Whenever I see ground beef on sale, I stock up. Knowing I have a few packages stashed away in my freezer helps solve the nightly question of “What’s for dinner?” I just pull out some ground beef the night before I plan to use it and let it defrost in my refrigerator. When I get home from work the next day I can cook up any of these delicious recipes using ground beef [6] in 45 minutes or less. Bonus: they’re all $3 or less per serving.
Hamburger Buddy [7]: The simple one-skillet spin on boxed burger “helper” was developed with picky eaters in mind. To make this healthier version, we use 90%-lean ground beef and replace regular noodles with whole-wheat noodles to increase the fiber. The secret to boosting the nutrients in this dish is adding finely chopped carrots, plenty of onion and mushroom.
Beef & Bean Chile Verde [8]: Chili in 30 minutes? Yes you can! A jar of salsa and choice seasonings give it oodles of slow-cooked flavor in very little time. Serve with fresh cilantro, red onion and Monterey Jack. Add cornbread on the side and your favorite hot sauce.
Portobello & Beef Patty Melt [9]: This diner classic gets a makeover by replacing some of the ground beef with finely chopped portobello mushrooms, which add moisture and flavor. We like a smear of pickle relish on top, but you could try chutney, mustard or hot pepper relish in its place.
Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes [10]: Potatoes are one of the great comfort foods, especially when stuffed with a satisfying mixture of lean ground beef and broccoli florets plus reduced-fat sour cream and Cheddar cheese. Serve with a tossed salad.
EatingWell Sloppy Joes [11]: Our updated Sloppy Joe takes lean ground beef and adds chopped cremini mushrooms and diced fresh plum tomatoes, all in a zesty sauce. Served on a whole-wheat bun, it’s a hearty dinner sandwich that will please adults and kids alike.
What's your favorite ground beef recipe? OR What do you stock-up on when it's on sale? Tell us what you think below.
TAGS: Carolyn Malcoun [2], Food Blog [12], Dinner [13], Family meals [14], Healthy kids [15], Quick meals [16], Recipe Makeover [17]
Carolyn Malcoun combines her love of food and writing as a recipe contributor for EatingWell. Carolyn has a culinary arts degree from New England Culinary Institute and a degree in journalism from University of Wisconsin—Madison. Carolyn lives in Portland, Maine, and enjoys cooking, gardening, hiking and running in her free time.
Links:
[1] http://www.eatingwell.com/eatingwell_rss_feeds
[2] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/carolyn-malcoun
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[4] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/boxed_burger_helper_made_healthy
[5] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/boxed_burger_helper_made_healthy?section=comments#tabs
[6] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/collections/cheap_ground_beef_recipes
[7] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/hamburger_buddy.html
[8] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/beef_bean_chile_verde.html
[9] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/portobello_beef_patty_melt.html
[10] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/loaded_twice_baked_potatoes.html
[11] http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/eatingwell_sloppy_joes.html
[12] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_topics/food_blog
[13] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_tags/dinner
[14] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_tags/family_meals
[15] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_tags/healthy_kids
[16] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_tags/quick_meals
[17] http://www.eatingwell.com/category/blog_tags/recipe_makeover
[18] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/healthy_spring_salad_recipe_with_fresh_peas_and_crispy_fried_shallots
[19] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/277219?section=comments#tabs
[20] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/vegetarian_thai_red_curry
[21] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/276919?section=comments#tabs
[22] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/how_to_make_cream_sauce_without_cream
[23] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/276908?section=comments#tabs
[24] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/3_diy_tortilla_tricks_how_to_make_your_own_taco_shells_taco_bowls_and_tortilla_chips
[25] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/276907?section=comments#tabs
[26] http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/30_minute_chicken_caesar_salad_wrap_on_the_grill
[27] http://www.eatingwell.com/node/276875?section=comments#tabs
[28] http://www.eatingwell.com/user
[29] http://www.eatingwell.com/print/14997
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