From smoky meatloaf to grilled stuffed peppers, these dozen-plus outside-the-bun ground beef recipes are delicious and oh-so easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or spicing up weeknight dinners, get ready to impress at your next cookout with creative, crave-worthy dishes.

Hey Grill Hey Ground Beef Recipes

I love a good burger as much as the next griller, but ground beef brings a whole lot more to the table. Ground beef is not only one of the most affordable meats, it’s super flavorful and versatile. It cooks fast, takes on seasoning like a champ, and works in smoky snacks and comfort food alike. If you’re stuck in a burger rut, it’s time to mix things up.

This roundup is full of ground beef recipes to help you reach beyond the burger. We’re talking meatballs, meatloaf, chili, sandwiches, and so much more. Think cheesy, smoky, meaty recipes that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. If you’re ready to upgrade your ground beef game, let’s get cookin’.

1. Jack’d Up Smoked Meatloaf

This ain’t your grandma’s meatloaf. Packed with bold flavors like Jack Daniels, pepper jack cheese, my signature Beef Rub and a spicy BBQ glaze, this meatloaf is stuffed, sauced, and smoked to perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that turns skeptics into believers and gives a whole new meaning to comfort food. Smoky, juicy, cheesy—it’s everything meatloaf should be, but with more kick and more flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something different, this meatloaf brings serious BBQ energy to your backyard.

2. Juicy Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Salisbury steak is classic comfort food for a reason, and this version dials up the flavor with rich mushroom gravy and juicy, seasoned ground beef patties. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for those nights when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. Caramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and creamy sauce take this retro dish into can’t-stop-eating territory.

Try this one-skillet wonder, then get ready for it to become a weeknight regular in your house.

3. Grilled Stuffed Peppers

These Grilled Stuffed Peppers prove that veggies can absolutely bring the flavor. Filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, and spices, then grilled until the peppers are perfectly tender-crisp, this dish checks all the boxes: hearty, healthy(ish), and super satisfying. Bonus: your bell pepper is also your bowl, so cleanup is a breeze.

It’s a full meal right in a single pepper, and it somehow tastes even more delicious than it looks.

4. Smoked Gyro Meat

Juicy, smoky, and loaded with Mediterranean flavor, this Smoked Gyro Meat takes your standard pita stuffing to the next level. A mix of ground beef and lamb gets hit with bold spices and kissed with wood smoke for an upgrade to traditional gyro meat. Pile it high in warm pita bread, then top with fresh veggies and tzatziki for an epic handheld meal.

Think street food vibes, but backyard-smoked and way more flavorful.

5. Chopped Cheese Sandwiches

Say hello to your new favorite griddle sandwich. Inspired by the NYC bodega classic, this Chopped Cheese is made with seasoned ground beef, melty American cheese, and crisp veggies. Oh, and it’s all stuffed into a toasted hoagie roll. It’s quick, filling, and packed with gooey, beefy goodness. Think of it as a burger’s messier, but more delicious cousin.

Perfect for casual cookouts or weeknight dinners when you want something fast and crave-worthy.

6. Jalapeño Bacon Smoked Meatballs

These smoked meatballs are big on flavor and brave on ingredients: cheddar, jalapeños, and crispy bacon wrapped around juicy ground beef. They’re smoky, cheesy, a little spicy, and totally addictive. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or loading them up for a meal, these meatballs are anything but basic.

They’re everything you love about low-and-slow meatballs, but with some serious BBQ attitude.

More Ground Beef Meatball Recipes: Smoked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs, Classic BBQ Meatballs, Smoked Italian Meatballs

7. Smoked Summer Sausage

This homemade Smoked Summer Sausage is savory, smoky, and seasoned just right. Made with ground beef and a blend of spices, it’s the perfect addition to your charcuterie board, road trip cooler, and, of course, your snack drawer. Once smoked, it slices up beautifully and pairs like a dream with cheese, mustard, and crackers.

It’s a nostalgic snack with major BBQ flavor.

8. Ground Beef Jerky

This Ground Beef Jerky has that classic, original jerky flavor with a soft, tender bite you don’t get from whole muscle jerky. It’s sweet, savory, and just a little spicy, so it’s ideal for on-the-go snacking or backyard munching. Made from lean ground beef, it’s easy to prep and even easier to devour.

This one is a must-have for road trips, hikes, or anytime you need a smoky snack fix.

9. Easy Ground Beef Chili

This no-fuss Ground Beef Chili brings the heat (and the flavor) without the hassle. Loaded with spices, peppers, and hearty ground beef, it’s a cozy classic that works as well over fries and hot dogs as it does in a bowl. You control the spice level and toppings, so make it mild or wild—it’s all up to you.

It’s rich, meaty chili that’s sure to satisfy whenever the craving hits.

10. Smoked Hot Dog Chili

If you’re ready to take your backyard dogs from average to amazing, then you have to give this Smoked Hot Dog Chili a shot. Ground beef simmers in a rich, slightly sweet sauce with just the right amount of spice and smoke. It’s thick, flavorful, and designed to stay on the bun instead of sliding off. Simple ingredients, but next-level taste.

It’s the ultimate BBQ topping that turns every hot dog into an edible-and-unforgettable experience.

11. Hamburger Steak with Onion Gravy

Pan-seared ground beef patties meet golden brown crust and rich onion gravy in this deeply-satisfying skillet dinner. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal with layers of savory flavor thanks to my signature Beef Rub and perfectly caramelized onions. No fancy techniques, just comfort food done right.

If you want to feel like you got a big hug from your cast iron, this recipe is a must-try.

12. Homemade Cottage Pie

This cottage pie is what happens when beef stew meets mashed potatoes and heat. Ground beef and tender veggies get simmered into a savory base, then topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s hearty, cheesy, and made to feed hungry folks.

This ultimate comfort food is built for chilly nights and, of course, second helpings.

Even More Ground Beef Recipes

Find your next favorite ground beef recipe here, then come back so you can tell me how it turned out in the comments below! You can find even more of my favorite ground beef recipes at the link HERE.

If you’re looking to up your grilling game, be sure to check out the Hey Grill Hey Store for all the gear and products you need to make every cookout a hit. And don’t forget, the Hey Grill Hey App is packed with tons of mouthwatering BBQ recipes right at your fingertips.

For even more tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes fun, just look for @heygrillhey on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Not only do you get me cheering you on, you get to be part of the best community of Backyard BBQ Heroes on the web.