Alway order more ground beef than you think you need, it always runs out first-that’s the number one advice I give our first time beef share customers. Ground beef thaws quickly, it cooks fast, and it is very versatile. Despite the versatility, I feel like I often get in a rut and make the same three things over and over again. Hamburgers, tacos, and some kind of pasta with ground beef in the marinara sauce. Repeat. I put together this list of ground beef recipes for when I need to break that cycle and I’m sharing it here because I know I can’t be the only one with this problem.
1. My Favorite Meatloaf from The Pioneer Woman
Somewhere along the way meat loaf developed a reputation for being bland and boring. This recipe though is fancy enough for a dinner party. In fact, I’ve made this recipe several times when hosting dinner guests. It pairs especially well with homemade mashed potatoes.
2. Shepherd’s Pie from The Wholesome Dish
Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty, wholesome dinner idea. Follow this tasty recipe or make it simple and use leftover mashed potatoes as your topping. You can also play around with which vegetable to use in the filling. I like to add green beans to the peas and carrots.
3. Sour Cream Noodle Bake from The Pioneer Woman
Yes, I’m recommending two Pioneer Woman recipes but honestly, it was hard to pick just two! This is a family favorite. It’s full of cheese, which is one of our favorite things. It is easy to prepare and the egg noodles add a special touch.
4. Beef Enchiladas From Gimme Some Oven
Enchiladas are a great option for dinner and they also make excellent leftovers. This recipe is delicious and easy. It also contains freezing and reheating instructions. Beef enchiladas freeze wonderfully, as does the Sour Cream Noodle Bake. Both of these were recipes I doubled and stuck in the freezer while nesting before having a baby.
5. Sloppy Joes from Natasha’s Kitchen
Until putting together this list, I had forgotten about Sloppy Joes and all their cafeteria glory. I think of Adam Sandler dressed as The Lunch Lady singing about Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Sloppy Joes on SNL. This recipe is flavorful and from scratch. This post also includes freezing/reheating instructions, crock pot instructions, and alternative ideas to spooning beef mixture on buns. My personal favorite is to use Sloppy Joes as a topping for baked potatoes.
6. Homemade Hamburger Helper from Half Baked Harvest
This recipe incorporates all the nostalgia of Hamburger Helper and makes it healthier, substituting the processed version with the homemade version. This recipe tucks in some shredded zucchini-hiding in some vegetables.
7. Easy Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole from The Lazy Dish
Creamy and rich, this casserole is the ultimate ground beef comfort food. My sister in law recommended this recipe to me and it is kid-approved!
8.Korean Beef from The Girl Who Ate Everything
Sweet, with a little spice, this recipe comes together so easily. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice, on a lettuce wrap, or with steamed broccoli.
Hopefully this list will help you as much as it has been helping me. I’ve been trying to make dinner at home consistently and save restaurants for special occasions. It is sabotaged quickly when I’m out of time and bored from repeating the same handful of dinner options. Incorporating the recipes on this list have added back some variety without overcomplicating the menu.
This blog post was written in participation of a Blogging Bee-an online gathering reminiscent of the quilting bees and sewing bees of days past when women would bring their work together to create art. If you enjoyed this post about “Eight,” take a look at these posts from other farmers, small business owners, homesteaders, and creatives.
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