Kitchen Divas

menu icon
subscribe
search icon
×

Kid Friendly Ground Beef Recipes

Published: by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

These kid friendly ground beef recipes will be a hit for your next family dinner or party. These recipes range from casseroles to pasta dishes and everything in between, and they're all full of flavor with no fancy, spicy, or exotic ingredients to send the kids running for the hills.

Why These Ground Beef Recipes are Kid Friendly

The thing about kids is that their little tastebuds are so sensitive. I firmly believe that's a real thing. Think about how kids react to hot or cold things that only seem somewhat uncomfortable to us. Their little nerves are overwhelmed. Well, I believe the same thing happens with their tastebuds.

These kid friendly ground beef recipes work so well because they deliver a lot of flavor, but those flavors aren't too much for little mouths. Many of these recipes are made with basic seasonings like garlic and onion powder and maybe a touch of pepper. You won't find spicy or exotic flavors.

In addition, these recipes have kid friendly vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green beans. Of course, some kids still shy away from those, but hey, that's why so many of these recipes are made with sauce! If you drown veggies in enough sauce, kids will eat them. LOL

What Goes Well with Ground Beef

The great thing about ground beef is how versatile it is. It's practically a universal ingredient, pairing well with almost any grain, pasta, potato, vegetable, or cheese you can think of.

Ground beef is perfect in casseroles, bakes, soups, and wraps because its rich, meaty flavor pairs so well with whatever you throw at it.

Grains

Ground beef is delicious with all types of grains, from common ones to those you might not think of unless you see them in a recipe. Think of things like:

  • White rice
  • Brown rice
  • Quinoa
  • Barley
  • Oats

Starches

Ground beef also pairs well with just about any starch you can think of, from potatoes to pasta. Depending on the dish, you'll find it mixed with:

  • Traditional pastas
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Gluten-free pasta
  • White, red, or gold potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes

Vegetables

Literally, every vegetable in the world works well with ground beef. Yes, I'm using literal in the correct sense. I've never seen a vegetable that didn't work well with ground beef in one way or another. Some of the most common and delicious vegetable pairings include:

  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Tomatoes
  • Mushrooms
  • Green beans
  • Asparagus
  • Beans
  • Peas
  • Corn
  • Carrots

Why Your Kids Will Love These Ground Beef Recipes

  • Flavorful: These recipes are kid friendly but not bland. Kids will enjoy the tomato, cream, cheese, and potato flavors found in these recipes.
  • Quick and Easy: More of a bonus for you than the kids. Still, easy is always good!
  • Texture: The textures in these recipes are all generally firm or soft but not mushy. Mushy is a texture kids always seem to hate.

FAQ

Is ground beef healthy?

Ground beef can be a healthy source of protein, depending on which variety you choose. Lean ground beef has less saturated fat than varieties like ground chuck, and grass-fed ground beef is rich in omega fatty acids.

What makes a kid friendly dish?

Kid friendly dishes are those that feature mild flavors like creamed soups, tomato sauce, cheese, potatoes, and common vegetables. These flavors and ingredients create flavor profiles that are satisfying but not too much for young tastebuds.

Are these recipes easy to make?

All of the recipes listed here are easy to make. Most of them are casseroles, bakes, or classics like meatloaf, all of which are incredibly simple.

Kid Friendly Ground Beef Recipes

These recipes range from casseroles to classic meatloaf and everything in between. They're all rich and tasty, and they're all kid approved. If you're looking for a tasty meal the kids will love, then you'll find it in this list. Check it out!

Hobo Casserole Recipe
This Hobo Casserole recipe is full of ground beef, potatoes and so much more. It's easy to make so it's perfect for weeknight dinners. It's also big on flavor and budget-friendly too! Perfect for busy families any day of the week!
Get the Recipe
A casserole dish of hobo casserole on the table with a spatula lifting up a serving.
Air Fryer Mini Meatloaf
This air fryer mini meatloaf recipe takes the classic family dinner and serves it up in a fun, single-serve form. And it's so easy to make!
Get the Recipe
A mini meatloaf with a side of green beans and mashed potatoes.
Cheeseburger Pasta
This recipe for Cheeseburger Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal. The tender beef and macaroni pair so well with the cheesy sauce and bacon. It’s a true winner!
Get the Recipe
Cheeseburger pasta in a serving dish with a spoon lifting up a portion.
John Wayne Beef Casserole
If you are searching for an easy casserole recipe, you are going to love this John Wayne Casserole. It’s packed full of savory beef and veggies, with a golden brown biscuit crust. It will sure be a new family favorite.
Get the Recipe
John wayne casserole in a dish on the table with a spoonful missing and laying on the table next to the dish.
Big Mac Wraps
Big Mac wraps are a tasty twist on an old favorite. This Big Mac wrap recipe has all the flavors of the classic burger in a flour tortilla.
Get the Recipe
Closeup of the end of a big mac wrap with all the fillings showing.
Spaghetti and Meatballs - Olive Garden Copycat
This Olive Garden spaghetti and meatballs recipe is loaded with all the flavor we love in the original. Big meatballs and rich sauce? Yum!
Get the Recipe
Old Fashioned Sloppy Joes Recipe
This old fashioned sloppy joes recipe combines the sweet and savory flavors of sloppy joes with rich, buttery biscuits for an easy 20 minute dinner.
Get the Recipe
Big Mac Tacos
Big Mac tacos take all the flavor of a Big Mac and puts them in a taco shell! They're so good and so easy, they make the perfect easy dinner.
Get the Recipe
Three big mac tacos with meat, shedded lettuce, diced pickles and cheese in a taco shell.
Old Fashioned Burgers
Our go-to hamburger recipe for years and the best old fashioned burger recipe. My husband skips the breadcrumbs and egg. I include them. Both are delicious!
Get the Recipe
Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Big Mac sloppy Joes are loaded with the flavor of the classic fast food burger, but served up in sloppy Joe fashion and is a recipe easy on your budget.
Get the Recipe
Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy
This smothered hamburger steak with onion gravy recipe is a classic. Juicy fried hamburgers are seasoned with onion soup mix and cooked to perfection. Add a savory simple mushroom and onion gravy plus a side of potatoes or rice for a meal everyone will love.
Get the Recipe
Hamburger steak with onion and mushroom gravy on a plate with mashed potatoes and broccoli.
Big Mac Sliders Recipe
Ready to learn how to make Big Mac Sliders? These mini burgers with a copycat Big Mac sauce hit the spot! You'll love your newfound ability to make homemade Big Macs whenever you like! Stop spending your time sitting in the drive-thru and try this simple homemade Big Mac recipe instead!
Get the Recipe
Three Big Mac Sliders on a cutting board.
Double Cheeseburger Pizza
Double Cheeseburger Pizza is a crispy crust topped with the best cheeseburger toppings. This cheeseburger pizza recipe makes for a delicious lunch or dinner!
Get the Recipe
Cheeseburger Pizza with pizza cutter.
Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Pie
My Grandma’s Bacon Cheeseburger Pie is exactly like a bacon cheeseburger in a pie crust! Ketchup, mustard, relish, bacon, ground meat and lots of cheese! It's a hearty and delicious meal that is a true crowd-pleaser for meals!
Get the Recipe
Close up of bacon cheeseburger pie.
Homemade Salisbury Steak with Onion Gravy
Looking for a quick and easy comfort meal for the whole family? This old-fashioned Salisbury steak recipe will blow your mind with its savory deliciousness.
Get the Recipe
A plate with mashed potatoes and two Salisbury steaks topped with brown gravy.
Big Mac Pizza
This Big Mac pizza recipe has all the flavors we love in our Big Mac, all served up on a tasty pizza crust! It's the best of two great worlds.
Get the Recipe
A slice of pizza on cutting board.
Bbq Meatloaf
This bbq meatloaf recipe is so easy and so good. For this meatloaf with bbq sauce, we use a simple, classic meatloaf recipe, and store bought bbq sauce.
Get the Recipe
Big Mac Casserole
This recipe for Big Mac Casserole tastes just like the McDonald's classic. It’s filled with crispy potatoes, and tender beef, and finished with homemade mac sauce.
Get the Recipe
Slice of casserole on a white plate.
Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole
Hamburger Hash Brown Casserole is an easy and tasty dinner idea! It’s creamy, and cheesy, and is ready in 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe
A plate of hamburger hash brown casserole ready to eat on the table.
Hamburger Green Bean Casserole
This hamburger green bean casserole is a one pot meal that's full of creamy and cheesy mashed potatoes, green beans, and your favorite ground meat! It's an easy dinner recipe the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe
Hamburger green bean casserole served up on a plate.
Walking Taco Casserole Recipe
This walking taco bake recipe with Fritos is a delightful twist on traditional tacos that offers both convenience and delicious flavors in one easy-to-make dish!! Made with Fritos, seasoned meat, and cheese for a hearty, satisfying dinner the whole family will love!
Get the Recipe
Bowl of walking taco bake with more taco casserole in glass dish in background.
Old-Fashioned Hamburger Casserole
Just about everyone's mom or grandma had some version of creamy hamburger potato casserole for dinner. An easy recipe, old-fashioned hamburger casserole relies on creamy canned soup and a few other simple ingredients for its flavor and texture!
Get the Recipe
Spoon serving up some hamburger potato casserole.
Meaty Zucchini Casserole
This Meaty Zucchini Casserole or Bake recipe, with the best shredded zucchini base, or pizza crust, uses cheese, ground beef or hamburger, chicken and more.
Get the Recipe
French Onion Beef Casserole
A hearty beef and noodle casserole topped with crispy French onions and baked to perfection, it doesn't get much better than that. Follow this creamy noodle recipe for one very delicious weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe
A spoonful of french onion beef casserole lifted up from casserole dish.
Frito Casserole with Fresh Guacamole
If you're looking for an easy, hearty, taco bake with Fritos or taco casserole recipe, then this Frito Casserole with Fresh Guacamole must be on your radar.
Get the Recipe
Grilled Cheese Hamburger with Bacon
This grilled cheese hamburger is full of bacon, a burger, and cheese! Making a ground beef grilled cheese is a budget-friendly and delicious way to enjoy burgers!
Get the Recipe
A hamburger grilled cheese on a plate.
Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
Making zucchini boats with ground beef has never been easier! All you need is a few ingredients and a little kitchen time to put this hearty dish together!
Get the Recipe
Zucchini boats on a platter with a fork taking a bite.
Easy Hamburger Pinwheels
This Easy Hamburger Pinwheels or Cheeseburger Roll Ups recipe with ground beef or other meat shows you how to cook pinwheels with bacon, cheese and more.
Get the Recipe
Easy Hamburger Pinwheels
Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup
This hearty and comforting Crockpot hamburger soup recipe is sure to become a total hit in your household. It is healthy, delicious, and super easy to make too!
Get the Recipe
A bowl of crockpot hamburger soup on a plate on the table.

Try These Kid Friendly Ground Beef Recipes

These recipes are perfect for any family's weeknight dinner because they're so hearty and delicious, and the flavors are so good even the kids can't say no to them.

If you have kids, you need these recipes in your recipe rotation. You'll be able to get a hearty dinner on the table with less hassle and fewer headaches!

More Beef

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *