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    Home » Ground Beef

    15 Ground Beef Dinners Perfect for Lazy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 28, 2025 · Published November 28, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 15 ground beef dinners are quick and easy to whip up on busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. From classic favorites to creative twists, these recipes will make dinner a breeze.

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Instant Pot bolognese is a simple and fast way to whip up a tasty pasta sauce. It brings together all the traditional flavors into a satisfying meal, using just a handful of basic ingredients you probably already have at home. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Spaghetti Pie

    Spaghetti Pie.
    Photo credit: A Cedar Spoon.

    Spaghetti Pie is a simple and hearty meal that everyone in the family will love. It's loaded with protein, making it a great option to keep everyone full and happy after a busy day.

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    Beef and Barley Stew

    Beef and Barley Stew.
    Photo Credit Chew Out Loud.

    Beef and Barley Stew is a comforting meal that you can easily make in a slow cooker. It's full of rich flavors and doesn't take much time to get ready. Perfect for those nights when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Cowboy Casserole

    Cowboy casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Cowboy Casserole is an easy and hearty meal that's great for busy weeknights. It combines creamy cheese with crispy tater tots, making it a filling option that the whole family will enjoy.

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    Loaded Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

    Loaded Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.
    Photo credit: Neighbor Food Blog.

    This simple dish is a family favorite and can be ready in just 15 minutes. It's a classic comfort meal that you can prepare in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

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    One Pot Burrito Bowl

    One Pot Burrito Bowl Recipe
    Photo Credit: I Heart Nap Time.

    Mexican burrito bowls are simple to prepare in one pot and can be ready in just 30 minutes, which makes cleaning up easy. This dish is great for busy nights when you need a quick and filling meal.

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    One Pan Baked Ziti

    Baked Ziti.
    Photo credit: Raising Generation Nourished.

    This one-pan baked ziti is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy and satisfying. With minimal prep and cleanup, it's a straightforward meal that the whole family will love. Just throw everything together and let it bake, making dinner a breeze.

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    Parmesan Meatloaf

    Parmesan Meatloaf.
    Photo credit: Healthy Mom Healthy Family.

    This easy meatloaf is a great choice for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without much work. Packed with cheesy goodness, it's sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ground beef, bell peppers, and onions come together to create a satisfying meal that's simple to prepare. The right seasonings really bring out the flavors and make this dish stand out. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole features ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, giving a fun twist to taco night. It's perfect for a quick dinner during the week or a potluck with friends. Easy to prepare, this dish brings together familiar flavors in a satisfying way.

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    Ground Beef Jambalaya

    Ground beef jambalaya.
    Photo credit: Palatable Pastime.

    Ground Beef Jambalaya combines beef and Andouille sausage, giving a fun twist to the classic Cajun dish. It's an easy and filling meal that packs a punch of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings a taste of Louisiana right to your dinner table.

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    Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole

    Beefy Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This dish features ground beef paired with green beans and your choice of potatoes, creating a filling meal. It's ideal for busy weeknights because you can prepare it in advance.

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    Ground Beef Nachos

    Nachos.
    Photo credit: Food Folks and Fun.

    This dish combines seasoned ground beef with ranch beans, black beans, onions, and garlic, creating a filling and satisfying meal. Topped with sour cream, jalapenos, avocados, cilantro, lime, and plenty of melted cheese, it's a great option for busy weeknights. It's simple to prepare and perfect for when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Beefy Pasta Bake

    Beefy Pasta Bake.
    Photo credit: Bitz n Giggles.

    This dish combines beef and noodles, topped with crispy French fried onions for extra flavor. It's an easy and filling meal that you can whip up with little effort. Perfect for those nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Beef & Beans Casserole

    Beef & bean casserole.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This dish features ground beef and beans cooked together in a tasty tomato sauce, finished off with melted Cheddar cheese on top. It's an easy and filling meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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