You can make a variety of dishes with leftover hamburger meat, such as tacos, sliders, or a hearty beef stew. You could also use it to make a batch of savory meatballs for future meals or freeze it for later use in soups, casseroles, or pasta sauces. Alternatively, you can repurpose the burger meat into a delicious shepherd’s pie or a comforting casserole.
I still remember the thrill of rummaging through my mom’s kitchen as a kid, searching for scraps of leftover hamburger meat to whip up a quick snack or meal.
Those humble beginnings sparked a lifelong passion for cooking and experimentation with the versatility of this staple ingredient.
As an adult, I’ve discovered that hamburger meat is more than just a convenient protein source – it’s a canvas waiting for creative expression.
In the following pages, we’ll embark on a culinary adventure that will elevate your understanding of this everyday hero.
From hearty subs to vibrant tacos and comforting casseroles, these 5 recipes will inspire you to think outside the bun (or patty) and unleash the full potential of hamburger meat.
So, let’s get cooking and transform this humble ingredient into something truly extraordinary!
Table of Contents
Recipe 1: Hamburger Meatball Subs – The Ultimate Comfort Food Hack
Are you tired of the same old boring burgers?
Well, I’ve got a game-changing idea for you!
What if you could transform humble hamburger meat into a mouth-watering masterpiece that’s equal parts familiar and exciting?
Enter: Hamburger Meatball Subs!
The Magic Ingredients
To create this culinary magic, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients.
Don’t worry, I won’t make you sacrifice any precious storage space or break the bank.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb hamburger meat (yes, just regular ol’ ground beef!)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sub rolls
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
The Meatball Mastery
Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to get your hands dirty!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hamburger meat, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
Mix everything together until just combined – don’t overdo it!
You want the mixture to be slightly chunky, like a good meatball should be.
Forming the Meatballs
Use your hands (or a spoon if you’re feeling fancy) to shape the mixture into bite-sized balls.
Make them as uniform or irregularly shaped as you like – I won’t judge!
You should end up with around 8-10 meatballs, depending on their size.
Cooking the Meatballs
Here’s where things get fun!
You can cook these babies in a few different ways:
- Baked: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Fried: Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
Assembling the Subs
Once your meatballs are cooked, it’s time to build those subs!
Slice the sub rolls in half lengthwise and toast them lightly.
Then, place a few meatballs on each roll, followed by a spoonful of marinara sauce and some melted mozzarella cheese.
Top with additional sauce and cheese if you’re feeling extra generous!
The Verdict
So, what do you get when you combine hamburger meat, breadcrumbs, egg, and cheese?
The answer is: a ridiculously delicious Hamburger Meatball Sub that will become your new go-to comfort food!
With this simple recipe, you can elevate your burger game and impress even the pickiest of eaters.
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Recipe 2: Stuffed Peppers – A Flavor Bomb in Every Bite!
When it comes to using up leftover hamburger meat, you don’t have to settle for the same old recipes.
I’m about to blow your mind with a creative and delicious recipe that’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without stuffed peppers.
The Magic Ingredients:
- 1 lb hamburger meat (the star of the show)
- 4 bell peppers (any color – I like ’em all, but red is my fave!)
- 1 onion, chopped (adds a punch of flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because everything’s better with garlic, right?)
- 1 cup cooked rice (the glue that holds it all together)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (adds a burst of juicy freshness)
- Shredded cheese (optional – but let’s be real, who doesn’t love melted cheese?)
The Simple Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375F.
That’s right, nice and toasty!
Now, mix that hamburger meat with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Don’t overdo it – you want the flavors to meld together like a party in your mouth!
Next, grab those bell peppers and hollow them out (carefully, so you don’t make a mess!).
Stuff each one with the burger mixture, making sure to get it all the way up to the top.
Then, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top (if you’re feeling extra fancy).
Pop those peppers into the oven for 30-40 minutes or until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
The Result:
A flavor bomb in every bite!
The combination of juicy burger meat, sweet bell peppers, and savory rice is a match made in heaven.
And don’t even get me started on the cheese – it’s like the icing on the cake (or should I say, the sprinkles on the stuffed pepper?).
So, there you have it – Recipe 2: Stuffed Peppers!
It’s the perfect way to use up leftover hamburger meat and treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure.
Try it out and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Recipe 3: Shepherd’s Pie – A Game-Changing Use For Hamburger Meat
As a self-proclaimed hamburger enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to use my favorite ingredient – hamburger meat!
And today, I’m excited to share with you one of my absolute favorite recipes that just so happens to be a genius way to repurpose leftover burger meat: Shepherd’s Pie!
Why You Need This Recipe in Your Life
Let’s face it, folks.
Hamburger meat is the ultimate kitchen chameleon.
It can be used in tacos, burgers, pasta dishes – you name it!
But sometimes, even the most seasoned cooks get stuck in a rut and need a little inspiration to shake things up.
That’s where Shepherd’s Pie comes in.
This comforting classic is a masterclass in simplicity, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
And yet, it’s packed with flavor and texture that will leave you wondering how something so simple can be so ridiculously delicious!
The Magic Happens
So, what makes this recipe so special?
For starters, the humble hamburger meat is transformed into a rich, savory filling that’s the perfect base for our pie.
Simply brown the burger in a pan with some onion and seasonings (I like to add a pinch of paprika for an extra depth of flavor), then mix in those peas and carrots for a pop of color and added nutrition.
Next, we’re going to make things even more interesting by adding in some beef broth and tomato paste.
Yes, you read that right – tomato paste!
It may sound weird, but trust me when I say it’s the key to taking this dish from good to great.
The slightly sweet, slightly tangy flavor of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the savory burger meat, creating a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds doing the happy dance.
And Then… There’s the Mashed Potato Topping
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Mashed potatoes?
Really?” But hear me out!
The key to making this pie truly unforgettable is the mashed potato topping.
It’s like the icing on the cake (or should I say, the crust on the pie?).
Simply boil up some spuds until they’re nice and fluffy, then mix in a pat of butter and a pinch of salt.
Spread it evenly over the filling, and you’ll be rewarded with a golden-brown crust that’s simply irresistible.
The Verdict
So there you have it – Shepherd’s Pie, reimagined for the modern era using hamburger meat!
It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your household, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
And don’t even get me started on the leftovers…
Let’s just say I’m a big fan of having a fridge full of this stuff!
Recipe 4: Hamburger Tacos – The Ultimate Twist on a Classic Favorite
As you’re probably aware by now, hamburger meat is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes beyond just traditional burgers.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to take those humble patties and turn them into something truly special: Hamburger Tacos.
The Magic Ingredients
To make these tacos truly unforgettable, you’re going to need the following:
- 1 lb hamburger meat
- 8-10 taco shells
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 jalapeño, chopped
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- Shredded cheese, lettuce, and other desired toppings
Brown the Burger Meat with Flavor
The key to making these tacos truly exceptional is to brown the burger meat with some serious flavor.
To do this, simply heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add in your chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño, and cook until they’re softened and fragrant.
Next, add in your hamburger meat and use a spatula or spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
You want to make sure the burger is fully browned and cooked through before moving on to the next step.
Season with Taco Magic
Once your burger meat is browned and cooked, it’s time to add in that all-important taco seasoning.
This will give your tacos a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched.
Simply sprinkle the seasoning over the top of the burger and use the spatula or spoon to distribute it evenly.
Assemble the Tacos
Now that your burger meat is seasoned and cooked, it’s time to assemble those tacos.
Simply place a spoonful of the burger mixture into each taco shell, followed by your desired toppings (shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, etc.).
And there you have it: Hamburger Tacos that are sure to become a new family favorite.
By adding some serious flavor and spice to traditional hamburger meat, you can create a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
Recipe 5: Sliders and Sweet Potato Fries – The Ultimate Combo for a Party!
When you think of hamburger meat, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Juicy burgers on a toasted bun, perhaps?
While those are always a classic choice, I’m excited to share with you a game-changing way to use up that leftover ground beef: sliders and sweet potato fries!
It’s a match made in heaven, folks.
The Perfect Pairing
Let’s start with the sliders.
You can’t go wrong with this simple yet impressive recipe.
Form those hamburger meat patties into bite-sized morsels and grill or pan-fry them until they’re cooked through.
Serve them on soft slider buns with your favorite toppings – I’m talking cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and all the fixin’s!
Your guests will love ’em.
But here’s where things get really interesting: what if you paired those sliders with a side of crispy sweet potato fries?
Game-changer, right?
It’s like a party in your mouth!
To make these fries, simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut up two large sweet potatoes into fry shapes and toss them with a drizzle of vegetable oil and some salt.
Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
The Best Part? It’s Easy!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds great, but is it really worth the effort?” And my answer is: absolutely!
These sliders and sweet potato fries are not only delicious, but they’re also ridiculously easy to make.
You can prep everything in advance, from forming the burger patties to cutting up those sweet potatoes.
When your guests arrive, just pop those fries in the oven and grill or pan-fry the burgers until they’re ready.
Voila!
A party-ready spread that’s sure to impress.
So there you have it – Recipe 5: Sliders and Sweet Potato Fries.
It’s a creative way to use up hamburger meat, and it’s perfect for your next gathering.
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Final Thoughts
As I wrap up this post on what to make with hamburger meat, I’m left feeling inspired by the endless possibilities that a simple pound of ground beef can bring.
From hearty subs and stuffed peppers to comforting shepherd’s pie and flavorful tacos, there’s truly something for everyone in these 5 creative recipes.
For me, it’s all about the memories that come with cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
Whether I’m whipping up a batch of burger meatballs or stuffing bell peppers with savory goodness, the aromas and flavors transport me back to family gatherings, picnics, and cozy nights in with loved ones.
It’s amazing how something as humble as hamburger meat can evoke such warmth and joy.
So go ahead, get creative, and make some magic happen in your kitchen!