Ground beef is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's a great source of protein, iron, and zinc, and it's easy to cook with. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty and satisfying weekend feast, ground beef is a great option.
One of the best things about ground beef is that it can be used in so many different ways. You can make burgers, tacos, meatballs, lasagna, chili, and more. It's also a great addition to soups, stews, and casseroles. No matter what you're in the mood for, there's sure to be a ground beef recipe that you'll love.
If you're looking for some inspiration, here are a few of our favorite ground beef recipes:
what to make with ground beef
Versatile, affordable, protein-packed.
- Burgers
- Tacos
- Meatballs
- Lasagna
- Chili
- Soups
- Casseroles
Endless possibilities, easy to cook.
Burgers
Burgers are a classic American meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They're easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you like your burgers simple or loaded with toppings, there's a burger out there for everyone.
- Easy and customizable
Burgers are one of the easiest meals to make. Simply mix together ground beef, seasonings, and your favorite binder (such as eggs or breadcrumbs), then form into patties and cook. You can cook burgers on the grill, in a skillet, or even in the oven.
- Endless topping possibilities
Burgers are a blank canvas for toppings. You can add classic toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion, or get creative with more unique toppings like bacon, avocado, or pineapple. The possibilities are endless.
- Perfect for parties
Burgers are a great option for parties because they're easy to make ahead of time and can be served hot or cold. You can also make mini burgers, which are perfect for appetizers or snacks.
- Healthy and delicious
Burgers don't have to be unhealthy. By using lean ground beef and healthy toppings, you can make a burger that's both delicious and good for you.
So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, consider making burgers. They're a delicious and versatile option that everyone will enjoy.
Tacos
Tacos are a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of fillings, including ground beef. Tacos are easy to make and can be customized to your liking, making them a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Easy to make
Tacos are one of the easiest Mexican dishes to make. Simply cook your ground beef with your favorite seasonings, then fill tortillas with the beef and your favorite toppings. You can even make tacos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later.
- Endless topping possibilities
Tacos are a blank canvas for toppings. You can add classic toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream, or get creative with more unique toppings like pineapple, mango, or avocado. The possibilities are endless.
- Perfect for parties
Tacos are a great option for parties because they're easy to make ahead of time and can be served hot or cold. You can also set up a taco bar, which allows your guests to customize their tacos to their liking.
- Healthy and delicious
Tacos don't have to be unhealthy. By using lean ground beef and healthy toppings, you can make a taco that's both delicious and good for you.
So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, consider making tacos. They're a delicious and versatile option that everyone will enjoy.
Meatballs
Meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They're easy to make and can be customized to your liking, making them a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Easy to make
Meatballs are one of the easiest dishes to make. Simply mix together ground beef, seasonings, and your favorite binder (such as eggs or breadcrumbs), then form into balls and cook. You can cook meatballs in a variety of ways, including baking, frying, or simmering in sauce.
- Perfect for parties
Meatballs are a great option for parties because they're easy to make ahead of time and can be served hot or cold. You can also make mini meatballs, which are perfect for appetizers or snacks.
- Versatile
Meatballs can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve them as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, as a main course with pasta or rice, or as a side dish with vegetables. Meatballs can also be used in soups and stews.
- Healthy and delicious
Meatballs don't have to be unhealthy. By using lean ground beef and healthy ingredients, you can make a meatball that's both delicious and good for you.
So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, consider making meatballs. They're a delicious and versatile option that everyone will enjoy.
Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is made with layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce. It's a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Lasagna can be made with a variety of different ingredients, including ground beef.
- Easy to make
Lasagna may seem like a complicated dish, but it's actually quite easy to make. Simply cook your ground beef with your favorite sauce, then layer it with pasta, cheese, and any other desired toppings. You can even make lasagna ahead of time and freeze it for later.
- Perfect for special occasions
Lasagna is a dish that is often served at special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays. It's a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.
- Versatile
Lasagna can be made with a variety of different ingredients, so you can customize it to your liking. You can use different types of pasta, cheese, and sauce. You can also add other ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood.
- Healthy and delicious
Lasagna doesn't have to be unhealthy. By using lean ground beef, healthy ingredients, and a light sauce, you can make a lasagna that is both delicious and good for you.
So next time you're looking for a delicious and hearty meal, consider making lasagna. It's a dish that everyone will enjoy.
Chili
Chili is a classic American dish that is perfect for a cold day. It's a hearty and flavorful stew that can be made with a variety of different ingredients, including ground beef. Chili is a great meal to make ahead of time and it also freezes well, making it a great option for busy families.
To make chili, simply brown your ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then, add your favorite chili seasoning, diced tomatoes, and beans. You can also add other vegetables, such as onions, peppers, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chili has thickened. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
Chili is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can make it mild or spicy, and you can add or omit ingredients to suit your taste. Chili is also a great way to use up leftover ground beef.
Here are some tips for making the best chili:
- Use a variety of beans. Chili is traditionally made with pinto beans, but you can use any type of bean that you like. Black beans, kidney beans, and white beans are all good options.
- Add vegetables. Vegetables add flavor and texture to chili. Some good options include onions, peppers, corn, and zucchini.
- Use a good quality chili seasoning. There are many different chili seasoning mixes available at the store. Choose one that you like the flavor of.
- Simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings for chili include cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cornbread.
So next time you're looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, consider making chili. It's a dish that everyone will enjoy.
Soups
Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that can be enjoyed all year round. It's a great way to use up leftover ground beef, and it's also a healthy and affordable option.
There are many different types of soups that you can make with ground beef. Some popular options include:
- Hamburger soup is a classic American soup that is made with ground beef, vegetables, and a beef broth. It's a hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold day.
- Taco soup is a Mexican-inspired soup that is made with ground beef, tomatoes, corn, beans, and a taco seasoning. It's a flavorful and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Cheeseburger soup is a fun and unique soup that is made with ground beef, cheese, potatoes, and a creamy broth. It's a rich and decadent soup that is perfect for a special occasion.
- Beef and barley soup is a hearty and flavorful soup that is made with ground beef, barley, vegetables, and a beef broth. It's a classic soup that is perfect for a cold winter day.
To make soup with ground beef, simply brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven. Then, add your desired vegetables, broth, and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, or bread.
Soups are a great way to use up leftover ground beef, and they're also a healthy and affordable option. So next time you're looking for a delicious and comforting meal, consider making soup.
Here are some tips for making the best soup with ground beef:
- Use a variety of vegetables. Vegetables add flavor and texture to soup. Some good options include onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomatoes.
- Use a good quality broth. The broth is the base of your soup, so it's important to use a good quality broth. You can use beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth, depending on the type of soup you're making.
- Season the soup well. Soup should be flavorful, so don't be afraid to add seasonings. Some good options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings for soup include cheese, sour cream, bread, and crackers.
Casseroles
Casseroles are a classic comfort food that can be made with a variety of ingredients, including ground beef. They're a great way to use up leftover ground beef, and they're also a healthy and affordable option.
- Easy to make
Casseroles are one of the easiest meals to make. Simply brown your ground beef, then mix it with your desired ingredients, such as vegetables, pasta, or rice. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, top with cheese or bread crumbs, and bake until golden brown.
- Perfect for busy families
Casseroles are a great option for busy families because they can be made ahead of time and reheated later. They're also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables.
- Versatile
Casseroles can be made with a variety of different ingredients, so you can customize them to your liking. You can use different types of meat, vegetables, pasta, and cheese. You can also add different seasonings and sauces to create different flavors.
- Healthy and delicious
Casseroles don't have to be unhealthy. By using lean ground beef, healthy ingredients, and a light sauce, you can make a casserole that is both delicious and good for you.
So next time you're looking for a delicious and comforting meal, consider making a casserole. It's a dish that everyone will enjoy.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about what to make with ground beef:
Question 1: What are some popular dishes that can be made with ground beef?
Answer 1: Some popular dishes that can be made with ground beef include burgers, tacos, meatballs, lasagna, chili, soups, and casseroles.
Question 2: What is the best way to cook ground beef?
Answer 2: The best way to cook ground beef is to brown it in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Question 3: How can I make sure my ground beef is cooked safely?
Answer 3: To make sure your ground beef is cooked safely, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Question 4: What are some healthy ways to cook ground beef?
Answer 4: Some healthy ways to cook ground beef include baking it in the oven, grilling it, or using a lean ground beef and cooking it in a nonstick skillet with a small amount of oil.
Question 5: Can I freeze ground beef?
Answer 5: Yes, you can freeze ground beef. To freeze ground beef, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper and place it in the freezer. Ground beef can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Question 6: How can I use up leftover ground beef?
Answer 6: There are many ways to use up leftover ground beef. You can use it to make tacos, burritos, chili, soup, or casserole. You can also use it to make a shepherd's pie or a meatloaf.
Question 7: What are some tips for making the best ground beef dishes?
Answer 7: Some tips for making the best ground beef dishes include using a good quality ground beef, seasoning the beef well, and cooking it properly. You can also add vegetables and other ingredients to your ground beef dishes to make them more flavorful and nutritious.
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These are just a few of the many questions that people have about what to make with ground beef. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Now that you know what to make with ground beef, here are a few tips for making the best ground beef dishes:
Tips
Here are a few tips for making the best ground beef dishes:
Tip 1: Use a good quality ground beef.
The quality of your ground beef will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Look for ground beef that is made from high-quality meat and that has a good fat content. A fat content of 80/20 is a good option.
Tip 2: Season the beef well.
Ground beef is a relatively bland meat, so it's important to season it well. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or basil.
Tip 3: Cook the beef properly.
Ground beef should be cooked until it is no longer pink, but it's important not to overcook it. Overcooked ground beef will be dry and tough. The best way to cook ground beef is to brown it in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Tip 4: Add vegetables and other ingredients to your ground beef dishes.
Vegetables and other ingredients can add flavor, texture, and nutrients to your ground beef dishes. Some good options include onions, peppers, tomatoes, corn, beans, and rice. You can also add cheese, sour cream, or guacamole to your dishes.
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By following these tips, you can make delicious and flavorful ground beef dishes that everyone will enjoy.
Now that you know what to make with ground beef and how to make the best ground beef dishes, it's time to get cooking! Ground beef is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious meals. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, consider making a ground beef dish.
Conclusion
Ground beef is a versatile and affordable ingredient that can be used to make a variety of delicious meals. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty and flavorful weekend feast, ground beef is a great option.
In this article, we've discussed some of the many ways to use ground beef. We've covered everything from classic dishes like burgers and tacos to more unique dishes like lasagna and casseroles. We've also provided some tips for making the best ground beef dishes, such as using a good quality ground beef, seasoning the beef well, and cooking it properly.
So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, consider making a ground beef dish. With so many different options to choose from, you're sure to find a recipe that you'll love.
Closing Message
Ground beef is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of meals. So get creative and experiment with different recipes. You're sure to find a ground beef dish that you and your family will love.