17 ground beef recipes your kids will beg for again and again

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These 17 ground beef recipes are perfect for creating meals the whole family will love. They’re simple to prepare and ideal for busy days when you want something quick and satisfying. Great for winter dinners, these recipes offer warm, comforting options that kids will happily request again and again.

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

John Wayne Casserole

A slice of John Wayne casserole on a black plate beside a baking dish of the same casserole.
John Wayne Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Inspired by classic Western charm, John Wayne Casserole brings heartiness to your family’s dinner lineup. This comforting dish combines flavorful ground beef with a savory topping that kids request well beyond the last bite. It’s easy to assemble on busy evenings and even easier to watch it disappear from their plates. Gather the family for this warm culinary embrace that promises to be a dinnertime hero.
Get the Recipe: John Wayne Casserole

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with slow cooker porcupine meatballs, garnished with fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s something magical about meatballs that have simmered all day, and Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs are no exception. Requiring minimal prep, this recipe lets the slow cooker do the work, infusing the ground beef with rich flavors throughout the day. It’s a stress-free meal that lures the kids to the dinner table with its irresistible aroma. Let this be the comfort food when the family needs that extra cozy touch.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Ground Beef Fried Rice served in a white bowl with blue chopstick on top.
Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Bring a twist to the traditional fried rice with Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice, a meal that effortlessly fits into a hectic weeknight. This one-pan wonder is not only quick to whip up but also full of flavor that keeps the kids coming back for seconds. It’s a practical choice that feels like a treat, perfect for refueling after a chilly day of play. Wrap up the day with this fulfilling meal that warms from the inside out.
Get the Recipe: Easy Ground Beef Fried Rice

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pasta e Fagioli Soup in 2 bowls with spoons.
Pasta e Fagioli Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On chilly evenings, nothing says comfort like a bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup, brimming with tender ground beef. This robust soup acts as a warming embrace, filling the kitchen with a welcoming scent. It’s a favorite for children who love the combination of pasta and savory broth. Serve up a bowl and watch it become a comforting fixture at your family table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Imagine merging your kid’s love for pizza into a hearty Pizza Casserole that will keep them content and smiling. It’s an all-time favorite that has all the beloved flavors of pizza in a filling casserole form. This dish makes weeknight dinners a breeze and leaves no leftovers in sight. Enjoy the rewards as this meal quickly becomes a weeknight request.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Pastitsio

A square piece of pastitsio dish served on a stack of black plates.
Pastitsio. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a taste of Greek comfort, Pastitsio takes center stage with its layers of ground beef and pasta. This meal envelops your senses, providing a warm escape on a cold day. Kids dive into the creamy texture and rich flavors, imagining themselves in a distant land. It’s a meal that not only feeds but also sparks conversation and daydreams.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio

Best Ever Giant Meatballs

A stack of giant meatballs garnished with grated cheese and fresh herbs served on a black rectangular slate plate.
Best Ever Giant Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When ordinary-sized meatballs just won’t do, Best Ever Giant Meatballs come to the rescue. These impressive orbs of ground beef are a fantastic way to switch things up and marvel the kids at dinner time. They’re exceptionally hearty and make for a memorable meal that begs for repeat performances. Your family dinners just got a sizeable upgrade that’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Best Ever Giant Meatballs

Big Mac Tacos

Two Big Mac tacos filled with ground beef, shredded lettuce, and pickles, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, placed on a white plate.
Big Mac Tacos. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Fuse the iconic flavors of a classic burger with the convenience of a taco, and Big Mac Tacos emerge as a triumph. This unique twist on family favorites will have the kids eager to grab a shell and take a bite. These tacos bring a fun and interactive aspect to dinner, encouraging everyone to build their perfect bite. This playful dish keeps the mood light and the bellies full.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Tacos

Korean Beef Bowl

A top-down shot of Korean Beef Bowl with chopsticks and garlic.
Korean Beef Bowl. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Experience the flavors of Korea with a simple yet delicious Korean Beef Bowl. This dish is a sure hit with its blend of sweetness and savory, which makes even the pickiest eater come back for more. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for those times when comfort is needed without the wait. It’s a culinary voyage that requires no passport, yet satisfies the adventurous spirit.
Get the Recipe: Korean Beef Bowl

Mini Meatloaf

3 Mini Meatloaves in a line on a white plate.
Mini Meatloaf. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Mini Meatloaf turns the traditional comfort food into individual portions that kids love to claim as their own. These little loaves pack all the flavor of their full-sized counterpart but are perfect for tiny hands. It’s a recipe that makes mealtime both fun and filling. Get ready for a chorus of approval when these hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Mini Meatloaf

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

A plate of empanadas on a slate.
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who can resist the crispy exterior of Air Fryer Beef Empanadas with their juicy ground beef center? This Latin American staple is adapted to be quick and easy, thanks to the air fryer. It’s a meal that promises no fuss but plenty of flavor. Watch as these empanadas become the new favorite of your household repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce on pasta.
Authentic Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simmered to perfection, Authentic Bolognese Sauce is the cornerstone of any pasta dish that aims to comfort and warm. It’s a time-honored recipe that fills the home with an aroma that beckons the family to the table. There’s no better way to end a day than with the rich and hearty flavors of this classic Italian sauce. Let this staple become the heart of family meal traditions.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Bolognese Sauce

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Transform your typical burger night with Bacon-Wrapped Burgers, which promise an upgrade like no other. Kids will marvel at the sight of their burgers enrobed in crispy bacon, ensuring a flavor-packed meal. It’s an inventive take that brings excitement to the dinner routine. Get ready for requests to serve these burgers on regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring the homestyle comfort of a diner straight to your table with Diner Style Salisbury Steak. This dish makes for a hearty meal that leaves everyone satisfied and content under a cozy blanket of gravy. It’s the nostalgia of a bygone era that still resonates with kids of today. Memories are made around dishes like these, where warmth meets homely taste.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Beef and Barley Soup

A bowl of Beef and Barley Soup with a burger on a long white tray.
Beef and Barley Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

On the coolest days, Beef and Barley Soup offers a nutritious and comforting solution that becomes a family favorite. Each spoonful provides a burst of flavor paired with the wholesomeness of barley. This soup is the embodiment of a hug in a bowl, providing both comfort and nutrition. It’s a winter kitchen staple that turns dinner into a cherished moment.
Get the Recipe: Beef and Barley Soup

Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados on a plate.
Tacos Dorados. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crunchy, delicious, and packed with ground beef, Tacos Dorados are a hands-on dinner that gets everyone involved. Each golden shell is a treasure trove of flavor, exciting the kids with every crispy bite. This meal moves dinner beyond sitting and eating — it’s about the joy of sharing. As a bonus, the cleanup is just as easy as the cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Cheeseburger Casserole takes the quintessential American meal and reimagines it for the dinner table. This no-fuss dish captures the essence of biting into a cheeseburger but with the convenience of a casserole. Kids rave about the familiar taste while parents love the simplicity of preparation. It’s a win-win meal that brings everyone together on frosty evenings.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

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