What can i cook with ground beef?
Updated: September 4, 2024Ground beef is a versatile and popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Whether you're looking for a quick meal or something more elaborate, there are countless ways to use ground beef. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started.
Classic Recipes
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a timeless favorite. To make this dish, sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes, a splash of red wine, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Simmer for 45 minutes and serve over al dente spaghetti.
Beef Tacos
For an easy and delicious meal, try making beef tacos. Start by browning ground beef in a skillet. Add taco seasoning and a bit of water, then let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.
Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a comforting and hearty dish. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, an egg, finely chopped onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Shape into a loaf and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour. Glaze with ketchup or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
International Flavors
Beef Kofta
Beef Kofta is a Middle Eastern dish made with spiced ground beef. Combine ground beef with minced garlic, chopped onions, parsley, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Shape into small logs or patties and grill until cooked through. Serve with pita bread, yogurt sauce, and a cucumber-tomato salad.
Korean Beef Bowls
For a quick and flavorful meal, try Korean beef bowls. Cook ground beef in a skillet with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. Serve over steamed rice and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Shepherd's Pie
A British classic, Shepherd's Pie is a savory dish that combines ground beef with vegetables and mashed potatoes. Cook ground beef with onions, carrots, peas, and a bit of beef broth. Spread the mixture in a baking dish and top with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until the top is golden brown.
Healthy Options
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a nutritious and satisfying meal. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove the seeds. Brown ground beef with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and cooked rice. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.
Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
A stir-fry is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Cook ground beef in a hot skillet with garlic and ginger. Add a mix of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir in soy sauce and a touch of honey. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a low-carb option that's full of flavor. Brown ground beef with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Spoon the mixture into large lettuce leaves and top with shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.
Comfort Foods
Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are a childhood favorite that adults love too. Brown ground beef with onions and garlic. Stir in ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened and serve on toasted hamburger buns.
Beef Chili
A warm bowl of chili is perfect for a cold day. Cook ground beef with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a touch of cayenne pepper. Simmer for at least an hour and serve with cornbread or over rice.
Hamburgers
Sometimes, you just can't beat a classic hamburger. Form ground beef into patties and season with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry until cooked to your liking. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Unique Twists
Beef and Black Bean Burgers
For a twist on the classic burger, try mixing ground beef with black beans. Mash a can of black beans and mix with ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, chopped onions, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Form into patties and cook until done. Serve with avocado and salsa.
Beef Empanadas
Empanadas are a delightful handheld meal. Roll out store-bought or homemade pastry dough and cut into circles. Fill with a mixture of cooked ground beef, onions, garlic, olives, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs. Fold and seal the edges, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
Beef Nachos
Elevate your nacho game by adding seasoned ground beef. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top with cooked ground beef, black beans, and shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole.
Under-the-Radar Ideas
Beef-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Hollow out zucchinis and fill with a mixture of ground beef, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Top with grated cheese and bake until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted.
Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a comforting, old-world dish. Blanch cabbage leaves and fill with a mixture of ground beef, cooked rice, onions, and garlic. Roll up and place in a baking dish with tomato sauce. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the cabbage is tender.
Beef-Stuffed Mushrooms
For a delicious appetizer, try beef-stuffed mushrooms. Remove the stems from large mushrooms and fill with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and parsley. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Ground beef is a culinary chameleon that seamlessly adapts to a multitude of recipes, offering both comfort and innovation. From timeless classics to international delights, and from healthy options to indulgent treats, the possibilities are as varied as your imagination. Whether you are cooking for a family dinner or a unique gathering, ground beef can be your go-to ingredient that keeps everyone satisfied.
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