Fast Ground Beef Meals for Busy Weeknights

Weeknights can get hectic, and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where fast ground beef meals come in quick to make and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for when time’s tight but dinner still needs to happen.

These meals use simple ingredients and steps, so you don’t need to stress over prep or clean-up. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, ground beef is a flexible option that cooks quickly and works with all kinds of flavors.

From tacos to skillet meals, you’ll find easy ideas that can be on the table in 30 minutes or less. Great for busy nights when convenience matters just as much as taste.

Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

Hearty and easy, this one’s all about tender pasta, seasoned beef, and gooey cheese. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you go about your day. It’s a no-fuss way to bring comfort to the table, especially on a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesesteak Tortellini

Ginger Ground Beef Stir

Quick to cook and full of bold flavor, this stir-fry brings warmth and a touch of spice. It’s perfect over rice or noodles and works well as a fridge-cleanout meal with extra veggies. A great option when you want something tasty in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Ground Beef Stir

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Everything you love about classic sloppy joes baked into a bubbly, hearty dish. It’s messy in the best way, with saucy beef, cheese, and a biscuit or cornbread topping. Family-friendly and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

This cozy combo keeps it simple with beef, broccoli, and creamy layers. A reliable dinner option that works well for leftovers too. You’ll get both protein and greens in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole

Taco Pasta Salad

Think taco night meets picnic vibes—this pasta salad is bold, colorful, and filling. Tossed with ground beef, veggies, and a zesty dressing, it holds up well in the fridge. Great for meal prep or bringing to a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Taco Pasta Salad

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Ready in a flash, this stir-fry brings a nice balance of savory and fresh. Broccoli keeps it crisp, while beef soaks up the sauce just right. Serve it with steamed rice for a no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Enchilada Meatballs

These meatballs are packed with flavor and simmered in a rich sauce. They’re great on their own or paired with rice or tortillas. A fun twist on enchiladas that keeps cleanup easy.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Light and filling, this one-pan dish leans into herbs, tomato, and a lower-carb base. It’s a solid go-to for busy nights when you want dinner on the table fast. No extra sides needed.
Get the Recipe: Italian Beef and Cauliflower Rice Skillet

Taco Rice Skillet

One pan, big flavor, and minimal cleanup—this dish layers beef, rice, and all your taco favorites. Customizable and freezer-friendly, it’s a regular rotation kind of meal. Add cheese, salsa, or avocado to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Taco Rice Skillet

Korean Ground Beef

Savory, slightly sweet, and super quick to make, this is a great weeknight fallback. Serve it over rice or lettuce for something lighter. A little sesame oil goes a long way here.
Get the Recipe: Korean Ground Beef

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Sweet and tangy with a hint of island flair, these meatballs come together fast with your Instant Pot. Pineapple and sauce bring a nice contrast to the beef. Serve over rice or as party bites.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

It’s all your taco night favorites in one pan, finished with plenty of melty cheese. Quick to make and hard to resist, especially when scooped with chips. Great for weeknights or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Skillet

Tater Tot Taco Casserole

This one leans into comfort with layers of beef, cheese, and golden tater tots. It’s fun, filling, and always hits the spot. Makes enough to feed a crowd—or for leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tot Taco Casserole

Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl

All the flavor of an egg roll, none of the deep frying. This skillet meal is full of veggies, beef, and a hint of ginger. It’s quick, healthy-ish, and super customizable.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Egg Roll in a Bowl

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Fast, hands-off, and reliably good, these sloppy joes come together in the pressure cooker. Great for feeding a group or storing for later. Load them onto buns for an easy dinner win.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Cheeseburger Skillet

Everything you’d want in a cheeseburger, but quicker and in one pan. Ground beef, cheese, and some simple add-ins come together fast. It’s a fun take on a classic, minus the grill.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Skillet

Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

Skip the extra steps and bake everything together in this easy version of stuffed zucchini. It’s cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor without the fuss. A smart way to use up summer squash.
Get the Recipe: Unstuffed Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Simple ingredients, fast prep, and bold flavor make this a weekday hero. It’s budget-friendly and works great with rice or noodles. A little vinegar or soy sauce ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground Beef and Broccoli

This classic combo is all about balance: tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce that pulls it all together. Great for meal prep or a fast dinner fix. Serve with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli