Are you staring into your refrigerator wondering how to transform that humble package of ground meat into a mouthwatering meal? Look no further! This versatile recipe is your secret weapon for creating a delicious, quick, and satisfying dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy parent, a novice cook, or simply craving a no-fuss meal, our ground meat recipe is about to become your new kitchen hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta or rice for serving
Instructions
- Remove ground meat from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Do not add oil if using fatty meats like beef.
- Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Crumble ground meat into the pan, breaking it into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook meat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is completely browned and no pink remains.
- Drain excess fat if desired, leaving a small amount for flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
- Serve hot over cooked pasta or rice, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your ground meat sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan for the best browning and flavor development.
- Fat Management: For leaner meats like turkey or chicken, you might want to add a touch of olive oil. For beef, let the natural fat do the work.
- Break It Up: Use a wooden spoon or spatula to crumble the meat into small, uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
- Don't Rush the Browning: Allow the meat to develop a nice golden-brown color for maximum flavor. Resist the urge to constantly stir.
- Drain Wisely: If using fattier meats, consider draining excess fat, but leave a small amount for added flavor.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with herbs and spices - they'll elevate your dish from good to extraordinary.
- Low and Slow Finishing: After browning, simmer on low heat to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
