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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Ground Beef Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd updated November 4, 2025 · Published November 8, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    These 19 ground beef meals are quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and straightforward recipes, you can whip up satisfying dishes that the whole family will enjoy. From classic burgers to hearty casseroles, these meals will help you get dinner on the table in no time.

    Eggplant Moussaka

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

    Eggplant Moussaka is a filling dish loaded with vegetables and ground beef, topped with a nice layer of cheese. This version leaves out the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, opting for extra eggplant instead. It's a delicious and healthy Mediterranean meal that's simple to make.

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    Ground Beef & Cabbage Skillet

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet.
    Photo credit: Real Food Real Deals.

    A one-pot dish featuring ground beef and cabbage offers a quick and healthy dinner option. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this meal is easy to whip up and is bound to be a hit at the dinner table.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the tasty elements of tacos into one simple meal. With ground beef, salsa, and lots of cheese, it's a great option for a quick dinner during a busy week or for sharing at a potluck.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef & Broccoli

    Ground Beef And Broccoli.
    Photo credit: LIving Chirpy.

    This easy meal is quick to prepare with just 9 ingredients and only one pan needed. In around 20 minutes, you can have a healthy dish ready to serve. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Homemade Hamburgers

    air fryer hamburger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These burgers are juicy and perfectly cooked, making them a fantastic choice for a quick dinner. With just ground beef, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, you can easily put together a satisfying meal in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Chili Mac 'n Cheese

    Chili Mac 'n Cheese.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    Creamy macaroni and cheese brings together the familiar tastes of American beef chili in a straightforward dish. It's a simple meal that the whole family will love, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

    SLOW COOKER CABBAGE ROLLS.
    Photo credit: The Food Blog.

    Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls offer a simple way to enjoy a traditional favorite. You can return home to a hearty meal that's nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a busy evening.

    Get the recipe

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers without Rice
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    Stuffed peppers come together in just 45 minutes, offering a quick and easy meal option. This version skips the rice, making it simpler and more flavorful. With a kick of tex-mex spices from taco seasoning and a cheesy topping, these peppers are delicious on their own or paired with tortilla chips.

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    Texas Hash

    Texas Hash.
    Photo credit: Ground Beef Recipes.

    Texas Hash is a delicious one-pot meal that brings together ground beef and rice with a hint of Tex-Mex flavor. This dish is easy to prepare and fills you up, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    Kimchi Sloppy Joes

    Kimchi Sloppy Joe.
    Photo credit: Served From Scratch.

    This classic dish takes on a fun Korean twist, adding some exciting flavors to your dinner table. It's a simple way to liven up your weeknight meals without needing to put in a lot of effort. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that brings something different to your routine.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

    Ground beef cheesesteak.
    Photo credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    A ground beef Philly Cheesesteak is a simple and affordable way to enjoy the classic taste. It features flavorful meat, melted cheese, and your choice of toppings, all served on a soft bun. This dish is perfect for a filling meal that doesn't take much time to prepare.

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    Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

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

    Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes offer a creative take on taco night. These sweet potatoes can be loaded with all your favorite taco toppings, making for a quick and satisfying meal. Dinner can be on the table in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe.

    Taco Soup

    Taco Soup
    Photo Credit: Inquiring Chef.

    Taco Soup is a filling dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, spices, corn, beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes. It's a great option for a cozy meal that everyone will enjoy. You can add your favorite toppings to make it even more fun and colorful.

    Get the recipe

    Ground Beef Stroganoff

    Ground Beef Stroganoff.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    This easy stroganoff is a fantastic choice for a quick and delicious dinner that won't take all night. It's full of flavor and ideal for busy weeknights when you want something filling without putting in too much effort.

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    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 dish using everyday ingredients you likely have on hand. This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Air Fryer Chili Nachos

    Air Fryer Chili Nachos.
    Photo credit: Recipes From a Pantry.

    This cheesy dish comes together in just about 5 minutes, making it a great choice for dinner or a quick snack. It's something the whole family will love, and it's easy to whip up when you need a meal in a hurry.

    Get the recipe

    Cabbage Roll in a Bowl

    CABBAGE ROLL IN A BOWL.
    Photo credit: Rustic Foodie.

    This dinner is easy to prepare and really filling. It features ground beef mixed with rice, tomato sauce, garlic, and onions, all brought together with a hint of apple cider vinegar. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Poor Man's Stew

    Slow Cooker Poor Man’s Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This meal is hearty and simple to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It offers a satisfying option when you need something quick and easy to whip up. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious dinner that everyone will love.

    Get the Recipe

    American Goulash

    Goulash.
    Photo credit: Cheerful Cook.

    Ground beef is cooked in a tasty tomato sauce and mixed with tender pasta, then topped with melted Cheddar cheese. This dish is a quick and filling choice for busy weeknights.

    Get the recipe

    More Recipe Roundups

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      23 Dump-And-Cook Dinners You Can Prep in Minutes
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      7 Weeknight Dinners I’ve Made for Over 20 Years

    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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