Ground Beef

In these hard economic times, we are all looking for ways to stretch the family food budget and using ground beef is one of the best ways to achieve this. Ground beef is such a versatile food and can be used in a wide range of cuisines from Italian to Thai. Using these delicious, economical recipes you could serve ground beef several times a week and your family would never notice.

All-Bran Meatloaf
Aussie Meat Pie
Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce
Easy Lasagna
High-Fiber Meatloaf
Italian Spaghetti Sauce
Lasagna
Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Minted Picnic Loaf
Shepherd's Pie
Texas Meatballs and Rice
Wholemeal Macaroni Pie
Wonton Soup


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Texas Meatballs and Rice

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1/4 cup long grain rice
1 pound (500 g) ground topside beef (mince)
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
13 1/2 (425 g) can tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 large onion, thinly sliced into rings
1 large green pepper (capsicum), chopped

Microwave Method:

1. Place rice in a 2-3 quart (litre) casserole dish and cover with 2 cups of hot water.
2. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes on HIGH; rinse and drain.
3. Mix beef, egg and chili powder together in a bowl.
4. Shape into 2 inch (5 cm) balls.
5. Place in a 2 quart (litre) casserole.
6. Cook for 6 minutes on HIGH, turning halfway through cooking; drain off juices.
7. Combine rice, tomatoes, onion and pepper; mix well. Cover meatballs with mixture.
8. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes on MEDIUM or until onions are tender.

Aussie Meat Pie

Makes: 6

Ingredients:

1 pound (500 g) lean ground beef (mince)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons gravy powder
1/4 cup tomato ketchup (sauce)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
6 foil individual pie tins
3 sheets ready-rolled shortcrust pastry
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 sheets ready-rolled puff pastry

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Combine beef and onion. Cook for 8 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH, stirring every 2 minutes. Drain well.
2. Preheat oven to 440 degrees F (220 degrees C).
3. Stir in gravy powder, tomato sauce and parsley.
4. Line greased foil pie tins with shortcrust pastry. Spoon one-sixth of mixture into each pie.
5. Brush edge of pastry with egg.
6. Cover top of each meat pie with puff pastry, trim excess pastry and seal edges. Make a slit on top of meat pie. Brush with remaining egg.
7. Place on Low Rack. Cook for 30-35 minutes on CONVECTION.

Minted Picnic Loaf

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

2 cups stale breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 large potato, grated
1 pound (500 g) sausage beef (mince)
1 pound (500 g) ground beef (mince)
1/2 cup tomato ketchup (sauce)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Topping:
1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1 cup stale breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Microwave Method:

1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk in medium bowl, stand for 5 minutes.
2. Add potato, beef, tomato sauce and mint to breadcrumb mixture, mix well.
3. Press mixture into a 4 x 10 inch (11 x 25 cm) loaf dish, lined with paper towels.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH.
5. Drain excess liquid from loaf dish.

Topping:

1. Combine topping ingredients and press evenly over loaf. Cook a further 3-4 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH.
2. Allow to stand 10 minutes before turning out. Serve hot or cold.

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk in medium bowl, stand for 5 minutes.
2. Add potato, beef, tomato sauce and mint to breadcrumb mixture, mix well.
3. Press mixture into a 5 x 10 inch (13 x 24 cm) loaf tin.
4. Cook for 30 minutes on LOW MIX/BAKE 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
5. Drain excess liquid from loaf tin.

Topping:

1. Combine topping ingredients and press evenly over loaf. Bake for a further 10 minutes on LOW MIX/BAKE or until topping is golden brown.
2. Stand loaf for 15 minutes before turning out. Serve hot or cold.

Shepherd's Pie

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes (approx. 2 pound/1 kg)
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon milk
Salt and pepper
2 pound (1 kg) ground beef (mince)
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons gravy powder
2/3 cup tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley
1 egg, beaten

Microwave Method:

1. Peel and cut potatoes into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Add 2 tablespoons water, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes on HIGH or until tender. Drain.
2. Mash potatoes, add butter, milk, salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine beef and onion and cook for 8 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH, stirring every 2 minutes. Drain juices from meat.
4. Add gravy powder, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato and parsley. Mix well.
5. Spoon mixture into a 10 x 8 inch (25 x 20 cm) rectangular dish.
6. Spread mashed potato evenly over top of mixture. Brush with beaten egg.
7. Cook for 20-22 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH, stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Peel and cut potatoes into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Add 2 tablespoons water, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes on HIGH or until tender. Drain.
2. Mash potatoes, add butter, milk, salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine beef and onion and cook for 8 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH, stirring every 2 minutes. Drain juices from meat.
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
5. Add gravy powder, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, tomato and parsley. Mix well.
6. Spoon mixture into rectangular dish (10 x 8 inch/25 x 20 cm).
7. Spread mashed potato evenly over top of mixture. Brush with beaten egg.
8. Cook for 15-20 minutes on HIGH MIX/ROAST.

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Tomato Sauce:
13 ounce (410 g) can whole tomatoes, salt-free
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Chili powder
1 tablespoon mixed herbs
Meatballs:
1 pound (500 g) lean ground beef (mince)
2 slices wholemeal bread, crumbed
1 tablespoon Italian herbs
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 onion, finely chopped
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Microwave Method:

1. Combine tomatoes, brown sugar and chili powder in a bowl. Heat for 3-4 minutes on HIGH.
2. Puree until smooth. Add herbs and put to one side.

Meatballs:

1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Roll into 12 equal size balls.
2. Place meatballs in a lightly greased casserole dish. Cook for 6-7 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH.
3. Drain excess meat juices. Pour over tomato sauce. Cook a further 5-6 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH.

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Combine tomatoes, brown sugar and chili powder in a bowl. Heat for 3-4 minutes on HIGH.
2. Puree until smooth. Add herbs and put to one side.

Meatballs:

1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Roll into 12 equal size balls.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
3. Place meatballs in a lightly greased casserole dish. Place on Low Rack, cook for 8-10 minutes on HIGH MIX/ROAST.
4. Drain excess meat juices. Pour over tomato sauce. Cook a further 10 minutes on HIGH MIX/ROAST.

1 serve = 9 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat.

Easy Lasagna

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 pound (500 g) ground beef (mince)
1 pound (500 g) jar pasta sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons red wine
1 tablespoon mixed herbs
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound (500 g) ricotta cheese
1/2 cup milk
8 ounce (240 g) packet instant lasagna noodles
8 ounces (250 g) Mozzarella cheese, grated
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Microwave Method:

1. Place oil, onion and garlic in a 2 quart (litre) casserole, cook for 2 minutes on HIGH.
2. Stir in beef. Cook, uncovered, for 6 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH. Stir in halfway through cooking. When cooked, drain excess meat juice.
3. Add pasta sauce, tomato paste, wine, mixed herbs, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cook a further 5-6 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH. Stir once during cooking. When cooked, remove bay leaf.
4. Combine ricotta cheese and milk together.
5. Cover the base of a 11 x 8 inch (28 x 20 cm) lasagna dish with one-third of meat sauce.
6. Dip lasagna noodles in hot water and place on top of meat sauce. Top with one-third of remaining meat sauce, one-third of ricotta and one-third Mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat process ending with Mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Cook for 10-12 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH. Allow to stand before serving.

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Place oil, onion and garlic in a 2 quart (litre) casserole, cook for 2 minutes on HIGH.
2. Stir in beef. Cook, uncovered, for 6 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH. Stir in halfway through cooking. When cooked, drain excess meat juice.
3. Add pasta sauce, tomato paste, wine, mixed herbs, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cook a further 5-6 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH. Stir once during cooking. When cooked, remove bay leaf.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
5. Combine ricotta cheese and milk together.
6. Cover the base of a 11 x 8 inch (28 x 20 cm) lasagna dish with one-third of meat sauce.
7. Dip lasagna noodles in hot water and place on top of meat sauce. Top with one-third of remaining meat sauce, one-third of ricotta and one-third Mozzarella cheese.
8. Repeat process ending with Mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
9. Place on Low Rack and cook for 16-20 minutes on HIGH MIX/ROAST. Allow to stand a few minutes before serving.

Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

2 large cabbage leaves, washed
4 ounces (125 g) ground beef (mince)
4 ounces (125 g) ground pork (mince)
1 stick celery, chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon chopped garlic
2 teaspoons hoi sin sauce
2 teaspoons oyster sauce
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
Tomato Sauce:
1 large tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon mixed herbs
1 teaspoon sugar

Microwave Method:

1. Place cabbage leaves in a shallow dish. Cook, covered, for 2-3 minutes on HIGH. Allow to cool slightly.
2. Combine beef and pork mince, celery, onion, egg, garlic, hoi sin and oyster sauces and breadcrumbs in a bowl. Mix well.
3. Divide mixture between cabbage leaves. Roll cabbage leaves up tightly around mixture.
4. Place in a small glass dish. Spread with tomato sauce.
5. Cook, covered, for 10-12 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH.
Tomato Sauce:
1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Cook, covered, for 5-6 minutes on HIGH.

Wonton Soup

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Soup:
4 cups hot chicken stock
1 carrot, cut into strips
1 zucchini, chopped
1 celery stick, sliced
1 bay leaf
Wontons:
4 ounces (125 g) ground beef (mince)
1 onion, chopped finely
2 mushrooms, chopped finely
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons tomato ketchup (sauce)
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 packet wonton wrappers (3 x 3 1/2 inch/7.5 x 8 cm - makes 18)

Microwave Method:

1. Combine all soup ingredients in a bowl. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes on HIGH or until boiling. Remove bay leaf.
2. Meanwhile, place all ingredients for wontons, except wrappers, in a small bowl. Mix to combine. Place a small amount of mixture onto a wonton wrapper and secure.
3. Add wontons to soup. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH. Serve hot.

Wholemeal Macaroni Pie

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

Pastry:
4 ounces (125 g) butter
2 cups wholemeal flour
1 egg
2-3 tablespoons milk
Filling:
2 ounces (60 g) butter
1 onion, chopped
1 cup tomato soup
1 pound (500 g) ground beef (mince)
1 packet Cream of Mushroom Soup Mix
Topping:
2 ounces (60 g) butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup macaroni, cooked
4 ounces (125 g) grated tasty cheese

Microwave Method:

Pastry:

1. Rub butter into flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add egg and enough milk to form a soft dough. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Filling:

1. Place butter and onion in a large bowl, cook for 2-3 minutes on HIGH. Add beef, tomato soup and Mushroom Soup Mix. Cook for 12-15 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH, stirring 2-3 times during cooking.

Topping:

1. Melt butter for 1 minute on HIGH, add flour and cook a further 1 minute on HIGH. Add milk and cook 4-5 minutes on HIGH, stirring every minute. Add macaroni to white sauce, mix well.
2. Roll out pastry to line a 8 inch (20 cm) pie plate. Bake blind 8-10 minutes on HIGH.
3. Place beef mixture into pie shell. Spoon macaroni mixture over beef. Top with cheese.
4. Cook 10-12 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH.

Convection Microwave Method:

Pastry:

1. Rub butter into flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add egg and enough milk to form a soft dough. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Filling:

1. Place butter and onion in a large bowl, cook for 2-3 minutes on HIGH. Add beef, tomato soup and Mushroom Soup Mix. Cook for 12-15 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH, stirring 2-3 times during cooking.

Topping:

1. Melt butter for 1 minute on HIGH, add flour and cook a further 1 minute on HIGH. Add milk and cook 4-5 minutes on HIGH, stirring every minute. Add macaroni to white sauce, mix well.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
3. Roll out pastry to line a 8 inch (20 cm) pie plate. Bake blind 10-15 minutes on LOW MIX/BAKE.
4. Place beef mixture into pie shell. Spoon macaroni mixture over beef. Top with cheese.
5. Bake 15-20 minutes on LOW MIX/BAKE.

Lasagna

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

Meat Sauce:
1 ounce (30 g) butter
1 onion, chopped
2 pound (1 kg) ground topside beef (mince)
1/4 cup tomato paste
8 ounce (250 g) jar Bolognese Sauce
7 ounce (200 g) can champignons, drained
1 clove garlic, crushed (optional)
Cheese Sauce:
3 ounces (90 g) butter
1/3 cup flour
1 3/4 cups milk
4 ounces (125 g) tasty cheese, grated
7 ounce (200 g) packet instant lasagna noodles
3 1/2 ounces (100 g) Mozzarella cheese, grated

Microwave Method:

Meat Sauce:

1. Place butter and onion in a Pyrex bowl. Cook for 2 minutes on HIGH.
2. Stir in ground beef. Cook, uncovered, for 8 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH, stirring every 2 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Bolognese Sauce, champignons and garlic.

Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt butter for 40 seconds on HIGH. Stir in flour, cook a further 1 minute on HIGH.
2. Gradually stir in milk. Cook for 5-6 minutes on HIGH, stirring every minute.
3. Stir in tasty cheese.

To Assemble:

1. Cover base of 11 x 8 inch (28 x 20 cm) lasagna dish with meat sauce. Dip lasagna noodles in hot water then place a layer of lasagna noodles on top. Spoon in one-third of remaining meat sauce. Spread with one-third of cheese sauce.
2. Repeat process, ending with cheese sauce.
3. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese.
4. Cook for 15-18 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH. Stand 10 minutes before serving.
5. Serve with a fresh garden salad and bread.

Convection Microwave Method:

Meat Sauce:

1. Place butter and onion in a Pyrex bowl. Cook for 2 minutes on HIGH.
2. Stir in ground beef. Cook, uncovered, for 8 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH, stirring every 2 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in tomato paste, Bolognese Sauce, champignons and garlic.

Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt butter for 40 seconds on HIGH. Stir in flour, cook a further 1 minute on HIGH.
2. Gradually stir in milk. Cook for 5-6 minutes on HIGH, stirring every minute.
3. Stir in tasty cheese.

To Assemble:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Cover base of 11 x 8 inch (28 x 20 cm) lasagna dish with meat sauce. Dip lasagna noodles in hot water then place a layer of lasagna noodles on top. Spoon in one-third of remaining meat sauce. Spread with one-third of cheese sauce.
3. Repeat process, ending with cheese sauce.
4. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese.
5. Place on Low Rack. Cook for 15-20 minutes on HIGH MIX/ROAST.
6. Serve with a fresh garden salad and bread.

Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1/2 pound (500 g) ground beef (mince)
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
13 ounce (410 g) can whole tomatoes
1/2 cup tomato paste
3 1/2 ounces (100 g) mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves

Microwave Method:

1. Mix ground beef, onion and garlic together. Cook for 8 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH, stirring every 2 minutes. Drain well.
2. Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, mushrooms, parsley, salt, oregano and basil.
3. Cook a further 5 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH. Stir halfway through cooking.
4. Serve over hot spaghetti.

All-Bran Meatloaf

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups All-Bran cereal
2 ounces (60 g) butter, melted
1 pound (500 g) ground beef (mince)
2 spring onions, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chili sauce
4 rashers bacon, rind removed

Microwave Method:

1. Mix All-Bran, butter, ground beef, spring onions, tomato paste, egg, parsley, mustard and chili sauce together.
2. Line 9 x 5 inch (23 x 13 cm) loaf dish with paper towels and then bacon rashers.
3. Spread beef mixture into loaf dish.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH.
5. Allow to stand, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Mix All-Bran, butter, ground beef, spring onions, tomato paste, egg, parsley, mustard and chili sauce together.
3. Line 9 x 5 inch (23 x 13 cm) loaf dish with paper towels and then bacon rashers.
4. Spread beef mixture into loaf dish.
5. Place on Low Rack, cook for 14-16 minutes on HIGH MIX/ROAST.

High-Fiber Meatloaf

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 pound (500 g) lean ground (minced) beef
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 onion, finely chopped
1 zucchini. grated
1/2 cup sultanas
1 tablespoon skim milk powder
2 tablespoons water
1 egg
3 tablespoons grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon mixed herbs

Microwave Method:

1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
2. Press mixture into a 10 x 4 inch (25 x 10 cm) loaf dish.
3. Cook for 12-15 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH.

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
3. Press mixture into a 10 x 5 inch (25 x 13 cm) loaf dish.
4. Place on Low Rack and cook for 14-16 minutes on HIGH MIX/ROAST. Drain off excess liquid before turning out.