Make Ahead Ground Beef Meals

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Some days I actually have time to cook. The trick is taking advantage of those days so future me doesn’t have to figure out dinner from scratch. Ground beef is one of the easiest proteins to cook ahead because it works just as well the next day.

Browse the collection below to find make ahead ground beef meals. When your ready to add them to your MyGroceryPlan you can modify, save your meals and send to your grocery list, just press +.

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easy beef chili with kidney beans and cheddar cheese
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Easy Beef Chili

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1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. 2. Add ground beef and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if needed. 3. Stir in chili powder and cook 30–60 seconds to toast the spice slightly. 4. Add drained kidney beans. Stir to combine. 5. Pour in pasta sauce and stir well. Use just enough to coat everything generously while keeping the chili thick. 6. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. 7. Simmer uncovered 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. The chili should hold its shape on a spoon rather than run. 8. Taste and adjust chili powder or salt if needed. 9. Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar cheese. 10. Warm regular buns and gluten-free buns separately and serve on the side.

  • ground beef

  • chili powder

  • cheddar cheese

  • buns

  • gluten-free buns

  • kidney beans

  • pasta sauce

Ground beef and kidney beans simmered into a thick and hearty chili.
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dirty spaghetti with ground beef sausage and peppers
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Dirty Spaghetti by @onestopchop

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1. Brown ground beef and turkey sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked (internal temp 160°F). Drain excess grease. 2. Add onion and peppers. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. 3. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. 4. Add tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor. 5. Add seasoning and stir. 6. Sprinkle in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. 7. Slowly add beef broth while stirring. Simmer until thickened. 8. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. 9. Serve hot. Sauce should cling to pasta and appear rich and thick.

  • ground beef

  • turkey sausage

  • red pepper

  • green pepper

  • onion

  • garlic

  • tomato paste

  • flour

  • beef broth

  • spaghetti

Spaghetti coated in a rich meat sauce with beef, sausage, and peppers.
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one pan lasagna with ground beef pasta and melted cheese

Lazy One Pan Lasagna by @receptyodanicky

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1. Cook ground beef in a large pan over medium heat until browned (internal temp 160°F). 2. Add onion, garlic, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. 3. Stir in tomato passata and seasoning. 4. Add broken lasagna sheets. 5. Stir and ensure pasta is covered with sauce. 6. Cover and simmer until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally, about 15–20 minutes. 7. Top with cheese. 8. Cover or broil until cheese is melted and bubbly. 9. Serve hot. Pasta should be tender and sauce thick.

  • ground beef

  • onion

  • garlic

  • carrots

  • tomato passata

  • lasagna sheets

  • cheese

Ground beef, pasta, and sauce cooked together and topped with melted cheese.
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one pot spaghetti with ground beef sausage and tomato sauce

One Pot Spaghetti by @caitlynskitchen

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1. Cook ground beef and sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned with no pink remaining (internal temp 160°F). 2. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes. 3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. 4. Add tomatoes, broth, and sauce ingredients. Stir well. 5. Bring to a simmer. 6. Add spaghetti and press into liquid. 7. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens, about 10–15 minutes. 8. Add seasoning and stir. 9. Let sit a few minutes before serving. Pasta should be tender and coated in a thick sauce.

  • ground beef

  • italian sausage

  • onion

  • bell pepper

  • garlic

  • crushed tomatoes

  • chicken broth

  • spaghetti

  • italian seasoning

Spaghetti cooked with beef, sausage, and sauce in one pot for an easy dinner.
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leftover ground beef flatbread pizzas with cheese olives and peppers

Leftover Ground Beef Flatbread Pizzas

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1. Preheat oven to 425°F. 2. Place 2 flatbreads on a baking sheet. 3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and dry. 4. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and swirl until shimmering. 5. Add 2 cups shredded leftover ground beef in a single layer. Cook undisturbed 2 minutes until edges brown, then stir and cook 1 more minute to heat through. 6. Spread 0.5 cup pizza sauce evenly over each flatbread. 7. Distribute beef evenly over flatbreads. 8. Sprinkle 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. 9. Add 0.5 cup sliced black olives and 0.5 cup sliced bell pepper evenly over each pizza. 10. Bake 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and crust is crispy. 11. Remove from oven and finish with fresh chopped basil sprinkled over pizzas.

  • flatbreads

  • olive oil

  • leftover ground beef

  • pizza sauce

  • mozzarella cheese

  • black olives

  • bell pepper

  • basil

Leftover ground beef baked on flatbread with cheese, sauce, and vegetables for an easy dinner.
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italian pasta with ground beef tomato sauce and basil

Italian Pasta with Seasoned Ground Beef

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1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil. Oil should shimmer. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in single layer. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned with no pink. Internal temp 160°F, firm texture. Drain fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Sauté 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and softened. 4. Stir in 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning and 0.5 tsp salt. Cook 1 minute. 5. Add 1.5 cups canned crushed tomatoes. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. 6. Meanwhile, cook 12 oz pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain. 7. Toss pasta with beef sauce in skillet over low heat for 1 minute to combine. 8. Finish with 0.25 cup chopped fresh basil off heat.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • dried Italian seasoning

  • salt

  • crushed tomatoes

  • pasta

  • fresh basil

Ground beef simmered with tomatoes and herbs, tossed with pasta for an easy dinner.
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ground beef taco soup with beans corn tomatoes and broth
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Ground Beef Taco Soup

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1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 4. Stir in 1 can (15 oz) black beans drained and rinsed, 1 can (15 oz) corn drained, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 4 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp taco seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. 5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. 6. Remove from heat and finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • canned black beans

  • canned corn

  • canned diced tomatoes

  • beef broth

  • taco seasoning

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • cilantro

Ground beef simmered with beans, corn, and tomatoes in a flavorful broth for an easy dinner.
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ground beef spaghetti with tomato sauce and fresh basil

Ground Beef Spaghetti

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1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and heat until shimmering. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 4. Stir in 24 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer. 5. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes until slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon. 6. Meanwhile, cook 12 oz spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain. 7. Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce in the skillet over low heat to combine. 8. Finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil off heat.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • canned crushed tomatoes

  • dried oregano

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • spaghetti

  • basil

Ground beef simmered in tomato sauce and tossed with spaghetti for a simple and easy dinner.
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ground beef and potato skillet with diced potatoes onion and spices
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Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

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1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 2. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 3. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 4. Add 3 cups diced peeled potatoes in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are tender and golden brown. 5. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Cook 2 minutes to combine and coat ingredients. 6. Remove from heat and finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • potato

  • smoked paprika

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • chives

Ground beef cooked with potatoes, onion, and spices in one pan for an easy dinner.
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ground beef pasta bake with marinara pasta and melted mozzarella

Ground Beef Pasta Bake

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 3. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 4. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 5. Stir in 24 oz marinara sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef. 6. Stir in 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni) and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese off heat. 7. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. 8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. 9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. 10. Finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil off heat.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • marinara sauce

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • cooked pasta

  • mozzarella cheese

  • basil

Ground beef pasta baked with marinara and melted mozzarella for an easy oven dinner.
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cheesy taco meat pasta with seasoned ground beef and melted cheddar in a skillet

Cheesy Taco Meat Pasta

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1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. 3. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook 4-5 minutes until browned, breaking up meat. Drain fat. 4. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes. 5. Stir in 2 tbsp taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Simmer on medium-low until sauce thickens and coats meat, about 2-3 minutes. 6. Reduce heat to low. Add cooked pasta and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to skillet. Stir until cheese melts and coats pasta and meat evenly. 7. Remove from heat and finish with chopped fresh cilantro.

  • pasta

  • ground beef

  • onion

  • garlic

  • taco seasoning

  • water

  • cheddar cheese

  • olive oil

  • cilantro

Seasoned taco beef, tender pasta, and melted cheddar combine into a warm skillet dinner that’s quick to make and satisfying for busy weeknights.
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cheesy ground beef casserole with pasta tomato sauce and melted cheddar baked in a dish

Cheesy Ground Beef Casserole

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1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and let it shimmer. 3. Add 1 lb ground beef, patted dry, in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned on one side. Stir and cook until no pink remains and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat. 4. Add 1 cup diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent. 5. Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats beef. 6. Stir in 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or elbow macaroni), then 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well off heat. 7. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x9 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. 8. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. 9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. 10. Finish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

  • ground beef

  • olive oil

  • onion

  • garlic

  • tomato sauce

  • salt

  • black pepper

  • cooked pasta

  • cheddar cheese

  • parsley

A warm cheesy ground beef casserole made with pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheddar. A simple baked dinner that feeds a hungry family on busy nights.
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The Best Dinners Are Sometimes The Ones You Already Made Yesterday

I don’t always cook because I’m hungry. Sometimes I cook because I know tomorrow is going to be busy. Those are the dinners I’m always thankful for later.

Ground beef happens to be one of the easiest proteins to cook ahead. Casseroles, soups, pasta bakes, skillet meals, and taco fillings all reheat well, and many of them taste even better after a night in the fridge. That means one evening in the kitchen can take care of dinner for the next day too.

I’ve found that keeping one make ahead meal ready to go changes the whole week. Instead of scrambling to figure out dinner after work, there’s already something waiting. All that’s left is warming it up and sitting down to eat.

Common Questions About Make Ahead Ground Beef Meals

What makes a meal “make ahead”?

Make ahead meals can be cooked completely before you need them or assembled in advance and finished later. They’re designed to save time when dinner rolls around.

How long will cooked ground beef meals last in the refrigerator?

Most cooked ground beef meals keep well for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze these meals?

Many of these recipes freeze very well. If you’re planning meals for several weeks, look for recipes tagged Freezer Friendly.

Are make ahead meals the same as meal prep?

Not always. Meal prep often focuses on preparing individual portions, while make ahead meals are usually complete dinners that are ready whenever you need them.

Can I add these meals to my meal plan?

Yes. Press the + button beside any recipe to save it to your meal plan. Once you’ve signed up, choose the ingredients you need and send them straight to your shopping list.