Credits: Victor Protasio (Photographer), Chelsea Zimmer (Food Stylist), Julia Bayless (Prop Stylist)
As the days grow longer and the weather warms, it feels like the world is coming alive once more. It’s time to infuse your dinners with vibrant, fresh flavors that are still satisfying, perfect for the spring season. We’ve curated a collection of our top recipes that blend the lightness of spring with our trusted protein: ground beef.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Photographed by Greg DuPree
Sheet pan dinners are always a hit, and these Sheet Pan Nachos are no exception. Customize them with your favorite toppings for a delicious appetizer or main course.
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Dinner Rolls
Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners, Prop Stylist: Heather Chadduck
Even Sloppy Joes can look elegant with our Southern Living Test Kitchen recipe. This casserole is a satisfying dinner option for weeknights.
Easy Chili
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
A comforting bowl of chili is perfect for chilly spring evenings. This Easy Chili strikes the right balance of flavors with green bell pepper and garlic, topped with your favorite fixings.
Tomato ‘n’ Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust
Photo by Beth Dreiling Hontzas
Despite its cheesy indulgence, this casserole features zucchini, a beloved spring and summer vegetable, to provide a fresh contrast.
Cowboy Pasta Salad
Photo by Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
This vibrant pasta salad is elevated by a zesty lime dressing, making it a satisfying main dish with cherry tomatoes, cheese, black beans, and ground beef.
Greek Meatballs with Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce and Rice
Photographed by Greg DuPree
These flavorful meatballs offer a light yet protein-packed supper, complemented by a refreshing Cucumber-Yogurt Sauce.
Smothered Enchiladas
Southern Living
This weeknight favorite is sure to bring joy to your table on spring days when you crave a celebration.
Cheesy Chili Hash Brown Bake
Photographed by Jennifer Davick
With just five ingredients and under an hour to prepare, this bake combines crispy hash browns with chili for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Cowboy Casserole
Micah A. Leal
This effortless casserole seasoned with taco spices and topped with tater tots is a go-to for nights when meal inspiration is lacking.
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup with Gnocchi
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Ruggiero
A two-step vegetable soup featuring fresh spinach, perfect for a cozy spring evening.
Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Maggie Rugg
Enjoy a delicious stir-fry packed with vegetables, ground beef, and rice all in one pan for a hearty meal. Find the recipe for Walking Tacos by Caitlin Bensel for a refreshing dinner. Add a touch of lime and cilantro for a fun twist. For a classic comfort dish, try the Sheet Pan Meatloaf recipe by Jennifer Causey. This crispy ground beef meatloaf will surely become a favorite. The Beef Tamale Pie recipe by Greg DuPree features a cornbread crust topped with thinly sliced jalapenos for a standout dish. Lastly, try the Cheesy Lasagna Soup by Victor Protasio, a comforting and easy-to-make soup that will have you craving more. Don’t miss out on these delicious recipes from Southern Living!
