35 Beef Recipes You Can Make In A Pinch

When time is short, I like having a few easy beef recipes I can count on to get dinner on the table fast. They’re simple to make, use everyday ingredients, and still feel hearty enough for a full meal. These are the kinds of dishes I turn to when I need something quick without sacrificing flavor or comfort.

Close-up of a spoonful of saucy, shredded meat garnished with chopped herbs. — Braised Short Ribs. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

A baking dish filled with meatballs covered in melted cheese and garnished with chopped parsley on a white surface. — Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These sliders combine soft rolls, savory meatballs, and melted cheese for an easy meal or party snack. They’re quick to prepare and can feed a group without much effort. The baked rolls hold up well, making them simple to serve and enjoy. This is a great pick when you need a warm, filling beef option that’s ready in little time.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders

Beef Pot Pie

With tender beef and vegetables in a rich gravy, this pot pie is hearty and comforting. Using a pre-made crust helps keep prep time short while still delivering a homemade feel. It’s an excellent dinner choice when you want something substantial without spending the whole day cooking. Perfect for when you need a beef-based dish that’s easy to assemble and serve.
Get the Recipe: Beef Pot Pie

Taco Spaghetti Skillet

A plate of spaghetti with ground meat, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions. A black skillet containing more of the dish is partially visible in the background. — Taco Spaghetti Skillet. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This skillet meal combines ground beef, pasta, and taco flavors for a quick and filling dinner. It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup easy. The bold flavors and hearty texture make it a hit for weeknights. It’s a solid choice when you want a beef dish that’s both fast and family-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Taco Spaghetti Skillet

Air Fryer Steak Tips

A bowl of seasoned meat cubes garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the side. — Air Fryer Steak Tips. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

These bite-sized steak pieces cook quickly in the air fryer, making them perfect for busy days. They’re tender, flavorful, and can be paired with just about any side. Minimal prep and fast cooking time make them a go-to for last-minute meals. They’re ideal when you want a satisfying beef option without turning on the oven or stove for long.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Tips

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Close-up of a ladle holding a hearty soup with visible chunks of tomato, cabbage, ground meat, and grains in broth. — Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This soup captures the flavor of stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy slow cooker format. It’s hearty, beefy, and packed with vegetables. The long cooking time allows you to set it and forget it while the flavors blend. Great for days when you want a warm beef meal ready with little hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup

Hoisin Beef

A white bowl with rice and hoisin ground beef and chopsticks on the side. — Hoisin Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish brings a savory-sweet flavor to tender beef strips, served with vegetables or rice. It cooks quickly in a skillet, making it perfect for weeknights. The sauce adds depth without requiring a long ingredient list. It’s a convenient beef recipe for when you need dinner ready in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Hoisin Beef

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 chunks of beef simmer in a flavorful gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an easy dinner choice. It’s a hearty, filling option for busy days. This is an excellent way to have a warm beef meal ready without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Braised Short Ribs

These ribs cook low and slow until they’re fall-apart tender. While they take time, the actual hands-on work is minimal. The rich sauce pairs well with potatoes or crusty bread. They’re a great choice when you want an impressive beef dish with easy prep.
Get the Recipe: Braised Short Ribs

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 quesadillas are packed with seasoned beef and melted cheese, cooked crisp in a skillet. They’re fast to prepare and easy to serve for lunch or dinner. You can make a batch quickly to feed the whole family. They’re perfect when you want a flavorful beef option that’s ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Crock Pot Cube Steak

Plate with mashed potatoes topped with beef and mushroom gravy, alongside diced tomatoes. A bowl of extra gravy is in the background, with a fork and knife beside the plate. — Crock Pot Cube Steak. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe turns cube steak into a tender, gravy-covered main dish with minimal effort. Just a few ingredients and a slow cooker are all you need. It’s great for serving with mashed potatoes or rice. Perfect for days when you need a simple beef dinner waiting for you.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Cube Steak

Easy Beef Stew

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

This stew is full of tender beef, potatoes, and vegetables in a hearty broth. It’s easy to prepare and can simmer on the stove while you do other things. The ingredients are simple and budget-friendly. It’s a dependable beef recipe for cool nights or busy days.
Get the Recipe: Easy Beef Stew

Sloppy Joe Casserole

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

All the flavors of classic Sloppy Joes are baked into a cheesy casserole. It’s quick to put together and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish works well for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a hearty beef option that doesn’t take much time to make.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Casserole

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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

Tender pieces of steak are coated in garlic butter for a quick, flavorful meal. They cook in minutes, making them perfect for busy evenings. This dish pairs well with vegetables, potatoes, or rice. It’s a reliable beef option when you want dinner on the table fast.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites

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.

Strips of beef and bell peppers simmer in a savory sauce for a simple, hearty dinner. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day. It’s great for serving over rice or noodles. This beef recipe is perfect when you want minimal prep and hands-off cooking.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Cheeseburger Casserole

This casserole combines ground beef, pasta, and cheese for a warm, filling dinner. It’s a crowd-pleaser and comes together quickly. You can prep it ahead and bake it when you’re ready. It’s a great choice for a beef dish that’s both hearty and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Mexican Shredded Beef

Mexican beef tacos on white plates. — Mexican Shredded Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Slow-cooked beef is seasoned and shredded for tacos, burritos, or bowls. It’s a versatile option that works for many meals. The long cook time requires little active effort. It’s perfect for when you want a flavorful beef base ready to use.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Shredded Beef

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 one-pan dish combines ground beef, cabbage, and seasonings for a quick, hearty meal. It’s easy to prepare and ready in about 30 minutes. The simple ingredients make it a budget-friendly choice. It’s a solid option for a beef dinner when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

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.

Tender steak and earthy mushrooms are paired with a tangy balsamic sauce. This meal comes together quickly, making it great for weeknights. It feels special without requiring much work. It’s an excellent beef recipe for when you need something quick yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Steak and Mushrooms with Balsamic Sauce

Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

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

Flank steak is rolled with a flavorful filling, then baked until tender. It looks impressive but is easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or special family meals. It’s a great beef option when you want something eye-catching without hours of work.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak Pinwheels

Alfredo Steak Pasta

Tender steak slices are served over pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick enough for weeknights. The combination of pasta and beef makes it hearty and filling. It’s a go-to recipe when you need a satisfying dinner without a lot of prep.
Get the Recipe: Alfredo Steak Pasta

Individual Shepherd’s Pie

These single-serving pies have a beef and vegetable base topped with mashed potatoes. They’re easy to serve and reheat well. Perfect for meal prep or portion control. They’re a convenient beef recipe for busy schedules.
Get the Recipe: Individual Shepherd’s Pie

Korean Beef and Broccoli

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

Thin beef slices are cooked with broccoli in a sweet and savory sauce. It’s quick to make and works well over rice or noodles. The short cook time makes it ideal for weeknights. It’s a flavorful beef dish you can make with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef and Broccoli

Homemade Brown Gravy without Drippings

A spoon full of gravy in a white bowl. — Homemade Brown Gravy without Drippings. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This easy gravy is rich and smooth, perfect for serving with beef dishes. It comes together in minutes using simple pantry ingredients. You can make it anytime, even without pan drippings. It’s a handy recipe to have when you need a quick sauce for beef meals.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Brown Gravy without Drippings

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Closeup of Slow Cooker beef with egg noodles. — Crock Pot Beef and Noodles. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Tender beef and noodles cook together in a savory broth for a filling dinner. The slow cooker makes it easy with little hands-on time. It’s great for busy days when you want a warm meal waiting for you. This is a dependable beef recipe for weeknights or weekends.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Beef and Noodles

Baked Meatballs in Oven

A plate of zucchini noodles topped with tomato sauce, meatballs, and grated cheese, garnished with parsley. A fork rests on the plate. — Baked Meatballs in Oven. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These meatballs are easy to bake and work well in pasta, sandwiches, or on their own. Baking keeps cleanup simple and cooking hands-off. They’re perfect for making ahead and reheating. This is a versatile beef recipe for quick meals.
Get the Recipe: Baked Meatballs in Oven

Beef Con Queso Dip

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

This cheesy dip is loaded with seasoned ground beef for a hearty appetizer. It’s quick to make and perfect for game day or gatherings. Serve it with chips, bread, or vegetables. It’s a crowd-pleasing beef recipe that comes together fast.
Get the Recipe: Beef Con Queso Dip

Individual Lasagna

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

These single-serve lasagnas have all the layers of the classic dish in a portioned size. They’re easy to serve and reheat well. Perfect for meal prep or small households. It’s a practical beef recipe that doesn’t require making a full pan.
Get the Recipe: Individual Lasagna

Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

Closeup of crispy beef in a bowl with green onions and sesame seeds. — Air Fryer Mongolian Beef. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This version of Mongolian beef cooks quickly in the air fryer for an easy weeknight meal. It’s sweet, savory, and pairs well with rice or noodles. Minimal prep makes it perfect for busy evenings. It’s a fast beef recipe that delivers big flavor in little time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Mongolian Beef

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 smaller batch of chili is perfect for couples or small households. It’s loaded with ground beef, beans, and spices. The slow cooker makes it easy and hands-off. It’s a warm beef recipe for cozy dinners without extra leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chili for Two

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.

Layers of corn chips, beef chili, and cheese make this a fun, hearty meal. It’s quick to assemble and great for casual dinners or gatherings. You can prepare it ahead and bake when needed. It’s an easy beef recipe that’s full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Frito Chili Pie

Steak Pizzaiola

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

Tender steak is cooked in a tomato-based sauce with herbs for a simple, flavorful dish. It comes together quickly and pairs well with bread or pasta. It’s a nice change from plain grilled steak. It’s a solid beef recipe for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Steak Pizzaiola

Mexican Steak Pizza

This pizza uses sliced steak and Mexican-inspired toppings for a hearty twist on a favorite. It bakes quickly and makes a filling meal. Great for when you want something different from the usual pizza night. It’s an easy way to use beef in a fun way.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Steak Pizza

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 oven-cooked version of carne asada is perfect for when you can’t grill. It’s full of flavor and cooks quickly. Serve it in tacos, burritos, or with rice and beans. It’s a convenient beef recipe for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada in the Oven

Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Ground beef, pasta, and sauce come together in one skillet for a quick dinner. It’s budget-friendly and easy to clean up. Perfect for weeknights when you need something simple. It’s a dependable beef recipe that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

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

This meatloaf is inspired by the restaurant favorite, with a tender texture and savory glaze. It’s easy to prepare and great for family dinners. Leftovers reheat well for sandwiches the next day. It’s a classic beef recipe you can make without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Meatloaf