8 Kid Friendly Ground Beef Recipes for Quick Dinners

Tasty and Easy Ground Beef Recipes for Kids

Finding recipes that kids love can sometimes feel like a challenge, but ground beef is here to save the day! Versatile, budget-friendly, and quick to cook, it’s a go-to ingredient for creating dishes that please even the pickiest eaters.

In this list, we’ve compiled 8 kid friendly ground beef recipes that are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. From cheesy classics to fun twists, these recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend treats, or any time you want to make mealtime stress-free.

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Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Skillet

A one-pan wonder that combines hearty potatoes, flavorful ground beef, and gooey cheese—a guaranteed kid favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the diced potatoes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
4. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 3-4 minutes. Serve warm.

Chili Mac and Cheese

A comforting mashup of chili and mac & cheese, this dish is a surefire winner for kids who love cheesy pasta.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, and uncooked macaroni. Stir well.
3. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Serve immediately.

Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

This cheesy baked pasta dish is a family classic that kids will ask for again and again.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and drain the excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce.
3. In a baking dish, layer cooked ziti, ground beef sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers as needed.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan on top and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Mini Sloppy Joe Pizzas

A fun twist on traditional Sloppy Joes, these mini pizzas are great for little hands and big appetites.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce
• 8 mini pizza crusts or English muffins
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brown the ground beef in a skillet and mix in the Sloppy Joe sauce.
3. Place mini pizza crusts on a baking sheet. Spread the beef mixture evenly on each crust.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Loaded Nachos with Ground Beef

These loaded nachos are perfect for family movie night or a quick snack the kids will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 bag tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup salsa
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños

Steps:

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet and mix in taco seasoning as per package instructions.
2. Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with seasoned beef, cheese, and salsa.
3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Add your favorite toppings and serve.

Beef and Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers

A colorful and nutritious dinner idea that sneaks in extra veggies for picky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
2. Mix the cooked rice, marinara sauce, and ground beef together. Stuff the mixture into the bell pepper halves.
3. Place the peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes.
4. Remove foil, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes.

Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

This quick stir-fry is a great way to sneak in veggies and create a flavorful meal kids will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Steps:

1. Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any fat.
2. Add cabbage, carrots, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir well.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Serve over rice or noodles.

Taco-Style Enchiladas

Cheesy, saucy, and full of taco flavor, these enchiladas are an easy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ground beef in a skillet and mix in taco seasoning.
2. Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, roll tightly, and place in a baking dish.
3. Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.

Conclusion

These kid friendly ground beef recipes prove that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. From cheesy pasta to loaded nachos, these meals are designed to please even the pickiest eaters. So grab your ground beef and start cooking—your kids will thank you!