10 Ground Beef Wins for When You’re Short on Time
Apr 11, 2025
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If your weeknight dinner routine is running on fumes, these easy ground beef recipes are here to flip the script. Whether you’re layering up a cheesy Zucchini Lasagna (Not Watery) or rolling out Beef Enchiladas with a shortcut sauce, each dish is built for speed without skimping on flavor. Keep it hearty with a classic Irish Cottage Pie, embrace nostalgia with Sloppy Joes, or make room for the week’s surprise hit: Tailgater Frito Pie with Cowgirl Chili. From skillet to oven to soup pot, this lineup turns one humble ingredient into ten weeknight wins.
Traditional Irish Cottage Pie
This cozy Irish Cottage Pie features a hearty ground beef filling simmered with aromatic herbs and vegetables, topped with a creamy, cheesy mashed potato crust. It’s a comforting twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, perfect for a family dinner on a chilly evening. The addition of sweet potatoes to the topping adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Irish Cottage Pie
Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili
This hearty Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili recipe is perfect for game day or any casual get-together. It features layers of crunchy Fritos, flavorful chili con carne, and plenty of cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s both comforting and delicious. Top it with your favorite fixings like sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions for the ultimate Frito pie experience.
Get the Recipe: Tailgater Frito Pie With Cowgirl Chili
Stuffed Peppers
These classic stuffed peppers are filled with a delicious combination of ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and herbs, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Topped with melted Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to be a family favorite any time of year!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed Eggplant
This Stuffed Eggplant recipe is a cozy and warming dish, perfect for a comforting meal. Tender eggplant is infused with fragrant Lebanese spices and filled with a delicious mixture of ground lamb (or your choice of protein), rice, and herbs. It’s an adaptable and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Eggplant
Easy Italian Meatballs
These Italian Meatballs are packed with fresh herbs and savory flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, they can be served with pasta or zucchini noodles for a quick and easy dinner. Plus, they’re gluten-free, low-carb, and paleo-friendly, making them a versatile option for various dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Easy Italian Meatballs
Taco Soup
This easy Taco Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s packed with ground beef, tomatoes, beans, corn, and a flavorful blend of taco spices, making it a hearty and delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup
Sloppy Joes
This classic Sloppy Joe recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! A tangy, sweet tomato sauce smothers seasoned ground beef, creating a flavorful filling that’s perfect for piling onto toasted hamburger buns. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s ready in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes
Beef Enchiladas
These Beef Enchiladas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Packed with a savory ground beef filling, beans, and cheese, all wrapped in tortillas and smothered in enchilada sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchiladas
Easy Taco Pizza
This Easy Taco Pizza is a fun and flavorful twist on taco night! Flatbreads are topped with refried beans, taco meat, salsa, and plenty of cheese and taco toppings. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Taco Pizza
Zucchini Lasagna Recipe (Not Watery)
This Zucchini Lasagna recipe by Downshiftology is a healthy twist on a classic comfort food dish. Using zucchini instead of pasta sheets, it’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb, while still delivering all the flavors you love in a lasagna. Packed with ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Lasagna Recipe (Not Watery)