Most of us are always looking for cheaper ways to feed out families but still giving them meals they will eat and enjoy. These simple ground beef recipes, not only gives a family of 4, three hardy meals but will leave them wanting more.
This one basic recipe, using 2 pounds of ground meat, can do 3 meals for a family of 4. You will need to divide your meat into these portions.
[1] use one pound of meat for the meat loaf
[2] use 3/4 pound of meat for meat balls [12-14 small]
[3] add 1/4 pound of meat to the basic red sauce recipe for meat sauce.
You can mix the meatloaf and meat ball recipe at the same time. Use one for tonight's dinner, then freeze and save the other for dinner later in the week.
Using a medium bowl, mix 1 3/4 pounds of ground meat, one 14 oz can of sloppy joe sauce. I have found using my hands will get this job done in a jiffy. If the mixture feels a little dry, add 1/4 cup ketchup. When you have finished mixing, place one pound meat in a small loaf pan. Pat down the top, forcing any air pockets out of the mixture. Leaving the air in the loaf will cause uneven cooking and take away from the visual effect of your food. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of ketchup over the top of the meat loaf, then place in a preheated 350 degree oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before placing it on a serving platter and cutting. [serves 4]
Taking the remaining 3/4 of the meat mixture, and begin making walnut size meat balls. It should make between 12-14 balls. When you are done making the meat balls, you will need to roll them in 1/2 cup of Italian Bread crumbs. The crumbs will help hold them together during the cooking process.
Heat one inch of oil in a heavy skillet, set to medium high. The oil should be hot enough to cause a sizzle if a small amount of water is dropped into it. Place the meat balls into the oil slowly as you do not want to be splattered with hot oil. Leave room around the meat balls so you can turn them for cooking on all sides. When they have been browned on all sides [about a minute for each side] place them on a paper towel or brown paper bag to drain. Repeat until all meatballs are cooked.
These can be cooled and frozen for future use, such as Meatball Subs.
Meat Sauce instructions...
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil [olive oil, canola, or vegetable] in a large skillet.
Add 1/2 cup chopped onions, 1/4 cup chopped red or green peppers, 1/4 cup finely chopped celery, 2 cloves minced garlic and cook until the onions are translucent. Stir often, so the garlic will not burn.
Add 1/4 pound ground meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it has turned browned. Add 1 teaspoon Italian spices, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 six ounce can of tomato paste, one 11 ounce can of diced tomatoes plus one can of water and one teaspoon sugar. Stirring to mingle flavors, let simmer until it gets to the thickness you like.
You now have a meat sauce that can be used with spaghetti, lasagna, or many other favorite pasta dishes.
Faylee James is a Life Coach/Writer/Speaker from Northeast Tennessee, who has an above average interest in helping people, cooking and living life to the fullest. She invites you to visit her website http://www.HassiesKitchenTable.com for more tips, ideas and recipes for living better on less.
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