How long is cooked ground beef good? Cooked ground beef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. When storing cooked ground beef, be sure to place it in an airtight container or bag. cooked ground beef will also change color as it ages, so it’s important to keep an eye on it and use it as soon as possible for the best quality.
If you notice that your cooked ground beef has started to turn gray or brown, it’s still safe to eat but it may not be as flavorful. Additionally, if there is any sign of mold growing on the meat, it should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out!
Nutrient values of ground beef
A single, cooked serving of ground beef contains approximately:
Calories: 260
Protein: 26 grams
Fat: 16 grams
Saturated fat: 7 grams
Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sodium: 80 mg
Ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and other nutrients. When choosing ground beef, look for leaner options with the lowest amount of fat possible. Ground beef that is 90% lean or higher will have less fat and calories, making it a healthier option.
Ground beef can be a part of a healthy diet, but it’s important to limit your intake and choose leaner options when possible. When cooked properly, ground beef can be a delicious and satisfying addition to any meal.
15 Recipes with ground beef
Now that you know all about ground beef and how to choose the right kind, it’s time to get cooking! Here are 15 recipes that feature ground beef as a main ingredient.
1. Spaghetti with Ground Beef and Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound spaghetti
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and add it to the pot with the sauce. Stir until well combined.
Serve with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
2. Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
10 flour tortillas
2 cups enchilada sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
To assemble the enchiladas, place 1/2 cup of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Pour the enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Beef Taco Salad
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
Salt and pepper to taste
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped
2 tomatoes, diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup salsa
1 avocado, diced
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the taco seasoning mix, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
To assemble the salad, place the lettuce in a large bowl or on a platter. Top with the beef mixture, tomatoes, cheese, ranch dressing, salsa, and avocado.
Serve immediately.
4. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup oyster sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
Add the broccoli and cook for 2 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Cook for 1 minute, or until well combined.
Serve with rice or noodles.
5. Cheeseburger Casserole
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 hamburger buns, split and toasted Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
To assemble the casserole, place 1/2 cup of the beef mixture on each hamburger bun bottom. Top with 1 tablespoon of cheese. Place the bun tops on top of the casseroles.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.
6. Chili Con Carne
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce Instructions: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
Simmer for 10 minutes, or until heated through. Serve with sour cream, cheese, and onions.
7. Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon rosemary leaves, crushed
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the flour, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are browned.
8. Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup beef broth
Instructions: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the mushrooms, flour, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Serve over egg noodles.
9. Salisbury Steak
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup bread crumbs
Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and bread crumbs. Mix well and form into 4 patties.
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until browned, about 8 minutes per side.
Add the beef broth and onion soup mix and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes.
10. Hamburger Helper
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 package Hamburger Helper mix
Instructions: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the Hamburger Helper mix and 2 cups of water. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Serve with a side of green beans.
11. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon parsley
Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix well and form into 1 inch balls.
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned all over. Remove from heat.
To the same pan, add the tomato sauce and water. Bring to a simmer and return the meatballs to the pan. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Serve over spaghetti noodles.
12. Chili
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Instructions: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and 1 cup of water. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Serve with shredded cheese and a side of cornbread.
13. Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the ketchup, BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Serve on hamburger buns.
14. Beef Stroganoff
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup beef broth
Instructions: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the mushrooms and flour and cook for 1 minute. Add the beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Serve over egg noodles.
15. Shepherd’s Pie
Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and remove from heat.
Stir in the tomato paste and mixed vegetables. Spread into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, mash the potatoes with the butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Spread over the top of the beef mixture.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are browned.
What are some other ways to use ground beef?
Here are a few ideas:
-Taco Meat: Add taco seasoning and water to the pan when cooking the ground beef. Serve with tortillas, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
-Spaghetti Meat: Add tomato sauce and spices to the pan when cooking the ground beef. Serve over spaghetti noodles.
-Hamburger Patties: Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings. Form into patties and grill or cook in a skillet. Serve on hamburger buns with toppings of your choice.
-Beef Stew: Add diced potatoes, carrots, celery, and beef broth to the pan when cooking the ground beef. Simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve in bowls with crusty bread.
FAQs
Is ground beef good after 7 days?
No, ground beef is not good after 7 days. You should cook it within 3-5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How long does cooked ground beef last in the fridge?
Cooked ground beef will last 3-4 days in the fridge.
Can you freeze cooked ground beef?
Yes, you can freeze cooked ground beef. Place it in a freezer bag and squeeze out as much air as possible. It will last 2-3 months in the freezer.
How can you tell if cooked ground beef is bad?
Cooked ground beef that is bad will have a rancid smell, will be gray in color, and will be slimy to the touch. If you see any of these signs, throw it out.
How long does ground beef last in the freezer?
Ground beef that has been properly stored in the freezer will last 3-4 months.
What is the safest way to thaw ground beef?
The safest way to thaw ground beef is in the refrigerator. Place it on a plate or in a container to catch any drips and thaw overnight. Ground beef can also be thawed in cold water, but this should only be done if you are going to cook it immediately. Do not refreeze thawed ground beef.
Is it better to cook ground beef frozen or thawed?
It is better to cook ground beef thawed, but it can be cooked frozen. The cooking time will be increased by 50% if you cook it frozen.
How do you cook frozen ground beef?
Place the frozen ground beef in a skillet and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook for about twice as long as you would cook thawed ground beef. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches a temperature of 160 degrees F before eating.
What is the best way to cook ground beef?
There are many ways to cook ground beef, but some of the most popular methods include pan frying, grilling, and baking.
Can you cook ground beef in the oven?
Yes, you can cook ground beef in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the beef is browned.
Is it safe to eat rare ground beef?
No, it is not safe to eat rare ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
How do I make sure my ground beef is cooked through?
The best way to make sure your ground beef is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. insert it into the center of the meat and check that it has reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
To conclude,
Cooked ground beef will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. To tell if cooked ground beef has gone bad, check for signs of spoilage such as a rancid smell, gray color, or slimy texture. If you see any of these signs, throw the beef out. Ground beef can be cooked in a variety of ways, including pan frying, grilling, and baking. It is best to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Read more:
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