Cooking ground beef recipes with kids is the perfect activity for spring break: simple, hands-on, and so much fun to prepare as a family. Organize a cooking afternoon and let them discover the joy of preparing a meal from start to finish. Get your pots and pans ready!

Cooking with children requires preparation!

Here are some ideas to involve them according to their age and ensure that everyone has a good time.

Tasks that are easy to delegate to children :

  • Mix and stir: kids love it. Use a large bowl to minimize the mess!
  • Measuring ingredients: a great way to practice math without them realizing it.
  • Pressing the buttons: food processor, blender, timer… they love being in charge of the kitchen appliances.
  • Assemble and garnish: arrange the nachos, garnish the burgers, add the toppings: this is their moment to shine.
  • Check off the list: prepare a list of ingredients and let them check off each step. This keeps them focused and proud of their contribution.
A word about hygiene
Before touching the meat, remind children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds. Repeat this after handling raw ground beef, and avoid touching anything else in between. This is also the perfect opportunity to explain why it's important!

Italian meatball burgers

These little burgers are really fun to make as a family. Children can measure the ingredients, mix the meat, and form the patties with their hands. They'll be so proud of themselves!

Ingredients (6 servings) :

  • 500 g of lean ground beef l’épicier
  • 2 eggs
  • 250 ml (1 cup) of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 160 ml (2/3 cup) of breadcrumbs
  • 25 ml (5 tsp) of dried Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 500 ml (2 cups) of marinara sauce
  • 45 ml (3 tbsp) of olive oil
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 12 slices of mozzarella
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Mix until well combined, then form into 6 equal meatballs.

In a skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the marinara sauce, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to broil. Place the bottom halves of the buns on a baking sheet and add the meatballs. Top each with 2 slices of mozzarella and broil for 2 minutes, until golden brown.

To serve, add a basil leaf (if desired) and close the burger. Serve immediately.

An Italian-style minced beef burger is placed on a wooden board, a simple recipe to make with children during school breaks.

Ground beef nachos

Nachos are the perfect activity for kids: they can arrange the chips, distribute the toppings, and choose their favorites. Everyone creates their own corner of the plate, and the whole family shares!

Ingredients (4 to 8 servings):

  • 500 g of lean ground beef l’épicier
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) of vegetable oil
  • 1 can (540 ml) of black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 sachet (24 g) of taco seasoning
  • 175 ml (¾ cup) of water
  • 1 bag of 340g tortilla chips
  • 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) of grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack or Mexican blend)

Suggested toppings:

  • Salsa
  • Guacamole or avocado slices
  • Green onion
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced ​​Jalapeños
  • Fresh coriander

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 6 to 8 minutes, until cooked through. Add the black beans, taco seasoning, and water. Stir and heat for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from the heat.

On a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, spread half the potato chips in a single layer. Spread half the meat mixture over the chips, then half the cheese. Repeat the layers. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Add the toppings and serve immediately.

Tip: If children don't like large pieces of vegetables, blend the salsa to make it smooth and more appealing.

Cheeseburger-style topped fries

Everything you love about a cheeseburger, but with fries and all the toppings! Kids love loading up their burgers with all the different toppings. Prepare small bowls with each topping and let them decorate as they like.

Ingredients (6 to 8 servings):

  • 1 bag of 650g frozen fries (thick cut or crinkle cut)
  • 500 g of lean ground beef l’épicier
  • 15 ml (1 tbsp) of olive oil
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) of onion powder
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • 500 ml (2 cups) of grated cheddar cheese

Trimmings:

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Diced red onion
  • Diced pickles
  • Grated lettuce
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard

Cook the fries according to the package instructions. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up, seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, until no pink remains. Drain if necessary.

Transfer the fries to an ovenproof dish. Cover with the meat, then with grated cheese. Broil for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let everyone garnish their plate as they wish.

A plate overflows with fries topped cheeseburger style, a simple recipe to make with children during school break.

Cooking with children during spring break is so much more than just a meal: it's an activity that develops their independence, creativity, and curiosity. These three ground beef recipes are simple, easy to make, and so delicious that they're likely to become a regular on the menu long after spring break. Happy family cooking!

For more ideas for family activities to do during the school break, check out our other articles:

sources:
https://www.saq.com/fr/mini-burgers-boulettes-italiennes
https://www.thekitchn.com/best-nachos-recipe-23656633#post-recipe-637630549
https://quickweeknightmeals.com/cheeseburger-fries