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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    23 Layer and Bake Ground Beef Dinners for When You’re Too Tired to Think

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on June 8, 2025, updated June 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Layered and baked ground beef dishes are perfect for those busy nights when cooking feels like too much. These meals are simple to prepare and can be made in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. From tater tot casseroles to simplified lasagna, these recipes will satisfy your hunger without requiring too much effort.

    Ravioli Lasagna

    Ravioli lasagna.
    Photo credit: Mom Foodie.

    Ravioli Lasagna is a simple and tasty baked dish that combines layers of ravioli with meat sauce and lots of cheesy goodness. It’s a comforting meal that brings the flavors of Italian cooking right to your table. This dish is perfect for when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its easy preparation, it’s a great option for busy nights. Enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

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    Cowboy Casserole

    Cowboy casserole.
    Photo credit: Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons.

    Cowboy Casserole is a simple and satisfying dinner option that everyone will enjoy. This dish combines creamy and cheesy flavors with a hearty base, all topped with crispy tater tots. It's perfect for those nights when you just want something easy to prepare. Your family will love it so much, they'll be asking for it regularly. This is a great choice for a comforting meal that doesn't require much effort.

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    One Pan Baked Ziti

    Baked Ziti.
    Photo credit: Raising Generation Nourished.

    This one-pan baked ziti is perfect for busy weeknights when you just want something simple. It comes together quickly, so you won't spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The best part is that cleanup is a breeze, making it easy to enjoy your meal without the stress. With layers of pasta, sauce, and ground beef, it's a filling dish that everyone will love. This is a great option for nights when you're too tired to think about what to cook.

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    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, but it's all layered in a pie pan for a fun twist. It's a great option for weeknight dinners, especially when you have leftover spaghetti that needs a new life. The layers of cheese and pasta create a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is simple to prepare and doesn't require much effort. It's a comforting choice for those evenings when you just want something easy and delicious.

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    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into one easy dish. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a hearty meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish is sure to please everyone. You won't need to spend a lot of time in the kitchen to enjoy a satisfying meal. Just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work.

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    Tater Tot Casserole

    Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Healthy Epicurean.

    This tater tot casserole is easy to prepare and skips the canned soup. It combines fresh vegetables and lean ground beef in a flavorful sauce. On top, there's a layer of melted cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without a lot of work. It's a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

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    Easy Shepherd’s Pie

    Easy Shepherd’s Pie
    Photo Credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Shepherd's Pie is a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients, making it ideal for when you need something filling and comforting. You can use either ground beef or lamb, depending on your preference. This dish is also great for preparing in advance and freezing, so you have a meal ready for those busy days. Enjoy a hearty dinner that warms you up and satisfies your hunger.

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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 nights when you just want something simple. With just 10 ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, it’s an easy option for dinner. Layering everything together makes it a breeze to prepare. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is great for those evenings when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Eggplant Moussaka

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

    Eggplant Moussaka is a simple dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef or lamb, all covered in a generous layer of cheese. This recipe skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, focusing instead on extra eggplant for a true Mediterranean flavor. It's a healthy option that doesn't require much effort to prepare. Perfect for when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a hearty meal that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

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    Texas Pasta

    Texas pasta.
    Photo Credit: Two Pink Peonies.

    This Texas Pasta dish is an easy and delicious choice for dinner. It features lean ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and lots of cheese, making it a hit with everyone at the table. Perfect for those nights when you just want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. This meal is satisfying and filling, ideal for a family gathering. Enjoy a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

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    Ground Beef Cottage Pie

    Cottage Pie with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This ground beef dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It's a great option when you want something quick and satisfying. There are no peas in this recipe, making it appealing for picky eaters. Perfect for those evenings when you just want to relax and enjoy a good meal. This is a comforting dinner that everyone will love.

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    Baked Ziti

    Baked Ziti.
    Photo credit: FODMAP Everyday.

    This dish is all about comfort and satisfaction. It combines pasta, ground beef, sausage, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese. Super Deluxe Baked Ziti is perfect for when you have a group to feed. It's a crowd-pleaser that everyone enjoys. This is a great option for those evenings when you just want something easy and delicious.

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    Green Bean Tater Tot Casserole

    Beefy Green Bean Casserole with Tater Tots.
    Photo credit: The Feathered Nester.

    This dish features ground beef mixed with green beans and your choice of potatoes, creating a filling meal. It's perfect for those evenings when you just want something easy and satisfying. You can prepare it in advance, which helps save time during busy days. The layers of ingredients come together nicely in the oven, making it a simple yet tasty option. Enjoy a comforting dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Easy Taco Casserole

    Easy Taco Casserole.
    Photo Credit; The Clean Eating Couple.

    This quick dinner is perfect for when you're short on time. In under an hour, you can whip up a delicious taco casserole packed with ground beef, tortillas, and plenty of cheese. It's a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is great for busy nights when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Just layer the ingredients and let the oven do the work.

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    Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole

    Tater Tot Cowboy Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Cupcakes and Kale Chips.

    This casserole features ground beef mixed with a creamy tomato sauce, all cooked in one skillet. It's topped with a generous layer of cheddar cheese and crispy tater tots, making it a comforting meal. Perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. This dish is filling and satisfying, ideal for the whole family. It's a simple way to enjoy a hearty dinner without a lot of work.

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    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Out Grilling.

    Chili Cheese Tater Tot Casserole is a simple dinner option that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It features a quick ground beef chili that’s topped with frozen tater tots and lots of melted cheese. This dish is comforting and satisfying, making it a hit with the whole family. You can even prepare it on the grill if you want to mix things up. It’s a great choice when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Ground Beef and Potato Casserole

    Ground Beef and Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Zona Cooks.

    This casserole is a great option for any meal of the day. It combines soft potatoes, ground beef, onions, cheese, and a creamy mushroom sauce. It's hearty and satisfying, making it a good choice when you want something filling. You can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner without much effort. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole

    Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Casserole.
    Photo credit: Savory with Soul.

    Philly Cheesesteak Casserole brings all the flavors of a classic cheesesteak sandwich into one dish. It features plenty of ground beef, melted cheese, bell peppers, and onions, all baked together in a creamy casserole. This dish is filling and comforting, perfect for a cozy dinner. It's a great way to enjoy a favorite sandwich in a new form. This is a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

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    Italian Noodle Casserole

    Italian Noodle Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    This dish is a quick and easy pasta meal that uses basic ingredients. Ground beef is seasoned and mixed with tomato sauce, soft egg noodles, and cheese. It all comes together to create a comforting casserole that everyone in the family will love. Perfect for those nights when you just want something simple and satisfying. This is a great option for dinner when you're feeling tired.

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    Baked Spaghetti Casserole

    Baked Spaghetti Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Dutch Oven Daddy.

    This dish is warm and satisfying, offering all the comfort of lasagna without the complicated steps. It's perfect for when you're feeling too tired to put in a lot of effort in the kitchen. Layering the ingredients makes it simple to prepare, and baking brings everything together beautifully. This is a great option for a cozy dinner that everyone will enjoy. You'll love how easy it is to whip up a hearty meal that feels like a treat.

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    Cheesy Baked Rigatoni

    Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Beef.
    Photo Credit: Dude That Cookz.

    Cheesy Baked Rigatoni is a simple and satisfying dish that combines tender pasta with ground beef, beef sausage, homemade marinara, and plenty of cheese. It's perfect for any day of the week, whether you're looking for a quick dinner or something special for a gathering. This meal is hearty and filling, making it a great choice when you want to feed a crowd. With its comforting flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this dish when you need something easy and delicious.

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    Creamy Burrito Casserole

    Creamy Burrito Casserole.
    Photo Credit: In the Kitch.

    This creamy burrito casserole is a delicious mix of ground beef, cheese, tortillas, and peppers, all baked together in the oven. It’s similar to a Mexican-style lasagna, bringing together all those great flavors in one dish. This is a good dinner option that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy nights. Everyone in the family will enjoy it, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal. With just a few layers, you can have a satisfying meal without much effort.

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    Stuffed Pepper Casserole

    Stuffed Pepper Casserole.
    Photo Credit: The Clean Eating Couple.

    This casserole is both healthy and tasty. It’s a straightforward dinner that you can prepare in just one pan. In under an hour, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready to serve. Perfect for those evenings when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. This dish is a great option for busy nights.

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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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