Best Ground Beef Recipe

Sometimes, you have little time to throw dinner together. You put ground beef in the fridge and now your grill isn’t working or you have no buns. Everyone is hungry. That’s where this best ground beef recipe comes to the rescue. Just 5 minutes of your time to prep and this delicious dinner will be ready to go!

Easy Ground Beef Recipe

Today was a hectic day so make dinner simple. Just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time will give you this delicious ground beef dinner that everyone will love!

Ground Beef Ingredients

• Lean ground beef – Choose 90% lean so you have less fat to drain. Plus leaner ground beef makes for healthy ground beef recipes.
• Garlic – Mince it yourself for the best flavor
• White onion – Perfect for more pungent taste.
• Extra virgin olive oil – To soften the garlic and onion.
• Salt and pepper – Add to your liking!
• Green onions – You don’t have to add them but they make a pretty garnish that adds even more flavor.

How do you Make Ground Beef from Scratch?

• You’ll sauté the garlic and onion in olive oil, then add the ground beef.
• Cook until it’s no longer pink, then season with salt and pepper and top with chopped green onions.

What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef.
Anonymous

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Ground Beef Every Time

• Choose lean beef. You don’t want a ton of grease in the pan.
• Don’t overcook it. Ground beef should be cooked until it is no longer pink. If you keep cooking it after that, it will lose that juiciness.
• You won’t regret the garnish. Seriously, it just adds an extra contrast of flavors. Even my kids willingly eat the green onions.

What can I make with lots of ground beef?

Lots of ground beef is a bounty you can use for many meals such as hamburgers, tacos, sliders, meatballs, chili, soups, and pasta meat sauce are just some easy meals with ground beef. Portion it up and freeze it when you buy it. This way, it’s easy to grab and use in a recipe like this one that gives you a delicious meal in just minutes!

How to Cook Ground Beef

Cook this ground beef recipe on your stove. It takes just minutes to make. When cooking ground beef and you see the meat is no longer pink, it is ready!

What is the best way to cook ground beef?

Ground beef is best cooked on the stove. Break it up and keep an eye on it to watch for it to no longer be pink.

How do I cook ground beef without drying it out?

Use olive oil first to sauté the onion and garlic. Then add the meat and cook it until it’s no longer pink. It takes a keen eye here but once that last pink is gone, take it from the pan immediately and it won’t dry out.

What is the best way to brown ground beef?

Follow this recipe and sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil first. Then add in the meat and it will pick up those flavors for a delicious meal.

Why do you add water to ground beef?

In this recipe, you don’t add water to the ground beef. Though in other recipes or to heat it back up again, adding water adds moisture in.

How do you keep ground beef moist?

Take it off the heat and serve when the meat is no longer pink. This will keep the meat moist.

How do you cook ground beef so it’s tender?

Tender ground beef comes from not overcooking it. It’s that simple!

What can I add to ground beef for flavor?

Onions, garlic, salt, and pepper add flavor to your ground beef. Adding the green onions as garnish also gives it more flavor.

What happens if I don’t drain ground beef?

It will have a higher fat content. If you’re minding your health and caloric intake, a simple way to keep to your plans is to drain the meat.

Why is my cooked ground beef chewy?

You cooked it too long! When the meat is no longer pink, you want to serve it. Continuing cooking it will only dry it out.

What should I make with ground beef?

If you have ground beef but have no time to make anything, use this recipe. It sounds so simple, and it is. But it tastes amazing. It always wins compliments and is a great way to get dinner on the table that everyone will love.

What goes well with Ground Beef

Depending on what I have around, I serve rice, bread, or pasta with this ground beef dish. A salad, sauteed vegetables, or even hasselback potatoes make a great side to have cooking while you get this main dish underway.

How to Store Ground Beef

Ground beef must be kept cold. You need it in your fridge or freezer. Do not leave it sitting out for long before cooking it.

How long does ground beef last in the fridge?

You have about 2 days to cook your ground beef. After that when it’s cooked, you have about 3 days to finish your leftovers.

Can You Freeze Ground Beef?

Yes! That’s the best way to keep it until you’re ready to make it the next day. When it’s already cooked, you can store it for about 4 months.

How to Reheat Ground Beef?

Just add some oil to the pan though not much. And make sure you cover it too to keep the meat moist.

Watch How To Make Ground Beef (Video)

Moist Ground Beef Recipe

The perfect moist ground beef recipe while still using lean beef. This recipe is perfect all by itself or for adding to your favorite dishes that call for cooked ground beef!

5 from 3 votes

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Prep 5 minutes mins

Cook 15 minutes mins

Total 20 minutes mins

Calories 356

Servings 2 servings

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 lb lean ground beef 90% lean
• ▢ 1 tbsp garlic minced
• ▢ 1 white onion diced
• ▢ 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ salt to taste
• ▢ pepper to taste
• ▢ green onions garnish

Equipment

• ▢
  10 inch non stick saute pan

Method

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1. In a large skillet, saute the garlic and onion in the olive oil until softened. Then, add in the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles and cooking just until no longer pink. It is important to not overcook or your ground beef will not be as moist.
2. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately with chopped green onion.

Nutrition

Calories356kcalCarbohydrates6gProtein49gFat13gSaturated Fat5gTrans Fat1gCholesterol141mgSodium153mgPotassium881mgFiber1gSugar2gVitamin A1IUVitamin C5mgCalcium40mgIron6mg

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More ground beef recipe recipes:

• Easy Ground Beef Recipes from Your Freezer
• Zucchini Beef Boats Recipe
• Italian Ground Beef and Macaroni
• Italian Ground Beef with Rice

The post Moist Ground Beef Recipe appeared first on How To Cook.Recipes.

Best Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

The best shepherd’s pie recipe is full of beef and vegetables in a rich, herb sauce that’s irresistible. With the mashed potatoes on top, it creates a savory experience for dinner. And the fact that it takes hardly any time to prep is a win, making it a perfect meal to warm up the family.

Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients

• Ground beef – While lamb is more traditional, this Shepherd’s pie uses ground beef. You could also use ground turkey or chicken if you’d rather.
• Peas and corn – Get those veggies in there! Feel free to add carrots as well.
• All-purpose flour – This thickens the sauce (can be gluten-free).
• Beef stock – Helps make the sauce.
• Tomato paste – You need that tomato base to round out the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce – That’s the secret ingredient in giving shepherd’s pie its signature flavor.
• Herbs and spices – Parsley, rosemary, and thyme all come together to give this a robust taste.
• Mashed potatoes – It’s how we top off this simple shepherd’s pie recipe, making it the pinnacle of perfection!

Easy Shepherd’s Pie Recipe

This easy shepherd’s pie recipe with beef is ready to go in the oven in 15 minutes. From there, you can knock out anything else you need while it bakes!

Ok but first…Shepherds pie.
Megan

How do you Make Shepherd’s Pie from Scratch

• To make this recipe for Shepherd’s pie with ground beef, you start out by making the meat filling.
• Combine all the ingredients for that and simmer together.
• Once it’s ready, you can get the oven pre-heated.
• Then you’ll make your mashed potatoes.
• After you have them ready, you can assemble this casserole in a baking dish with the meat mixture on the bottom and the mashed potatoes on top.
• Bake it uncovered for 30 minutes, let it cool for about 15 minutes, and then serve.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shepherd’s Pie Every Time

• Yes, you can use leftover mashed potatoes. If you have a bounty of mashed potatoes from last night’s dinner, you can totally turn that into your topper for traditional shepherd’s pie recipe. If you don’t have the time for proper mashed potatoes, you can always make shepherd’s pie with instant potatoes.
• You can also use sweet potatoes if you’d prefer. This gives it a sweet and savory contrast.
• Dry seasonings are best in homemade Shepherd’s pie. Because you need to cook them into the meat filling, you should turn to your spice rack for your herbs.
• You can make it meatless. Just substitute the stock for a veggie one and choose mushrooms rather than meat.

Does shepherd’s pie have cheese on top?

Some recipes top shepherd’s pie with cheese. I’ve seen a lot with cheddar though this recipe uses parmesan cheese in the mashed potato topping.

How to Cook Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s pie begins with making the meat filling and the mashed potatoes on the stove. Once those elements are prepared, taking roughly 15 minutes, you can then layer them in a casserole dish and bake them to finish off this meal.

Where is shepherd’s pie from?

Shepherd’s pie comes from England. It’s been around since at least the 1700s and is still a cherished family meal to this date.

What is a traditional shepherd’s pie?

A traditional shepherd’s pie is a layered casserole with beef and vegetables that is topped off with a lovely layer of mashed potatoes and then baked together. In the olden days, they made this recipe to make use of leftovers though it has become a treasured dinner recipe.

What is the difference between cottage pie and shepherd’s pie?

The difference is in that cottage pie usually is made with beef while shepherd’s pie is typically made with lamb. In the US though, shepherd’s pie is almost always made with beef.

What do you call a shepherd’s pie made with beef?

In the olden days, they called shepherd’s pie that was made with beef cottage pie. These days, it seems the two names are interchangeable.

How do I thicken shepherd’s pie without flour?

For those that are gluten-free and don’t want to use flour, you can use cornstarch. They also make gluten-free flour that you can use instead and not have to worry about thickening with regular flour.

How Long to Bake Shepherd’s Pie

You should bake your shepherd’s pie for 30 minutes at 400F. This should be plenty of time to bring the layers together.

How long does it take to heat shepherd’s pie?

It takes 30 minutes to heat the shepherd’s pie once you have everything assembled together. Total cook time on this recipe is 50 minutes.

Is shepherd’s pie supposed to be soupy?

No, it shouldn’t be soupy. It shouldn’t be too firm either. It should be somewhere in the middle of that, with a nicely rich consistency.

Why is my shepherd’s pie runny?

Generally, this is caused by using too much stock. If you follow this recipe’s measurements you’ll have the right amount but don’t forget to reduce the meat filling long enough so it’s not runny.

How do you keep shepherd’s pie from falling apart?

Make sure your casserole dish is the right size. You should also have firm mashed potatoes so it won’t fall apart when you’re serving. As you put the topping on, don’t press too hard, using a gentle touch to smooth it out.

What to Serve with Shepherd’s Pie

A nice fresh salad is a great side to contrast with the richness of this meal. We also like a crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread to go along with it. It’s great to dunk in the sauce!

How to Store Shepherd’s Pie?

Shepherd’s pie needs to be kept in an airtight container. You will want to put it in the fridge when you clean up your meal.

How Long Does Shepherd’s Pie Last?

If you keep your shepherd’s pie in the fridge, I’d say eat it before 3 days are up. You can also freeze it.

Can You Freeze Shepherd’s Pie?

Yes, freeze that shepherd’s pie! Just make sure it’s sealed properly and it will last up to 3 months in your freezer, making a perfect prepped meal on a night you have zero time to cook.

How to Reheat Shepherd’s Pie?

Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it up in the oven until fully heated through, about 30 minutes at 350F. Cover it with foil first to keep the potatoes from burning.

What temperature do you reheat shepherd’s pie?

To reheat your shepherd’s pie, cover it with foil and bake at 350F for 30 minutes.

Watch How To Make Shepherd’s Pie (Video)

Homemade Shepherds Pie Recipe

This English Classic Shepherd's Pie (sometimes referred to as 'Cottage Pie') recipe is absolutely delicious! Shepherds Pie is a baked savory classic with a blend of seasoned ground beef or lamb mixed with fresh vegetables and topped with cheese mashed potatoes. This easy recipe also makes fantastic leftovers!

5 from 4 votes

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Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 50 minutes mins

Total 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Calories 475

Servings 8 servings

Course Main Course

Cuisine English

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• ▢ 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup yellow onion chopped
• ▢ 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
• ▢ 2 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• ▢ 1 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• ▢ 1 tsp dried thyme
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• ▢ 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 5 garlic cloves minced
• ▢ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ▢ 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ▢ 1 1/8 cup beef stock
• ▢ 1 cup frozen peas
• ▢ 1/2 cup frozen corn

Potato topping

• ▢ 2 lbs russet potatoes peeled and chopped into 1 inch cubes
• ▢ 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
• ▢ 1/2 cup half and half
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• ▢ 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Equipment

• ▢
  10 inch non stick saute pan
• ▢
  Rubber spatula
• ▢
  Electric hand mixer

Method

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1. First, make the meat filling. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once heated through, add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes. Add in the ground beef and break it apart and then add in the parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir thoroughly. Then, add in the Worcestershire sauce and garlic and cook for 1 minute and then add the flour and tomato paste. Stir until well combined. Once thoroughly combined, add in the broth, frozen peas and corn. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and simmer for 5 minutes. Once simmered, set the meat mixture aside and preheat the oven to 400F.
2. Next, make the potato topping. Boil the potatoes in a large pot for about 15 minutes or until they are fork tender. Once tender, drain the potatoes and add the butter, half and half, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mash the ingredients until thoroughly mixed together, then add in the parmesan cheese.
3. Assemble the casserole. Pour the meat into a 9×9 baking dish and spread into an even layer. Pour the mashed potatoes on top of the heat and smooth into an even layer. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes at 400F. Allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories475kcalCarbohydrates33gProtein18gFat31gSaturated Fat16gTrans Fat1gCholesterol90mgSodium816mgPotassium934mgFiber3gSugar4gVitamin A819IUVitamin C18mgCalcium105mgIron3mg

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More Shepherds pie recipes:

• Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
• Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
• Shepherd’s Pie including Directions for Freezing
• Shepherd’s Pie

You can reheat Shepherd’s pie at different temps (350, 375, 400). However, we prefer a temp of 350 to not dry it out.

The post Classic Shepherds Pie Recipe appeared first on How To Cook.Recipes.

Best Chili Recipe

For the best chili recipe ever, you want something that takes easy-to-find ingredients and puts it all together in one pot. The recipe calls for stove top cooking though you could easily prep this and throw it in your slow cooker or instant pot to come home to after a long day. All you’ll need are some sides and you’ll be golden!

Easy Chili Recipe

Chili is not difficult to make. It only tastes complex. Once you make this easy chili recipe, your family will ask for it all the time. It really couldn’t be easier. Just 30 minutes of prep time and the heat will take care of the rest. The best thing about a simple chili recipe is that once you add in all the chili ingredients it is simply time that allows the flavors to combined and develop, not skill.

Chili Ingredients

• Ground beef – use lean and you won’t have as much fat to contend with (though it tastes better if it’s a little fatty like 80/20). A beef chili recipe is the traditional way to make chili.
• Beans – I use both black beans and red kidney beans from the can in my recipe (make sure you drain them!).
• Peppers – serrano peppers and sweet peppers add complexity to the flavors without making the recipe itself complex. If you prefer a spicy chili recipe then simply add in some extra peppers.
• Chili powder – the original must-use ingredient though you can adjust it to your level of spiciness.

How do You Make Homemade Chili from Scratch

Making homemade chili is quite simple. You’ll first need to cook the onions and garlic. Then you’ll add your beef and cook it through. You’ll finally add the peppers and seasonings, stirring it together to get that beautiful flavor together. There is nothing like a real homemade chili recipe to warm you up on a cold day.

After that, you can choose to drain away fat or leave it in for a fuller flavor before adding in the rest of the ingredients and letting it simmer until you can’t stand salivating over the aroma any longer!

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chili

• Spices are key – Spices are really the key element in the taste of chili. It’s what takes it from being a drive-thru offering that you eat only because you’re hungry and blue ribbon winner at the state fair. You can use chili powder ready to go or make up your own chili spice blend as you get even better at making it. This will help you cultivate your own flavor.
• Time is on your side – The longer it cooks, the better it will be due to the flavors coming together. That’s why your chili may taste even more delicious tomorrow. Make a big batch and you can enjoy it any time. I’ve got tips for freezing it below.

You’re Gonna Need A Bigger Bowl.
Megan

What ingredient makes the best chili?

When it comes to the best chili, chili powder is essential for delivering that signature heat. You can adjust it to your spice preference to keep it mild or make it extra hot as you see fit.

What gives chili the best flavor?

Along with chili powder, other notable ingredients including ground cumin, serrano peppers, sweet peppers, and fresh crushed garlic give chili the best flavor.

How do you make chili more flavorful?

The secret is using fresh ingredients and herbs whenever possible. Garlic, onions, and both spicy and sweet peppers lend great contrast and work with the pantry ingredients to take them to that blue ribbon-winning level.

What makes a good chili?

For good chili, you must have a combination of contrasting flavors. You need a little sweet, bitter, spicy, fresh, and meaty tastes all in one. The beans should be just tender enough without becoming mush so that the textures are preserved to make the whole experience even more delicious.

What’s the secret ingredient for chili?

In this recipe, the secret ingredient for chili is using two types of peppers. With both serrano and sweet peppers, you get spicy, bitter, and sweet knocked out and a whole complex array of flavors.

Can you put raw ground beef in chili?

Yes, you can put the ground beef in raw. This is ideal for setting in your slow cooker if you’re in a hurry before going to work. However, while it does keep an additional pot out of your sink, when you brown the meat first, it adds a different complexity to your chili’s flavor that you might not want to miss out on.

Do you have to brown meat before making chili?

You do not have to brown the meat first before making chili, although it does make the chili taste richer and more savory!

When should you add beans to chili?

You should add the beans to the chili after you’ve browned the meat. You’ll toss them in along with the peppers and then quickly add the rest of the ingredients before letting them simmer together in delicious bliss.

How Long to Cook Chili

Chili only takes about 30 minutes to get ready. The rest of it is cooking, for about 30 minutes, and then a little simmer time for about another 30 minutes. But if you don’t want to hover over the stove top or have places to go and things to see,  you can always do all the preliminary prep work on the stove and then put it all together in the slow cooker.

How to Thicken Chili

On the stove top, it’s very easy to get your chili to thicken up. Take off the cover and voila! Your chili should thicken on its own as it simmers. If that doesn’t do the trick, simply make a little slurry out of cornstarch and water. Stir it well before stirring it into your pot of chili and it will thicken up quickly (and no, that won’t change the taste!).

Chili Toppings

One thing I looooooove about chili are the countless ways you can top it:

• Sour cream (need I say more?)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (cheese is really a classic)
• Chopped cilantro (trust me, try it)
• Chopped green onions (adds a fresh and zesty crunch)

What to Serve with Chili

Chili is an interesting meal because it’s basically a big bowl of soup or stew. But it fills you up! Still, you could do with a few other things on the table. Homemade cornbread is always a classic though adding jalapeno to that cornbread really kicks things off. Baked potatoes, broccoli salad, grilled corn, or even nachos with tortilla chips can be a great way to have your own chili cookoff for dinner every night.

Can you make chili in a crockpot?

Yes, and a crockpot chili recipe is easy too. Just start with the stove-top steps and then instead of simmering it there, combine all the cooked and uncooked ingredients into your crockpot or slow cooker. A slow cooker chili recipe will not be that different at all.

Is Chili healthy?

You can make chili healthier by draining the fat from the beef or using lean meat. You can also keep it vegetarian if you prefer by adding more tomato sauce, tomato paste, and veggies to make the perfect vegetarian chili. Some recipes even call for beef broth as an enhancement. The spices and peppers used in chili also have health benefits that are great for immunity during the colder weather months.

Can You Freeze Chili?

Confession…I usually have chili frozen in my freezer at any given time. It’s perfect for a busy night or to take to the office for a money-saving lunch that fills you up. Freeze it in freezer bags to portion it out easier. Ideally, let it have some time to defrost in the fridge overnight first.

How to Reheat Chili

Chili can easily be reheated on the stove top or in the microwave. All you need to do is figure out how much you’ll be serving and take it from there!

Watch How To Make Chili (Video)

The Best Traditional Chili Recipe

By far the BEST traditional chili recipe that reminds you of home. This is a family favorite that warms your soul and makes exceptional leftovers that are quick and easy!

5 from 10 votes

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Prep 30 minutes mins

Cook 30 minutes mins

Simmer Time 25 minutes mins

Total 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Calories 403

Servings 6 people

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• ▢ 3 tbsp olive oil (with optional red chili pepper flakes)
• ▢ 5 garlic cloves crushed
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups red onion chopped
• ▢ 1 lb ground beef
• ▢ 2 tbsp cumin
• ▢ 1 1/2 tbsp red chili powder adjust for spice preference
• ▢ 1 tsp pepper
• ▢ 2 tsp salt
• ▢ 2 tbsp sugar
• ▢ 29oz can of diced tomatoes
• ▢ 1 cup chicken broth
• ▢ 15oz can of black beans drained
• ▢ 32oz can of kidney beans drained
• ▢ 3 serrano peppers chopped
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups sweet peppers
• ▢ 29oz can of tomato sauce
• ▢ 1 small tub sour cream for topping
• ▢ 1 small bag shredded cheese for topping
• ▢ 1 bunch cilantro (chopped) for topping

Equipment

• ▢
  Large pot
• ▢
  Rubber spatula

Method

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1. In a large pot, over medium heat the olive oil and minced garlic for about 2 minutes. Once heated, add onions and stir until they caramelize and become semi-translucent which takes about 5 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef into the mixture and mix well until cooked through.
3. Add in the serrano peppers, black beans, kidney beans, cumin, red chili powder, and garlic powder. Once mixed, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low heat to medium low cover and simmer for 25-35 minutes.
4. Serve by topping with scoop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories403kcalCarbohydrates17gProtein16gFat31gSaturated Fat11gCholesterol73mgSodium1067mgPotassium582mgFiber3gSugar9gVitamin A2158IUVitamin C57mgCalcium99mgIron4mg

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More chili recipes:

• Seafood chili
• Venison chili recipe
• Traditional chili recipe
• German Chili

The post The Best Traditional Chili Recipe appeared first on How To Cook.Recipes.

Best Meatball Recipe

Honestly, this is the best meatball recipe you’ll find. By using a blend of ground meats and ricotta cheese, you get a sensational flavor and texture. My family loves this and the kids love helping make it too. It’s good for a cozy family dinner or for when company comes. Who doesn’t love meatballs?!?

Easy Meatball Recipe

I know making something for the first time always seems tricky. But I promise this easy meatball recipe won’t trip you up. Simply follow the instructions below and you’ll soon be a meatball-making pro!

Meatball Ingredients

• Ground beef & Ground pork – I use both ground beef and ground pork. This ensures a nice level of fattiness without being too fatty
• Eggs – beaten eggs help bind the meatballs together by adding enough moisture
• Breadcrumbs – And yes, you need these too because of balance! I use plain but you can use Italian style. I recommend plain though because this recipe uses fresh garlic, parsley and basil which makes it taste so fresh and delicious!

My secret ingredient in this baked meatball recipe is ricotta cheese. Trust me, it gives these meatballs an extra-heavenly texture!

How do You Make Meatballs from Scratch

Making this baked meatball recipe is one of the easiest things you can do for dinner any night. I used to buy the bags of meatballs thinking that was an easy shortcut, but this way I know what I’m putting into it and that I’m using fresh and unprocessed ingredients.

It only takes combining the ingredients, rolling them into balls, and baking. Well, it’s a little more detailed than that, but you get the idea. Just follow my steps below and you’ll be making homemade meatballs in no time.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Meatballs

The first time I ever made meatballs, they didn’t turn out very good at all. They fell apart and were a total mess. I think my husband only ate them to be polite. But now I know what to do. Here are a few tips:

• Don’t mix it too much – you only need to mix everything together until it’s just combined or it will leave you with tough meatballs!
• Keep the size the same – If not, they all cook at different rates. A scooper will help you make them one size.
• Use pork AND beef – There are all beef meatballs and all pork meatballs, however by using a 50/50 blend of pork and beef it gives your meatballs a perfect amount of fat to make them juicy.

You’re the meatball to my spaghetti.
Megan

What is the secret to good meatballs?

Using a mixture of pork and beef adds just the right richness. A balance of moisture with ingredients plus baking over frying will also render your meatballs with a flavorful and juicy texture everyone will love.

Why do you put milk in meatballs?

In this simple meatball recipe, milk is used to add moisture to the breadcrumbs. This then renders the ingredients together and allows for light, airy, and absolutely scrumptious meatballs.

How many eggs does it take to make a pound of meat for meatballs?

You will want one egg per pound of meat. As this recipe uses a pound of ground beef and a pound of ground pork, you’ll want to be sure to include 2 eggs in your mixture.

Why do you put egg and breadcrumbs in meatballs?

Eggs and breadcrumbs bind the meatball mixture together. Some say this is for moisture, but that’s where the milk comes in so that all together, you get the best meatballs ever!

Are breadcrumbs necessary for meatballs?

Yes, breadcrumbs are a must for your best meatballs. They will bind with the moist ingredients to keep them perfectly together.

How to Make Meatballs by Hand

Making meatballs by hand is a really fun thing to do. I like to use those disposable gloves to keep my hands from getting covered with meatball mixture. It helps me roll them too. A cookie scoop can make it easier to get the right size but you’ll want to roll them briefly in your hands to get a smoothed, round appearance.

How do you make a meatball?

All you need to do is round up the ingredients listed below, combine them without over-blending, and roll into balls. That’s it!

What makes a great meatball?

I think the mixture of the 2 ground meats is key as is adding ricotta cheese. I know most people add eggs and breadcrumbs, but ricotta makes a difference. So does fresh herbs! You can use dried, but fresh is so much better!

How do you keep meatballs from falling apart?

If your meatballs fall apart, what binds them isn’t enough. That’s why I also use the ricotta. It evens out the texture and makes all the ingredients to stay together while adding even more flavor resulting in moist meatballs.

How to Cook Meatballs

There are so many ways to cook meatballs so if you don’t have time, you don’t have to bake them. You can fry them in a pan or drop them in soup or sauce. I love baked meatballs though because I can get busy with other things while they leave that drool-worthy aroma lingering around the house.

How to Bake Meatballs

This oven baked meatball recipe has a bit of fat in it which means you should make sure you line your baking sheet under your drainage rack. You’ll have much easier cleanup this way. A little cooking spray can help them from sticking to that rack too.

When cooking meatballs in the oven, keep your meatballs far enough apart. About half an inch should do it so they will all have the room they need to cook nicely. The browning from the oven adds so much flavor which results in very flavorful meatballs with restaurant quality taste.

What temp should meatballs be cooked to?

Meatballs should have an internal temperature of 160F to be cooked fully. While this recipe will ensure you get that right, you can use a meat thermometer to check them at the end of the baking time.

How do you cook meatballs without drying them out?

This recipe for meatballs includes 2 types of meats with higher fat content. Along with the other ingredients, when you bake them together, they will not dry out and will come out with a wonderful texture and flavor.

Is it better to bake or fry meatballs?

Baking meatballs in the oven is better, health-wise, since you’re not using additional oil. It’s the best way to get that wonderful texture and great flavor without adding more calories and fat. Oven baked meatballs have a unique flavor without being greasy.

What to Serve with Meatballs (Side Dishes)

Meatballs are always a match with spaghetti and your favorite marinara sauce with a touch of olive oil. Though you can get rolls and make them into meatball sandwiches. A fresh salad with homemade Italian dressing, steamed broccoli, garlic green beans, or even brussels sprouts will make a nice addition to serve with meatballs.

Can You Freeze Meatballs?

Yes – and that’s the best part! If you make extras, just let them cool and then put them on a baking sheet to freeze for several hours. After that, you can put them in a plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Make sure to label them with the date because they’ll be good for about 3 months and you’ll want to use them before then.

How to Reheat Frozen Meatballs

If you want to heat meatballs that aren’t in sauce, heat them at 300F in a single layer on your baking sheet. Cover them so they won’t dry out and heat until they’ve warmed through, about 10 to 15 minutes. In sauce, you can simply warm them over the stove in a matter of minutes. In a pinch, you can use the microwave but without sauce, you risk drying them out.

Meatballs are very versatile and one of my families favorite lunch dishes to make after reheating leftover meatballs is a meatball sub. Simply place a few meatballs on a sandwich roll with some marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese.

Watch How To Make Meatballs (Video)

Best Meatball Recipe

This super easy meatball recipe is perfect for an appetizer or a main dish. The meatballs consistently come out tender and juicy!

5 from 3 votes

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Prep 30 minutes mins

Cook 25 minutes mins

Total 55 minutes mins

Calories 947

Servings 4 people

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 lb ground beef
• ▢ 1 lb ground pork
• ▢ 1 cup bread crumbs
• ▢ 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
• ▢ 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
• ▢ kosher salt to taste
• ▢ pepper to taste
• ▢ 2 large eggs beaten
• ▢ 1/4 cup milk
• ▢ 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ▢ 3 garlic cloves minced
• ▢ fresh basil chopped

Equipment

• ▢
  Large mixing bowl
• ▢
  Meatball baking rack

Method

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1. In a large mixing bowl, mix together 1 lb ground beef and 1 lb ground pork. Add in the bread crumbs, ricotta cheese, parsley, two beaten eggs, parmesan, milk, and 3 cloves of minced garlic. Add in salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. (a food processor can also be used for this step)
2. Once thoroughly mixed, prepare a baking sheet with a drainage rack. Roll meatballs into golfball sized balls. Bake for 25 minutes at 350F.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories947kcalCarbohydrates25gProtein62gFat65gSaturated Fat28gCholesterol294mgSodium836mgPotassium915mgFiber2gSugar3gVitamin A1876IUVitamin C21mgCalcium563mgIron6mg

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• Italian-Style lean meatballs
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Best Meatloaf Recipe

What makes the best meatloaf recipe? It’s meatloaf that is full of flavor yet has a nice, juicy texture inside. That’s the key. And with this easy meatloaf recipe, you’ll have the best of both worlds with unbeatable flavor that isn’t dry when you slice into it. Plus, the meatloaf sauce on top is tangy and sweet, something the kids will definitely get into!

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

While the list of ingredients might seem long, this is one easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients. You likely have everything you need in your cabinets. Only 30 minutes of your time, and you’ll soon be rewarded with a delicious dinner that virtually takes care of itself.

Meatloaf is an easy recipe that can be made quickly and is great for a beginner. It is one of my favorite budget friendly recipes that can feed a whole family and makes great leftovers that are filling. If you have the simple list of ingredients below you can try making this tasty dish tonight!

Meatloaf Ingredients

• Lean ground beef – choose 90% lean for best results.
• Bread crumbs – these help bind your meat mixture together while adding more flavor.
• Herbs and seasonings – meatloaf seasoning is what give you a spectacular taste that make your meatloaf the best. I’ve found this blend of seasonings to be perfectly balanced.
• Meatloaf glaze recipe – the finishing touch is in the sweet and tangy meatloaf sauce that pulls all those delicious flavors together.

Pro tip: If you have Italian style breadcrumbs, you can use those and omit the added Italian seasoning.

How do You Make Meatloaf from Scratch?

If you’ve never made great meatloaf before because you’re worried it will be too dry or it won’t taste good, I’m here to change all that for you. There are a few key elements to remember when following this simple meatloaf recipe:

• In a large bowl, only mix until everything is combined or else it will be too dense
• Lean ground beef is the best choice when making meatloaf
• Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven before you serve it so it stays nice and juicy

Why do you put milk in meatloaf?

Milk is essential for the best meatloaf ever because it adds moisture to your breadcrumbs. You don’t want your meatloaf to be dry and crumbly. For dairy-free, you can use a non-dairy milk substitute.

What is the best filler for meatloaf?

Breadcrumbs by far reign supreme for filling meatloaf. However, don’t forget to add milk in to keep it moist and delicious!

Should you cook onions before putting in meatloaf?

While some meatloaf recipes will have you cook the onions first, this recipe simplifies things and has you add it in the first step. With all the moistening ingredients, it will cook the onions perfectly and render them a lovely texture at the finish.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Meatloaf Every Time

• Don’t skip wet ingredients – these add moisture in so your beef meatloaf recipe has flavor and juicy texture to go with it. If you want an extra boost of flavor, add in a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to kick it up a notch.
• Take a taste – if you’re not sure how the flavor is, take a small amount and fry it up to taste it to see if it’s got all the flavors you desire
• Give it room – use a meatloaf pan that’s slightly larger so the meatloaf has breathing room to allow for caramelized edges
• Prep early – you an even prepare the meatloaf mix ahead of time and simply cover the loaf pan with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and put it in the refrigerator. Simply let it warm up to room temperature while you’re preheating the over and pop it in.
• Temperature perfection – If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of meatloaf should reach around 160° F. Instant-read thermometers are a great option if you have one.
• Let it rest – when you take the juicy meatloaf out of the oven let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it. Letting it rest will help it hold its shape together.

What is the secret to good meatloaf?

The secret to good meatloaf is in quality ingredients, a well-balanced blend of spices to meat ratio, and proper cooking time. Follow these instructions and you’ll nail it the first time!

How Long to Cook Meatloaf?

Knowing how long to cook meatloaf will depend on its size. The larger the meatloaf the longer it will take to cook through to the correct temperature. With this traditional meatloaf recipe, you’ll only need to take a hands-on approach for 30 minutes. After that, the oven does the rest! Plan on an hour and a half until your baked meatloaf is ready, plenty of time for you to put your feet up for a bit before getting your side dishes done.

How do you keep meatloaf moist?

The secret to moist meatloaf is using moist ingredients. While you want the breadcrumbs to bind, the addition of eggs, milk, and ketchup don’t just add flavor but also add that essential moisture.

How can I make my meatloaf better?

Using high-fat meat is best so you don’t get a dry and grainy meatloaf. Additionally, adding eggs, ketchup, and milk will help it retain that tender and juicy texture inside.

How long to bake meatloaf?

Depending on the size of your loaf, cooking times will vary. A standard meatloaf cooking temp is 350°F. At 350°F, 35 to 45 minutes per pound of meatloaf is a fairly accurate rule to follow. The best way to not overcook or undercook your meatloaf is to use a meat thermometer to check the meatloaf internal temperature. The ideal meatloaf internal temp is 160°F.

How long to cook a 1 lb meatloaf?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook the meatloaf at a minimum of 350. For a 1 lb meatloaf you can estimate between 35 to 45 minutes cooking time.

How long to cook a 2 lb meatloaf?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook the meatloaf at a minimum of 350 . For a 2lb meatloaf you can estimate between 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes cooking time.

How long to cook a 3 lb meatloaf?

Using a conventional oven you will need to cook the meatloaf at a minimum of 350°F. For a 3 lb meatloaf you can estimate between 1 hour and a half to 2 hours cooking time.

How long to cook meatloaf at 375°F?

At 375°F a 1 lb meatloaf will take about 25 to 30 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F.
A 2 lb meatloaf will take about 40 to 50 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F.
A 3 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes for the meatloaf temp to reach 160°F.

How long to cook meatloaf at 350°F?

At 350°F a 1 lb meatloaf will take about 35 to 45 minutes for the meatloaf temperature to reach 160°F.
A 2 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes for the meatloaf temperature to reach 160°F.
A 3 lb meatloaf will take about 1 hour and a half to 2 hours for the meatloaf temperature to reach 160°F.

Do you bake meatloaf covered or uncovered?

In this recipe, the meatloaf is baked uncovered. With the use of milk in the mixture, it should keep your meatloaf plenty moist and juicy inside.

Meatloaf Glaze

Sweet and tangy and utterly amazing, Southern meatloaf sauce takes kitchen-staple-ketchup and takes it to the next level. With the help of white vinegar and brown sugar, it transforms to a slightly sweet BBQ-sauce-like taste that your whole family will love. Its the perfect meatloaf topping that everyone loves!

What is meatloaf sauce made of?

Meatloaf glaze sauce is a blend of ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Leave me with my leftover meatloaf and my Yesterday Sandwich. I’ll be in love tomorrow, if you come back with the ketchup.
Jarod Kintz

What to Serve with Meatloaf

Naturally, you can’t just serve old fashioned meatloaf on its own! It needs some sides to round out the meal. No Southern meatloaf recipe dish is ever complete without mashed potatoes. That’s the ultimate level of comfort right there! Sautéed broccoli with garlic, creamed spinach, or even roasted garlic potatoes in the slow cooker are all delicious choices that pair very well. Any of your favorite starchy side (potatoes/rice), and a your favorite vegetable is a perfect choice.

Can I make meatloaf on a baking sheet?

While I use a loaf pan when cooking meatloaf, if you don’t have one, you can use a baking sheet. Line it with foil for easy cleanup and make sure it’s shaped into a loaf before baking!

Why does my meatloaf fall apart?

In order for meatloaf to stay together, it needs to have eggs and breadcrumbs to bind it. Be careful not to overcook it either. Follow this recipe and you’ll have meatloaf success!

How do you keep meatloaf from falling apart?

Meatloaf falls apart when there’s not enough to bind it together. Eggs and breadcrumbs help keep it together and this recipe gives you the right proportions. Meatloaf cook time is important too as if you overcook it, it will fall apart.

Can You Freeze Meatloaf?

Yes, and that’s the best part. You can make a bigger batch and freeze it before cooking. Just shape it into a loaf and wrap it up well. You’ll need to allow it 24 hours of defrost time in the fridge before you cook it.

You can also freeze cooked meatloaf. Once it’s cooled, you can slice it up and wrap it in freezer paper, then chuck into a freezer bag. This is even better for those busy nights when you realize you’ve forgotten to thaw something out. You’ll have a nutritious and delicious meal in no time!

How to Reheat Meatloaf

Ok, look, you can reheat your meatloaf in the microwave, but it’s going to taste funky and be dried out. You can also add it to a skillet, but honestly, the best way is in the oven. Preheat it to 250F and put your meatloaf in a loaf pan or baking dish with just a hint of beef broth, water, or gravy. About 1 tablespoon should do. Cover with foil and then heat it for 20 to 25 minutes when it’s heated through completely.

Classic meatloaf is a comfort food staple for a reason. When done right, it’s juicy, flavorful, and slices cleanly without falling apart. One key to achieving that balance is using a mix of ingredients that add both moisture and structure. Eggs, breadcrumbs, and milk work together to keep the meat tender while still holding its shape during baking.

Another important factor is letting the meatloaf rest before slicing. Cutting too soon can cause it to crumble and lose juices. Allowing it to rest for about 10 minutes helps the flavors settle and makes for cleaner slices. This small step can make a big difference in presentation and overall texture.

Watch How To Make Meatloaf (Video)

The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe

This traditional meatloaf recipe always comes out juicy and packed with flavor! The sweet and tangy sauce on top adds the perfect element of flavor in every bite!

5 from 424 votes

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Prep 20 minutes mins

Cook 55 minutes mins

Total 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Calories 406

Servings 8 servings

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 lbs ground beef 90% lean
• ▢ 1 large white onion diced
• ▢ 2 eggs
• ▢ 2 tbsp garlic cloves minced
• ▢ 4 tbsp ketchup
• ▢ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 4 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
• ▢ 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ▢ 1/2 cup milk
• ▢ 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ▢ 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• ▢ 2 tsp salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp black pepper

Meatloaf Sauce

• ▢ 1 cup ketchup
• ▢ 2 tsp white vinegar
• ▢ 2 tbsp brown sugar
• ▢ 2 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
• ▢ 1/2 tsp salt to taste
• ▢ 1/2 tsp pepper to taste

Equipment

• ▢
  Large mixing bowl
• ▢
  Meatloaf pan (12 x 6)
• ▢
  Small mixing bowl
• ▢
  Meat thermometer

Method

Prevent Sleep ModePrevent Sleep Mode

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Spray a loaf plan with nonstick spray and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, eggs, garlic, ketchup, Worchestershire sauce, parsley, breadcrumbs, milk, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Place meatloaf mixture into prepared loaf pan. Bake at 375 F for 40 minutes.
5. Start preparing the meatloaf sauce. In a small mixing bowl, mix ketchup, white vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until ingredients are well combined. Spread the meatloaf glaze on top when it has 15 minutes left to bake.
6. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes. Top with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories406kcalCarbohydrates22gProtein23gFat25gSaturated Fat9gPolyunsaturated Fat1gMonounsaturated Fat11gTrans Fat1gCholesterol123mgSodium1231mgPotassium556mgFiber1gSugar13gVitamin A519IUVitamin C6mgCalcium86mgIron3mg

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More comfort food meatloaf recipes:

• Iowa meatloaf
• Everyday meatloaf
• Dakota meatloaf
• Cajun style meatloaf
• How to cook meatloaf 6 different ways

The post The Best Classic Meatloaf Recipe appeared first on How To Cook.Recipes.