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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Set It and Forget It Meal Prep Dinners for Beef Lovers

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 20, 2025, updated July 11, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    For beef lovers, meal prep can be a game changer, making weeknight dinners easy and satisfying. With 19 simple recipes, you can prepare hearty dishes that are ready to enjoy whenever you are. These meals are perfect for busy schedules, allowing you to enjoy flavorful beef dishes without the hassle of daily cooking.

    Crockpot Enchiladas

    Crockpot Enchiladas.
    Photo Credit: An Edible Mosaic.

    Crockpot enchiladas are a simple and satisfying dish that brings together ground beef, veggies, enchilada sauce, spices, corn tortillas, and cheese all in one pot. This meal cooks slowly in the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. It's a great option for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare meals ahead of time.

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    Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner

    Hobo Dinner in the Slow Cooker.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This recipe allows you to prepare a full meal in one go, featuring a flavorful meatloaf paired with perfectly cooked sliced potatoes. It's a great option for a relaxing weekend meal or for packing up and sending with your partner for lunch during the week. Enjoy the ease of having everything ready at once, making mealtime simple and satisfying.

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    Papa’s Gone All Day Stew

    Papa’s Gone All Day Stew
    Photo Credit: Easy Budget Recipes.

    This stew is a classic comfort food that serves 12, making it ideal for family dinners on Sundays. It's also simple enough to whip up during the week. Packed with hearty ingredients, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Copycat Wendy’s Chili

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

    Wendy’s chili is a favorite for many, and now you can enjoy it right at home with this easy recipe. It includes all the classic ingredients like beans, vegetables, and spices, so you can savor that familiar flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to please anyone who loves a hearty meal.

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    Crockpot Lasagna

    Crockpot Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    Crockpot lasagna combines ease with the cozy feel of home-cooked meals. This cheesy and saucy dish is a simple way to enjoy lasagna without the need for baking. It's perfect for busy days when you want a hearty dinner waiting for you.

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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 simple and quick, needing just 20 minutes of prep before you let the crock pot do the work. The result is incredibly juicy and tender meat that practically falls off the bone. It's a great option for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Chili

    A bowl with chili topped with lime and cheese.
    Photo Credit: Fresh off The Grid.

    Instant Pot Chili is a great option for a hearty meal that requires minimal effort. It's perfect for preparing in advance, whether you're gearing up for a weekend getaway or just need something easy for a busy weeknight. Just make it ahead of time, and you can warm it up whenever you're ready to enjoy it.

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    Beef and Barley Stew

    Beef and Barley Stew.
    Photo Credit Chew Out Loud.

    This stew is prepared in a slow cooker, resulting in tender meat and rich flavors with minimal effort. It's a simple and satisfying dinner option that lets you set it and forget it. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish allows you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
    Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    Flank steak is seasoned with garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce, creating a dish that brings the flavors of a Chinese restaurant right to your table. This meal is simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. It's a satisfying option that beef lovers will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn

    Slow Cooker Steak, Potatoes, and Corn
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow cooker.

    Steak bites, potatoes, and corn come together in the slow cooker, all simmering in a tasty garlic butter sauce. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Just set it up and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

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    Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

    Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. With tender pieces of beef, fresh vegetables, and hearty barley, it’s a filling meal that warms you up. Just let it simmer in your slow cooker, and you’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you when you get home.

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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 your slow cooker. This simple dish features delicious Asian flavors and is best enjoyed over a bed of rice, making it a satisfying meal. It's a great option for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Instant Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

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

    Instant pot spaghetti is a simple dish that comes together with just 9 ingredients and one pot. In under 30 minutes, you can have this classic meal ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It's a family favorite that doesn't require much effort, so you can enjoy a hearty dinner without spending all evening in the kitchen.

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    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole

    Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo credit: Little Sunny Kitchen.

    This cheesy tater tot casserole combines seasoned ground beef and vegetables in a creamy sauce that everyone will enjoy. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners. With its hearty ingredients, this meal is sure to satisfy beef lovers and make for a cozy night in.

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    Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Hamburger hash in the crockpot combines soft potatoes, beef, and corn in a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with melted cheese right before serving, this dish is hearty and satisfying. It's a meal that you'll find yourself wanting to prepare again and again.

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    Beefy Velveeta Cheese Soup

    Beefy Velveeta Cheese Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This hearty soup brings together the delicious tastes of cheesy dip and a classic cheeseburger. It's a great option for anyone who loves beef and is looking for a cozy meal. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is easy to prepare and satisfying to enjoy.

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    Ground Beef Chili

    Ground Beef Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Rustic Foodie.

    This healthy chili is made in the slow cooker with beans, corn, peppers, and masa harina. It’s packed with flavors from the Southwest, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy nights, this dish allows you to set it up and let it cook while you go about your day.

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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 simmered with potatoes, carrots, and peas in a thick, hearty broth. It's a satisfying dish that warms you up and is great for any day of the week.

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    Mexican Ravioli Lasagna

    Easy Mexican Ravioli Lasagna
    Photo Credit: Two Healthy Kitchens.

    This simple Mexican Lasagna uses ravioli to create tasty layers that everyone will enjoy. It's perfect for busy nights because you can just layer the ingredients without having to thaw the ravioli first. Just put it together and let it bake, making dinner a breeze.

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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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