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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Dump-and-Go Beef Dinners That Are Perfect for Busy Families

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 24, 2025, updated August 20, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Finding time to cook can be tough for busy families, but these 20 beef dinners make it easy. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have hearty meals ready to enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen. These recipes are perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something satisfying and quick.

    Crockpot Taco Pasta

    Taco pasta.
    Photo Credit: The Salty Pot.

    This dish is perfect for a cozy night in. It features tender beef, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and pasta that brings warmth and comfort. Best of all, you can throw it together in under 15 minutes.

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    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe With Ravioli.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ravioli is a simple way to whip up lasagna, as it replaces the traditional noodles and layers of ricotta. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna has become a favorite in my family. It's a great option for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Copycat Wendy’s Chili

    Copycat Wendy’s Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Recreating the flavor of Wendy’s chili at home is easier than you think. This recipe includes all the essential ingredients like beans, vegetables, and spices, so you can enjoy a delicious bowl just like the original. It's a great option for a cozy dinner when you want something hearty and satisfying.

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    Crockpot Steak Fajitas

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas Recipe
    Photo Credit: Kitchen Fun With my 3 Sons.

    Crockpot Steak Fajitas offer a simple way to enjoy a delicious Tex-Mex meal any night. The steak cooks slowly with peppers and onions in a tasty fajita sauce, creating a satisfying dish. Wrapped in warm tortillas, these fajitas are not only easy to prepare but also a delight to eat.

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    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

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

    This easy meal features hearty ingredients like ground beef, bell peppers, and onions. The seasonings really bring everything together, creating a dish that's sure to impress. It's a simple way to enjoy a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Chuck Roast

    Crockpot Chuck Roast.
    Photo Credit: Lemons & Zest.

    A big pot roast with hearty vegetables is always a comforting meal. This chuck roast is super easy to prepare, taking just 5 minutes to get ready. It cooks slowly, and the meat becomes so tender that it practically falls apart. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without putting in a lot of work.

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    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a great way to save time while still enjoying a delicious meal. It’s a hearty pasta sauce that captures all the classic flavors, but you can whip it up quickly using just a few basic ingredients from your pantry. Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe lets you enjoy a comforting dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup

    Crock Pot Cube Steak with Mushroom Soup
    Photo Credit: Add Salt and Serve.

    Cube steak turns out tender and tasty with very little prep work. By combining cube steak with cream of mushroom soup, Lipton onion soup mix, salt, pepper, and water, you can easily serve a satisfying home-cooked meal. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup

    Slow Cooker Creamy Taco Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Ground beef is cooked with chopped onion and then combined in the crock pot with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, cream cheese, and various seasonings. This creates a simple and tasty taco soup that’s perfect for busy evenings. It’s a comforting dish that requires minimal effort, making it a great choice for a quick dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Nacho Soup

    Slow Cooker Nacho Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Nacho Soup is a hearty dish that brings all the great flavors of nachos into a warm, comforting bowl. With ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning simmered together in a crock pot, this soup is packed with flavor. It's perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole

    Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Tater tot casserole meets shepherd’s pie in this fun twist of a one-pot meal. Frozen veggies add heartiness while shredded cheddar tops everything off, giving you a complete meal the whole family will surely enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Stew

    Slow cooker beef stew on a pot.
    Photo Credit: Fed by Sab.

    This stew is a perfect comfort meal that you can prepare and let cook on its own. It features tender beef combined with potatoes, carrots, and peas, all simmered together in a thick and flavorful broth. It's a great option for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole

    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This slow cooker casserole combines green beans, cream of mushroom soup, tater tots, and cheddar cheese for a simple and satisfying meal. The layers of flavors come together beautifully, making it a comforting choice for busy evenings. It's a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy.

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    Instant Pot Chili

    Chili With Ground Meat And Beans.
    Photo credit: Melanie Cooks.

    All you need to do is toss everything into the Instant Pot, and you can have a tasty chili ready in under 30 minutes. This is a great option for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just set it and let the pot do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes

    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes.
    Photo Credit: I Heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are a simple dinner option that you can set and forget. Ground beef and vegetables cook together in the slow cooker, creating a flavorful meal with minimal effort. This dish is great for lunch or dinner on those hectic days.

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    Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

    Slow Cooker Pepper Steak.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Tender beef strips and colorful bell peppers come together in a flavorful sauce that’s perfect for a busy evening. This simple Crock-Pot dish features Asian-inspired flavors and is best enjoyed over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal.

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    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs

    Slow Cooker Braised Beef Short Ribs Recipe
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie Blog.

    This braised beef short ribs recipe is perfect for busy evenings, requiring just 20 minutes of prep before they go into the crock pot. Once cooked, the ribs turn out incredibly juicy and tender, practically falling off the bone. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin

    Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Au Gratin.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe is a great option for a filling meal. With tender Russet potatoes, ground beef, and straightforward flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with your family. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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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