Once you're beyond the first days of weaning, meat becomes an important element of your baby's diet. Most mums start by introducing chicken, as its mild flavour tends to be appealing to newly weaned babies. But from there, you can move on to other meats, such as pork, beef and lamb. All types of meat are a good source of protein, needed for your baby's growth and development, but red meat is also high in iron, which your baby needs for energy.

Advertisement

The texture of meat can be challenging for young babies, especially those without teeth, so you'll want to choose tender cuts, cook it until it's soft, and, perhaps, puree it to a consistency that is easy to eat. And while it's great to introduce your baby to a variety of meat dishes, avoid giving salty meats, such as bacon and sausages to under-1s, as their kidneys can only cope with a tiny amount of salt.

Here's our pick of the best beef, pork and lamb recipes for babies

1. Fruity pork and vegetables

fruity pork and vegetables recipe

A 10-minute, veg-packed pork-mince dish – with apricots for a subtle, sweet flavour. Suitable from 6 months.

2. Pork and apple stew

Pork and apple stew

Courgette and sweet potato, with apple and pork mince and a little dash of cinnamon. Suitable from 7 months.

3. Pork and green beans

pork-and-green-beans_48629

Pork mince, with potato, carrot, green beans and a pinch of dried sage. Suitable from 7 months.

More like this

4. Lamb rice casserole

lamb-rice-casserole_48600

A super-quick baby-friendly lamb casserole with rice, peppers and tomatoes, that makes enough for the whole family. Suitable from 8 months.

5. Spaghetti beef bolognese

spaghetti-bolognese_48585

The classic family favourite, with minced beef, carrots and tomatoes – and cut-a-bit-shorter spaghetti. Makes enough for 6 servings. Suitable from 9 months.

6. Lancashire hotpot

Lancashire Hotpot

A traditional dish of stewing lamb and veg, with sliced potatoes on top. Suitable from 9 months.

7. Tender beef stew with dumplings

tender beef stew with dumplings

A hearty feed-the-whole-family beef dish, flavoured with herbs and topped with potato dumplings. Suitable from 9 months.

8. Pork and paprika

Pork and Paprika

A slightly spicy dish made with lean pork, veg and baked beans. Suitable from 9 months.

9 Pork, orange and apricot stew

pork orange and apricot stew

A lovely tangy, fruity pork stew that goes deliciously with couscous. Suitable from 9 months.

10. Baby beef and broccoli stir-fry

baby-beef-and-broccoli-stir-fry_48559

There are 5 different veggies in this quick and easy stir-fry. Suitable from 9 months.

11. Tasty beef tagine with sweet potato

tasty beef tagine with sweet potato

This lean-beef dish is packed with veg and flavour and some delicate cumin spice. Suitable from 9 months.

12. Mild lamb curry recipe for baby

Mild lamb curry recipe for baby

A tasty curry with dried fruits, a touch of spice and coconut milk. Makes enough to 6 to 8. Suitable from 9 months.

13. Fruity lamb couscous

fruity lamb couscous for baby

Mango and lemon give a deliciously exotic flavour to lamb mince. Suitable from 10 months.

14. Shepherd's pie

shepherd's pie for baby

A simple, baby-friendly version of the traditional family favourite. Suitable from 10 months.

15. Minty lamb stew

minty lamb stew for babies

A lovely, fresh-tasting stew of lamb, potato, peas and carrots with a sprinkling of chopped mint. Suitable from 10 months.

16. Slow cooked beef stew

slow cooked beef stew for babies

The slow cooking time makes the beef, flavoured with parsley and thyme, really nice and tender. Suitable from 11 months.

17. Minced lamb bake

minced lamb bake
Advertisement

A tasty twist on lasagne, using slices of tomato instead of pasta sheets. Suitable from 11 months.

Authors

Janet MartinContributor

Janet is mum to two children aged 6 & 9 and a great-Aunt too. She began writing early, penning her first book aged just 7. She has published 2 books

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement