You know that feeling when you open the fridge and just stare at the ground beef, unsure of what culinary adventure awaits? That’s me, pretty much every Tuesday.
But fear not, my fellow kitchen wanderers! With a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of spontaneity, those humble beef bits transform into something extraordinary.
Remember that viral TikTok pasta from last month? It all started with ground beef.
Let’s explore the magic hidden in that unassuming package.
Steps
- Hamburger and Macaroni
- Begin by boiling macaroni until tender, then drain. In a skillet, brown ground beef and blend with seasonings and tomato sauce. Combine with the cooked macaroni and simmer briefly before serving.
- Easy Hamburger Soup
- Brown ground beef in a pot, then add chopped vegetables like carrots and celery. Pour in beef broth and simmer until vegetables are soft, then season with salt and pepper.
- Stovetop Taco Soup
- Cook ground beef in a large pot until browned, then drain excess fat. Mix in taco seasoning, canned beans, corn, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until heated through and serve with tortilla chips.
- Ground Beef Bulgogi
- Cook ground beef in a skillet with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger until browned. Serve the beef in lettuce wraps or over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Dad’s Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of cooked ground beef, rice, and seasonings. Top with ketchup if desired, then bake until peppers are tender.
- Easy Shepherd’s Pie
- Brown ground beef with onions and carrots, then layer in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and bake until the potatoes are golden and the filling is bubbly.
- Chili Mac and Cheese
- Brown ground beef with chili spices, then stir in cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Top with buttered breadcrumbs and bake until crispy and golden.
- Salisbury Ground Beef
- Brown ground beef in a skillet with mushrooms, then add gravy and simmer until thickened. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.
- Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Stir fry ground beef with garlic and ginger, then add broccoli florets and soy sauce. Cook until broccoli is tender-crisp, then serve over rice.
- Penne Pasta With Meat Sauce
- Sauté onions and garlic, then add ground beef to brown. Stir in pasta sauce, fresh herbs, and Italian seasoning, then simmer and serve over cooked penne.
- Chili Beans With Rice
- Cook ground beef with chili spices, then add canned pinto beans. Simmer until flavors meld, then serve over rice for a hearty meal.
- Hamburger Stroganoff
- Brown ground beef with mushrooms, then deglaze with sherry or water. Stir in sour cream to finish, and serve over egg noodles.
- Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
- Cook ground beef with onions and peppers, then mix in provolone cheese. Serve the mixture on rolls for a quick and cheesy meal.
- Crispy Ground Beef Tacos
- Season ground beef and cook until browned, then fill taco shells with the meat. Let family members add their favorite toppings for a fun meal.
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Brown ground beef in a pot, then add potatoes, bacon, and broth. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar until melted, then serve hot and creamy.
- Albondigas Soup
- Form meatballs from ground beef and mint, then simmer in a tomato-based broth with vegetables. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
- Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs
- Mix ground beef with rice to form meatballs, then cook in an Instant Pot with tomato sauce. The rice will puff out like porcupine quills when done.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
FAQ
- Can ground beef be substituted with other proteins in these recipes?
- Yes, ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives in most of these recipes. This flexibility allows you to adapt the dish based on your dietary preferences or what you have available.
- What are some budget-friendly ways to use ground beef in meals?
- Ground beef can be stretched further by incorporating it into dishes with ingredients like pasta, potatoes, and rice. This not only maximizes servings but also keeps meals cost-effective.
- Are there any quick meal options using ground beef from the list?
- Yes, several recipes such as Hamburger and Macaroni, Easy Hamburger Soup, and Stovetop Taco Soup can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making them ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
- What are some creative uses for ground beef beyond traditional dishes?
- Try making Ground Beef Bulgogi for a Korean twist or Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes for a fun variation on a classic sandwich. These dishes offer a unique take on ground beef recipes.
- Can these recipes be made ahead or stored for later use?
- Many of these recipes, like Hamburger Stroganoff and Easy Shepherd’s Pie, make excellent leftovers and can be refrigerated or frozen for future meals, providing convenience and saving time.
Tips
- Boost the Flavor of Ground Beef: When cooking with ground beef, enhance its flavor by adding fresh herbs, garlic, onion, and seasoning. This not only elevates the taste but also allows for a wide range of variations.
- Browning for Better Texture: Always make sure to properly brown the ground beef in a skillet for a richer taste and improved texture. This step is crucial, whether you’re making soups, pastas, or stir-fries.
- Bulk Up and Save: Stretch your ground beef further by incorporating ingredients like pasta, rice, or beans. This not only makes the meal more filling but also helps keep costs down.
- Experiment with Alternatives: Don’t hesitate to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based options. These alternatives can provide a healthier twist or cater to different dietary preferences while still delivering delicious results.
Equipment
- Instant Pot or Stovetop Pressure Cooker – Needed for the Instant Pot Porcupine Meatballs.
- Skillet – Specifically for recipes that require transferring from stovetop to oven, such as the Chili Mac and Cheese.
- Lettuce Wrap Ssam Set – For Ground Beef Bulgogi, if you want to serve it traditionally with lettuce wraps.
- Soup Pot or Dutch Oven – For soups like Easy Hamburger Soup, Stovetop Taco Soup, and Cheeseburger Soup.
- Baking Dish – For recipes like Easy Shepherd’s Pie and Chili Mac and Cheese if not using a skillet that transfers to the oven.
