30 Things To Make with Ground Beef

on Feb 20, 2019, Updated Nov 30, 2023

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What to Make with Ground Beef

Ground beef (also called hamburger meat in some homes) is a dinner mainstay for many of us. So many things to do with it, it cooks up very quickly, and whatever you make with it is usually comforting and homey and satisfying and family friendly. But as with any dinner staple, we can get rut-like about how we make it. So what else can you make with ground beef?

Different Types of Ground Beef

There are 4 main types of ground beef, though if you shop at a good butcher or a well stocked market with a meat counter, you’ll find more variations on these themes. If the recipe calls for particular type of meat or fat content, follow the instructions as best you can. The main areas of difference are:

The Cut: Which part of the animal the meat comes from.

The Grade: Buy the best grade you can afford! From highest quality to lowest, the grades are : Prime (this is the top grade, from younger cows), Choice, Select, and then there is Ungraded Meat, which is fine to cook and eat, but not the best quality.

The Fat Content: Different cuts have different percentages of fat. More fat can result in richer, more flavorful beef dishes, but too much fat can also led to greasy results. The amount of fat you are looking for in the beef depends on how you are going to use it. If you are browning and draining the meat, or making burgers, a higher fat content is fine. If you are including it in a meatloaf or a casserole, you may want a lower fat content.

Regular Ground Beef – the meat might come from any part of the cow, usually the brisket or shank area, or be a mix of different cuts. The fat content can range from 25-30%, and this higher fat content makes it good for things like meatballs and hamburgers.
Ground Round – From the lower end of the cow and on the leaner side with about 15% fat. Good for casseroles, lasagnas, and meatloaves.
Ground Chuck – From the front of the cow, usually the shoulder, with about 20% fat.
Ground Sirloin – from the midsection with 10-15% fat. More pricey, but leaner.

Ground meat can be stored in the refrigerator in its original packaging for 2 days. If you plan to use it after that, it’s best to transfer it to an airtight freezer proof bag or container and freeze for up to 6 months.

Dinner Ideas with Ground Beef

Ground meat can star in so many recipes; this is one of the reasons it’s so perennially popular. It’s inexpensive, easy and fast to cook, and versatile. It can take center stage as a hamburger, meatballs, or meatloaf. It can play a more supporting role, as in a casserole or a skillet dish. And it can definitely anchor a chili, become the base of a sauce, get layered into lasagna.

In short, meals with “hamburger” are a repeating part of many folks’ dinner routines, and there’s no reason to allow that to become boring in the slightest.

Also see How to Brown Ground Beef on the Stove.