You know those evenings when the fridge is a puzzling mix of odds and ends, yet you crave something comforting? Ground beef swoops in like a culinary superhero!
From juicy burgers that make you feel like you’re at a summer barbecue to hearty casseroles that hug you with warmth on a cold night—it’s versatile, it’s delicious, and, dare I say, essential for family dinners. And yeah, last week’s viral TikTok pasta hack?
Ground beef was the star there too!
Steps
- Defrost and prepare a pound of ground beef for Salisbury steak, elevating the classic dish with simplified steps for easier preparation.
- Create a budget-friendly beef and broccoli dish using ground beef instead of steak, ensuring all the flavors remain intact.
- Prepare a customizable meal using hummus and ground beef as the base, allowing each diner to personalize their dish.
- Cook a large pot of spicy, cheesy taco pasta, planning for leftovers to enjoy on another night.
- Incorporate Thai basil or substitute with sweet basil if unavailable, to add a distinct flavor to your chosen dish.
- Mix your own taco seasoning with available spices, adding cornstarch to water before combining with the ground beef for a saucy texture.
- Use sturdy, thick-style tortilla chips in your recipe to prevent breakage and enhance the dish’s appeal.
- Swap ground beef for steak to make a classic dish both weeknight friendly and cost-effective.
- Prepare a homemade version of Hamburger Helper using pantry staples, eliminating the need for store-bought mixes.
- Serve an easy meal reminiscent of chili con queso, providing a satisfying treat for occasional indulgence.
- Master a simple skillet recipe with just five ingredients, balancing salty, sweet, and meaty flavors without complexity.
- Assemble a burger salad that satisfies both adults and kids, becoming a household favorite.
- Make an “unstuffed” pepper dish, avoiding the hassle of stuffing individual peppers while pleasing a crowd.
- Prepare a comforting hamburger hotdish or Johnny Marzetti, celebrating its simplicity and warmth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- Steamed basmati or jasmine rice
- Large pot of slightly spicy, cheesy taco pasta
- Thai basil (or sweet basil as a substitute)
- Sturdy, thick-style tortilla chips
- Homemade taco seasoning mix (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2/3 cup water
- Ingredients typically found in Hamburger Helper
- Ingredients for a homemade chili con queso
- Ingredients for a burger salad
- Ingredients for “unstuffed” peppers
- Ingredients for hamburger hotdish, mulligan, or Johnny Marzetti
FAQ
- How can I make Salisbury steak more exciting using ground beef?
- You can elevate Salisbury steak by using ground beef in a simplified version that’s both flavorful and easier to prepare than the classic dish.
- What’s a budget-friendly alternative to beef and broccoli with steak?
- Opt for ground beef instead of steak for a more economical version of beef and broccoli that still delivers all the flavors you enjoy.
- What can I do with ground beef if I want a customizable meal?
- Use ground beef as a base for a dish that includes a choose-your-own-adventure element, such as pairing it with hummus, allowing everyone to create their own personalized meal.
- Are there any tips for incorporating Thai basil into a ground beef recipe?
- Thai basil, known for its minty and floral aroma, is a key ingredient in certain dishes. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with sweet basil for a similar taste.
- How can I make a homemade version of Hamburger Helper with ground beef?
- Skip the box mix and create a homemade Hamburger Helper using pantry staples. This approach gives you control over the ingredients while maintaining the dish’s comforting appeal.
Tips
- When preparing a dish with rice, begin cooking the rice first. This allows the rice and main dish to finish simultaneously, optimizing prep time on busy weeknights.
- If Thai basil isn’t available for your recipe, you can substitute it with sweet basil, which is more commonly found in stores and still complements the dish well.
- To make your taco dishes more flavorful, consider creating your own taco seasoning mix. For a saucier texture, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2/3 cup water before adding it to the ground beef.
- For recipes that include tortilla chips, opt for thick, sturdy chips instead of the thin, restaurant-style ones to ensure they hold up well in the dish.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan (for cooking ground beef dishes)
- Rice Cooker (for steaming basmati or jasmine rice)
- Spice Grinder (if making homemade taco seasoning mix)
- Pasta Pot or Large Saucepan (for making cheesy taco pasta)
- Tortilla Chip Holder or Taco Holder (for serving)
