I once purchased a pound of ground beef and sat looking at it for the longest time, wondering what to make. Ground beef is one of those versatile meats that can be made into so many great dishes; from casseroles, burgers, and meatloaf, to tacos, soups and pasta dishes. It can become difficult to choose which to make. I’ve listed three of my favorites, but obviously I can’t list them all. There wouldn’t be enough room.
Ground Beef Fun Facts
- Before meat grinders were invented, ground meat was prepared at home with the use of specialized chisels
- The first meat grinder was invented in the 19th century
- In 1845, many patents were introduced to improve on the existing meat grinder
- Minced meat is popular in the US for making hotdogs and hamburgers
Tourtiere
The Tourtiere is a well known Canadian dish usually made with ground meat and potatoes. It’s a popular tradition for Canadians to serve this meat pie at Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups Bisquick
- ¾ cup shortening, chilled
- 8 tbsp cold water
Filling
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large potato, peeled and grated
- 1 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 pinch cloves
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 1 egg, beaten for brushing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, place two cups of Bisquick and three quarters of a cup of chilled shortening. It’s easier if the shortening is cut into cubes. Mix with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Pour eight tablespoons of water into the mixture and mix until the dough becomes moist but not sticky. If too sticky, add a little Bisquick.
- Divide the dough into two equal pieces, wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Add two pounds of ground beef, one large grated potato, one cup of sliced mushrooms, and one chopped onion. Cook until the meat has browned and drain any excess liquid.
- Stir in two cloves of minced garlic, two teaspoons of salt, one teaspoon of thyme, one teaspoon of pepper, and a pinch of cloves and nutmeg. Cook for an additional five minutes. Remove from heat and place in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes.
- Preheat the oven to four hundred degrees and grease a pie pan.
- Roll out each piece of dough and place one into the bottom of the greased pan.
- Spoon in the filling and place the top piece of pie pastry over the top.
- Seal the edges, brush the top with the beaten egg and vent using the tines of a fork.
- Bake for approximately one hour and enjoy.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Swedish Meatballs
I make these at least once a month. They remind me of the ones at the Ikea restaurant. They just need the lingonberry sauce.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- ½ cup Bisquick
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp HP sauce
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 2 large eggs
Gravy
- 2 tbsp Bisquick
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- ¼ cup whipping cream
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine two pounds of ground beef and one half of a cup of Bisquick. Add one half of a cup of breadcrumbs, one half of a cup of minced onion, two cloves of minced garlic, one-half teaspoon of ground allspice, one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of pepper, one half of a cup of milk and one teaspoon of HP sauce. Stir all ingredients and add two eggs mixing until well incorporated.
- Preheat the oven to four hundred degrees and grease a baking sheet.
- Roll the meat into one inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for twenty minutes while preparing the gravy.
- In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add two tablespoons of Bisquick, whisking until well combined. Stir in one and one-half cups of beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add one quarter of a cup of whipping cream and reduce the heat, stirring until the gravy thickens.
- Add the cooked meatballs and season with one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of pepper.
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Eggplant Meatloaf
Sometimes, picking the perfect eggplant can be a hit or miss. I’ve learned that choosing the smaller ones are better for taste, they are not bitter like some of the larger ones. They should also be firm, but not hard, with a smooth skin. This recipe can also be made in much the same way as a lasagna. You would just need more eggplant slices and don’t forget the cottage cheese.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ¼ cup chopped basil
- ¾ cup grated parmesan
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup Bisquick
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsps pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
Eggplant
- 1 eggplant
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to three hundred and fifty degrees.
- In a large bowl, combine two pounds of ground beef, one quarter of a cup of chopped basil, three quarters of a cup of grated parmesan, one cup of marinara sauce, one quarter of a cup of Bisquick, one teaspoon of salt, two teaspoons of pepper three cloves of minced garlic, one chopped onion and two large eggs. Mix all ingredients until well combined. Place into the bottom of a baking dish and bake for thirty minutes. Prepare the eggplant.
- Cut the eggplant into eight even slices.
- In a large skillet, heat one quarter of a cup of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the eggplant slices until lightly browned on both sides. Season with the salt and pepper.
- Place the eggplant slices on top of the cooked meat mixture. Spoon one cup of marinara sauce evenly over the eggplant, and add one half of a cup of grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until the cheese melts.
- Cut into squares and serve with additional marinara sauce if desired.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Final Thought
The possibilities really are endless for recipes using ground beef. These recipes are perfect for taking to family get-togethers, or for an at home dinner party. I hope you try some of these, and enjoy them as much as I do.
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