Cook First Ground Beef Mix
Streamline your meal prep with this versatile and flavorful Cook First Ground Beef Mix! Packed with rich, aromatic ingredients like sautéed onions, garlic, tomato paste, and warm spices such as cumin, paprika, and oregano, this easy one-pan recipe is the perfect foundation for countless dishes. A splash of broth ties the flavors together, while optional red pepper flakes add a kick of heat for spice lovers. Whether you’re crafting tacos, pasta sauces, casseroles, or soups, this make-ahead ground beef mix saves time without sacrificing taste. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a meal-prep hero for busy weeknights and a freezer-friendly essential that keeps its deliciousness intact for months.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup beef or chicken broth
- 0.25 teaspoon optional: red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Stir in the tomato paste, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and incorporate the tomato paste.
Pour in the beef or chicken broth and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Use immediately in your favorite dish, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2002 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 151.9 g | 195% | |
| Saturated Fat | 58.6 g | 293% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 610 mg | 203% | |
| Sodium | 3220 mg | 140% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27.3 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.7 g | ||
| Protein | 157.6 g | 315% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 190 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 22.0 mg | 122% | |
| Potassium | 2941 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.
