One-Pot Ground Beef with Mixed Veggies – A Kid-Friendly Family Dinner, Suitable for 12 months & Up
If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and nutritious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, this one-pot ground beef with mixed veggies is the perfect solution. With simple ingredients like ground beef, peas, potatoes, carrots, and onions, this dish is packed with flavor, nutrients & satisfying. Plus, using just one pot means minimal cleanup, ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a no-fuss dinner. Best of all, it's a kid-friendly meal that the whole family can enjoy together!
Why One-Pot Ground Beef with Mixed Veggies:
Quick and Easy: Everything cooks in one pot, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time to enjoy with the family.
Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein and iron from the beef, fiber from the veggies, and energy-sustaining carbohydrates from the potatoes.
Kid-Friendly: Mild, familiar flavors make it a great choice for children, and the colorful vegetables add appeal.
Family-Approved: A comforting, satisfying meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. The dish is super versatile, you can adjust it to each persons liking with how you serve it and it's great for an easy weeknight dinner idea.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find and cost-friendly.
Benefits of One-Pot Ground Beef with Mixed Veggies:
Ground Beef: A great source of protein and iron, which are essential for growing bodies and brain development.
Potatoes: Provide energy-boosting carbohydrates and are rich in potassium, helping with muscle and nerve function.
Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which supports healthy vision and immune function.
Peas: Packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins like vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system.
Onions: Contain antioxidants and natural compounds that support digestion and immunity.
Serving Suggestions for Different Ages:
12 Months and Up: Mash or finely chop the ingredients for easier chewing. Serve with a soft spoon or let your toddler self-feed.
For Toddlers and Young Kids: You can mash the beef with veggies mixed with white rice. You can also mix it with a little mashed avocado or mild cheese for added creaminess.
For Older Kids and Adults: Serve as is, or pair with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete and hearty meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions:
Ground Beef- I used 85% lean ground beef. You can swap for ground turkey or mix in some ground lamb.
Onion, Carrot, Potato, Green peas- You can add whichever veggies you prefer. I don't recommend replacing the onion in this recipe, it gives a lot of flavor to the dish. For the other veggies you can replace or omit.
Avocado Oil- This can be substituted with any neutral oil.
Water- This can be replaced with beef broth if preferred.
What you need:
A medium size pan- I like to use the Our Place Titanium Pan.
Beef Masher- this is very important, you want to mash the beef finely, so it is easier for little one's to eat.
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more easy weeknight dinner ideas you can check out:
One-Pot Chickpeas Chicken Rice Dinner
Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Baby-Friendly Beef Picadillo
One-Pot Carrot Pea Pasta
Prep and cut all your veggies beforehand for smoother cooking
To heated pan add avocado oil, with chopped onion, salt, pepper, turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, paprika and sauté for 4 minutes on medium-high heat till golden brown
If you see the onion sticking you can add 1-2 tsp water
Add ground beef, mix in and mash on medium-high heat
Make sure to mash really well, so it is easier to eat for little one's.
Once mashed add veggies- chopped carrot, chopped potato, peas with water, mix and bring to a boil
Once boiling, reduce to medium heat, cover and cook for 25 minutes
Check throughout cook time to make sure water is not dissipating, this can vary depending on stovetop and pan you are using. If you need to add more liquid.
When ready serve & enjoy! Best served over rice or baguette!