A flavorful and versatile ground meat mixture that can be used in various recipes, including ground beef recipes and healthy ground meat alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound ground beef (or a mix of ground turkey and beef for a healthier option)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid browning. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, sautéed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and all seasonings. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the mixture tender.
Depending on your intended use, shape the mixture into meatballs, patties, or leave it loose for ground meat for tacos. For meatballs, use a tablespoon or scoop to form even-sized balls.
For Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through and browned.
For Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook patties for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
For Loose Meat: Brown the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, for about 8-10 minutes until fully cooked.
After cooking, allow your ground meat mixture to rest for a few minutes.
