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One pound of ground beef can go a long way when you’re cooking for one. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create four delicious, single serving meals. This approach is perfect for meal planning, helping you save time and minimize waste.
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Choosing The Right Ground Beef
Ground beef is available in different varieties, and knowing which type to buy can make a big difference in flavor and texture. Here’s a quick guide:
- Ground Chuck: Cut from the shoulder, with 15-20% fat. It’s rich in flavor and great for burgers.
- Ground Sirloin: Leaner meat from the midsection, with 7-10% fat. Ideal for meatloaf and meat sauces.
- Ground Round: A lean cut from the rear leg, with 10-20% fat. Works well in soups and stews.
- Regular Ground Beef: A mix of various cuts, with up to 30% fat. Provides the juiciest texture but can be greasy.
Video – 4 Meals From 1 Pound Of Ground Beef
How To Store And Portion Ground Beef
To make meal prep easier, divide a one-pound package of ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Store them in airtight containers or zip-top bags.
- Refrigerate: Use within two days.
- Freeze: Ground beef stays fresh for up to four months in the freezer.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- Quick and Easy: Each meal comes together quickly and with simple ingredients.
- Minimal Waste: Using one pound of ground beef efficiently makes meal planning easier and more budget-friendly.
- Packed with Flavor: Each dish is made from scratch with fresh ingredients, ensuring delicious results every time.
- Cooking for Two? These single serving recipes can easily be doubled to serve two people. Add a side dish for a complete meal.
RELATED: Single Serving Side Dish Recipes
Ground Beef Recipes For One Person
Click the boxes to go straight to the recipes.
Baked Ziti For One
Italian Meatball For One
Shepherd’s Pie For One
Beef Enchiladas For One
With these easy recipes, you can turn one pound of ground beef into four delicious, satisfying meals. Whether you’re meal planning or just looking for quick dinner ideas, these recipes are a great way to make the most of your ingredients!
Tips For Buying And Storing Ground Beef
- Look for ground beef that is dark pink in color and avoid packages with excess liquid.
- Brown spots inside the meat are normal due to limited oxygen exposure. However, if the outside turns brown or gray, it’s time to use or discard it.
- Many grocery stores grind their beef fresh daily. If available, opt for freshly ground beef for the best quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and can be used in place of ground beef in most recipes. Keep in mind that it has a milder flavor, so you may need to adjust the seasoning.
The safest way is to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the defrost function on your microwave or submerge the sealed package in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
Yes, you can pre-season ground beef before freezing, but it’s best to avoid adding salt until you cook it, as salt can draw out moisture and affect the texture.
Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). The meat should be browned throughout with no pink remaining.
Cooked ground beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried any of these easy ground beef recipes or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
I enjoy reading your emails and making the recipes. I only use ground turkey and make the recipe with that exception. I serve the meals for my husband and I with a salad and a vegetable. So, the recipe for us serves two people. Keep emailing these great recipes.
I am 88 yrs old and have been using your recipes for quite a few yrs. I have never thanked you so I take the opportunity to do so now . What would I do without the meals that are totally worth eating. Not a waste of food and recipes have that so home cooked taste. What life I have! left I look forward to more good eats! Thanks
Phyllis