Beef is the Star in Protein-Packed Recipes for the Back-to-School Rush

As families settle into the back‑to‑school routine, parents are searching for meals that deliver great taste, balanced nutrition and enough protein to keep kids energized throughout long school days. The Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand – funded by beef farmers and ranchers – is spotlighting three high‑protein beef recipes included in a recent satellite media tour with registered dietitian Amy Goodson, where she also talked about how families can keep nutrition top of mind this season.

New federal guidance highlights that many Americans, including kids and teens, may need nearly twice as much protein as previously recommended.  As Goodson shared during the satellite media tour, busy schedules often lead to meals and snacks that fall short on high‑quality protein, making strategic choices even more important during the school year.

“The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage people to prioritize whole, nutrient‑rich foods, including high‑quality protein foods like lean beef at every meal,” said Goodson. “This reflects growing evidence that protein needs are higher than previously recognized to support growth and development for kids, muscle maintenance, satiety, and recovery from physical activity.”

To help families put this guidance into action, Goodson showcased three kid friendly beef recipes perfect for hectic mornings, lunchboxes and after school hunger:

• Shredded Beef & Egg Quesadillas – A warm, handheld breakfast that combines shredded beef, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese inside a crisp tortilla. These quesadillas offer a satisfying, high protein start to the day and can be prepped ahead for busy mornings.
• Roast Beef Bistro Sliders – Thinly sliced roast beef layered on slider rolls with fresh toppings and a flavorful spread. These mini sandwiches are ideal for lunchboxes or quick dinners, delivering protein, and essential nutrients in a fun, bite sized format kids love.
• Beef & Vegetable Fried Rice – A colorful, one pan meal featuring ground beef, mixed vegetables and rice tossed in a savory sauce. It’s a simple way to boost protein at dinner while helping families incorporate more veggies during the week.

For more recipes great for packing your back-to-school menu with protein, check out BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

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About the Beef Checkoff
The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

About NCBA, a Contractor to the Beef Checkoff
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. The Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.