Patrick Oconnell
Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from casseroles to quesadillas. When it comes to cheese, there are many types that pair well with ground beef, enhancing its flavour and texture. The type of cheese that goes best with ground beef depends on the dish being prepared, personal preference, and the desired flavour profile.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese to add to ground beef | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Feta, Blue Cheese, Muenster, Provolone, Swiss, Harvati, Pecorino, Manchego, Gran Padano, Gruyere, American Cheese, Ricotta, Fontina, Limburger, Romano, Velveeta, Kraft Singles, Jack |
| When to add cheese to ground beef | After the ground beef is browned and taken off the heat |
| How to add cheese to ground beef | Shredded, melted, blended, grated, crumbled |
| Other ingredients | Onions, sauce, mushrooms, potatoes, tortillas, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, oregano, mint, chilli powder, chipotle pepper, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, milk, mushroom soup, chives, bacon, avocado, hot peppers, corn, cilantro |
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$3.68
What You'll Learn
Cheesy ground beef and potatoes
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Potatoes
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, white cheddar, or any other cheese of your choice)
- Butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Condensed soup
- Milk
Optional Ingredients
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Bell pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Mustard
- Red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- Broth
- Tomato sauce
- Cream
- Chives
- Bacon
- Parsley
- Green onions
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Slice your potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Pour melted butter over them, sprinkle with salt, and mix until they're thoroughly coated. Line the bottom and sides of the prepared casserole dish with the potatoes, overlapping them as needed. Bake in the oven until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take around 20 to 30 minutes.
While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until it's browned and crumbly, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard any grease. Transfer the beef to a large bowl and add condensed soup, milk, and your chosen cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until everything is well combined.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and pour the beef mixture over them. Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake until everything is heated through, which should take about 15 minutes. Sprinkle more cheese on top and bake for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Variations and Tips
You can experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred taste. Some people like to add onions, garlic, and various seasonings to enhance the flavour. You can also try different types of potatoes or add other ingredients like bacon, chives, or parsley. If you want to make it spicier, add some hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or extra red pepper flakes.
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Ground beef quesadillas
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef
- Salt
- Taco seasoning
- Onion
- Tomato paste
- Flour tortillas
- Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream for serving
- Optional: black beans, roasted garlic, corn, red pepper flakes, oregano, cilantro, avocado, hot peppers, etc.
Instructions
- Season the ground beef with salt and taco seasoning.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste and remove the beef filling from the heat.
- Place a flour tortilla in a preheated pan and sprinkle with cheese.
- Top with seasoned ground beef and another handful of cheese.
- Fold the tortilla over and cook on both sides until golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla so the filling doesn't spill out. Use two spatulas or cut into pieces before browning.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, and/or sour cream.
Tips
- Use lean ground beef to prevent the quesadilla from becoming too greasy.
- If using the same pan for cooking the beef and quesadillas, wipe the pan before greasing and cooking the quesadillas.
- Cook the quesadillas in batches, two at a time, adding more oil between batches.
- Keep the heat on the lower side to prevent burning and achieve a nice golden brown colour.
- Seal the quesadilla by flipping one side over and pressing down firmly when the cheese starts to melt.
Enjoy your ground beef quesadillas! They are a perfect, versatile meal that can be customised to your taste.
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Ground beef meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Ground pork or ground sausage
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Onion
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Italian herb seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Tomato sauce
- Polenta
- Milk (optional)
Method
- Mix the ground beef and ground pork or sausage with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, onion, parsley, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian herb seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover and refrigerate for about an hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Form the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Simmer the meatballs in your favourite tomato sauce for 1 to 2 hours.
- Serve with polenta or over spaghetti noodles. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips
- For a classic Italian meatball, use lean ground beef.
- If you want juicier meatballs, add ground pork or sausage to the mixture.
- Use a ratio of 1 pound of beef to 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1 large egg to prevent a tough or spongy texture.
- You can also add a tablespoon or two of milk to the mixture if it's too dry.
- To brown the meatballs evenly, cook them under the broiler for about 10 minutes on each side before simmering them in the sauce.
- If you have dietary restrictions, you can make these meatballs without egg, cheese, or breadcrumbs. Use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavour.
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Cheeseburger
A cheeseburger is a classic dish that combines ground beef and cheese to create a delicious and indulgent meal. When crafting the perfect cheeseburger, the type of cheese you select is crucial to achieving a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for cheeses that pair exceptionally well with ground beef:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular and versatile option that pairs beautifully with ground beef. Its sharp, tangy flavour and creamy texture make it a perfect complement to the savoury beef. Cheddar comes in various ages, from mild to extra sharp, allowing you to customize the intensity of flavour in your cheeseburger. Consider using aged white cheddar or extra old cheddar for a more pronounced flavour.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack cheese is another excellent choice for cheeseburgers. It has a mild, buttery flavour and a semi-soft texture that melts beautifully. This cheese enhances the beef's flavour without overwhelming it. Monterey Jack is also known for its stretchiness, creating that irresistible gooey factor in every bite.
Mozzarella
If you're looking for that signature cheeseburger stretch and ooze, mozzarella is a perfect choice. Its mild flavour and exceptional meltability make it a favourite for cheeseburgers. Mozzarella provides that classic, comforting texture without overpowering the flavour of the ground beef.
Blue Cheese
For a more robust and distinctive flavour profile, consider using blue cheese. Its pungent, tangy flavour adds a sophisticated twist to your cheeseburger. Blue cheese also offers a creamy texture that blends wonderfully with the beef. However, a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering other ingredients.
Provolone
Provolone is a type of cheese that boasts a subtle, distinct flavour and a creamy texture. It is a versatile choice that complements a variety of dishes, including cheeseburgers. Provolone melts well, adding a layer of richness to your burger without being too assertive in flavour.
Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger:
- Experiment with different types of cheese and blends to find your favourite combination. A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella, for example, can offer a delightful mix of flavours and textures.
- When cooking cheeseburgers, it's essential to control the heat. Cook at a lower temperature to achieve a nice golden brown colour on the patty and ensure the cheese melts without burning.
- Consider adding toppings such as sliced avocado, hot peppers, corn, or cilantro to enhance the flavour and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cheeseburger.
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Cheesy Manwich
Firstly, the ground beef. You want to brown the meat, so get your pan to a medium-high heat and cook the beef until it is browned and crumbly. Drain and discard any grease. You can add onions, garlic, peppers, and spices at this stage if you wish, to add extra flavour.
Now, the cheese. For a Manwich, you want to use a shredded cheese, or a cheese that will melt easily and combine with the beef. Cheddar is a great option, as is Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, or a blend of these. Add your cheese to the beef and stir through until melted. You can also add a little milk to help combine the cheese and beef.
You can serve the Cheesy Manwich as it is, or you can add some extra toppings. Sliced avocado, hot peppers, corn, and cilantro all work well. You could also add some crumbled bacon and chives, or keep it simple with just the beef and cheese.
Finally, the assembly. You can serve the Cheesy Manwich in a variety of ways. Try it in a quesadilla, with flour tortillas, or in a sandwich. To make a quesadilla, simply add your beef and cheese mixture to a tortilla, fold it over, and cook in a pan until golden brown and crispy. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. For a sandwich, you could try a cheesy garlic bread with the beef and cheese mixture inside, or simply serve the Cheesy Manwich on a roll with some veggies.
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Frequently asked questions
Jack cheese, also known as Monterey Jack, is one of the best cheeses for melting. Other good melting cheeses include Swiss cheese, American cheese, and Cheddar cheese.
Blue cheese is a popular choice for stuffing into a burger patty. Other options include goat's milk cheese (chèvre) and mixed-milk cheeses.
Pepper Jack cheese has a bold flavor and a super-gooey texture that goes well with ground beef in a dip.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for cheeseburger pasta. Other options include Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
