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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    18 Kid-Approved Ground Beef Recipes That Are Perfect for Meal Prep

    Published: May 28, 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 make mealtime easier. From pasta to casseroles, there are plenty of kid-friendly recipes that are perfect for meal prep. These 18 recipes are not only simple to make but also packed with flavors that kids love, making them great options for busy families.

    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 just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a rich and hearty meal in no time.

    Get the recipe

    One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

    One Pot Creamy Beef Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Simple Everyday Recipes.

    This creamy beef pasta is a fresh take on a classic dish that's easy to make. It's a one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

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    Hamburger Stew with Rice

    Hamburger Stew with Rice.
    Photo Credit: Valerie's Kitchen.

    Hamburger Stew with Rice is a simple and budget-friendly dinner that uses everyday ingredients. It's a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy!

    Get the Recipe

    Gyro Inspired Air Fryer Meatballs

    Gyro Inspired Air Fryer Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: My Suburban Kitchen.

    Gyro-inspired air fryer meatballs are a simple choice for dinner or meal prep. Just mix the ingredients and cook them, then pair with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.

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    Meatball and Rice Casserole

    Meatball and Rice Casserole
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    Plain rice can get old fast, but mixing it with ground beef in a meatball and rice casserole is a great way to change things up. This dish is hearty, creamy, and satisfying, making it perfect for a filling meal.

    Get the Recipe

    Smoked Meatloaf

    Smoked meatloaf with green beans.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This smoked meatloaf is a perfect choice for a cozy Sunday dinner. It combines the classic flavors you love with a delicious smoky twist from the grill.

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    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 things organized.

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    Cheeseburger Casserole

    Cheeseburger Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Much Butter.

    This dish is warm and satisfying, all cooked in one pot. It's easy to make, packed with cheese and beef, and full of flavor!

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    Macaroni Cheeseburger Soup

    A bowl of macaroni cheese burger soup.
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    Cheeseburger soup is a quick and simple dish that comes together in just 30 minutes using only one pot. It's a cheesy and comforting meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

    Get the recipe

    Bolognese Pasta Bake

    Bolognese Pasta Bake.
    Photo Credit: The Cinnamon Jar,

    This bolognese pasta bake is a classic comfort dish that everyone enjoys. It's a hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion.

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    Taco Casserole

    Taco casserole.
    Photo credit: Inquiring Chef.

    With layers of seasoned ground beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese, Taco Casserole is a fun weeknight meal that can be made ahead and is freezer-friendly. It's taco night with everything baked together in a single dish.

    Get the recipe

    Eggplant Moussaka

    Eggplant moussaka.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    Eggplant Moussaka is a hearty dinner packed with vegetables and ground beef, all topped with plenty of cheese. This version skips the potatoes and Bechamel sauce, using more eggplant instead for a healthy and tasty Mediterranean meal that's easy to prepare.

    Get the recipe

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash

    Slow Cooker Hamburger Hash.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    This dish features soft potatoes, ground beef, and corn all mixed in a creamy mushroom sauce. Topped with melted cheese, it's a hearty meal that's perfect for any night.

    Get the Recipe

    Air Fryer Meatballs

    Air fryer meatballs.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    These meatballs are not only easy to make but also look great on the plate. Perfect for meal prep, they can be enjoyed throughout the week.

    Get the recipe

    Cowboy Meatloaf Mashed Potato Casserole

    Cowboy Meatloaf Mashed Potato Casserole.
    Photo Credit: Bowl Me Over.

    Cowboy Mashed Potato Meatloaf Casserole is a hearty dish that combines classic meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon. Baked until golden brown, this meal is perfect for a comforting dinner.

    Get the Recipe

    Meatballs without Breadcrumbs and Eggs

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

    These meatballs are easy 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'll turn out juicy and tasty.

    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 perfect for a potluck or an easy weeknight dinner.

    Get the recipe

    Cheesy Spiral Pasta

    Cheesy Spiral Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Add Salt & Serve.

    This easy spiral pasta dish is packed with cheese, tomatoes, and ground beef, making it both filling and tasty. It's simple to prepare and yields two pans, so you can enjoy one for dinner and save the other for later.

    Get the Recipe

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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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