Elevate your meal prep game with this versatile All-Purpose Ground Beef Mixture, a delicious and time-saving option perfect for "once-a-month cooking" (OAMC) enthusiasts. Packed with the rich flavors of garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and cumin, this savory recipe offers a robust and aromatic foundation for countless dishes. Simmered in a blend of tomato paste and beef or chicken stock, the mixture stays juicy and flavorful while remaining adaptable for tacos, pasta sauces, casseroles, and more. With a quick 10-minute prep and freezer-friendly storage for up to three months, this make-ahead ground beef recipe is your ultimate kitchen shortcut for busy weeknights.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet and return it to the heat.
Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine.
Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the beef evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor of the tomato paste.
Pour in the beef or chicken stock, stirring well to deglaze the skillet and combine all ingredients. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes until the liquid has mostly evaporated, but the beef remains juicy.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature if storing.
Portion the mixture into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, labeling them with the date. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When ready to use, thaw and reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave. Use as a base for tacos, spaghetti sauce, shepherd's pie, or any favorite recipe.
Calories |
2269 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 176.4 g | 226% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.8 g | 334% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 605 mg | 202% | |
| Sodium | 3425 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.3 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.0 g | ||
| Protein | 158.7 g | 317% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 191 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 18.9 mg | 105% | |
| Potassium | 2949 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.