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    Home » Ground Beef

    21 Easy Ground Beef Dinners Kids Will Actually Eat

    Published: Apr 29, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Finding meals that kids will actually eat can be a challenge, but ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can help. From pasta to casseroles, there are plenty of easy recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Here are 21 simple ground beef dinners that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

    Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

    Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna).
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Pastitsio is a delicious twist on lasagna. It features layers of pasta, a hearty ground beef sauce with a hint of cinnamon, and a creamy béchamel on top.

    Get the Recipe

    Instant Pot Bolognese

    A bowl of instant pot bolognese served over pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This Instant Pot bolognese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic pasta sauce. With simple ingredients you probably already have, you can whip up a rich and hearty meal in no time.

    Get the recipe

    Spaghetti Pie

    Spaghetti Pie.
    Photo credit: A Cedar Spoon.

    Spaghetti Pie is a great meal for busy weeknights that the whole family will enjoy. It's simple to prepare, loaded with protein, and sure to satisfy everyone's hunger.

    Get the recipe

    Stuffed Zucchini Boats

    Stufed zucchini boats.
    Photo credit: Masala Herb.

    Zucchini boats filled with a tasty tomato sauce and topped with cheese are a great way to enjoy dinner. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for the whole family.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Mexican Beef and Rice

    One Pot Mexican Beef and Rice.
    Photo Credit: Dance Around the Kitchen.

    This One Pot Mexican Beef and Rice is a simple dinner that combines ground beef, salsa, and taco seasoning for a tasty meal. It's quick to prepare and means less time spent cleaning up afterward.

    Get the Recipe

    Louisiana Dirty Rice

    Louisiana Dirty Rice.
    Photo Credit: Kenneth Temple.

    Dirty Rice is packed with flavors from ground meat, Cajun spices, and the classic holy trinity of vegetables. It's perfect for serving a big group at dinner, parties, or casual get-togethers.

    Get the Recipe

    Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef

    Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Nourished By Nic.

    This dish gives a healthier spin on classic pasta with a mushroom spaghetti sauce and ground beef. It's a simple way to sneak in more veggies, even if mushrooms aren't your favorite.

    Get the Recipe

    Homemade Hamburgers

    An air fryer burger.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This dish is easy to make and great for busy nights. It comes together quickly and keeps the kitchen clean.

    Get the recipe

    Big Mac Cheeseburger Sliders

    Big Mac cheeseburger sliders on a pan.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    These Sweet Hawaiian roll sliders are packed with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, fresh veggies, and creamy Big Mac sauce. They come together in under 30 minutes and are sure to please the whole family!

    Get the recipe

    Cottage Cheese Lasagna

    Cottage Cheese Lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Ambitious Foodie.

    Cottage cheese lasagna is a simple and satisfying dish that brings the warmth of home-cooked meals to your table. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it perfect for busy days when you still want a hearty dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti

    Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish features a rich beef sauce combined with pasta, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Known as Million Dollar Spaghetti, it's a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Minestrone.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    This hearty soup is packed with fresh veggies, ground beef, and pasta. It's a complete meal that everyone will enjoy!

    Get the Recipe

    Cattle Drive Casserole

    Cattle Drive Casserole.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    This is a filling and tasty layered meal that combines the bold flavors of the Old West with a touch of Tex-Mex. It's perfect for busy nights when you want something your kids will enjoy.

    Get the Recipe

    Arayes

    Arayes.
    Photo credit: Dana's Table.

    These Middle Eastern arayes are a fun crispy pita pocket filled with flavorful seasoned meat. Great for grilling season, and can be made indoors any time of the year!

    Get the recipe

    Air Fryer Meatballs

    Air fryer meatballs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are not only easy to make, but they also look great on the plate. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is sure to please the kids.

    Get the recipe

    American Goulash

    American Goulash
    Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon.

    American Goulash is a simple and hearty dish that combines ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni all cooked together in one pot. It's a favorite among kids and tastes even better the next day.

    Get the recipe

    Walking Taco Casserole

    Walking Taco Casserole.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This casserole combines all the delicious flavors of tacos into a simple one-dish meal. It's packed with ground beef, salsa, and plenty of cheese, making it a great choice for a potluck or a quick weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cottage Pie with Ground Beef

    Cottage Pie with Ground Beef.
    Photo Credit: Masala Herb.

    This easy ground beef pie is simple to make and packed with flavor. It's a great meal that kids will enjoy, and it skips the peas for a more straightforward taste.

    Get the Recipe

    Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Slow Cooker Lasagna: Crazy-Good Cheesy Meat Lasagna in a Crockpot
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    Crockpot Slow Cooker Lasagna is loaded with cheese and flavor. The slow cooker handles everything, from cooking the meat sauce to baking the lasagna, so you don't have to boil the noodles separately.

    Get the recipe

    The Best Tater Tot Casserole

    tater tot casserole.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Tater tot casserole is a beloved comfort food that combines ground beef, fresh veggies, and creamy gravy, all topped with cheese and crispy tater tots. This dish uses real ingredients and is cooked in one pot, making it easy to serve straight from the oven to the table.

    Get the recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs
    Photo Credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are quick to make and can be done in less than an hour. You can prepare them on the stove, in an air fryer, or in the oven, and they turn out juicy and tasty.

    Get the recipe

    More Ground Beef

    • Smash burger quesadillas.
      28 Quick Ground Beef Dinners That Rescue Busy Weeknights
    • Spaghetti casserole.
      25 Quick Ground Beef Recipes That Taste Amazing
    • Stuffed peppers.
      23 Fresh Takes on Ground Beef Dinners
    • 24 Quick Ground Beef Dinners That Taste Amazing
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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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