What to make with ground beef?
Updated: June 20, 2024Ground beef is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you are looking for quick weeknight dinners or something a bit more elaborate, ground beef can be your go-to protein. Below, we explore a range of recipes, from classic comfort foods to international delights, and even some unique and lesser-known dishes.
Classic Comfort Foods
Spaghetti Bolognese
One of the most beloved dishes using ground beef is Spaghetti Bolognese. This Italian classic is rich, hearty, and perfect for any occasion.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, carrots, celery, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes, and red wine. Simmer for at least an hour for the best flavor.
Classic Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a timeless dish that never goes out of style. It’s perfect for family dinners and can be customized to suit your taste.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Shape into a loaf and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners
Tacos
Tacos are a fantastic quick dinner option that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, taco seasoning, tortillas, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa.
- Instructions: Cook ground beef with taco seasoning. Serve in tortillas with your choice of toppings.
Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are a fun and easy meal that both kids and adults will love.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hamburger buns.
- Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Serve on hamburger buns.
International Flavors
Beef Kofta
Kofta is a Middle Eastern dish that can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, minced onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients and shape into small logs or patties. Cook as desired and serve with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
Thai Basil Beef
For a taste of Thailand, try making Thai Basil Beef, a flavorful and aromatic dish.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, garlic, bell peppers, Thai basil, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chili peppers.
- Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in bell peppers, sauces, sugar, and chili peppers. Cook until peppers are tender. Add Thai basil just before serving.
Unique and Lesser-Known Dishes
Picadillo
Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish that varies by region. It's a savory and slightly sweet stew that pairs well with rice.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, raisins, olives, capers, cumin, cinnamon, and potatoes.
- Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomatoes, raisins, olives, capers, and spices. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
Beef Empanadas
Empanadas are a delicious pastry filled with savory ground beef, popular in Spanish and Latin American cuisines.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, garlic, bell peppers, olives, hard-boiled eggs, cumin, paprika, and empanada dough.
- Instructions: Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in olives, eggs, and spices. Fill empanada dough with mixture and bake until golden brown.
Healthy Options
Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb option, try making lettuce wraps with ground beef.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, water chestnuts, green onions, and lettuce leaves.
- Instructions: Sauté garlic and ginger. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in sauces and water chestnuts. Serve in lettuce leaves and top with green onions.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a nutritious and colorful dish that's sure to please.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, rice, Italian herbs, cheese, and bell peppers.
- Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomatoes, rice, and herbs. Stuff mixture into bell peppers and bake until peppers are tender. Top with cheese.
Rarely Known Small Details
Ground Beef Jerky
Making jerky from ground beef is a unique way to enjoy this protein.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Instructions: Mix all ingredients. Spread mixture thinly on dehydrator trays. Dehydrate until the jerky is dry and firm.
Beef and Potato Croquettes
Croquettes are a delightful and crispy treat that can be made with ground beef and mashed potatoes.
- Ingredients: Ground beef, mashed potatoes, onions, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Mix with mashed potatoes and parsley. Shape into balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and fry until golden brown.
Ground beef is a versatile and accessible ingredient that can be used in countless recipes, ranging from classic comfort foods to international dishes, quick weeknight dinners, and even some unique and lesser-known creations. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, making ground beef a staple in kitchens around the world.
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