This Is What Best-By, Use-By and Sell-By Dates Really Mean (2024)

Simple Taco SoupTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, taco seasoning, canned mild chili beans, canned pinto beansLevel: Intermediate

Taco toppings like cheese, avocado and sour cream pair well with this simple taco soup. Bonus: It's freezer friendly.We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it's a snap to prepare. —Recipe contributor Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Meat-and-Potato CasseroleTotal Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Ground beef, potatoes, frozen corn, condensed cream of celery soupLevel: Intermediate

You can choose which cream soup you use is this cheesy casserole. The crisp potato border really sets this dish apart.For variety, you can use another kind of cream soup (cream of mushroom, for instance). But try this meat and potato casserole this way first. —Recipe contributor Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa

Total Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, egg noodles, green pepperLevel: Intermediate

Crumbled bacon adds a nice crunch to this comforting meal. This beefy dinner is warm, cozy and filling.My mom used to make this ground beef recipe when I was a kid. Now I prepare it for my own family. —Recipe contributor Kelli Jones, Perris, California

Smothered BurritosTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Green enchilada sauce, ground beef, flour tortillasLevel: Intermediate

These spicy burritos are coated in green enchilada sauce and salsa verde. You can add leftover veggies into the filling to boost the nutrition.My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Recipe contributor Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri

Mexi-Mac SkilletTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, tomato sauce, fresh or frozen corn, elbow macaroniLevel: Intermediate

You don't even need to precook the macaroni in this one-skillet recipe. It's easily customizable depending on what veggies, beans and spices you have on hand.This is the yummiest, quickest recipe I have. There’s no need to precook the macaroni. Everything comes together in one smart skillet. —Recipe contributor Maurane Ramsey, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Skillet Beef TamalesTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, salsa, frozen corn, corn tortillasLevel: Intermediate

A cross between tamales and chilaquiles, the results are fantastic. Some reviewers have even used wontons for the topping.I found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Recipe contributor Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona

Bacon Cheeseburger PastaTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Penne pasta, ground beef, bacon strips, cheddar cheeseLevel: Intermediate

This ground beef meal is kid-friendly and easily stored for leftovers. To keep with the cheeseburger theme, you can drizzle mustard on top for a little extra tang.I try to make foods that are not only kid-friendly, but also easy to reheat since my husband works long hours and often eats later than our children. If you like, use reduced-fat cheese and ground turkey for a lighter version. —Recipe contributor Melissa Stevens, Elk River, Minnesota

Favorite Hamburger StewTotal Time: 1 hour 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, canned stewed tomatoes, carrots, celery, potatoesLevel: Intermediate

This ground beef stew is perfect for a cold night in. When you want a low-maintenance dinner, you'll find yourself coming back to this recipe.I got this hamburger stew recipe from a woman at our church, Lois Henry, when I needed a way to use up our bounty of home-canned tomatoes. My husband loves it, and I like that it's easy to warm up for a carefree dinner in the winter months. —Recipe contributor Marcia Clay, Truman, Minnesota

One-Skillet LasagnaTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, spaghetti sauce, cottage cheese, no-cook lasagna noodlesLevel: Intermediate

The cream of onion soup sets the flavor in this lasagna apart from the rest. The end result resembles a Chicago deep-dish pizza!Skillet lasagna is made in a single skillet and features creamy, cheesy layers full of classic flavors. The best part? No oven required. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Bacon Cheeseburger RiceTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, instant rice, cheddar cheese, baconLevel: Intermediate

You've heard of cheeseburger pasta, but here's cheeseburger rice! Adding sour cream or another dipping sauce gives the meal more kick.My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizzazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Recipe contributor Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa

Cornbread Taco BakeTotal Time: 45 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, canned whole kernel corn, cornbread/muffin mix, canned french-fried onionsLevel: Intermediate

An appetizer and a meal in one, this easy bake is hard to mess up and easy to enjoy. Who knew that cornbread and taco meat would pair together so well?Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Recipe contributor Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan

Cheeseburger CupsTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, buttermilk biscuits, VelveetaLevel: Intermediate

Like a mini pizza, these burger bites rely on buttermilk biscuits as the "bun." Choose your own garnishes and dip for this kid-friendly meal.This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Recipe contributor Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio

Easy Ziti BakeTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Ziti pasta, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, ricotta cheeseLevel: Intermediate

This recipe allows you to get creative with the sauce. It can be homemade with various veggies or from a jar. (These jarred pasta sauces are our favorites.)I enjoy making this baked ziti recipe for family and friends. It's easy to prepare, and I like to get creative with the sauce. Sometimes I might add my home-canned tomatoes, mushrooms or vegetables. —Recipe contributor Elaine Anderson, New Galilee, Pennsylvania

Cheeseburger and Fries CasseroleTotal Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Ground beef, canned condensed cheddar cheese soup, frozen french friesLevel: Intermediate

Nothing goes better with a cheeseburger than fries. With just four ingredients, this is great for a cookout or a laid-back day with the family.Kids love this cheeseburger french fry casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Recipe contributor Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana

Easy Beef StroganoffTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Yolk-free noodles, lean ground beef, mushroomsLevel: Intermediate

This light version of a Stroganoff doesn't miss out on any of the flavors. Add a little more Worcestershire if you want an extra boost.I wanted to lighten my mother-in-law's wonderful recipe and came up with this tasty beef Stroganoff. In our home, we call it special noodles. —Recipe contributor Jennifer Riordan, St. Louis, Missouri

Dinner in a BagTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, canned stewed tomatoes, elbow macaroniLevel: Intermediate

This ground beef recipe is called "Dinner in a Bag" because you can prepare your pantry ingredients ahead of time in easy-to-grab bags. It relies on simple ingredients and flavors for a quick dinner.I get a head start on this family-pleasing dinner by assembling ready-to-grab pantry kits. I measure dry macaroni and the spice mixture into separate containers, storing them in a paper bag with canned tomatoes. —Recipe contributor Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Stuffed Peppers for 4Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Orzo pasta, sweet peppers, ground beefLevel: Intermediate

With veggies, meat and pasta, this quick dinner has it all. You can swap out the orzo for rice.Truly a meal in one, this quick supper has it all: Veggies, meat, pasta and sauce, packed into tender peppers. It’ll look so pretty on your table. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pizza Noodle BakeTotal Time: 40 minutesMain Ingredients: Egg noodles, ground beef, pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, mozzarella, cheddar cheeseLevel: Intermediate

You can double this recipe and freeze one for a heat-and-serve dinner later on. Add your favorite pizza toppings to really make this your own.Here’s a family-pleasing casserole that comes together in a snap, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. —Recipe contributor Bernice Knutson, Soldier, Iowa

Sloppy Joe PizzaTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Pizza crust, ground beef, sloppy joe sauceLevel: Intermediate

Take sloppy joes to the next level with this six-ingredient pizza—because if a sloppy joe is missing anything, it's a lot of cheese.If your kids like sloppy joes, they'll love this pizza. I came up with this ground beef recipe that's easy to assemble. —Recipe contributor Brenda Rohlman, Kingman, Kansas

Broccoli Beef BraidsTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, frozen broccoli, refrigerated crescent rollsLevel: Advanced

This is a dinner that will make your kids excited to eat broccoli. These ground beef-stuffed sandwiches are as fun to look at as they are to eat.Each slice of this fast-to-fix golden bread is like a hot sandwich packed with beef, broccoli and mozzarella. —Recipe contributor Penny Lapp, North Royalton, Ohio

Italian Beef and ShellsTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Medium pasta shells, ground beef, yellow summer squash, zucchini, dry red wineLevel: Intermediate

This beef and veggie pasta is the total package. It will definitely make its way into your dinner rotation, with new variations every time!A veggie and pasta combo makes a hearty entree that comes together easily. Wine lends an extra touch of flavor to the sauce and makes this main dish a winner. —Recipe contributor Mike Tchou, Pepper Pike, Ohio

Beef Enchiladas VerdesTotal Time: 1 hour 10 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta, canned chopped green chiles, tortillasLevel: Advanced

You can make these in advance and keep them in the refrigerator until you're ready for dinner. The pimientos and green chiles give these a much-needed kick.These beef enchiladas verdes are easy to make ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. After quickly cooking the tortillas in hot oil, I layer them between paper napkins to soak up excess oil. —Recipe contributor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Vegetable Beef CasseroleTotal Time: 1 hour 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Potatoes, carrots, celery, frozen green beans, ground beef, cheddar cheeseLevel: Intermediate

This one-dish casserole can be made with whatever you have on hand. What sets this apart is not the vegetables but the beef and cheese.This easy ground beef recipe has been a family favorite ever since my husband's aunt handed it down to me decades ago. Try using whatever vegetables you have on hand. A simple salad goes nicely with this entree. —Recipe contributor Evangeline Rew, Manassas, Virginia

Dill Pickle Hamburger PizzaTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, pre-baked pizza crust, shredded cheddar cheese, dill picklesLevel: Intermediate

In a world of new pizza combinations, what's one more? With pickle juice and mayo drizzle, this pizza will be a delightful surprise to all who eat it.My husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Recipe contributor Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois

Hearty Vegetable Beef RaguTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Whole wheat spiral pasta, ground beef, canned Italian diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, kaleLevel: Intermediate

You might know Ragu as the jarred sauce, but did you know it's also an Italian meat sauce? This vegetable ragu includes peas and kale.This recipe is healthy yet satisfying, quick yet delicious. It's on the table in less than 30 minutes, and it's something that my children will gobble up! If you are not fond of kale, stir in baby spinach or chopped broccoli instead. —Recipe contributor Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey

Southwestern GoulashTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, ground beef, frozen corn, canned chopped green chilesLevel: Intermediate

Traditionally an Eastern European dish, this goulash is seasoned with cumin and green chiles for a Southwestern influence. The flavors are strong and the meal is filling.I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it! —Recipe contributor Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, Ohio

Beef Stroganoff SandwichesTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, mushrooms, ranch dip mix, French breadLevel: Intermediate

These Stroganoff sandwiches are a spin on the Russian classic. Ranch and sour cream make these sammies extra rich.For an American take on classic Russian comfort food, we turn beef Stroganoff into a sandwich. It comes together fast, and our family devours it. —Recipe contributor Alison Garcia, Beatrice, Nebraska

BBQ Meat Loaf MinisTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Stuffing mix, ground beef, barbecue sauce, cheddarLevel: Intermediate

These adorable meat loaf minis are made in a muffin tin. You can add a cup of salsa or some chili powder for more spice.Kids can have fun helping to prepare these mini meat loaves in muffin cups. For extra spice, we sometimes add 2 teaspoons chili powder and 1 cup of salsa. —Recipe contributor Linda Call, Falun, Kansas

Taco Cornbread CasseroleTotal Time: 1 hour 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, taco seasoning, cornbread/muffin mix, corn chips, riceLevel: Intermediate

This beefy casserole will easily become a dinner staple in your home. No sides necessary, this dish acts on its own.A whole can of chiles adds fire to this casserole. For less heat, you can use just enough of the can for your taste. —Recipe contributor Lisa A. Paul, Terre Haute, Indiana

Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, instant brown rice, bell peppersLevel: Intermediate

This recipe is like a deconstructed beef fajita that's great for leftovers. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes.I love Mexican-inspired food. I also enjoy experimenting with recipes like this one and making them healthier—and downright good! —Recipe contributor Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

Best Lasagna SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Lean ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, reduced-sodium beef broth, tomato sauce, spiral pastaLevel: Intermediate

All the flavors of lasagna come together in this comforting soup. Cook the noodles separately so they don't get soggy.This lasagna soup tastes just like your favorite lasagna without all the layering. It’s fast, easy and comfort food at its best. —Recipe contributor Sheryl Olenick, Demarest, New Jersey

Asian Beef and NoodlesTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, soy sauce, ramen noodles, frozen broccoli stir-fried vegetable blendLevel: Beginner

Serve this colorful dish with soy sauce and a side of pineapple slices. You'll find yourself coming back to this recipe on grocery day.Asian beef recipes don't get much simpler. This colorful, economical stir-fry dish takes only five ingredients—all of which you're likely to have on hand. —Recipe contributor Laura Stenberg, Wyoming, Minnesota

Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, dried rosemary, dried sage, ground beef, hamburger bunsLevel: Intermediate

These loaded burgers are cheesy and rich. The cream cheese filling is a nice change of pace from your usual burgers.Tired of the same old ground beef recipes? This quick-fix burger alternative, with its creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds. —Recipe contributor Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

Pizza in a BowlTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Rigatoni, ground beef, pizza sauce, pepperoni, condensed cream of mushroom soupLevel: Intermediate

Wow your family with this recipe that's perfect for pasta night. With cream of mushroom soup, ground beef and rigatoni, the ingredients may not all look like they belong on pizza, but the pasta tastes exactly like a supreme pie!On busy days, it's a comfort to know that my family can sit down to dinner minutes after we walk in the door. Double it to wow at a potluck. This recipe works in a slow cooker, too. —Recipe contributor Virginia Krites, Cridersville, Ohio

Korean Beef and RiceTotal Time: 15 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, brown sugar, soy sauce, brown riceLevel: Beginner

This version of Korean bulgogi is sweet and light. It can be made with ingredients you probably have on hand.A friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Recipe contributor Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota

Spicy Shepherd’s PieTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Mashed potato flakes, ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, canned Mexicorn, olivesLevel: Intermediate

This quick version of a shepherd's pie is made easier with instant mashed potatoes. The kick comes from taco-seasoned ground beef.Taco seasoning adds zip to this hearty main dish. It's easy to top with instant mashed potatoes, which I stir up while browning the beef. —Recipe contributor Mary Malchow, Neenah, Wisconsin

Pierogi Beef SkilletTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, frozen cheese and potato pierogi, frozen mixed vegetablesLevel: Intermediate

Frozen pierogi let you get this dinner on the table fast. Garnish with cheese right at the table.Hearty and thick with beef, veggies and potatoes, this is a complete meal in one. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cajun Mac and CheeseTotal Time: 35 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, cajun seasoning, mac and cheese dinner mixLevel: Intermediate

Mac and cheese heal your inner child. And this ramped-up take on the childhood meal will have you finishing the pot.When I follow my favorite meat loaf recipe, I end up with an extra half-pound of ground beef. So I came up with this easy Cajun mac and cheese dish to use it up. —Recipe contributor June Ellis, Erie, Illinois

Favorite Sloppy JoesTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, chili sauce, hamburger buns, sliced cheddar cheeseLevel: Intermediate

Slices of cheddar cheese and chili sauce separate this spin from the classic you're used to. And if you like sloppy joes, you'll love this loose-meat sandwich recipe.I've prepared these sandwiches for years. I've tried many sloppy joe recipes, but this one is the best by far. It also travels well for picnics or potlucks. —Recipe contributor Eleanor Mielke, Snohomish, Washington

Total Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Gnocchi, ground beef, bacon, heavy whipping creamLevel: Intermediate

You've never had gnocchi like this before. It'll remind you of a bacon cheeseburger, and you can top it like one, too.This gnocchi dish tastes like a bacon cheeseburger. Go ahead and top it as you would a burger—with ketchup, mustard and pickles. —Recipe contributor Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

West Coast Snappy JoesTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, tomato sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, hamburger bunsLevel: Intermediate

These quick "snappy" joes are unforgettable. If you have extra filling, you can throw it over noodles for a mac dish like no other.Meet my California-inspired sloppy Joe. Load it up with whatever toppings you like, or pour the filling over noodles. It's incredible on mac and cheese. —Recipe contributor Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed PotatoesTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Red potatoes, ground beef, mushrooms, french-fried onionsLevel: Intermediate

Potatoes, mushrooms and ground beef make this the most relaxing dinner. The french-fried onions add a crisp to this otherwise smooth meal.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. —Recipe contributor Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland

Fajita Burger WrapsTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, fajita seasoning mix, bell peppers, flour tortillasLevel: Intermediate

If you're ever torn between fajitas and burgers, this dinner is for you. The crispy shell plus the fajita seasoning in the ground beef really elevate this dish.This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Recipe contributor Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio

Meat Loaf MuffinsTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, ketchup, barbecue sauce, bread crumbsLevel: Intermediate

What gives these meat loaf muffins their tang? Barbecue sauce! You can slice and dice these however you like for lunch the next day.These freezer-friendly meat loaf muffins are a simple-to-make family favorite recipe. Make them for dinner tonight or freeze them later for quick weeknight meals. —Recipe contributor Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia

Tortilla PieTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Lean ground beef, reduced-fat ricotta cheese, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, whole wheat tortillasLevel: Intermediate

This beefy tortilla lasagna is exactly the type of meal inspiration you've been looking for. Serve it with a little salad on the side, and dinner's done.My husband and I enjoy this southwestern take on lasagna because it’s not as dense or heavy as traditional layered dishes made with pasta. Our two daughters enjoy the mild flavor. —Recipe contributor Lisa King, Caledonia, Michigan

Mozzarella Beef Roll-UpsTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, pizza sauce, sliced pepperoni, flour tortillas, string cheeseLevel: Intermediate

These pepperoni and ground beef wraps will make you and your kids happy. Skip out on ordering a pizza and make these ASAP!The kids will love these pepperoni and beef wraps. They're easy to assemble because each tortilla is simply wrapped around a portion of hearty meat filling with a piece of string cheese. —Recipe contributor Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Quick Chili MacTotal Time: 20 minutesMain Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, ground beef, canned chili with beans, canned whole kernel corn, shredded cheddar cheeseLevel: Beginner

From Cajun mac and cheese to chili mac and cheese, there's not much you can add to mac and cheese that won't make it taste amazing. This ground beef meal is satisfying and good for the whole family.This combines chili with one of my favorite pasta dishes. I often serve it for company or potlucks and occasionally add taco seasoning or use beanless chili and add black beans. —Recipe contributor Lee Steinmetz, Lansing, Michigan

Easy Cuban PicadilloTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Lean ground beef, rice, canned tomato sauce, pimiento-stuffed olives, raisinsLevel: Intermediate

You can use this picadillo filling in tacos or just eat it as is. The pimento-stuffed olives and raisins add nice textures to the dish.My girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Recipe contributor Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey

Tater Tot-chosTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen miniature Tater Tots, ground beef, taco seasoningLevel: Intermediate

Tater Tots instead of tortilla chips in nachos? Sign us up!Playing with food is loads of fun when you have loaded Tater Tots. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Recipe contributor Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota

Frito PieTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, Frito corn chips, canned enchilada sauceLevel: Intermediate

What more can you ask for from this spicy, salty, cheesy dinner? This Frito pie is ready in just 30 minutes.Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here’s my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Recipe contributor Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico

Ground Beef Casserole with NoodlesTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, wide egg noodles, canned condensed tomato soup, canned condensed cream of mushroom soup, cheddarLevel: Intermediate

There's never a wrong time for a casserole. You won't have leftovers of this potluck favorite.Savory, creamy and satisfying—you'll be so happy you found this easy beef noodle casserole recipe. Packed with diced veggies, egg noodles and cheese, it's a cinch to make any time you need some hearty comfort food. —Recipe contributor Mary Hinman, Escondido, California

Southwestern SpaghettiTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, spaghetti, zucchiniLevel: Intermediate

This dish is a great way to introduce zucchini into your diet. With mild but strong flavors, the spaghetti is just spicy enough.Chili powder and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice change of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Recipe contributor Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana

Tangy Barbecued Beef SandwichesTotal Time: 25 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hamburger bunsLevel: Intermediate

Just like sloppy joes, these sandwiches are a hit at parties. You can even freeze the filling for later if you want to stash some away.Every year for our church ice cream social, we'd fill six roaster ovens with these ingredients and let them simmer all day. Boy, did that barbecue smell good. If you want a meal that's ready to eat in 30 minutes, but can keep on the stove for late arrivals, this is the one. —Recipe contributor Janet Sipes, Monmouth, Illinois

One-Pot Spinach Beef SoupTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, reduced-sodium beef broth, bow tie pasta, fresh spinachLevel: Intermediate

This weeknight dinner is comforting and packed with all the ingredients you love. Pasta, ground beef, spinach and tomato work to put this soup in high demand.My idea of a winning weeknight meal is this beefy soup simmering in one big pot. Grate some Parmesan and pass the saltines. —Recipe contributor Julie Davis, Jacksonville, Florida

Ground Beef Hash Brown CasseroleTotal Time: 50 minutesMain Ingredients: Frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, ground beef, brown gravy mix, frozen mixed vegetables, canned french-fried onions, shredded cheddar cheeseLevel: Intermediate

If you're interested in breakfast for dinner, this meal is for you. The hash browns combined with french-fried onions are a flavor experience you won't want to miss out on.Because this ground beef hash brown casserole is practically a meal in itself, I simply pair it with a salad and dessert. —Recipe contributor Rochelle Boucher, Brooklyn, Wisconsin

Zucchini LasagnaTotal Time: 1 hourMain Ingredients: Ground beef, cottage cheese, zucchini, mozzarellaLevel: Intermediate

Looks can be deceiving, especially when it comes to food. This zucchini lasagna tastes just like the real thing, but with much more nutritional value.When life gives you zucchini, make zucchini lasagna! —Recipe contributor Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois

Italian Joes on Texas ToastTotal Time: 30 minutesMain Ingredients: Ground beef, dry red wine, frozen Garlic Texas toast, part-skim mozzarella cheeseLevel: Intermediate

Like a meaty bruschetta, one bite of this toasty dinner and you'll be tempted to finish the tray.This is toasty-good for a weeknight on the go. If you double the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, meat and wine, you'll have enough sauce to freeze. —Recipe contributor Ashley Armstrong, Kingsland, Georgia