Ground Beef Recipes - Cooking Light

Photo: John Autry

Ground Beef Know-How

When shopping, you'll find lots of choices but inconsistent labeling. Some packages tout the cut of beef (like ground chuck). Others list percentages or ratios that may be confusing, like 90/10. Beef with 10% fat by weight gets 51% of its calories from fat because fat is more caloric than meat. Know these terms:

GROUND HAMBURGER Ground from the trimmings of any cut of beef. Fat can be added, but the total fat content allowable is capped at a whopping 30% by weight (81% calories from fat, raw).

GROUND BEEF Like hamburger but no added fat.

GROUND CHUCK Beef ground from the chuck (shoulder section) that contains about 15% to 20% fat (63% to 71% calories from fat, raw).

GROUND ROUND From the round (rump to hind leg), about 10% to 15% fat (51% to 63% calories from fat, raw).

GROUND SIRLOIN We like beef ground from the lean sirloin, which contains about 8% to 10% fat (up to 51% calories from fat, raw). In a recent blind tasting of several types of ground sirloin (grain-fed, organic, grass-fed, and Angus), the beefy-tasting grass-fed was the unanimous winner.

Photo: Johnny Autry

Quick Pastitsio

This creamy baked pasta comes together quickly. Melted, gooey part-skim mozzarella cheese makes it even more decadent—without leaving you feeling guilty. Use any short pasta—ziti or rotini also work.

View Recipe: Quick Pastitsio

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Classic Meat Loaf

This is the iconic, traditional meat loaf like your mom used to make (or that you wished your mom would make). Mix the ingredients gently, just until combined, and don't compact the meat when shaping the loaf for best results. For extra pizzazz, garnish with parsley.

View Recipe: Classic Meat Loaf

Photo: John Autry

Tortilla Meatball Soup

Try a new take on tortilla soup by adding chipotle-spiked meatballs to the mix. If you can't find fresh corn on the cob, substitute 2 cups frozen corn kernels, and broil them with peppers. Use a few extra chipotle chiles to spice up a pot of beans, rice, stews, or canola mayonnaise.

View Recipe: Tortilla Meatball Soup

Photo: John Autry

Chili-Corn Chip Pie

This recipe is a healthy version of Fritos Chili Pie. Often served from concession stands at fairs, festivals, and sporting events, this crowd-pleaser usually involves splitting the bag of chips open, ladling chili into the bag, and then topping with cheese, onions, and other garnishes.

View Recipe: Chili-Corn Chip Pie

Photo: John Autry

Thai Beef Cabbage Cups

In Thailand, the spicy ground beef mixture is called larb. Serve with lime wedges.

View Recipe: Thai Beef Cabbage Cups

Photo: John Autry

Italian-Style Beef with Polenta

This hearty meat sauce with cheesy polenta is a nice change from spaghetti.

View Recipe: Italian-Style Beef with Polenta

Photo: Karry Hosford

Tex-Mex Beef Tacos

Add some pizzazz to traditional soft tacos by including corn kernels and black beans in the filling. The mixture also works well in crunchy corn taco shells.

View Recipe: Tex-Mex Beef Tacos

Photo: John Autry

English Cottage Pie

Leftover mashed potatoes are mixed with white cheddar cheese to form the top crust for this British pub-food staple. Ground beef is traditionally used, but lean ground turkey will work, as well. Brown the crust under the broiler for a minute or two, if you like.

View Recipe: English Cottage Pie

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Mediterranean Spaghetti

Sweet spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg balance the pungent feta and Parmesan cheeses to give a bold, intriguing flavor to a familiar meat-and-pasta dish.

View Recipe: Mediterranean Spaghetti

Photo: John Autry

Mushroom and Provolone Patty Melts

Your family won’t believe this comforting sandwich is light. For the kids, use beef broth instead of beer, and try mild wheat bread.

View Recipe: Mushroom and Provolone Patty Melts

Photo: John Autry

Beef and Mushroom Sloppy Joes

Cremini offer deeper, richer flavor, but you can also use regular button mushrooms.

View Recipe: Beef and Mushroom Sloppy Joes

Photo: Howard L. Puckett

Korean-Spiced Beef and Cabbage Rolls

This reader recipe was developed by Mollie Lee of San Jose, California. Lee said, "I am originally from Nebraska; one of my favorite places to eat is a small chain of sandwich restaurants called Runza. They are famous for their pillowlike beef and cabbage sandwiches. Since my husband is Korean, I created these pairing the traditional filling ingredients and flavors from his culture. These make a great snack."

View Recipe: Korean-Spiced Beef and Cabbage Rolls

Photo: John Autry

Green Chile Tamale Pie

This pie's crunchy topping gives way to a savory, flavorful filling full of veggies, meat, and delicious spices.

View Recipe: Green Chile Tamale Pie

Photo: John Autry

Spaghetti Bolognese

This hearty sauce will soon become a weeknight staple. Bonus: It is a budget-friendly choice. Each portion costs only $1.53.

View Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Photo: Randy Mayor

Beef and Vegetable Potpie

Brimming with chopped zucchini, carrot, and mushrooms, this meat-lover's potpie packs in a hearty serving of vegetables. Cook the filling in a skillet on the stove top, then spoon it into a baking dish. Finish the casserole in the oven to brown the breadstick-dough topping.

View Recipe: Beef and Vegetable Potpie

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Stuffed Peppers

Spiced beef and rice fill these tender, flavorful peppers. Bringing the sauce to a boil before adding it to the dish cuts down on the overall cook time of this 45-minute recipe.

View Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Photo: John Autry

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Feel good about serving this comforting dish to your family at less than 200 calories per serving. If you're cooking for kids, you can omit the wine and use all broth instead.

View Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy