16 Family-Friendly Ground Beef Dinners That Anyone Can Make

Ground beef is a dinnertime hero, and these recipes prove it! Whether you’re craving cheesy pasta, hearty soups, or classic comfort foods like Sloppy Joes, this list has something for everyone. These easy-to-make meals are perfect for families, and many are quick enough for busy weeknights.

Table of Contents

Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Shells Pasta

A wide view of a wooden spoon stirring a skillet filled with cheesy homemade hamburger helper in a pan. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This Cheesy Homemade Hamburger Shells Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a weeknight dinner your family will devour. It’s quick, hearty, and kid-approved.
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Classic Beef Meatloaf

Sliced meatloaf up close on a platter. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This Classic Beef Meatloaf is a tried-and-true family dinner favorite. With a tender, flavorful beef base and a sweet, tangy glaze, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug. Pair it with mashed potatoes for a meal everyone will love.
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Cranberry Meatballs (Slow Cooker)

Cranberry meaballs in a slow cooker from overhead with green onions scattered on top. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-tender, these Cranberry Meatballs are made effortlessly in the slow cooker. They’re perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings and will have everyone asking for seconds. The balance of cranberry and savory beef is irresistible.
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Beef Burrito Bowl

Wide view of a beef burrito rice bowl topped with avocado, diced tomato and sour cream. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Skip the takeout and whip up these customizable Beef Burrito Bowls at home! Packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and all your favorite toppings, this recipe is a hit with the whole family. It’s a fun way to let everyone build their perfect dinner.
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Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup is everything you love about the classic dish but in a cozy, one-pot dinner. With ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth, it’s perfect for warming up on chilly nights. Top it with cheese for that gooey lasagna finish.
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Poor Man’s Stew (Hamburger Stew)

A crock pot of hamburger stew with carrots and potatoes being lifted from the side with a large ladle. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

This budget-friendly Poor Man’s Stew is packed with hearty ground beef, potatoes, and veggies. It’s simple to make and delivers big on flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Comfort food doesn’t get any easier than this!
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Baked Italian Meatballs

Wide shot of beef meatballs in tomato sauce on top of spaghetti in a bowl — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Juicy and flavorful, these Baked Italian Meatballs are a must-try for any pasta night. Made with a blend of ground beef and classic Italian seasonings, they’re baked to perfection and great for meal prep or freezing. Serve them with spaghetti or in a sub for a family favorite.
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Italian Wedding Soup

This cozy Italian Wedding Soup combines tender beef meatballs, veggies, and pasta in a flavorful broth. It’s light enough for lunch but hearty enough for dinner, making it a versatile meal for any time of year. A family favorite for generations!
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Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

wide view of a rice skillet topped with cheese and mixed with diced bell pepper. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

All the flavors of stuffed peppers in a simple, one-skillet meal! This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet combines ground beef, rice, and peppers in a savory tomato sauce for a fast, delicious dinner. It’s an easy way to enjoy this classic dish without the fuss.
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Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas

Wide view of cheesy beef quesadillas stacked and spread out on a platter. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

These Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas are the ultimate quick and tasty dinner! Crispy tortillas filled with seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese make a meal the whole family will love. Perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
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Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef

Close up of a stuffed shell with ground beef and cheese on a plate. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef are a cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying dinner. Loaded with ricotta, mozzarella, and seasoned beef, these pasta shells are baked to perfection in marinara sauce. A family-friendly favorite that’s sure to please!
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Meatball Stroganoff (Slow Cooker)

Wide view of meatballs stroganoff on top of egg noodles on a plate. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Creamy and comforting, this Slow Cooker Meatball Stroganoff features tender beef meatballs in a rich mushroom sauce. Serve it over noodles for a cozy meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Let your slow cooker do the work!
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Cheeseburger Pasta

Close up wide view inside a large pot full of cheeseburger macaroni mixed with ground beef and tomatoes. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

All the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, wrapped up in a creamy pasta dish! Cheeseburger Pasta is a fun and delicious twist that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s quick, satisfying, and full of cheesy goodness.
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Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are a classic for a reason! Sweet, savory, and messy in the best way, this ground beef recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it on buns with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will dig into.
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Taco Stuffed Shells

A wide view of a row of cheesy Mexican stuffed shells in a casserole dish with a spoon scooping one3. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Taco Stuffed Shells bring together the best of tacos and pasta for a family-friendly dinner. Filled with ground beef, cheese, and taco spices, these shells are baked to gooey perfection. It’s an exciting way to shake up taco night!
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Easy Sloppy Joe Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls

A plate with a stack of sloppy joe sliders on it with a wide view. — Image Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

These Easy Sloppy Joe Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls are a bite-sized twist on the classic. Sweet rolls paired with savory beef make a flavor combination that’s irresistible. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner.
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