Tired of staring into your freezer, wondering what to make for dinner? We've all been there! Frozen ground beef is a pantry staple, a versatile ingredient packed with possibilities. But sometimes, the thought of thawing it out seems like more trouble than it's worth. Fear not! This post is packed with quick, easy, and delicious recipes for frozen ground beef, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Get ready to transform those frozen patties into satisfying and healthy meals in a flash!
Speedy Shepherd's Pie with Frozen Ground Beef
This classic comfort food gets a speed boost with the help of frozen ground beef. It's a perfect healthy meal for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup frozen peas and corn
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (you can use leftover mashed potatoes or make your own)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen ground beef directly to the skillet; no need to thaw! Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the flavor: Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the filling: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir in the frozen peas and corn during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the beef mixture into a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and heated through.
Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
One-Pan Taco Skillet – A Quick Dinner Idea
This easy recipe requires minimal cleanup and is a fantastic quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado)
Instructions:
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the frozen ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Serve: Top with shredded cheese and your favorite taco toppings. Serve immediately.
Tip: Add a diced bell pepper or some chopped onions for extra vegetables and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving – Shepherd's Pie)
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
These delicious recipes offer easy ways to incorporate frozen ground beef into your meal planning. Enjoy the convenience and the flavor! Remember to always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it's safe to eat. Happy cooking!