Ground beef is a staple ingredient in many households because it is versatile, easy to cook, and budget-friendly. However, sometimes it can get monotonous making the same old burgers, spaghetti bolognese, and tacos over and over again. So why not try some new ways to cook with ground beef? Here are five cooking ideas for ground beef you may not have tried before:
1. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Who says stir-fries have to be made with chicken or shrimp? Beef and broccoli is a classic Chinese takeout dish that you can easily make at home. Simply stir-fry sliced beef and broccoli in some oil, garlic, and ginger, and then add a flavorful sauce made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
2. Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a classic comfort food, but have you tried making them with ground beef and Mediterranean flavors? Mix ground beef with cooked rice, feta cheese, olives, and spices like oregano and garlic. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers, and bake them in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is browned and bubbly.
3. Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff
Stroganoff is a creamy and comforting Russian dish traditionally made with beef strips. However, you can also use ground beef for a quicker and easier version that still tastes delicious. Brown the beef with some onions and mushrooms, and then add sour cream, beef broth, and mustard for a tangy and velvety sauce. Serve it over egg noodles.
4. Korean-Style Beef Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a fun and healthy way to enjoy your meat and veggies without the carbs. Korean-style beef lettuce wraps are especially flavorful, thanks to the marinade made of soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and chili flakes. Serve the cooked ground beef in lettuce leaves, and top it with chopped scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
5. Moroccan Spiced Meatballs
Meatballs are a great way to use ground beef in a different way. Moroccan spiced meatballs are fragrant and exotic, thanks to the spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika. Mix the beef with bread crumbs, eggs, and spices, and then shape them into balls. Bake or fry them until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them over couscous or with a side of harissa sauce.
These five cooking ideas for ground beef are only the tip of the iceberg. Whether you want to try Asian, Mediterranean, Russian, or African flavors, ground beef can accommodate all of them. So open up your spice cabinet, put on some music, and get cooking!
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