Recipes for Quick and Hearty Meals

Quick and hearty meals are practical everyday recipes offering a range of home cook options. These recipes provide a great dinner with simple ingredients.

Recipes like burgers, meatballs, sauces, and stuffed vegetables are sure to please everyone. And they taste so great you can bet everyone will be at the table in no time.

The following recipes are easy to make and include useful tips to help you prepare meals with ground meat. They are designed to be straightforward for cooks of all experience levels and fit easily into your weekly planning.

Taco Rice Skillet

This dish combines seasoned ground beef with rice and a handful of fresh toppings in a one-pan meal. The ingredients come together with a touch of spice and a hint of tomato, making each bite both robust and balanced. It works well as a quick dinner option on busy nights. The preparation is straightforward, keeping clean-up to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Chicken Meatballs

Ground chicken is mixed with herbs and spices to form tender little rounds that are versatile enough for any meal. They can be served with a light dipping sauce or tossed into a simple pasta dish. Their gentle flavor makes them a practical alternative to traditional meatballs. These bite-sized treats are easy to whip up when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Meatballs

Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

This chili is built on chunks of beef, hearty beans, and a blend of smoky spices simmered into a thick, warming stew. Slow cooking helps all the ingredients meld, resulting in a bowl that is both filling and rich in flavor. It pairs well with a side of cornbread or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. The dish is a great companion for cooler evenings.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Chili Recipe

Hamburger Potato Casserole

A blend of ground beef, tender potato slices, and a creamy sauce forms the base of this layered casserole. Baked until the top turns a light golden color, the dish brings together comforting flavors in every bite. It’s a solid option for feeding a family after a long day. A simple side salad can complete this hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Hamburger Potato Casserole

Ground Pork Tacos

Seasoned ground pork serves as the star of this twist on classic tacos. The meat is cooked until it develops a nice depth of flavor and works well in either soft or crispy taco shells. Topped with fresh lettuce, cheese, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce, the tacos come together effortlessly. This recipe provides a quick way to enjoy bold flavors with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Tacos

Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

In the slow cooker, ground beef, beans, and layers of tortillas meld into a rich, layered dish with unmistakable Mexican flair. The extended cooking time ensures that every component contributes to the overall warmth and depth of flavor. It is a hands-off recipe that still delivers a hearty plate when ready to serve. A dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado make a fitting accompaniment.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef

Cowboy Stew

This stew brings together chunks of meat and a medley of hearty vegetables in a thick, flavorful broth. Slow simmering allows the spices and ingredients to blend into a rustic dish perfect for cooler evenings. The mix of ingredients creates a meal that is both filling and straightforward to prepare. It is a robust option when you need a meal that warms from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Stew

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

A twist on the traditional meatloaf, this version uses ground chicken combined with familiar Italian seasonings. A layer of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese top the meatloaf before it bakes to a light golden finish. The flavors meld together as it cooks, offering a unique mix of comfort and innovation. It pairs well with a side of pasta or a crisp green salad.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf

Easy Keto Mexican Casserole

This low-carb dish combines ground meat, melted cheese, and a selection of low-carb vegetables with a Mexican twist. The ingredients are layered and baked until the flavors blend, providing a balanced meal that fits a ketogenic lifestyle. The recipe is designed to be straightforward, cutting down on prep time while still delivering bold flavors. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to keep their meals low in carbohydrates without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Easy Keto Mexican Casserole

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Inspired by tropical flavors, these meatballs are made with ground meat accented by hints of pineapple and soy. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, resulting in tender meatballs coated in a light, tangy sauce. They offer a refreshing twist that works well as an appetizer or served over rice. The recipe is both quick and distinctively flavored.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Taco Dip with Ground Beef

Layered with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a mix of fresh toppings, this warm dip is perfect for sharing. Each spoonful offers a blend of savory flavors that pair well with tortilla chips or crunchy vegetables. It’s an ideal option for casual gatherings or a relaxed night at home. The preparation is uncomplicated and ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Taco Dip with Ground Beef

Keto Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

Thin slices of zucchini take the place of traditional pasta layers in this dish, which also features seasoned ground beef and a generous layer of cheese. The casserole is baked until the zucchini softens and the cheese becomes bubbly, creating a dish that is both hearty and low in carbohydrates. It offers a fresh twist on a classic favorite without compromising on flavor. This recipe is practical for anyone watching their carb intake.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A baked twist on a familiar sandwich, this dish layers ground beef mixed with a tangy sauce under a topping that crisps in the oven. The flavors meld during baking, offering a comforting meal that can serve a crowd. It’s a great option when you want a hands-off recipe with bold, mixed textures. The result is a robust dish that feels both familiar and new.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Meatza

By forming a crust entirely out of seasoned ground meat, this recipe offers an inventive alternative to traditional pizza. Topped with a light spread of tomato sauce, fresh vegetables, and a bit of cheese, it delivers a protein-rich meal with a unique twist. The meat-based base provides a different texture compared to regular dough, making it a fun experiment for pizza nights. It’s especially handy for those looking to reduce carbohydrates without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Meatza

Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

In one pan, ground beef and cauliflower rice are simmered together in a rich, creamy sauce that brings the dish together. This recipe offers a lighter alternative to heavier comfort meals while still providing a robust flavor profile. It’s quick to prepare and works well as a practical weeknight dinner option. The simplicity of the dish makes it an attractive choice when time is at a premium.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Ground Beef Skillet with Cauliflower Rice

Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

Instead of hollowing out zucchini, this recipe combines slices of zucchini with a savory mix of meat and tomato sauce, all baked into a cohesive casserole. The result is a comforting dish with a pleasant mix of textures that come together in every bite. It simplifies the process while still keeping the familiar flavors of a stuffed zucchini dish. A side of crusty bread makes this meal even more inviting.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

Ground Pork Stir Fry

A quick mix of ground pork and crisp vegetables, this stir fry is prepared over high heat for a fast yet flavorful dinner. A simple sauce binds the ingredients, ensuring each bite is well-coated and balanced. The dish is light enough to serve on a busy night while still providing a good mix of protein and vegetables. Its speed and ease make it a practical option for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Pork Stir Fry

Easy Salisbury Steak

Ground beef patties are gently simmered in a rich sauce, creating a classic dish with minimal fuss. The process keeps the meat tender while the sauce gathers the flavor of the herbs and spices. Served alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, the meal offers a comforting option for any night. Its uncomplicated approach makes it an excellent choice for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Salisbury Steak

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Ground turkey is blended with hints of coconut and a mix of curry spices to create uniquely flavored meatballs. Their size makes them perfect for serving as an appetizer or alongside a bed of rice. The combination of ingredients offers a twist that is both unexpected and approachable. This recipe is a refreshing way to enjoy a familiar dish with a hint of international flair.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

French Onion Salisbury Steak

Beef patties are served with a rich onion-based gravy that features slowly caramelized onions for a deep flavor. The gravy coats the meat, creating a warm, inviting dish ideal for a hearty dinner. Pairing well with mashed potatoes, the recipe is both comforting and straightforward. It brings a twist to a traditional favorite without overcomplicating the preparation.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Salisbury Steak

Air Fryer Mini Meatloaf

These individual meatloaf portions are cooked in the air fryer, ensuring they develop a pleasing outer crust while remaining moist inside. They offer a convenient way to control portions without compromising on the classic meatloaf experience. Whether served as a main dish or a side, the mini loaves provide a neat solution for a busy evening meal. Their quick preparation makes them a practical addition to your weekly menu.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mini Meatloaf