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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    20 Quick and Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Busy Weeknights

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on August 19, 2025, updated July 15, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Ground beef is a go-to ingredient for quick weeknight meals, offering versatility and flavor in every dish. From classic burgers to hearty casseroles, these 20 easy recipes will help you whip up satisfying dinners in no time. Perfect for busy evenings, these meals are sure to please the whole family.

    Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf

    Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: Meatloaf and Melodrama.

    Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf is an easy dish that swaps out bread crumbs for Stove Top Stuffing, making it quick to prepare. This is a good dinner option that the entire family will love, especially when time is tight during the week. It's a straightforward recipe that brings comfort food to your table with minimal effort.

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    One Pot Mexican Beef and Rice

    One Pot Mexican Beef and Rice.
    Photo Credit: Dance Around the Kitchen.

    This One Pot Mexican Beef and Rice is a simple and tasty dinner option that comes together quickly. With just a jar of salsa and a packet of taco seasoning, you can create a flavorful meal without much cleanup. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of work.

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    Easy Meatball Sandwich

    Meatball sandwiches on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This meatball sandwich is a quick and easy dinner option that can be ready in just 30 minutes. It's sure to become a hit with your family, making weeknight meals a breeze. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Ground Beef & Rice Casserole

    Ground Beef & Rice Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Jar of Lemons.

    This simple Ground Beef and Rice Casserole is quick to prepare and cooks right on the stovetop. It's been a go-to dinner for years, and even my picky toddler enjoys it. With tender rice, fresh veggies, and seasoned ground beef, all topped with melted cheese, this dish is a tasty and healthy option that the whole family will appreciate.

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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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    Cheesy Taco Skillet

    Cheesy taco skillet.
    Photo Credit: Homemade Hooplah.

    This taco skillet is a simple and delicious twist on the classic Hamburger Helper. It's great for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, making it as mild or as spicy as you like.

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    Texas Pasta

    Texas pasta.
    Photo Credit: Two Pink Peonies.

    This Texas Pasta dish is a straightforward and delicious choice for dinner. It features lean ground beef, a flavorful tomato sauce, and lots of cheese, making it a hit with everyone at the table. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

    One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    This creamy beef pasta is a fresh take on a classic dish that everyone loves. It’s a one-pan meal that comes together quickly, using simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes. This is a great option for busy weeknights and is sure to be a hit with the family.

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    Chili Mac and Cheese

    Chili Mac and Cheese.
    Photo Credit: This View from Great Island.

    Chili Mac and Cheese is a cozy dinner option that combines hearty chili, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese. It's a great choice for chilly evenings or any day you want something filling and satisfying. This dish brings together the best of both worlds, making it a favorite for gatherings or just a simple family meal.

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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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    Instant Pot Bolognese

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

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. It combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients, all made with simple items you probably already have in your pantry. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe cuts down on cooking time while still delivering a satisfying meal.

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    Beef, Onion and Potato Hotpot

    Beef and potato hotpot.
    Photo Credit: Krumpli.

    This dish combines ground beef with sliced onions and scalloped potatoes, creating a warm and comforting meal. It's a great option for a cozy dinner that everyone will enjoy. With its hearty ingredients, this stew is sure to satisfy on any weeknight.

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    Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak

    Old fashioned Salisbury steak with gravy.
    Photo Credit: Quiche My Grits.

    This Salisbury Steak is a simple skillet meal that combines ground beef, bread crumbs, and spices, all simmered in a flavorful mushroom gravy. It's a comforting dish that brings a taste of home cooking to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is quick to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.

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    Arayes

    Arayes.
    Photo credit: Dana's Table.

    These Middle Eastern arayes are a fun crispy pita pocket filled with flavorful seasoned meat. Great for grilling season, and can be made indoors any time of the year!

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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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    Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna

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

    Ravioli is a simple way to create a delicious lasagna, as it replaces the traditional noodles and adds a creamy ricotta layer. This slow cooker ravioli lasagna is a hit with families and perfect for a cozy dinner. It's an easy meal that brings everyone together without much effort.

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    Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

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

    Stuffed peppers can be ready in just 45 minutes with this simple recipe. Packed with Tex-Mex flavors from taco seasoning and topped with cheese, they are satisfying on their own or paired with tortilla chips. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Texas Pasta

    Texas Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Two Pink Peonies.

    This Texas Pasta dish is a simple and tasty option for dinner. Packed with lean ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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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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    Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole

    Cheesy Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Mandi of the Mountains.

    This cheesy hamburger hashbrown casserole is a comforting dish that everyone in the family will enjoy. It’s simple to prepare and comes together in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. With its hearty ingredients, it’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

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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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