Looking for a way to simplify dinnertime without sacrificing flavor or your sanity? I’ve found a rhythm that works for our busy household, and I actually enjoy cooking five to six nights a week (really!). With a few simple hacks, family dinners have become something we all look forward to—full of connection, laughter, and good food. I’m sharing the small shifts that make a big difference for us, plus four of my go-to recipes using ground meat, the ultimate versatile and budget-friendly protein.
Why I Actually Enjoy Cooking Weeknight Dinners
People are often surprised when I say I cook most nights. But for me, it’s become a calming, creative outlet—one that no longer feels overwhelming. Dinner is a special time when our family connects, chats about our days, and sometimes plays a round of the humming game (our favorite!).
My Top 3 Dinner-Time Hacks
1. Stick to 30-Minute Recipes
Time is a precious commodity, and let’s be honest—30 minutes can easily stretch into 45 when your kids are asking for snacks or helping with homework. Quick recipes are essential.
2. Don’t Cook Dinner at Dinner Time
This one’s a game-changer. I prep and cook earlier in the day when my mind is clear and I’m not surrounded by hangry little humans. Your future self will thank you!
3. Always Have Ground Meat on Hand
Beef, turkey, chicken, or pork—ground meat is my go-to. It’s versatile, affordable, easy to cook, and nearly impossible to mess up. With just a few staple ingredients, you can make countless quick, nutritious meals.
4 Ground Meat Recipes We Make on Repeat
🧆 1. Meatballs (Family Favorite Classic)
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, chicken, or pork)
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1 egg, scrambled
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp pepper
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½ tsp Italian herbs
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
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Shape into golf ball-sized meatballs.
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Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
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Serve over pasta or on subs with marinara.
🌮 2. Taco Meat (Perfect for Bowls or Shells)
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground meat
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1 Tbsp avocado oil
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1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions:
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Brown meat in avocado oil over medium heat.
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Add taco seasoning and stir well.
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Serve with roasted bell peppers, charred red onions, and guacamole over rice bowls, tostadas, or tortillas.
🍚 3. Bibimbap-Inspired Rice Bowls
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground meat
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1 Tbsp avocado oil
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1 Tbsp soy sauce
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1 Tbsp sesame oil
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Cooked jasmine rice
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Assorted sautéed veggies (mushrooms, carrots, spinach, peas, broccoli, bell pepper)
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Optional: fried egg, sunny side up
Instructions:
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Brown meat in avocado oil.
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Add soy sauce and sesame oil; stir to coat.
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Serve over jasmine rice with sautéed vegetables.
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Top with a fried egg for extra richness.
🥔 4. Stuffed Potatoes (White or Sweet)
Ingredients:
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4 white or sweet potatoes, baked
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1 lb ground meat
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1 yellow onion, diced
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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1 cup shredded cheese
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: BBQ sauce for drizzling, or any extra veggies you like - broccoli or bell peppers
Instructions:
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Sauté onion and ground meat in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
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Halve baked potatoes and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a ¼" border.
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Mix scooped potato with cheese, yogurt/sour cream, and the cooked meat/onions.
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Fill each potato half with the mixture and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
There's so many meals you can make with ground meat. We've previously shared recipes for Stuffed Peppers and Egg Roll in a Bowl that also use meat. The options are endless!
👩🍳 Make Dinner a Joy, Not a Chore
With a little planning and a few staple ingredients, dinner can feel less like a stressful task and more like a ritual of connection. Whether you're prepping during nap time or enlisting little hands to help scoop meatballs, I hope these recipes and hacks make your evenings a bit more peaceful—and a lot more delicious.