Dogs can get pancreatitis from eating high-fat foods. But not all dogs are susceptible to dietary-related pancreatitis. As we know, some dogs can eat high-fat stuff all their lives w/o a problem. I believe that Schnauzers are one of the breeds that are considered to be high-risk for dietary-related pancreatitis.
Dogs can also develop pancreatitis from having some other intestinal upset. My dog developed it secondary to another issue (the vet suspected giardia, but it was never confirmed). But regardless of why they get it, recovery depends on allowing the pancreas to rest. Which is accomplished by feeding a low-fat, bland diet for several weeks.
My dog wasn't at the point of needing an IV when she had pancreatitis, although she was quite sick (vomiting and bloody diarrhea). She was put on several meds, and what my vet recommended regarding diet was four days of absolutely nothing but chicken or turkey baby food. Small, frequent meals. After that he recommended mixing the baby food and canned I/D for four or five days, and then transitioning over to all canned I/D for at least six weeks. He said I could feed kibble I/D if the cost of the canned was a problem, but in his opinion the canned was the much preferred form, as it's easier to digest than kibble.
I suspect that if the ground beef caused any additional problem for Freeway, it would've been due to the fat content. IOW, if your friend used the very lean ground beef, then I kind of doubt it made the situation any worse. If she used the high-fat kind, then maybe. I've never heard of healthy dogs having any trouble digesting ground beef. But my gold standard for a dog with an upset tummy is either skinless, boiled chicken breasts and white rice or chicken/turkey baby food.