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These 17 Make-Ahead Ground Beef Recipes Won’t Let Busy Weeks Beat You

We all know the drill: you get home late, and the last thing you want to do is cook. Instead of reaching for the phone to order out, think about those pre-made meals prepped over the weekend. From meatloaf to casseroles, these ground beef dishes can be stored in your fridge or freezer to save you from another pizza delivery. They are convenient and aim to fit into every busy lifestyle. A little planning goes a long way, transforming chaotic weeknights into stress-free dinner times.

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Four stuffed mushrooms on a white plate.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When you’re craving a comfort food classic but want to keep things light, Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms is your answer. The dish combines well-seasoned ground beef and mushrooms for a fulfilling bite. They make a handy snack or dinner that is quick to prepare and easy to warm up. Melting cheese atop the beef mixture adds that gooey factor everyone loves. These mushrooms ensure a hearty meal without heavy lifting in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Mushrooms

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio dish served on a stack of black plates.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Ring in the week with a taste of Greece, thanks to Pastitsio. Ground beef, pasta, and a creamy béchamel sauce layer up to form a mouth-watering dish. This Greek staple can be made ahead and heated up on a busy night. Rich in flavor and texture, it’s a family favorite waiting to happen. Enjoy a touch of Mediterranean goodness from your oven, which is ideal for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For a family-friendly option, Cheeseburger Casserole will be a hit. Ground beef transforms into a cheesy, comforting dish that gives you the taste of a cheeseburger in casserole form. Preparing it in advance means you can relax when dinner time rolls around. This dish is easy to freeze or refrigerate and is a quick reheat away from being table-ready. It’s a convenient way to enjoy an all-time favorite meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

There’s nothing like a plate of Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms to make dinner feel special on a busy weeknight. Create this classic comfort food ahead of time and reheat it when needed. The dish features ground beef patties swimming in a delicious mushroom sauce. It pairs well with mashed potatoes or veggies, making a complete meal. Less time in the kitchen means more time for what matters most.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner By Six.
Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Repurpose leftover rice by turning it into Ground Beef Fried Rice. Ground beef adds a protein punch, making it a filling meal that is quick to prepare. This one-pan recipe is easy to store and reheat, perfect for meal prepping. Add some veggies and have a balanced, nourishing, and flavorful dish. Utilizing leftover rice simplifies your weeknight dinners significantly.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Greek Meatball Pita Sandwich served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh and flavorful, Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches offer a delicious way to use ground beef. The meatballs can be prepped in advance and added to pita bread with your favorite toppings. These sandwiches are a convenient way to bring a bit of Greek flair to your weeknight meals. Easy to assemble, you can enjoy a lovely meal in minutes. Make-ahead meatballs mean dinner is practically ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Greek Meatball Pita Sandwiches

Kefta Beef Kabobs

Kefta Beef Kabobs stacked on a white platter.
Kefta Beef Kabobs. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Add a touch of Middle Eastern flair to your weekly meal plan with Kefta Beef Kabobs. This ground beef dish is seasoned with herbs and spices, offering a flavorful experience. Prepare the kabobs in advance, and they’re ready to cook or reheat quickly. Ideal for grilling or oven baking, they provide a unique dinner option. Enjoy the convenience of make-ahead protein that spices up your routine.
Get the Recipe: Kefta Beef Kabobs

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Try a twist on a classic with Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. This recipe trades traditional steak for ground beef, making it affordable and easy to prepare. This dish can be made and warmed for a quick and hearty meal. Pair with some rolls, and you’ll have a dinner ready soon. It’s a practical yet indulgent option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Kick things up a notch with Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Combining ground beef and bacon results in a flavor-packed meal that’s tough to beat. Prep these burgers ahead of time, and you’ll have a delicious burger ready to go whenever you crave it. The bacon adds an extra layer of richness, making every bite memorable. They’re a great addition to any weeknight dinner lineup, perfect for grilling or oven cooking.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Korean Beef Bowl

A top-down shot of Korean Beef Bowl with chopsticks and garlic.
Korean Beef Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Experience a burst of flavor with a Korean Beef Bowl. Ground beef is cooked with a tasty sweet sauce that brings this dish to life. You can make this bowl ahead, and all you need to do is reheat it and serve it over some steamed rice. It’s a quick way to enjoy Korean-inspired cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. Convenient and flavorful, it’s a win-win for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who says you need a deep fryer for great empanadas? Air Fryer Beef Empanadas bring crispy perfection to your table with minimal effort and mess. The ground beef filling is flavorful and ready to go; wrap it and pop it in the air fryer. Steer clear of greasy cleanups while still enjoying a delicious meal. Make them and reheat them for a fuss-free, tasty snack or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Cheeseburger Soup

Cheeseburger soup in two serving bowls.
Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Warm up the week with a comforting bowl of Cheeseburger Soup. This ground beef-based soup is hearty and perfect for make-ahead meals. It’s a breeze to prepare and can be kept in the fridge until you need it. Reheat on the stove and enjoy a comforting bowl that blends the flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy broth. It is ideal for those chilly evenings when you need something cozy and enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Mini Meatloaf

3 Mini Meatloaves in a line on a white plate.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Looking for a kid-friendly option? Mini Meatloaf checks all the boxes. These individual-sized servings of classic meatloaf are easy to prepare and store. Pop them in the oven for a quick reheat and serve with your favorite side dishes. Convenient, delicious, and great for portion control, they simplify weeknight dinners with a home-cooked feel.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

A bowl of Texas roadhouse chili with jalapenos and beans.
Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Capture the essence of a restaurant favorite with this Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe. This ground beef chili packs robust flavors and is perfect for make-ahead meals. Store it in the fridge or freezer and reheat when you need a quick and hearty dinner. It’s an easy way to enjoy chili without waiting for it to simmer all day. Enjoy a bowl of comfort that’s effortless to prepare in advance.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Copycat Recipe

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Shake up taco night with Tacos Dorados. These golden, crispy tacos filled with seasoned ground beef are a step above your usual taco routine. Prep them and fry or bake them when dinner time rolls around. Pair with your favorite toppings for a meal that’s as quick as delicious. A new twist on tacos that’s sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Beefy John Wayne Casserole

A slice of beefy John Wayne casserole on a plate.
Beefy John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Go for a hearty option with Beefy John Wayne Casserole. This ground beef casserole incorporates layers of flavor that make for a lovely meal. Prepare ahead and keep it ready for those busy nights when you need dinner fast. A quick reheat turns this into a warm, filling dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Simplify weeknight meals without sacrificing taste or heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Beefy John Wayne Casserole

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Get a taste of simplicity with Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. This ground beef dish is less about the fuss and more about the flavor. Prepare the meat mixture in advance and warm it up when you’re ready. Serve it on a bun and enjoy a quick, delicious sandwich that requires minimal effort. This is a great option for busy nights when you want a homemade feel without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

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