These aren't your mom's ground beef recipes. Take a look at these comforting dishes

Ground beef has been part of most people's lives since they were children. Meatloaf, spaghetti sauce, goulash and of course, the iconic hamburger sandwich were all commonly served for lunch and dinner throughout the country. Ground beef was readily available, economical, and for reasons unknown, just about everybody loved it.

Some may remember when it was labeled as hamburger instead of ground beef, and the sticker contained no information on the fat content. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines, the difference between the two mixtures is that if the meat is processed and inspected at a USDA-inspected plant, ground beef cannot have extra beef fat added to it, but hamburger can. Also of note is that a maximum of 30% fat by weight is permissible in either hamburger or ground beef. Packers can add seasonings to both mixtures but not extenders, binders, phosphates or water. The delicious recipes that follow will do more than revive your nostalgia for childhood dinners but add contemporary updates, so old becomes new.

Cheeseburger casserole
Cheeseburgers for dinner always get a cheering squad. This creative one-dish meal includes the best of burgers, and the pasta gives it a nice bit of chewiness. Dried dill adds a fast-food flavor boost and chopped pickles on top right before serving add zest and freshness. Get the tutorial here.Hamburger stroganoff
The comforting combination of beef, mushrooms and a rich sour cream sauce can't be beat. Adding extras like Worcestershire sauce, garlic and a fresh-chopped parsley garnish give it a gourmet touch. Don't forget to store leftover sauce and noodles separately to avoid mushy pasta. Get the recipe here.Ground beef carbonara
Pasta carbonara is known for its silky texture and ease of preparation. However, those with hearty appetites often find the delicate dish lacking in hunger fulfillment. Adding ground beef to the recipe satisfies everyone. Get the recipe here.French onion ground beef casserole
Caramelized onions make this casserole special. They take a long time to cook, but the end result is well worth it. For best results, splurge on Gruyère cheese for the topping. Swiss cheese just doesn't have the taste or melting traits of Gruyère. Get the recipe here.Slow cooker sloppy joes
Sloppy joes are a quintessential crowd-pleaser, a blast from the past that never fails to satisfy. So much easier to make in a slow cooker, this batch of scrumptious sandwich filling makes plenty to freeze, so you'll have sloppy joes whenever the craving hits. Get the recipe here.Jailhouse rice
The recipe below is inspired by prison food. It's a delicious casserole filled with the fantastic flavors of beef, sausage, and condensed soup. The finished casserole is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. Get the full recipe here.
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