I. Introduction
Do you ever find yourself staring at a package of hamburger meat wondering what to make for dinner? You’re not alone. Hamburger meat is a versatile ingredient, but it can be challenging to come up with creative ways to use it beyond the usual burgers and meatloaf. Fear not – this article will explore simple and delicious recipes you can make with hamburger meat, as well as unique ways to upgrade your burgers and stretch this popular ingredient.
By the end of this article, you’ll have 25 new recipes to try and inspiration to get creative in the kitchen with hamburger meat.
II. 5 Simple Yet Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Hamburger Meat
Let’s start with some easy recipes that highlight the simplicity of hamburger meat.
Recipe 1: Classic Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Who doesn’t love spaghetti with meat sauce? It’s a classic for a reason. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat in a pan and add garlic and onion for flavor. Stir in a can of tomato sauce, a can of diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve over cooked spaghetti, and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Recipe 2: Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
If you’re a fan of Hamburger Helper, try making your version from scratch. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat and set it aside. In the same pan, cook 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of milk, 1 1/2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked. Stir in the cooked hamburger meat and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
Recipe 3: Easy Meatball Subs
Meatballs can be used in countless dishes and are easy to make in bulk. To make a simple meatball sub, mix 1 pound of hamburger meat with 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and cook them in a pan until browned on all sides. Add a jar of marinara sauce to the pan and let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes. Serve the meatballs and sauce on a hoagie roll with provolone cheese.
Recipe 4: One-Pot Chili Mac
A one-pot meal is a lifesaver on a busy night. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat in a pot. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 3 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 1/2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked.
Recipe 5: Cheesy Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a great way to use hamburger meat and get in some extra veggies. Cut the tops off of 4 bell peppers, remove the membranes and seeds, and set them in a baking dish. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat in a pan and mix in 1 cup of cooked rice and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Divide the mixture evenly among the four peppers and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
III. Upgrade Your Burger Game: Unique and Creative Ways to Use Hamburger Meat
Let’s take burgers to the next level with these creative and unique recipes.
Recipe 1: Juicy Lucy Burgers
A Juicy Lucy burger is a cheeseburger with the cheese stuffed inside the patty. To make this burger, form two thin hamburger patties and place a slice of American cheese on one of them. Place the other patty on top and seal the edges. Cook the burger on a grill or in a pan until fully cooked and the cheese inside is melted. Serve the burger on a bun with your favorite toppings.
Recipe 2: Teriyaki Burger Bowls
If you’re looking to switch up your burger toppings, try teriyaki sauce. Form hamburger meat into patties and cook them on a grill or in a pan. In a separate pan, stir-fry veggies like green beans, bell peppers, carrots, and onions in teriyaki sauce. Serve the burgers and veggies over rice and top with more teriyaki sauce and sesame seeds.
Recipe 3: Greek Burger with Tzatziki Sauce
Give your burgers some Mediterranean flair with this Greek-inspired recipe. Form hamburger meat into patties and cook them on a grill or in a pan. Serve the burgers with crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumber, and a homemade tzatziki sauce (Greek yogurt, chopped cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, and dill).
Recipe 4: Fajita Burgers
Get some Tex-Mex flavor in your burger with this fajita-inspired recipe. Form hamburger meat into patties and cook them on a grill or in a pan. Serve the burgers on a tortilla with sautéed peppers and onions, shredded cheese, and salsa.
Recipe 5: Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Burgers
For a burger with a kick, try this bacon-wrapped jalapeno popper recipe. Form hamburger meat into patties and stuff them with cream cheese and diced jalapenos. Wrap each patty in bacon and cook them on a grill or in a pan until fully cooked. Serve the burgers on a bun with lettuce and tomato.
IV. From Tacos to Shepherd’s Pie: Creative Dishes to Cook with Hamburger Meat
Let’s explore some creative dishes that feature hamburger meat as the star ingredient.
Recipe 1: Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
For a healthy twist on tacos, try this taco stuffed zucchini boat recipe. Cut 4 zucchinis in half and scoop out the seeds and flesh. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat in a pan and add taco seasoning, onion, and garlic. Stuff the meat mixture into the zucchini boats and top them with cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Recipe 2: Healthier Homemade Hash Brown Casserole
Many hash brown casseroles are heavy and unhealthy, but this recipe features veggies and hamburger meat for a healthier take. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté 1 diced onion, 2 diced bell peppers, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 bag of frozen hash browns, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 cup of milk. Stir everything together and add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Recipe 3: Korean Beef Bibimbap Bowls
Bibimbap is a Korean dish that features rice topped with different veggies, meat, and sauce. For a beef bibimbap, brown 1 pound of hamburger meat with garlic and ginger. In a separate pan, stir-fry veggies like carrots, spinach, and bean sprouts. Serve the beef and veggies over rice and top everything with a homemade sauce made from gochujang, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil.
Recipe 4: Make-Ahead Beefy Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a classic comfort food that can be assembled ahead of time for an easy meal. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat in a pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 bag of frozen mixed veggies and cook until softened. Stir in 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and the hamburger meat. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish and top with mashed potatoes and grated cheddar cheese. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Recipe 5: Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Shells
A twist on the classic Italian dish, bacon cheeseburger stuffed shells are a crowd-pleaser. Cook 10-12 jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat and mix in cooked, crumbled bacon. Stuff the mixture into the cooked pasta shells and place them in a baking dish. Top everything with shredded cheddar cheese and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
V. Hamburger Meat Hacks: Creative and Inexpensive Ways to Stretch this Popular Ingredient
If you’re on a budget, hamburger meat can be your saving grace. Here are some creative ways to stretch it.
Recipe 1: Italian Hamburger Helper Skillet
This recipe is an Italian twist on the classic Hamburger Helper. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 2 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring everything to a boil, then add 1 1/2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. Cook everything until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened. Stir in the cooked hamburger meat and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Recipe 2: Hamburger and Rice-Stuffed Bell Peppers
This recipe is similar to the cheesy stuffed peppers above, but it features rice to stretch the hamburger meat further. Cut the tops off of 4 bell peppers, remove the membranes and seeds, and set them in a baking dish. Cook 1 cup of uncooked white rice according to the package instructions. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat and mix in the cooked rice and a jar of marinara sauce. Divide the mixture evenly among the four peppers and bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Recipe 3: Poor Man’s Stroganoff
This recipe is a budget-friendly version of beef stroganoff. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Add 1/2 cup of sour cream and stir until combined. Add the cooked hamburger meat back to the pan and serve over egg noodles.
Recipe 4: Easy Hamburger Patties with Gravy
This recipe is a simple and classic comfort food. Form hamburger meat into patties and cook them in a pan until fully cooked. In a separate pan, make a quick gravy using beef broth, flour, and butter. Serve the hamburger patties with the gravy and mashed potatoes.
Recipe 5: Hamburger and Potato Casserole
This recipe is an easy one-dish meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. In a baking dish, layer sliced potatoes, onions, and browned hamburger meat. Pour a can of tomato soup over everything, and bake at 375°F for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
VI. Surprising Ways to Use Hamburger Meat in Your Favorite Comfort Foods
Finally, let’s explore ways to use hamburger meat in your favorite comfort foods for a delicious twist.
Recipe 1: Meaty Lasagna Soup
If you love lasagna, try this soup version for a quick and comforting meal. Brown 1 pound of hamburger meat and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 can of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
