies, like carrots, peas, and corn. A flavorful sauce of tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and some broth ties it all together.
After the filling simmers, I spread it evenly in a big casserole dish. Then comes the fun part: topping it off with a thick layer of mashed potatoes. I like to use a fork to make light patterns on the potato layer, which helps it brown nicely in the oven.
Baking it at 375°F until the top is golden and crispy ensures everything gets heated through. Once finished, it's ready to serve and always receives compliments from the family.
14) Taco Salad
Taco Salad is one of my favorite ground beef dinner ideas for a large family. It combines all the flavors of a taco in a refreshing and crunchy salad form, making it a hit with everyone.
I start by cooking ground beef in a skillet with taco seasoning until it's perfectly browned and flavorful.
Next, I chop lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and other fresh veggies. I throw in some black beans and crushed tortilla chips for that extra crunch. For the dressing, I mix salsa with a creamy element like ranch or sour cream.
Once the beef is ready and the veggies are chopped, I assemble everything in a large serving bowl. I layer the lettuce first, then add the beef mixture, followed by the veggies, cheese, and dressing.
This dish is easy to make and even easier to adjust for taste. It's a great way to enjoy a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s also light and refreshing.
15) Beef Enchiladas
I love making beef enchiladas for my family because they are so flavorful and easy to prepare. I start by browning ground beef with diced onions in a skillet until the beef is no longer pink.
After draining any excess grease, I stir in some taco seasoning and green chiles. The addition of cream cheese helps to make the filling extra creamy and delicious.
Next, I warm corn tortillas in a bit of oil and then spoon the beef mixture into each one. Rolling them up tightly, I place them seam-side down in a baking dish already prepped with a layer of enchilada sauce.
I generously pour more enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle a blend of grated cheeses. Baking the enchiladas at 350 degrees until bubbly and golden takes about 20 minutes.
These enchiladas are always a hit at family dinners and are perfect for feeding a large group. They pair well with a simple side salad or some rice and beans.
Easy Side Dish Ideas
When planning a meal for a large family, it's important to have side dishes that come together quickly and complement the main course. Here are some easy and delicious side dishes that pair well with ground beef dinners.
Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes:
Creamy and flavorful, these mashed potatoes use simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and herbs. They're quick to make and always a hit.
Simple Garden Salad:
A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to hearty ground beef dishes.
Roasted Vegetables:
Toss your favorite vegetables in olive oil and seasonings. Then roast them in the oven for an easy and healthy side.
Butter Corn on the Cob:
Simply boil or grill the corn and slather with butter. Sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper for a classic, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Steamed Broccoli:
Steaming broccoli takes just a few minutes and keeps the veggie vibrant and nutritious. A little lemon juice and salt enhance its flavor.
Garlic Bread:
Perfect for soaking up extra sauce, garlic bread is easy to make using a loaf of French bread, garlic butter, and a few minutes in the oven.
Coleslaw:
A tangy, crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a simple dressing can be prepared in advance and adds texture to your meal.