When it comes to cooking hamburger meat (a.k.a ground beef), you really can’t go wrong. It’s probably one of the easiest meats to prepare, plus it can be cheaper than whole cuts. But…did you know there are more ways to prepare hamburger meat than just hamburgers (*gasp*)?!
Okay, maybe you already knew that one. But let’s go beyond meatloaf here. Below are 10 things to cook with hamburger meat that – according to Taco Bell – are “outside the bun.”
1. Hamburger Corn Noodle Casserole
This Hamburger Corn Casserole is the perfect dish to make when you’re missing home and could use a meal only mom could make. It only takes four steps to make and tastes amazing in the end.
2. 4 – Ingredient Taco Dip
This simple taco dip is easy and relatively inexpensive to prepare. So the next time you’re tasked with bringing a dip that’s a bit more exciting than salsa to a potluck, give this recipe a try.
3. Cheat Bulgogi
If you’re looking for an easier way to prepare the Korean dish, Bulgogi, at home, then check out this recipe. Traditional methods call for barbecuing, marinating, and thinly slicing the meat – which as you can imagine takes some time. With Cheat Bulgogi, you can have similar flavors in just under five minutes.
4. Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme
Taco Bell lovers rejoice – you can make the amazingness that is the Crunchwrap Supreme in the comforts of your own home. It’s great for those times where a Taco Bell is nowhere to be found or you just feel like livin’ más and want to create it yourself.
5. Duggar Family Tater Tot Casserole
Fans of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting are probably well aware of the show’s famous dish: The Duggar Family Tater Tot Casserole. Layers of ground beef, tater tots, and cream of many varieties are baked together to create the casserole. This particular recipe has been cut down to thirds, but it could easily be increased to feed an army of 19…or more.
6. One-Pot Chili Mac ‘N Cheese
Chili and mac ‘n cheese are amazing on their own, but the combo of both is even better. This recipe makes a ton of leftovers and can be spiced to your preference; plus, everything is prepared in a single pan for easy clean up (sounds like a win, win…win to me).
7. Cheap and Easy Chili
For those cold days where you could use a bowl of warm soup after class, this recipe has got your back. All the ingredients cost under $20, and it makes a decent amount of leftovers. It can also be topped with any additional ingredients such as cornbread, cheese, or sour cream.
8. Classic Italian Meatballs
Meatballs are super versatile and can be added to sandwiches, pasta, or veggies. This recipe shows how you can make the Italian classic at home with enough to save for later or to enjoy with friends.
9. Argentinian Empanadas
With this recipe, making authentic empanadas at home is much easier than you would think. Since it uses ingredients such as raisins and boiled eggs, it reflects the unique, Argentinian variety.
10. Fritos Pie
If you’re not aware of the Southern staple that is Fritos Pie, then you should know it is essentially chili with cheese over a single bag of Fritos. Kinda sounds weird at first, but considering it is a traditional American dish from the South, it has to be good. Best part? No dirty dishes.
Wrap Up
Hamburger meat is relatively inexpensive and easy to prepare, which is amazing for us college students who need some easy protein to whip up in a dish.
Not a fan of ground beef? Try ground turkey or a vegetarian, faux-meat substitute in any of these recipes instead. Most ground turkey or veggie meats call for the same preparation ground beef would – plus, it will add a bit of a flare to your dish of choice.