27 easy-to-prepare, nutritious and delicious beef recipes for back-to-school success

Back-to-school season. 

It happens every year, but somehow it always sneaks up on us. Between purchasing school supplies, attending meetings, dropping the kids off at clubs, helping with homework (and relearning math), endless sports obligations and chauffeuring humans to and from all those events, it can be very easy to view a home-cooked meal as a luxury time just doesn't allow.  

That's why we've compiled these 27 easy beef recipes that are small on effort but big on flavor. 

Plus, with great flavor comes great nutrition. Growing kids need ample nutrients to perform at their best, whether it's in the classroom or on the court or field. The essential nutrients found in beef, like protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins, provide growing bodies and minds with the fuel they need to be the strongest version of themselves. 

You can trust these recipes will be easy to make, delicious, and fuel your student with the nutrition they need. 

Beef and pasta recipes

sloppy joe bake

A family favorite made slightly less sloppy. 

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lazy lasagna

It takes less time to make than many of your frozen, store-bought versions. 

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beefy pasta primavera

Combine veggies, ground beef and rotini pasta for a nutritious meal everyone will love. 

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asparagus toss

beef and asparagus pasta

High-protein ground beef, bowtie pasta and asparagus make this a well-rounded meal, 

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pot roast pasta

This recipe for pot roast pasta uses only one dish and is packed with vegetables. 

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easy beef stroganoff

This is an easier, ground beef version of a classic.

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slow cooker roasts and meatloaf

After-work, there's no better way to celebrate the ordinary with the everyday extraordinary.

after work pot roast

Put a few ingredients into the slow cooker before work. Come home to a hot meal. 

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bbq mango short ribs

Sweet and savory short ribs made up in the slow cooker. 

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SlowCooked_ShreddedBeef_SloMo

four-way slow cooker shredded beef

This shredded beef recipe works for a variety of meals over multiple days. It's meal prep magic. 

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mini meatloaves

All the flavor of a regular meatloaf but ready in less than half the time. 

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sheet pan meatloaf with veggies

Meatloaf and potatoes prepared on a single sheet pan. 

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bacon-wrapped bbq meatloaf

Cook along with a professional chef. This recipe is easy to put together and makes enough for leftovers. 

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delicious soup and chili recipes

beef enchilada soup

All the flavors of an enchilada in a cozy soup. 

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cheeseburger soup

Comfort food in a bowl. Make this recipe once and it'll be sure to play on repeat throughout the fall and winter. 

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smoky chipotle chili

A slightly spicy and smoky chili and chunks of tender beef. 

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creamy beef and tomato soup pasta

Classic comfort food. Part soup, part pasta, 100% guaranteed kids will love it. 

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hearty beef and veggie soup

A hearty soup full of flavor and big on nutrition. 

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Slow Cooker Beef Pot Roast Soup

slow cooker pot roast soup

All the flavors and comforts of a traditional pot roast meal in a bowl.

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beef sandwich recipes

Sweet Onion and Pepper Beef Sandwiches

Think French dip meets Philly cheesesteak, made in a slow cooker. 

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Whiskey Molasses Shredded Beef Sliders

Perfect as BBQ beef or as a slider, this whiskey molasses shredded beef recipe is made in the slow cooker. 

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slow cooker BBQ shredded beef sandwich

Perfect slow-cooked BBQ beef for a variety fo meals. 

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Quick Flat Iron Philly 

This sandwich uses a tender and economical flat iron as the protein and a delicious homemade au jus. 

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Tortilla stackers

These ground beef tortilla stackers offer layers of taco-flavored meat, beans and cheese. The kids will love it. 

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Sweet & Tangy Sloppy Joes

sweet and sloppy joes

Homemade sloppy Joes with hidden vegetables. It's for sure a win. 

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taco tuesday recipes

slow cooker shredded beef tacos

This slow-cooked, Mexican-flavored shredded beef is perfect for tacos, burritos, salads and more. 

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confetti beef tacos

Take ground beef and add in corn, beans, and your favorite toppings. 

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quick skirt steak tacos

Skirt steak is great for tacos and cooks up in just minutes on the grill or in the pan. 

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