Busy weeks call for smarter meal planning. Between work, school, activities, and everything else on the calendar, having versatile proteins ready to go can take the stress out of deciding what's for dinner. With just a little prep at the start of the week, you can create a variety of quick, flavorful meals that are ready whenever you are.
Ground proteins are a meal prep staple for a reason. They cook quickly, are easy to customize, and can be transformed into countless meals, from wraps and stuffed peppers to taco bowls and beyond. Our ground proteins are also available in convenient value packs of three, making them an easy three-dinner solution that helps simplify grocery shopping and weeknight cooking.
Whether you're meal prepping for the week ahead or just looking for easy dinner inspiration, these six recipes are designed to help you save time without sacrificing flavor.
1. Grass-Fed Ground Beef Taco Bowls
Ingredients
- Rastelli's Grass-Fed Ground Beef (85/15)
- Brown or white rice
- Black beans
- Corn
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado
- Cheddar cheese
- Taco seasoning
Directions
Cook the rice according to the package directions while browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat if needed, then stir in the taco seasoning and cook until evenly coated. Divide the cooked rice, seasoned beef, black beans, and corn among meal prep containers. Top with pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and sliced avocado just before serving for the freshest flavor. Store in the refrigerator for an easy grab-and-go lunch or a quick dinner that's ready when you are.
2. Wagyu Cheeseburger Wraps
Ingredients
- Rastelli's Wagyu Ground Beef (75/25)
- Large flour tortillas
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped dill pickles
- Diced red onion
- Burger sauce
- Salt & pepper
Directions
Brown the Wagyu ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper, then let it cool slightly. Lay each tortilla flat and evenly layer with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onion, cheddar cheese, and the cooked Wagyu. Drizzle with burger sauce, fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a wrap. Slice in half and enjoy immediately, or wrap individually and refrigerate for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
3. Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- Rastelli's Ground Turkey
- Bell peppers
- Brown or white rice
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Directions
Cook the rice according to the package directions. Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, then stir in the cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds, then fill each pepper with the turkey mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Make a batch ahead of time and simply reheat throughout the week for an easy, satisfying meal.
4. Southwest Ground Bison Quesadillas
Ingredients
- Rastelli's Ground Bison
- Large flour tortillas
- Pepper Jack cheese
- Black beans
- Corn
- Diced green chiles
- Taco seasoning
- Salsa
- Sour cream (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Directions
Brown the ground bison in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and green chiles, cooking until everything is heated through. Sprinkle Pepper Jack cheese over one half of each tortilla, add the bison mixture, then fold the tortilla over. Cook in a clean skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, if desired. Prepare a few ahead of time and reheat in a skillet or air fryer for a quick lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
5. BBQ Pulled Pork Flatbreads
Ingredients
- Rastelli's Pulled Pork
- Flatbread
- Mozzarella cheese
- Thinly sliced red onion
- BBQ sauce
- Pickled jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
Directions
Preheat the oven according to the flatbread package directions. Spread a layer of BBQ sauce over each flatbread, then top with the pulled pork, mozzarella, and sliced red onion. Bake until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden and crisp. Finish with pickled jalapeños and fresh cilantro before slicing and serving. Assemble a few flatbreads ahead of time and bake them whenever you need a quick, flavorful meal throughout the week.
6. Pulled Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients
- Rastelli's Pulled Chicken
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Red enchilada sauce
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Black beans
- Diced green chiles
- Cilantro
- Sour cream (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Combine the pulled chicken with the black beans, green chiles, and a small amount of enchilada sauce. Fill each tortilla with the mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with Monterey Jack cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream, if desired. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making them a great option for lunches or busy weeknights.
Prep Once, Enjoy All Week
Meal prep doesn't have to mean sacrificing variety. With a few versatile proteins and a little planning, you can create a variety of meals that fit your schedule and keep weeknight cooking simple. From quick lunches to easy dinners, having quality proteins on hand makes it easier to spend less time wondering what's for dinner and more time enjoying meals you actually look forward to.
Whether you're planning meals for the week ahead or simply looking for new ways to use your favorite proteins, these six recipes are designed to help make busy weeks a little easier. Start with quality ingredients, keep your meals flexible, and enjoy flavorful, satisfying dishes whenever your schedule allows.