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When it comes to amazing pantry staples everyone should have in their kitchen, there’s no going wrong with some ground beef.
Like chicken, turkey and other livestock, they’re a great source of animal-based protein. Plus, they can be enjoyed in a wide variety of recipes too.
When it comes to tasty recipes you can make with some ground beef, there are literally thousands of incredible options to choose from.
If you’re looking for the best of simple, easy and delicious recipes to make with it, then you’re in the right place.
In this post, you’ll discover 30 incredible ground beef recipes to satisfy your cravings. From the very best tacos, to soups, salads, casseroles, pasta meals, and much more.
These yummy delights are super easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to have you going back for more. They’re the perfect definition of “comfort food”.
Go ahead and dig in.
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Ground beef 101
Ground beef, a culinary chameleon, not only delights the taste buds but also offers a wealth of essential nutrients. Its nutritional profile varies depending on the fat content, making it a versatile choice for different dietary needs.
Lean ground beef, typically containing 90% or more lean meat, is a protein powerhouse.
A 3-ounce (85-gram) serving provides approximately
- 180 calories,
- 22 grams of protein, and just
- 8 grams of fat.
It’s an excellent source of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including B12 and niacin.
Regular ground beef, with a higher fat content (usually 70-80% lean meat), offers a richer flavor but comes with slightly more calories and saturated fat. A similar 3-ounce serving provides about
- 230 calories,
- 15 grams of protein, and
- 18 grams of fat.
It’s still a good source of nutrients, and both can be enjoyed in your meals depending on your preferences.
Ground beef also supplies essential amino acids, aiding muscle growth and repair. Moreover, it’s a versatile ingredient that can be part of balanced diets when chosen wisely and prepared healthily, offering a valuable array of nutrients to support overall well-being.
Helpful Tips To Remember
Cooking with ground beef is a culinary adventure that offers endless possibilities, from classic comfort foods like burgers and spaghetti sauce to more exotic dishes like tacos and shepherd’s pie. To help you become a ground beef maestro in the kitchen, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with essential tips and techniques.
1. Choosing the Right Ground Beef
Selecting the right type of ground beef is the first step to success. Lean ground beef, usually labeled as 90% lean or higher, is a healthier option for dishes where you want to minimize fat content. For recipes that benefit from added flavor and juiciness, such as burgers or meatloaf, opt for ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (around 80% lean).
2. Preparing the Meat
Before cooking, allow the ground beef to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from becoming tough. Also, break up the meat into smaller chunks, making it easier to brown evenly.
3. Searing for Flavor
To maximize flavor, start with a hot pan when cooking ground beef. Searing the meat at higher heat locks in flavor and creates a desirable brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook in batches to maintain the proper cooking temperature.
4. Seasoning and Spices
Season the meat generously with salt and pepper and any desired herbs and spices. Experiment with different flavor profiles by adding garlic, onions, cumin, chili powder, or herbs like thyme and oregano to complement your recipe.
5. Draining Excess Fat
While lean ground beef may not require draining, higher-fat content meat will release excess fat during cooking. After browning, tilt the pan and use a spoon to remove the rendered fat while leaving the flavorful juices behind.
6. Versatility in Recipes
Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in countless recipes. Explore classic dishes like spaghetti Bolognese, chili, and lasagna, or get creative with stuffed peppers, meaty sauces, and shepherd’s pie.
7. Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover cooked ground beef, store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for future use. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.
Cooking with ground beef offers a world of culinary possibilities, and with these tips and techniques, you’ll be well-prepared to create flavorful and satisfying dishes that will please both your family and guests.
30 Incredible Ground Beef Recipes To Try Out
1) Ground Beef and Potatoes
Get the recipe at – Well Plated
2) Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
Get the recipe at – The Recipe Critic
3) Southwest Ground Beef Casserole
Get the recipe at – Amanda’s Cookin
4) Ground Beef Stroganoff
Get the recipe at – Simply Whisked
5) Creamy Beef And Shells
Get the recipe at – Damn Delicious
Also See: 21 Amazing Keto Ground Beef Recipes You’ve Got To Try
6) Easy Tater Tot And Ground Beef Casserole
Get the recipe at – Little Home In The Making
7) Ground Beef Sliders
Get the recipe at – Pip and Ebby
8) Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
Get the recipe at – Don’t Go Bacon My Heart
9) Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
Get the recipe at – Pumpkin ‘N Spice
10) Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Get the recipe at – Unbound Wellness
Also See: 30 Quick 15-Minute Dinner Recipes To Satisfy Your Cravings
11) Mediterranean Ground Beef Kabob
Get the recipe at – Fit Mama Real Food
12) Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce
Get the recipe at – Salt And Lavender
13) Quick and Easy Ground Beef Stew
Get the recipe at – Oh Sweet Basil
14) Ground Beef Stir Fry
Get the recipe at – Paleo Running Momma
15) Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole
Get the recipe at – Dinner At The Zoo
Also See: 32 Healthy Casserole Recipes That’ll Leave You Drooling
16) Loaded Beef Taco Salad with Creamy Lime Cilantro Dressing
Get the recipe at – Averie Cooks
17) Italian Meatballs
18) Cheesy Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Get the recipe at – Recipe Runner
19) Weeknight Ground Beef Tacos
Get the recipe at – How Sweet Eats
20) Cornbread Topped Skillet Chili
Get the recipe at – Sally’s Baking Addiction
Also See: 25 Healthy Chicken Dinners That Taste Incredibly Good
21) Lasagna Soup
Get the recipe at – Olive And Mango
22) Bibimbap Korean Beef Bowls
Get the recipe at – Eazy Peazy Mealz
23) Quinoa Beef Bake
Get the recipe at – Sugar Spices Life
24) Sloppy Joes
Get the recipe at – Skinny Taste
25) Crispy Southwest Wrap
Get the recipe at – Tastes Better From Scratch
Also See: 35 Incredible Homemade Sandwiches You’re Going To Love
26) Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
Get the recipe at – Delicious Little Bites
27) Beef Chili
Get the recipe at – The Seasoned Mom
28) Cheesy Beef Empanadas
Get the recipe at – The Novice Chef
29) Cast Iron Skillet Shepherd’s Pie
Get the recipe at – Cooking For My Soul
30) Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Get the recipe at – Sweet And Savory Meals
31) Instant Pot Hamburger Soup
