Are you struggling to find meals that your children will genuinely enjoy? Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of kid friendly ground beef recipes.
Whether you’re planning a spectacular weekend feast or a quick midweek supper, these dishes are likely to become family favorites. Looking for quick and easy snacks? Try these kid-friendly ground beef recipes that are perfect for busy afternoons!
Why Choose Ground Beef for Kid Friendly Recipes?
For good reason, ground beef is a mainstay in many households. It’s very adaptable, inexpensive, and simple to prepare. But what makes it perfect for kid friendly ground beef recipes? Here’s why.
- Nutrient-Rich: Ground beef is packed with essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are crucial for a growing child’s development.
- Quick to Cook: It cooks quickly, making it a great option for busy parents who need to whip up dinner in a hurry.
- Adaptable Flavors: Ground beef can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit even the pickiest eaters.
1. Classic Ground Beef Tacos
Kids love tacos, and kid friendly ground beef recipes make them even more delicious. This is a very easy recipe that you can customize by adding different toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Taco shells
- Toppings: shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Add taco seasoning and follow package instructions.
- Serve the seasoned beef in taco shells and let your kids add their favorite toppings.
2. Ground Beef Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are a favorite in many kid friendly ground beef recipes, as kids enjoy the messy and enjoyable meals, with the sweet and tangy sauce appealing to youthful palates.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Hamburger buns
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef and onions in a skillet until the beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
3. Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
This warm, kid friendly ground beef recipes is loaded with cheese, making it a delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese with added protein from the ground beef.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups pasta (elbows or shells work well)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a separate skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce to the beef and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
4. Ground Beef Meatballs
Kid friendly ground beef recipes like meatballs are incredibly versatile; they pair perfectly with spaghetti, make a tasty addition to a sub, or serve as a flavorful snack on their own. These meatballs are packed with flavor and are tender enough to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well.
- Form into small meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
5. Ground Beef Shepherd’s Pie
A filling dish of mashed potatoes, veggies, and ground beef, shepherd’s pie is a satisfying dinner. This classic kid friendly ground beef recipes is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook ground beef and onion in a skillet until browned.
- Add mixed vegetables and beef broth, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
When you have a hectic night and need to quickly put dinner on the table, this one-pan meal is ideal. It’s a complete dinner thanks to these kid friendly ground beef recipes that include ground beef, rice, and veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup chopped vegetables (bell peppers, onions)
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet until browned.
- Add rice, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and vegetables.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked.
7. Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers
A fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies is with kid friendly ground beef recipes like stuffed peppers. Kids will adore the cheesy, meaty filling, making this dish both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned.
- Mix cooked beef with rice, cheese, and tomato sauce.
- Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
8. Ground Beef Nachos
Kids can assist in assembling nachos, making it a fun and interactive meal. This recipe for kid friendly ground beef recipes nachos is perfect for informal dinners or movie nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Tortilla chips
- Toppings: shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef with taco seasoning according to package instructions.
- Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top with cooked beef and shredded cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Serve with your choice of toppings.
9. Ground Beef Quesadillas
Quesadillas are simple, quick, and ideal for small hands. This ground beef version with cheese will definitely be popular.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef with taco seasoning in a skillet.
- Place a tortilla in a skillet over medium heat, sprinkle with cheese, add a layer of cooked beef, and top with another tortilla.
- Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
- Cut into wedges and serve.
10. Ground Beef Chili
A cozy and warm food that is ideal for chilly evenings is chili. Although it’s light, adults can spice it up to make it more adult-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 packet chili seasoning
Instructions:
- Cook ground beef and onion in a large pot until beef is browned.
- Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
An item that works well in many different delectable recipes is ground beef because it is flexible and kid friendly ground kid friendly ground beef recipes. These dishes, which range from cozy shepherd’s pie to traditional tacos, are sure to please your family. Try one of these kid friendly ground beef recipes ground beef recipes the next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy supper.