Ground Meat

Ground meat, also known as minced meat, is a versatile ingredient found in countless dishes across various cuisines. While not inherently seasonal, its availability is constant due to refrigeration and farming practices. Ground meat is a staple in many culinary traditions, including but not limited to American, Italian, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. It's used in a multitude of recipes from burgers and meatballs to sauces, fillings for dumplings, and as a protein boost in hearty soups.

Ground Meat Synonyms

Minced meat
ground beef (if from cattle)
ground pork
ground lamb
ground turkey
hamburger meat

Ground Meat Substitutes

Lentils

Different Forms/Types of Ground Meat

Fresh Ground Meat

Meat that has been minced or ground, typically found in beef, pork, turkey, or lamb varieties, used for making burgers, meatballs, and other dishes.

Frozen Ground Meat

Ground meat that has been flash-frozen to preserve its freshness, convenient for storage and later use, available in various fat-to-lean ratios.

Organic Ground Meat

Ground meat sourced from animals raised without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics, often considered higher quality.

Seasoned Ground Meat

Ground meat that has been pre-seasoned with spices and herbs, designed for specific recipes or cuisines, such as Italian or Mexican.

How to Choose Ground Meat

When selecting ground meat, consider the fat content appropriate for your dish; leaner meat for healthier cooking, higher fat for juicier results. Check the color; it should be uniformly pink for pork and beef, without grayish tones. For poultry, it should be a consistent light pink. Freshness is key, so look for meat that is cold to the touch, has a fresh smell, and is sold well within its use-by date. Organic and grass-fed options are recommended for their richer flavor and health benefits.

Cooking/Prep Tips for Ground Meat

Ground meat, due to its versatility, is a mainstay in many cuisines and recipes. Key to mastering ground meat is understanding how to balance its fat content during cooking to ensure juiciness without greasiness. For intermediate and expert cooks, it's important to not overwork the meat, as this can lead to a tough texture. When seasoning, mix spices and seasonings gently but thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Remember that ground meat should always be cooked to the appropriate internal temperature for food safety: 160°F (71°C) for beef and pork, and 165°F (74°C) for turkey and chicken.

Shelf Life of Ground Meat

Fresh ground meat should be used within 1-2 days of purchase or frozen immediately. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag, expelling as much air as possible. Frozen ground meat should be used within 3-4 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator and never refreeze meat that has been thawed. Cooked ground meat can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.

Recommended Brands for Ground Meat

Cooking Techniques for Ground Meat

Baking: Ground meat can be shaped into meatballs, loaves, or patties and baked in the oven. This allows the meat to cook evenly and is often used for recipes like meatloaf or baked meatballs.

Braising: This slower cooking process involves browning the ground meat first, then cooking it slowly in a bit of liquid. This method is excellent for dishes that require a tender, flavorful result, such as in ragù or chili.

Pan-frying: A quick and efficient cooking method that involves cooking the ground meat over medium-high heat in a skillet until browned. This method is ideal for achieving a caramelized flavor and is commonly used for making taco fillings, spaghetti sauces, and more.

Popular Ground Meat Recipes

Spaghetti Bolognese
Beef Tacos
Classic Meatloaf

Ground Meat Nutritional Information (100g)

fat: 20 g
fiber: 0 g
sugar: 0 g
protein: 17.2 g
calories: 250 kcal
carbohydrates: 0 g

Flavor Combinations

Ground meat pairs well with robust herbs and spices like oregano, cumin, paprika, and garlic. It also goes well with acidic ingredients like tomatoes, which can cut through the richness of the meat. For a fresh contrast, consider adding bright ingredients like cilantro or parsley, and for creaminess, cheeses such as cheddar or mozzarella meld well with ground meat dishes.

Allergen Information

Ground meat is generally not considered a common allergen. However, it should be consumed with caution by individuals with certain health conditions that require monitoring of saturated fat and cholesterol intake.

Ingredient Comparisons

Ground Meat vs Lentils

Recipes with Ground Meat

Spaghetti Pomodoro with Meatballs