Ground beef is a versatile ingredient, but when you find yourself wondering what to do with extra ground beef, it can be a bit of a challenge. Whether you’ve found yourself with a surplus after a big shopping trip or you’re trying to figure out what to do with leftovers from last night’s dinner, there are countless ways to transform this simple ingredient into delicious, hearty meals. This article will help you explore creative ideas on what to do with extra ground beef. You can also explore a wide variety of ground beef recipes for even more inspiration.
Why Ground Beef is a Kitchen Staple
Before diving into the recipes, let’s take a moment to appreciate why ground beef has become such a kitchen staple. Ground beef is not only affordable and widely available, but it also cooks quickly, absorbs flavors well, and is incredibly versatile. From classic comfort foods to international dishes, ground beef is an ingredient that can do it all.
Whether you’re looking to prepare a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate meal for a special occasion, ground beef is often the go-to choice. It can be used in everything from burgers and meatloaf to tacos, pasta, casseroles, and more. The possibilities are nearly endless, making ground beef a favorite for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Now, let’s dive into the many delicious ways you can use up that extra ground beef.
Classic Ground Beef Dishes
Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
One of the most comforting and indulgent ways to use up leftover ground beef is by turning it into cheeseburger mac and cheese. This dish combines the rich, creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory, hearty flavors of a cheeseburger. The result is a meal that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
How to Make Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese:
- Ingredients: Macaroni, ground beef, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, flour, salt, pepper, mustard powder.
- Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a separate pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- In another pot, make a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted, then add the cooked macaroni and ground beef.
- Mix everything together, and season with mustard powder for an extra kick.
For a more detailed recipe, check out this Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Ground Beef Casserole
Casseroles are a fantastic way to use up leftover ground beef, especially when you’re looking for something that’s easy to make and comforting to eat. This dish is versatile, allowing you to use whatever pasta, vegetables, and cheese you have on hand. The result is a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Variations on Ground Beef Casserole:
- Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Add taco seasoning to the ground beef and layer with tortillas, black beans, corn, and cheese.
- Italian-Inspired Casserole: Mix the ground beef with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and cooked pasta, then bake until bubbly.
- Vegetable-Packed Casserole: Incorporate diced carrots, peas, and spinach into the beef mixture for added nutrition.
This dish not only uses up your leftovers but also delivers a meal that the whole family will love. If you’re interested in other beef cuts, explore different options like Chuck Roast Recipes that offer more variety.
Hearty Casserole and Pasta Ideas
Beef Noodle Casserole
If you find yourself without pasta but still craving something hearty, egg noodles are an excellent substitute. Beef noodle casserole is a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. The combination of tender beef, flavorful marinara sauce, and soft egg noodles creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Tips for the Perfect Beef Noodle Casserole:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for a high-quality marinara sauce to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crispy, golden finish.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can elevate the dish and make it even more filling.
Cheesy Beef and Macaroni
Cheesy beef and macaroni is another classic dish that’s perfect for using up extra ground beef. This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its rich, cheesy flavor and comforting texture. It’s also incredibly easy to customize based on your preferences and what you have in your pantry.
Enhancements for Cheesy Beef and Macaroni:
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce gives the dish a slightly tangy flavor that complements the cheese.
- Herbs and Spices: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Basil, oregano, and garlic powder all work well in this dish.
- Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, consider mixing in some Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even blue cheese for added depth.
This simple yet delicious meal is a go-to option when you need something quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to please.
International Flavors with Ground Beef
Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
For a flavorful, Asian-inspired meal, try making Korean ground beef and rice bowls. This dish is quick to prepare and packed with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The best part is that it uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Making Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls:
- Ingredients: Ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, green onions, sesame seeds, cooked rice.
- Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes, cooking until the beef is well-coated and the sauce is slightly reduced.
- Serve the beef over a bowl of cooked rice, garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds.
This recipe is a great way to transform your leftovers into an exciting meal. For more details, check out this Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls Recipe.
Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas
If you’re in the mood for something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, cheesy ground beef quesadillas are the way to go. This dish is perfect for a casual lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings and fillings to make it your own.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef Quesadillas:
- Ingredients: Flour tortillas, ground beef, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix), onions, bell peppers, salsa, sour cream.
- Instructions:
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet, adding diced onions and bell peppers as it browns.
- Lay a tortilla in a separate pan over medium heat, sprinkle half with shredded cheese, and add a layer of the beef mixture.
- Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
- Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.
For a quick snack or lunch, these quesadillas are perfect. Customize with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or cilantro for added flavor.
Mexican-Inspired Ground Beef Recipes
Ground Beef Tacos
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine and for good reason they’re quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Ground beef tacos are a fantastic way to use up leftover beef while creating a meal that everyone will enjoy. You can keep things simple with classic toppings or get creative with unique ingredients.
Ideas for Ground Beef Tacos:
- Classic Toppings: Lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, onions, cilantro, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.
- Creative Additions: Add some pickled jalapeños, roasted corn, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your tacos with a side of rice and beans, or add a salad for a lighter meal.
Ground beef tacos are a Mexican classic that’s easy to prepare and highly customizable. For another taco-inspired dish, try the Taco Pasta Recipe for a delicious twist.
Cheesy Taco Pasta
If you’re a fan of both pasta and tacos, why not combine the two into one delicious dish? Cheesy taco pasta takes the best elements of a taco—seasoned beef, cheese, and bold flavors—and pairs them with tender pasta for a meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Pasta:
- Ingredients: Pasta (penne or rotini works well), ground beef, taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese.
- Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then stir in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing until everything is well-coated.
- Top with shredded cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This fusion dish is both comforting and flavorful, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
Comforting and Cozy Dishes
Old-School Hamburger Hash
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and easy-to-make meal, old-school hamburger hash is a fantastic option. This dish is a throwback to simpler times, when hearty, filling meals were made with just a few ingredients. The combination of seasoned ground beef and crispy potatoes makes for a meal that’s satisfying and delicious.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Hash:
- Potato Options: You can use any type of potato you have on hand, whether it’s russet, red, or even sweet potatoes.
- Seasoning: Keep it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or spice it up with paprika and cayenne pepper.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate diced onions, bell peppers, or even some leftover vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Simply season your ground beef, mix with diced potatoes, and either bake or fry for a comforting meal that doesn’t break the bank.
Leftover Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for using up extra ground beef. This dish layers ground beef with vegetables and mashed potatoes, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s also easy to make in advance, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
How to Make Leftover Shepherd’s Pie:
- Ingredients: Ground beef, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), beef broth, flour, butter, salt, pepper.
- Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then stir in the flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add beef broth, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish, then top with mashed potatoes.
- Bake in the oven until the potatoes are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for cold nights. Use your leftover ground beef to create a filling pie that will quickly become a family favorite.
One-Pan and Quick Meals
Tex Mex Ground Beef and Rice Skillet
For an easy, one-pan meal that’s both flavorful and filling, try making a Tex Mex ground beef and rice skillet. This dish combines ground beef with rice, beans, tomatoes, and spices for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. It’s also quick to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
How to Make Tex Mex Ground Beef and Rice Skillet:
- Ingredients: Ground beef, rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, taco seasoning, chicken broth, shredded cheese.
- Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and taco seasoning, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and serve.
This dish is like a Mexican paella but much quicker to prepare. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Make Your Own Nacho Bar
If you’re hosting a gathering or just want a fun, interactive meal for your family, setting up a Make-Your-Own Nacho Bar is a great idea. This setup allows everyone to customize their nachos with their favorite toppings, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
How to Set Up a Nacho Bar:
- Base: Provide a variety of tortilla chips for the base.
- Toppings: Offer a range of toppings, including ground beef, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, jalapeños, black beans, olives, and chopped onions.
- Serving Suggestions: Set up the toppings in bowls and let everyone build their own nachos. Consider providing some unique options like pickled red onions or spicy queso for an extra kick.
This setup is not only fun but also a great way to use up leftover ground beef. If you love Mexican flavors, you might also enjoy trying out this Birria Tacos Recipe for an authentic experience.
Healthy and Colorful Options
Stuffed Peppers
For a healthier and visually appealing option, stuffed peppers are an excellent choice. This dish takes colorful bell peppers and fills them with a mixture of ground beef, rice, and vegetables. The result is a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
How to Make Stuffed Peppers:
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, ground beef, rice, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, shredded cheese, spices.
- Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions and garlic.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and spices, then fill each pepper with the beef mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, top with shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
This dish is not only nutritious but also visually appealing, making it a great choice for family dinners or special occasions.
FAQs: What to Do with Extra Ground Beef?
What are the Best Ways to Store Leftover Ground Beef?
To store cooked ground beef, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. If you have a large amount, consider dividing it into smaller portions to make it easier to reheat later. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked ground beef for up to three months. Just be sure to label the container with the date so you know when to use it.
Can You Freeze Cooked Ground Beef?
Yes, you can freeze cooked ground beef. To do so, allow the beef to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and label the container with the date. When you’re ready to use the beef, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
How Long Does Cooked Ground Beef Last in the Refrigerator?
Cooked ground beef typically lasts for about three to four days in the refrigerator when stored properly. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent any odors from contaminating other foods.
What Can I Do with Leftover Cooked Ground Beef?
There are countless ways to use leftover cooked ground beef. You can add it to pasta dishes, make tacos or burritos, incorporate it into casseroles, or even use it as a topping for pizza. The versatility of ground beef means you’ll never run out of ideas for how to use it up.
How Do I Reheat Ground Beef Without Drying It Out?
To reheat ground beef without drying it out, use a skillet over medium heat and add a little bit of water or broth to the pan. This will help keep the beef moist as it reheats. Alternatively, you can microwave the beef in a covered dish with a splash of water, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Conclusion and Final Tips
Ground beef is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in countless dishes, from classic comfort foods to international flavors. Whether you’re looking to create something quick or a dish that’s more elaborate, the possibilities are endless. By getting creative with your extra ground beef, you can reduce food waste and enjoy a wide variety of delicious meals. From cheesy casseroles and flavorful tacos to healthy stuffed peppers and hearty shepherd’s pie, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of this kitchen staple.
So, next time you’re pondering what to do with extra ground beef, remember these creative recipes. Whether you’re making a classic dish or trying something new, there’s always a delicious answer to what to do with extra ground beef.