21 beef dishes that make dinner so much easier

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We all know how busy evenings can get, and finding a dinner that’s both easy and satisfying is key. That’s why I’ve gathered some of the best beef dishes that are quick to prepare and perfect for those nights when you just want something hearty without the hassle. These meals are perfect for making dinner easier while still enjoying the rich, comforting flavors you love.

A close-up of braised short ribs in a tomato-based sauce, garnished with herbs.
Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crock Pot Chili for Two

Crock Pot Chili served in two white bowls with spoon.
Crock Pot Chili for Two. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This crock pot chili is a great way to enjoy a hearty, beefy dinner without the hassle of prepping for a crowd. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal. With minimal ingredients, this chili keeps things simple while still packing plenty of flavor. It’s just the right portion size for two, so there’s no worry about leftovers. Perfect for those evenings when you want a cozy, no-fuss beef dish.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

Korean Beef and Broccoli

Ground Beef and Broccoli stir-fry over rice.
Korean Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Korean-inspired beef and broccoli dish is a fast and flavorful option when you need a dinner that comes together quickly. It’s a great balance of tender beef and fresh broccoli, all tossed in a savory sauce. You’ll love that it’s both easy to prepare and feels like a complete meal in one dish. A solid choice when you’re craving takeout but want something homemade. Quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cheesy hashbrown topped casserole in baking pan.
Sloppy Joe Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

If you love the classic taste of Sloppy Joes, this casserole version makes it even easier to enjoy. Layers of ground beef, sauce, and a biscuit topping make it perfect for a satisfying dinner. The casserole format means minimal hands-on time, letting you relax while it bakes. It’s an ideal dish when you want something comforting without extra effort. Plus, it serves the whole family with ease.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Beef Queso Dip

A bowl of beef queso dip with a spider web on top served with celery sticks.
Beef Queso Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This beef queso dip is the perfect snack or appetizer, and it doubles as a quick dinner option when paired with chips or veggies. Ground beef and creamy cheese come together in a hot, savory dip that’s hard to resist. It’s simple to prepare, making it a go-to for game day or casual get-togethers. Great for when you need something satisfying with minimal effort. Ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Beef Queso Dip

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

A spoon holding chunks of beef in a rich, brown stew garnished with small pieces of green herbs.
Slow Cooker Beef Tips. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tender beef tips cooked low and slow make for a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. The slow cooker handles the bulk of the work, allowing you to focus on other things while the beef cooks. This dish is a great choice when you want something hearty without spending too much time in the kitchen. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Easy and hands-off.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

A skillet containing a stir-fried mix of ground meat, sliced bell peppers, leafy greens, and white sesame seeds, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. Plates with flatbreads are in the background.
Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This ground beef and cabbage skillet is a simple, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together quickly, with basic ingredients that still pack plenty of flavor. You’ll appreciate how little cleanup is required since it all cooks in one skillet. It’s a great option for when you want a filling beef dish that’s ready in no time. Serve it as-is or with a side of rice for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Meatloaf on a white plate with a fork.
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

If you love a classic, comforting dinner, this Cracker Barrel-inspired meatloaf is sure to hit the spot. Ground beef, seasonings, and a flavorful topping make it a great option for an easy, home-style meal. The recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but has that homemade feel everyone loves. It’s a great go-to when you want a no-fuss beef dish that feels like a treat. Perfect with mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Easy Beef Stew

Beef stew in yellow bowls.
Easy Beef Stew. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This beef stew is a straightforward way to enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple, and the cooking process is mostly hands-off, making it perfect for busy evenings. The stew is rich with tender beef and vegetables, giving you a complete meal in one pot. Ideal for cooler days when you want something warming and satisfying. An easy way to enjoy a classic beef dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Braised Short Ribs

A close-up of braised short ribs in a tomato-based sauce, garnished with herbs.
Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Braised short ribs are a great choice for when you want something a bit more special for dinner but don’t have the time for complicated recipes. They’re cooked low and slow until they’re tender and full of flavor. The best part is, once they’re in the oven, you can forget about them until they’re ready to serve. Ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself to a fancy-feeling meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

Steak Pizzaiola

Fried steak topped with a chunky tomato and basil sauce, served on a white plate.
Steak Pizzaiola. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Steak Pizzaiola is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender steak and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a perfect choice when you want a beef dinner that feels different but is still easy to make. This dish pairs well with pasta or bread, making it a complete meal without extra effort. Great for those nights when you’re craving something hearty yet simple. Ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Mexican Steak Pizza

Close-up of a cheesy Mexican steak pizza on a wooden spatula.
Mexican Steak Pizza. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Mexican steak pizza combines the best of both worlds—pizza and steak—into one satisfying dish. It’s easy to make and offers bold flavors with minimal prep work. Perfect for a fun dinner that the whole family will love. The combination of tender steak and a flavorful sauce makes it a standout choice for a casual yet filling meal. Great when you want something quick and unique for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

Beef Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and steak served with a side of red salsa on a white plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These beef quesadillas are a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful dinner with minimal effort. They’re filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, making them a great option for busy weeknights. Perfect as a main dish or a fun snack, they come together in minutes and are ideal when you need something fast. A practical go-to for a meal that everyone will enjoy. Simple, fast, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Individual Lasagna

Lasagna for One in small 10-ounce square baking pan.
Individual Lasagna. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

If you love lasagna but don’t want to make a big batch, these individual lasagnas are a perfect solution. They’re easy to assemble and bake, offering all the flavors of a classic lasagna in a smaller, more manageable portion. Ideal for when you want a comforting beef dish without a lot of leftovers. These individual servings make dinner feel a little more special, and they’re ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Frito Chili Pie

A plate of Fritos topped with ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, beans, and green onions.
Frito Chili Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Frito chili pie is a fun and easy meal that’s great for casual dinners or game day. Layers of beefy chili and crunchy Fritos make it both hearty and flavorful, and it all comes together quickly. It’s an ideal choice when you want something that feels like a treat but doesn’t require a lot of effort. Perfect for a busy evening when you need something fast and filling. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Stuffed steak pinwheels sliced on platter.
Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These stuffed flank steak pinwheels are an impressive dinner option that’s easier to prepare than they look. Filled with spinach and cheese, they’re rolled up and baked until tender, making them perfect for a special meal. They’re a great choice for when you want to switch up your beef dinners but don’t have time for anything too complicated. Ready in under an hour and great for a fun, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Alfredo steak pasta in skillet with wooden spoon.
Alfredo Steak Pasta. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Alfredo steak pasta combines tender slices of steak with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce for a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s an easy way to get the best of both worlds—steak and pasta—in one dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something a little more indulgent but still quick to make. A great go-to for when you need a filling beef dish without the fuss. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

A plate with steak, tomatoes and cucumbers on it.
Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This steak and mushrooms dish is a quick and flavorful option for dinner, with a rich balsamic sauce that adds extra depth to the meal. It’s easy to prepare and feels like a complete dish with minimal effort. A perfect choice for a midweek dinner when you want something comforting but not too time-consuming. Ready in under 30 minutes and great with mashed potatoes or rice.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

A bowl of meat and green peppers with a spoon.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Garlic butter steak bites are a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in no time. The steak is cooked quickly in a garlic butter sauce, making it a great option for busy nights. Serve them as a main dish or a fun appetizer for a crowd. They’re perfect for when you need a fast beef dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Individual Shepherd's Pie.
Individual Shepherd’s Pie. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These individual shepherd’s pies are a convenient way to enjoy a comforting classic without making a large batch. They’re easy to assemble and bake, with ground beef and mashed potatoes making up the bulk of the meal. Perfect for when you want something hearty and filling but don’t need leftovers. A great go-to for a no-fuss dinner. Ready in about 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Carne Asada in the Oven

Slices of baked carne asada on small wood cutting board.
Carne Asada in the Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This carne asada is a great option for when you want the flavors of grilled beef but need the convenience of using your oven. It’s simple to prepare and bakes up tender and flavorful every time. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or a quick beef dinner with minimal prep. Great for when you’re craving something bold but need an easier cooking method. Ready in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Pouring savory sauce over a bowl of rice topped with beef and bell peppers.
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Slow cooker pepper steak is a low-effort way to enjoy a tender, flavorful beef dish with minimal prep. The slow cooker does the work, letting the beef and peppers become perfectly tender over time. Ideal for busy days when you need a dinner that’s ready when you get home. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Great for making dinner easier without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

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