Small Plates

25 Kid-Friendly Ground Beef Recipes

These hearty family recipes are packed with protein for growing bodies.
Image may contain Burger and Food
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Rhoda Boone, Food Styling by Ali Nardi
  • Image may contain Burger and Food
    Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Rhoda Boone, Food Styling by Ali Nardi
    1/25

    Mini Beef and Mushroom Patties

    No one will ever notice that you swapped in mushrooms for a third of the beef in these better-for-you mini burgers.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Astrid Chastka, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson
    2/25

    Our Favorite Meatloaf

    Our favorite meatloaf has an ideal blend of seasoned ground beef and pork, aromatics, and breadcrumbs. The result is a loaf that is savory, tender, and juicy, yet holds together well when sliced.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, food styling by Rhoda Boone
    3/25

    Our Favorite Spaghetti and Meatballs

    Our ultimate version of everyone's favorite family-night dinner features super tender meatballs, a slow-simmered, flavorful sauce, and tons of cheese.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Ali Nardi
    4/25

    Islak Burger (Wet Burger)

    A dip in an easy-to-make, buttery tomato sauce gives these simple burgers the Sloppy Joe/meatloaf-like succulent texture that makes them totally addictive.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Prop Styling by Alex Brannian, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
    7/25

    Diner-Style Patty Melt

    This classic diner mash-up of a grilled cheese sandwich and a hamburger is stuffed with a tangle of sweet pan-seared onions.

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  • Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell
    8/25

    Pasta With 15-Minute Meat Sauce

    This rich 15-minute ragù turns pasta or polenta into a quick hearty dinner any night of the week.

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  • Photo by Alex Lau
    11/25

    The BA Smash Burger

    Ground chuck is a great all-purpose, buy-it-anywhere choice for burgers. But if you want to get ambitious and blend, say, chuck with ground short rib or brisket, we say go for it.

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  • Michael Graydon + Nikole Herriott
    12/25

    The Ultimate Bolognese Sauce

    Bolognese is a hearty sauce that needs a toothy, wide noodle like fresh pappardelle, or a sturdy dried shape like rigatoni.

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  • Ian McSpadden
    13/25

    Beef Burger With Grilled Kale

    This burger sneaks in some kale, making it a healthier option that kids will still love. Make sure to use grass-fed beef, which is leaner and lower in calories, with more health benefits than conventional beef.

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  • Christopher Hornaday
    14/25

    Stuffed Meatloaf

    A lean ground beef works best for this recipe. If the small balls of fresh mozzarella are unavailable, sprinkle the layer with shredded mozzarella.

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  • Photo by Yunhee Kim
    21/25

    Shepherd’s Pie

    Beloved by the British, this rich, protein-filled dish is traditionally made with a mashed-potato crust. For a sweeter one, use a blend of potatoes, parsnips, and carrots.

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  • Photo by Jeff Lipsky
    22/25

    Classic Ragu Bolognese

    There's a magic comfort in a classic, meaty ragù sauce over noodles—or anything you want!

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  • Photo by Jennifer Robins
    25/25

    Instant-Pot Cowboy Chili

    There is nothing we like better than a big bowl of hearty chili. You’ll never miss the beans with this “stick to your ribs” recipe that blends grass-fed ground beef and sausage.

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