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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    21 Ground Beef Meals That Will Save You Time and Effort

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on July 29, 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 whip up satisfying dishes that the whole family will enjoy. From classic burgers to hearty casseroles, these 21 meals will help you save time in the kitchen while still serving up delicious food.

    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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    Meatloaf with BBQ Sauce and Brown Sugar

    Meatloaf with BBQ Sauce and Brown Sugar.
    Photo Credit: Winding Creek Ranch.

    This easy meatloaf topped with BBQ sauce and brown sugar is a delicious meal that the whole family will love. It's full of flavor and can be ready in just 10 minutes of prep time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table.

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    Korean Beef Bowls

    Korean Ground Beef Bowl.
    Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

    This Korean ground beef bowl is a quick and tasty option for weeknight dinners. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines ground beef with a flavorful sweet and savory sauce. It's an easy recipe that won't break the bank, making it perfect for busy evenings.

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    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili

    Slow Cooker No-Bean Chili.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    This chili is packed with hearty tomatoes and flavorful spices. With ground beef and crispy bacon, it’s a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Top it off with your favorite toppings for an extra touch, making it a great choice for a cozy dinner.

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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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    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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    Louisiana Dirty Rice

    Louisiana Dirty Rice.
    Photo Credit: Kenneth Temple.

    Dirty Rice is packed with flavors from ground organ meat, Cajun spices, and the classic holy trinity of vegetables. It's a hearty dish that's perfect for serving a big group at dinner, during parties, or just for a casual get-together. This recipe brings a comforting and satisfying meal to your table, making it a great choice for any occasion.

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    Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf

    Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Dry onion soup mix adds a great flavor to classic meatloaf, making it a tasty option for dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a great choice when you want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole

    Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This casserole features tater tots, a southwestern twist, and plenty of cheese. It's a comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With its hearty ingredients, it brings a satisfying meal to the table without much effort.

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    Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This hamburger potato casserole is a hearty dish that brings together just five ingredients for a satisfying meal. With the rich flavors of beef and onion, it’s both easy to make and quick to cook. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Taco Potato Casserole

    Taco Potato Casserole with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: The Honour System.

    This dish brings together the comforting flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine in a simple casserole. With seasoned ground beef, diced potatoes, and plenty of melted cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s a great choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

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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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    Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet

    Cauliflower beef taco skillet on a Dutch oven.
    Photo Credit: Wholesome Made Easy.

    This easy Cauliflower Beef Taco Skillet is a flavorful, low-carb way to satisfy your cravings for Mexican food. An easy, busy weeknight meal that takes about 30 minutes to make!

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    Hamburger Soup

    Hamburger Soup
    Photo Credit: Fed by Sab.

    Hamburger soup is a hearty dish filled with ground beef, fresh vegetables, and potatoes simmered in a tasty tomato broth. It's a simple meal that you can whip up quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting soup is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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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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    Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

    Baked Ziti with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Ground Beef Recipes.

    Oven baked ziti is a comforting dish that everyone loves, topped with gooey cheese. It's easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a group. This hearty meal is sure to become a favorite for weeknight dinners.

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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 Taco Soup

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

    This soup is simple to make and packed with flavor, all thanks to the slow cooker. It features fire roasted corn, fresh salsa, and whole black olives, creating a delicious combination. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish will warm you up and satisfy your hunger.

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    Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole

    Cheesy Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole.
    Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This cheesy casserole has a crispy top and a soft, flavorful center. It's perfect for dinner or even a filling breakfast. You can also make it the night before, making it a convenient option for busy nights.

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    Air Fryer Flautas

    GROUND BEEF FLAUTAS.
    Photo credit: The Urben Life.

    Loaded rolled tortillas are a quick and easy option for taco night, perfect for a fun dinner or as a tasty snack for game day. They come together in just 10 minutes, making them a great choice when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Whether you're hosting friends or just feeding the family, these tortillas are sure to please everyone.

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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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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Walking taco casserole.
      20 Hearty Ground Beef Casseroles for Cozy Nights
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      No Fuss, All Flavor: 22 Slow Cooker Recipes You Can Set and Forget
    • A spoonful of cheesy Mac and Cheese.
      21 Easy Dump-and-Go Pasta Dishes for When You Just Can't
    • Crockpot chicken and noodles.
      21 Best Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes for When You’re Craving Comfort Food

    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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