What Can You Make with Ground Beef Beyond Hamburger and Meatloaf?

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a rut with ground beef dishes, opting only for hamburgers or meatloaf? Well, there’s a whole world of creative ground beef recipes out there that can add excitement to your meal plans. Let’s explore some delicious and versatile ground beef dishes that go beyond the ordinary.

Stir-Fried Ground Beef with Salsa

For a quick and simple dinner, my wife likes to stir ground beef in a pot, turning it into tasty crumbles. She adds a bit of salsa for a burst of flavor, and it quickly becomes her favorite way to prepare ground beef. I often add cheese or sour cream to mine to make it even more indulgent.

Classics and Beyond: Ragu Recipes

If you’re looking to try your hand at something more substantial, a ground beef ragu can be a fantastic option. Here’s a simple recipe for a classic lasagna or stuffed pasta dishes:

Lasagna: Layer sliced lasagna sheets with a homemade or jarred spaghetti sauce, cooked macaroni, and sautéed ground beef mixed with your favorite vegetables (mushrooms, onions, garlic, peppers, celery). Bake it until everything is heated through and bubbly. Jumbo Shells: Add jumbo shells to your ragu and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake the dish until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill peppers with a mixture of sautéed ground beef, rice, and your choice of seasonings, then bake them until tender and filled with flavor.

For a thicker, more robust beef patty option, try a classic hamburger steak. Sauté ground beef with your favorite vegetables, then add Spaghetti sauce and small elbow macaroni. Cook everything together for about 5-10 minutes until everything is well combined.

Global Delights: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Variations

While we’re at it, there’s no need to limit ground beef to Western dishes. Try some Mediterranean/Middle Eastern-inspired recipes:

Yakne: This ground beef dish is a flavorful and easy-to-make option. Its ingredients include ground beef, eggplant, onions, garlic, and tomato sauce, seasoned with cinnamon. It’s a great way to spice up your ground beef repertoire and introduce some new flavors to your meals.

Additionally, dishes like Shepherd’s Pie, Nachos, Soup, Chili, Meatballs, Stuffed Peppers, and even unique items like Scotch Eggs with Ground Beef are all possibilities when it comes to ground beef. Boiled eggs covered in a delightful ground beef mixture can add an unconventional yet delicious twist to a simple ingredient.

Explore More Ground Beef Recipes

There are countless ground beef recipes out there, so why limit yourself to just burgers and meatloaf? Simply google for more recipes and see what catches your eye. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, burritos, cottage pie, or something else entirely, the possibilities are endless.

So, the next time you find yourself with ground beef and wondering what to make, explore these creative options to liven up your meals and keep your taste buds happy.