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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Lifesaver Ground Beef Recipes That Make Meal Prep a Breeze

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 1, 2025, updated July 15, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can make meal prep quick and easy. With just a few simple recipes, you can create satisfying dishes that the whole family will enjoy. From classic burgers to hearty casseroles, these 18 recipes will help you whip up delicious meals in no time.

    Spaghetti Pie

    Sliced spaghetti pie on a round pan.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This cheesy spaghetti pie combines the classic tastes of spaghetti and meat sauce, all baked together in a pie pan. It's a great way to transform leftover spaghetti into something new and exciting. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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    One Pan Dorito Casserole

    One pan Dorito casserole on a dish.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This quick Dorito casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes to prepare. It's a simple dish that brings together familiar flavors in a fun way. With minimal effort, you can have a satisfying meal ready for the whole family.

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    Italian Meatballs

    Italian Meatballs served over pasta.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Baked Italian meatballs are quick and easy to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. They are full of great flavors thanks to the herbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Beef Taco Skillet

    BEEF TACO SKILLET.
    Photo credit: Laura Fuentes.

    This cheesy ground beef taco skillet is a quick meal that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. It's ideal for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your weekly rotation.

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    Slow Cooker Hot Chili

    Slow Cooker Hot Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This chili packs a punch with serrano peppers and is loaded with flavor from the bacon. It's a hearty dish that warms you up and satisfies your hunger. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe is simple to whip up and will quickly become a favorite.

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    Air Fryer Meatballs

    A stack of meatballs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These air fryer meatballs are simple to prepare and don’t require eggs or breadcrumbs. In less than an hour, you can have juicy and tender Swedish-style meatballs ready to enjoy. They look great and are a step up from any meatballs you’ve made before.

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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, making 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 brings all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.

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    Arayes

    Arayes.
    Photo credit: Dana's Table.

    Middle Eastern arayes are crispy pita pockets stuffed with tasty, seasoned ground beef. They’re perfect for grilling during the warmer months, but you can easily make them indoors any time of the year. This dish is a great way to enjoy a flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare.

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    Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

    Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake brings together the classic taste of Swedish meatballs and pasta in a comforting baked dish. Served warm, this meal is a great way to enjoy familiar flavors in a new way. It's a simple yet satisfying option that the whole family will love.

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    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant Moussaka with Lamb.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a hearty dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all topped with plenty of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead, which keeps it light and healthy. It's a straightforward Mediterranean dish that's both tasty and easy to prepare.

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    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are simple to prepare and can be ready in less than an hour. You can cook them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, giving you plenty of options. The result is a juicy and flavorful meatball that everyone will enjoy.

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    Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

    Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce on a bowl.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This instant pot spaghetti is simple and quick, needing only 9 ingredients and one pot. In under 30 minutes, you can have this classic dish ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It's a family favorite that brings everyone together around the dinner table.

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    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish features juicy, well-cooked ground beef that pairs perfectly with your favorite burger toppings. With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, you can whip up a satisfying meal. 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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    Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Taco stuffed sweet potatoes.
    Photo credit: Belle of the Kitchen.

    These Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes will take your taco night to a new and tasty level! Sweet potatoes are filled with your favorite taco toppings and all done in under 20 minutes.

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    One Pot Enchilada Pasta

    One Pot Enchilada Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Dance Around the Kitchen.

    This dish combines the delicious flavors of beef and cheese enchiladas into a creamy pasta that’s all made in one pot. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that brings comfort to your weeknight dinners. With everything cooked together, cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for busy evenings.

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    Cheesy Taco Rice

    Cheesy Taco Rice.
    Photo Credit: Mighty Spatula.

    Cheesy Taco Rice is a simple and delicious one-skillet meal that’s full of flavor and loaded with cheese. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights. This dish is sure to become a favorite for everyone at the table.

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    Rigatoni Bolognese

    Rigatoni Bolognese.
    Photo Credit: The Almond Eater.

    Rigatoni Bolognese is a simple and tasty one-pot meal. This classic Italian meat sauce is great for weeknight dinners or even special occasions. It pairs perfectly with rigatoni pasta, making it a satisfying choice for any night.

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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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