Calling all families with picky eaters! If getting dinner on the table is a challenge on busy weeknights, keeping ground beef stocked in your freezer can make things much easier with these delicious, kid-friendly meals.
Ground beef is a regular staple in my kitchen because it’s incredibly easy to prepare in so many different ways. You can even buy vacuum-sealed packages that stay fresh for weeks in the refrigerator or for years when stored in the freezer. Add it to pasta or rice, fill a burrito with it, spoon it over a salad, combine it with potatoes, or turn it into a comforting casserole. There are so many possibilities to choose from.
My family loves leftovers too because they mean one less evening spent cooking and cleaning up dishes. Compared with chicken or steak, ground beef reheats just as well the next day, especially when you can simply warm it up in the microwave. That’s exactly my kind of meal! It’s quick, simple, affordable, and delicious.
Cheesy Ground Beef Potato Casserole
Nothing says comfort food quite like the classic combination of beef and potatoes! With a bag of frozen potatoes, this delicious casserole is incredibly easy to prepare for a relaxed family dinner. Serve it with green beans or broccoli on the side for a simple boost of nutrition.
Recipe: Cheesy Beef Potato Casserole
Cheesy Baked Tortellini & Meat Sauce
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s seriously delicious, this cheesy baked tortellini is sure to impress the whole family. Tender pasta is combined with flavorful meat sauce, cream cheese, and plenty of gooey mozzarella. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for an easy weeknight meal that even picky kids will enjoy.
Recipe: Creamy Tortellini & Meat Sauce Casserole
Tater Tot Casserole
Crispy tater tots baked over a hearty layer of cheesy ground beef and vegetables make this casserole an irresistible comfort food favorite. It’s easy to assemble and perfect for those busy evenings when you want something filling and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Recipe: Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole
Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos
Everyone loves a classic cheeseburger, but turning those familiar flavors into crispy tacos makes dinner even more fun. With less bread and plenty of flavorful beef, these cheeseburger tacos are a creative twist the whole family can enjoy. Cook them on the stovetop or take them outside to the griddle for an easy meal.
Recipe: Smashed Cheeseburger Tacos
Chopped Cheeseburger Biscuits
Why stick with traditional burger buns when you can top savory ground beef and onions with buttery biscuits? This cheesy cheeseburger-inspired bake is simple to prepare in the oven and makes a comforting choice when you’re craving those classic burger flavors in a different way.
Recipe: Chopped Cheeseburger Biscuits
Stuffing Meatloaf
Meatloaf doesn’t have to be complicated! Adding a box of stuffing mix gives this classic comfort food an easy upgrade while adding plenty of flavor and texture. Combined with ketchup, it creates a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors that the whole family will enjoy.
Recipe: Stuffing Meatloaf
Taco Mac & Cheese
For an incredibly easy weeknight dinner, combine taco-seasoned ground beef with canned tomatoes and a few boxes of macaroni and cheese. It comes together with minimal effort and delivers plenty of cheesy, taco-inspired flavor. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this simple combination sooner.
Recipe: Taco Mac & Cheese
Lazy Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting dish brings several food groups together in one convenient baking dish. A flavorful layer of ground beef and vegetables is topped with creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes for a hearty family meal. Use homemade mashed potatoes, refrigerated potatoes, or even boxed potatoes depending on how much time you have.
Recipe: Lazy Day Shepherd’s Pie
Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole
This classic family dinner has remained popular for good reason. It combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, tomato soup, and plenty of cheese with a hint of sweetness for a comforting meal that picky eaters will want again and again.
Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole
Frito Taco Pie
Dinner in pie form? That’s definitely something the kids can get excited about! This fun recipe combines cheesy taco-seasoned beef with favorite taco flavors and a flaky crescent dough crust. It’s simple to assemble and makes a playful choice for Taco Tuesday or any busy weeknight.
Recipe: Frito Taco Pie