Need some new ideas for that pound of ground protein in your freezer? Mix and match the ingredients below to create a unique flavor combination, then finish the meal by choosing a way to serve up your meat masterpiece.
step one: gently combine ingredients
1 lb. Ground Meat
Beef, chicken, lamb, pork, sausage, turkey or veal. Try mixing in chopped bacon or pancetta
1/2 cup Binder
Breadcrumbs (plain, seasoned or panko), crumbled crackers (or potato chips/cereal), ground oats or rice
1 Large Egg + 1 tsp. Minced Garlic + 1 tsp. Salt
Herbs & Seasoning
Basil, black pepper, chili powder, chives, cilantro, crushed red pepper, cumin, curry powder, dill, garam masala, mint, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sesame seeds, thyme
1/2 cup Chopped Vegetables (Fresh or Sautéed)
Bell pepper, carrot, celery, chili peppers, mushrooms, onion, scallion, shallot, spinach, squash
1/2 cup Shredded or Crumbled Cheese
Asiago, blue cheese, Cheddar, feta, Gouda, Gruyere, Manchego, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, Romano, pepperjack, queso fresco, Swiss
step two: form and cook
For Meatballs
Roll mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a prepared rack inside a foil-lined sheet pan. Bake at 375 degrees until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, 15-18 minutes.
For Meatloaf
Double the formula above and add mixture to a prepared 8×4-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Spread glaze over meatloaf (see step three), return to oven and bake until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, 15-20 more minutes.
For Loaded Burgers
Evenly form mixture into four patties (about 3/4-inch thick). Grill or sauté over medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, 5-8 minutes per side.
step three: top with sauce or glaze
Sauces & Glazes
Adobo sauce, barbecue sauce, basil pesto, gravy (brown or creamy), hoisin sauce, hot sauce (Buffalo, sriracha, etc.), ketchup, marinara sauce, mustard (Dijon, honey or stone-ground), ranch dressing, sweet chili sauce, teriyaki sauce
