Top 15 Make-Ahead Beef Recipes Perfect for Any Day of the Week

Posted by Mardi Michels. Last updated on May 16, 2020 by Melissa Girimonte

Prepare these satisfying beef dishes on the weekend to get you set up for the busy week ahead. Grill it, roast it or rely on your slow cooker for a helping hand with these easy-to-prepare recipes that will please the whole family!

1 of 15

Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

This classic Eastern European cabbage roll recipe is sure to satisfy. The slow cooker variation is loaded with rice, onions, carrots, beef and plenty of herbs and spices. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/blog/slow-cooker-cabbage-roll-recipe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls</a>
2 of 15

Chinese Crispy Beef and Broccoli Noodles

If crispy beef, chow mein, kung pao and beef and broccoli made a baby, it would be this recipe. It's the perfect meal to make in bulk, where you can enjoy the leftovers for days to come. Bring the restaurant to your kitchen with these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/chinese-takeout-recipes-to-make-at-home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chinese takeout dishes you can master at home</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/chinese-new-year/blog/chinese-crispy-beef-broccoli-noodles-with-kung-pao-chili-oil-33933/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chinese Crispy Beef and Broccoli Noodles</a>
3 of 15

Cornbread-Topped Chili Pot Pie

<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cast-iron-skillet-cornbread/17080/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cornbread</a> and chili are the ultimate comfort food duo — and this pot pie marries the two in a dish that's like a warm hug on a cold day. A cornbread batter covers a <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spicy-beef-chili/21193/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">classic beef chili</a> recipe with both ground beef and stewing beef. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cornbread-topped-chili-pot-pie/20804/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cornbread-Topped Chili Pot Pie</a>
4 of 15

Mom's Spaghetti and Meatballs

Make a large batch of meatballs in tomato sauce over the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week served over pasta, rice or in a sandwich. Keep a few containers of them in your freezer and defrost for future weeknight dinners, too. Can't get enough fettuccine, lasagna or spaghetti? You just have to try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-ever-pasta-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">best-ever pasta recipes for easy dinners</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/moms-spaghetti-and-meatballs/19568/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Mom's Spaghetti and Meatballs</a>
5 of 15

Beef Noodle Salad Bowls With Peanut Sauce

When you're grilling on the weekend, add an <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/photos/best-steak-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">extra steak or two</a>. Once they've been cooked to your liking and have rested, slice them up to use in this delicious noodle salad that is perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beef-noodle-salad-bowls-with-peanut-sauce/20739/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Beef Noodle Salad Bowls With Peanut Sauce</a>
6 of 15

Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joe Sliders

Add some fun to your menu with irresistible slow cooker sloppy joes. Whether you pile the seasoned beef on a potato roll or your favourite slider buns, this meal will always be a hit with your entire family. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-sloppy-joe-sliders/19808/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joe Sliders</a>
7 of 15

Meatloaf: Reloaded

Gone are the days of boring, dry, flavourless loafs of meat that no amount of barbecue or tomato sauce could save. With the addition of bold flavours and seasonings, meatloaf has become a popular comfort food classic. This recipe has a spicy kick from chipotle and cayenne peppers, which pairs beautifully with everything from <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/mouth-watering-mashed-potato-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mouth-watering mashed potatoes</a> to a simple green salad. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/meatloaf-reloaded/23235/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Alton Brown's Meatloaf: Reloaded</a>
8 of 15

Simple Bolognese

There's nothing like the aroma of homemade meat sauce wafting through your home on a Sunday afternoon. Bolognese is a make-ahead staple that can be prepared in large batches and frozen until ready to serve along with your <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/how-to-pair-pasta-shapes-with-sauces/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">favourite pasta shapes</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/simple-bolognese/20893/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giada DeLaurentiis' Simple Bolognese</a>
9 of 15

Smoked BBQ Brisket

Use your smoker to make perfectly tender, seasoned beef brisket that pairs beautifully with everything from an <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/easy-potato-salad-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy potato salad</a> to grilled vegetables. Use it for sandwiches or even add it to mac and cheese for an extra-tasty layer. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/smoked-bbq-brisket/18326/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bobby Flay's Smoked BBQ Brisket</a>
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Four-Alarm Ribeye Chili

If you like your chili on the spicy side, this recipe made with boneless ribeye steak and four types of piquant pepper is sure to satisfy. Make a large pot of it over the weekend and enjoy a bowl for lunch or dinner throughout the week. You can also use beef chili for tacos, burritos or nachos as part of a fun Southwestern supper. If hot and spicy isn't to your taste, try one of these other <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/10-best-chili-recipes-to-feed-a-crowd/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">crowd-pleasing chili recipes</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/four-alarm-rib-eye-chili/22555/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Four-Alarm Ribeye Chili</a>
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Southwest Beef Lettuce Wraps

Looking for a lighter meal made with beef? These yummy wraps are filled with Southwestern flavours including jalapeno and chili pepper, which contrast beautifully with crunchy lettuce leaves. Make a batch of the meat mixture ahead of time and assemble your wraps when you're ready to eat. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/southwest-beef-lettuce-wraps/22031/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman's Southwest Beef Lettuce Wraps</a>
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Shepherd’s Pie

Bring British pub fare to your home with this comforting shepherd's pie made with ground beef instead of lamb. Top the meat with fluffy mashed potatoes and a sprinkling of grated cheddar cheese and bake until golden. Or assemble it and then place it in the freezer for an <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/12-quick-dinner-recipes-ready-in-15-minutes-or-less/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">easy weeknight dinner</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/blog/shepherds-pie-from-the-hot-plate-3365/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shepherd’s Pie</a>
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Perfect Pot Roast

A simple, slowly cooked pot roast is a satisfying weekend meal, but you can enjoy this comforting dish any time by preparing it in advance and storing it in the freezer. Plus, any leftovers can be used for sandwiches or to whip up a tasty breakfast hash with eggs and potatoes. Looking for more delicious ways to prepare pot roast, prime rib or even tenderloin? Try one of these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-roast-beef-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ridiculously good roast beef recipes</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/the-pioneer-woman/recipe/perfect-pot-roast/20839/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ree Drummond's Perfect Pot Roast</a>
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Parker's Beef Stew

Ina Garten uses cubes of quality beef chuck along with potatoes, carrots and mushrooms for a stew that will have you going back for seconds. While you won't be able to resist enjoying a piping hot bowl of it right away, it's an excellent make-ahead meal for lunches or dinners too. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/parkers-beef-stew/17443/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Barefoot Contessa's Parker's Beef Stew</a>
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Lasagna alla Besciamella

Take some extra time over the weekend to make a lasagna or two that you can freeze for weeknight meals. In this recipe, Valerie makes a hearty meat sauce with ground beef and sausage — and layers it with noodles, cheese and creamy béchamel. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lasagna-alla-besciamella/17600/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli's Lasagna alla Besciamella</a>
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