Versatile Ground Meat Base
Save time and money while making your family meals more delicious with this versatile ground meat base. Preparing your All-Purpose Ground Meat Mix allows you to batch-cook a flavorful foundation, making it easy to whip up a variety of meals without the repetitive process of browning meat and vegetables each time you cook. Whether you prefer ground beef or turkey, this mix can be customized to suit your palate. Perfect for busy weeks, it can be stored in the freezer for quick access, enabling you to create anything from tacos to sloppy joes with minimal effort. This recipe not only streamlines your cooking process but also offers a delicious solution for feeding your family wholesome meals any night of the week. The recipe is inspired by the book ‘Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month’ and is a fantastic way to make meal prep simple and efficient.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef or ground turkey
5 lbs (none)
Celery
2 cups (chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Onions
2 cups (chopped)
Green pepper
1 cup (diced (optional))
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2
Drain any excess fat from the pot.
3
Add the chopped celery, minced garlic, chopped onions, and optional green pepper into the pot.
4
Sprinkle salt and pepper into the mixture, then cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
5
Once cooked, use the mixture immediately in your favorite recipes, or divide it into two-cup portions for freezing. Ensure to push out as much air as possible from Ziplock bags before sealing and freezing.
6
To use from frozen, simply thaw and reheat as needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Versatile Ground Meat Base?
It is a batch-cooked, flavorful foundation of ground meat and vegetables that can be used to quickly create various meals like tacos or sloppy joes.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use either ground beef or ground turkey depending on your preference.
How much ground meat does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of ground beef or ground turkey.
How much celery is needed?
You will need 2 cups of chopped celery.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be minced before adding it to the mix.
What is the required amount of onions?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chopped onions.
Is the green pepper a mandatory ingredient?
No, the 1 cup of diced green pepper is optional.
What are the recommended seasonings for the base?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and an optional 1 teaspoon of salt.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by browning the meat in a large pot over medium-high heat while breaking it apart with a spatula.
Should I drain the fat after browning the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the pot before adding the vegetables.
At what temperature should the mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat after adding the vegetables and seasonings.
How long should the meat and vegetables simmer together?
They should simmer for approximately 10 minutes while covered.
What should the texture of the vegetables be after simmering?
The vegetables should be tender but not mushy.
Can I use this meat base immediately?
Yes, once cooked, the mixture can be used immediately in your favorite recipes.
What is the best way to store this for later use?
You can divide the mixture into two-cup portions and freeze them in Ziplock bags.
How should I prep the Ziplock bags for freezing?
Ensure you push out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them.
How do I use the meat base from the freezer?
Simply thaw the portion and reheat it as needed for your meal.
How many servings does this batch yield?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What is the benefit of batch-cooking this meat mix?
It saves time and money by providing a pre-cooked foundation, eliminating the need to brown meat and chop veggies for every meal.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a budget-friendly solution for family meal planning.
Can I use this base for tacos?
Yes, tacos are one of the suggested uses for this versatile meat base.
Is this base suitable for making sloppy joes?
Yes, it works perfectly as a foundation for sloppy joes.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
The recipe is inspired by the book 'Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month'.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients including meat, vegetables, and seasonings.
Should I stir the mixture while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally while it is simmering.
Can I omit the salt?
Yes, the salt is listed as an optional ingredient.
What size portions are recommended for freezing?
The recipe recommends freezing the mixture in two-cup portions.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed for efficient meal prep and freezer storage.
Can I customize the vegetables in the mix?
Yes, while the recipe suggests specific vegetables, it is described as a versatile base that can be customized to your palate.
How do I ensure the meat is fully cooked?
Brown the meat over medium-high heat until no pink remains and it is fully cooked through before adding other ingredients.