Ground Beef Meal Prep

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Prepare your week ahead with this delicious and versatile ground beef meal prep recipe. It's easy to make and packed with flavor.

Hallie Foster

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2025-12-24T14:18:37.333Z

This ground beef meal prep is not only quick and easy to make, but it also saves you time during the week. With simple ingredients and a few spices, you can create a delicious base for any meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weekdays
  • Versatile and customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices
  • Healthy and satisfying, keeping you full for hours

Perfect for Meal Prep

Meal prepping is a game changer for busy lifestyles, and this ground beef meal prep recipe is perfect for ensuring you have nutritious meals ready to go. By dedicating a short amount of time to cooking, you can set yourself up for success during the week. No more scrambling to make dinner after a long day at work; simply heat up your prepped meals and enjoy!

This recipe allows you to create multiple servings at once, making it an efficient choice for families or individuals who want to save time and money. The use of ground beef not only makes it affordable but also provides a good source of protein, making your meals satisfying and filling.

Customizable for Your Taste

One of the best aspects of this ground beef meal prep recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, corn, or spinach, to the mix. This not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value of your meals. Feel free to swap out seasonings or add your own twist to create a dish that suits your palate.

Additionally, you can adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the chili powder. Whether you prefer a mild flavor or something with a kick, this recipe can easily accommodate your needs. Experimenting with different spices can also keep your meals exciting throughout the week.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your meal prep. Once you've divided the ground beef mixture into containers, allow them to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating. This helps to prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess. Store your meals in airtight containers to keep them fresh longer.

When it's time to enjoy your meal, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If you're using rice or quinoa, consider reheating them separately to avoid overcooking the beef. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal that feels freshly made, even days after you've prepped it.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Optional Ingredients

  • Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to have your containers ready for meal prep!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your ground beef meal prep:

Cook the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the Seasonings

Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Meal Prep and Store

Divide the ground beef mixture into meal prep containers. Serve with cooked rice or quinoa if desired. Let cool before sealing containers and storing in the refrigerator.

Your meals are now ready for the week!

Healthy Additions

To elevate the health factor of your meal prep, consider incorporating more veggies into the ground beef mixture. Leafy greens, such as kale or spinach, can be added during the last few minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost. You can also include beans for added fiber and protein, making this dish even more filling and wholesome.

If you're looking for low-carb options, serve your ground beef over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains. This will not only reduce the calorie count but also add a delightful texture to your meal.

Serving Suggestions

While this ground beef meal prep is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to serve it. Pairing it with cooked rice or quinoa provides a satisfying base, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can bring brightness and freshness to each serving. You might also consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.

For a complete meal, serve the beef mixture with a side salad. This adds crunch and freshness, complementing the hearty flavors of the beef. A simple vinaigrette can tie the dish together beautifully.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze the ground beef meal prep?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked ground beef mixture in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this meal prep?

This ground beef mixture pairs well with rice, quinoa, or even in taco shells for a quick meal.

→ How long can I store this in the fridge?

You can store the meal prep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I add different vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach.

Ground Beef Meal Prep

Prepare your week ahead with this delicious and versatile ground beef meal prep recipe. It's easy to make and packed with flavor.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Hallie Foster

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground beef
  2. 1 medium onion, diced
  3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 1 bell pepper, diced
  5. 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  6. 2 teaspoons chili powder
  7. 1 teaspoon cumin
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Olive oil for cooking

Optional Ingredients

  1. Cooked rice or quinoa for serving
  2. Fresh cilantro for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 02

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 03

Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 04

Divide the ground beef mixture into meal prep containers. Serve with cooked rice or quinoa if desired. Let cool before sealing containers and storing in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 30g