Archive for the ‘BEEF’ Category
Savory & Delicious Meat Patties
April 3, 2017 Lee
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Savory & Delicious Meat Patties

The beauty of these, you can make with beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. For a dinner, a patty, mashed potatoes and gravy, a vegetable, perfect dinner and low cost. This is like a meatloaf without the wait. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef, see Step 1
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup onion, diced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, smashed and minced
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil, your preference
  • 1/3 cup chicken stock, fresh or from powder

Instructions
 

  • For the meat, feel free to use ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey. If using beef or pork, use beef or pork stock instead of chicken stock.
  • Add the ground meat to a large mixing bowl then add the breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and garlic. Stir or use hands to mix. Shape mixture into 6 evenly sized balls.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. At the meatballs and press to flatten slightly. Cook the patties until browned for about 5 minutes each side.
  • Add the chicken stock to the skillet and continue cooking the patties, turning as needed until they are cooked through, maybe 5 minutes more.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy and a vegetable, complete meal.

Notes

The highest cost would be using beef and I will say 100 Baht/500 grams. For 6 servings, this is about 50 cents per serving. Other ground meats would be less.
Shortcuts: Seasoned Breadcrumbs, Italian Seasoning.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BEEF,CHICKEN & TURKEY,PORK
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy
April 1, 2017 Lee
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Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy

It has been probably 15 or 20 years since I enjoyed Chicken Fried Steak, I am going to have to correct that soon. This recipe sounds spot on.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Breakfast, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Steaks

  • 1 1/2 kilos beef round steak, see Step 1
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup cooking oil, your preference
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the Gravy

  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 3-4 cups milk
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • mashed potatoes, for serving

Instructions
 

  • For the meat, if you live in one of the larger cities you should be able to easily get round steak from a butcher shop. If you cannot find round steak, go with a large piece of beef and cut a few steaks off from that, across the grain. You will have to tenderize yourself with either the hammer or needle type or use the back of a cleaver.
  • Cut the tenderized beef into small pieces to make it easier to work with. Place the beef in a deep dish, and place 3 more deep dishes on the counter, you are going to make an assembly line.
  • In the dish to the right of the meat, mix the egg and milk, next dish to the right, mix the flour, salt as desired, 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and the final dish is clean and empty.
  • While the pan is heating, take one piece of meat, sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper to your liking then dip the meat into flour mixture, and turn to coat, then dip into the egg and milk mixture and turn to coat, then place the meat back into the flour mixture. Place the breaded meat on the clean plate. Repeat for the rest of the meat.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet, a cast iron pan would be perfect for this. and add the butter as well. When hot, not smoking but hot when tested with a a sprinkle of flour into the oil, then it is ready.
  • Cook the meat, about 3 pieces at a time until the edges start to turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes each side. Once golden brown on both sides and cooked through, remove to a plate lined with paper towels and cover with foil to keep warm, repeat until all the meat is cooked.
  • Once all the meat is cooked, pour off the oil to a heatproof bowl and return the pan to the stove over medium low heat. Add 1/4 cup of the reserved oil back to the pan and let that heat up.
  • When the oil is hot, gently whisk the oil and sprinkle in the flour and whisk until you have a golden brown paste. Then slowly pour in 3 cups of milk, whisking constantly, then add salt and pepper to your liking. Keep whisking until the gravy is smooth and thick, about 5 to 10 minutes, add more milk if the gravy becomes too thick. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  • Serve as dinner with mashed potatoes and pour gravy over both or serve as breakfast with eggs, biscuits, and fried potatoes. Enjoy.

Notes

I cannot really price this based on using round steak. But for regular beef, I will say roughly 300 Baht for 1 1/2 kilos. For 6 servings, this is about $1.47 per serving. Fair cost but would make a nice once in a while meal.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Garland Davis, US Navy Cook (Ret).
United States.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,BEEF
Bacon Cheeseburger Mini Meatloaf Patties
March 25, 2017 Lee
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Bacon Cheeseburger Mini Meatloaf Patties

I like meatloaf, and I like to just have a thick burger patty along side simple mashed potatoes and gravy. These sound really good.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 750 grams ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup ketchup, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon steak seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 2-3 drops liquid smoke

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C.
  • Combine the beef, onion, bacon, cheese, and egg in a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the ketchup and the remaining 6 ingredients, gently mix until completely mixed.
  • Divide into 6 patties and place on a roasting pan with a rack covered with aluminum foil and sprayed with olive oil spray. Using a basting brush, cover the meatloaf patties with the remaining ketchup.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the patties are done to you liking of doneness. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes, then serve.

Notes

The beef would cost around 150 Baht/750 grams. For 6 servings, this is about 75 cents per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BEEF
Unstuffed Bell Peppers
March 25, 2017 Lee
3 Comments

Unstuffed Bell Peppers

Stephen Connell, United States.
I love Stuffed Bell Peppers, and not only does this recipe sounds like a very good alternative, it is delicious as well. I made this on 1 July 2018, very well liked by the family. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • olive oil, as needed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 bell peppers, any color, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 500 grams ground beef, or ground pork, (1 lb)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, or whole, chopped, with juice, 565 g can
  • 1¾ cups chicken stock, fresh or from powder
  • 1 cup tomato sauce, Shortcut
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 cup cheese, Cheddar, Edam, or Jack, shredded
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • spring onions, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Garlic, peppers, and onion prepped. Reserve some of the diced bell peppers to sprinkle on top for garnish if desired.
  • Saute peppers, onions, and garlic in a splash of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
  • Once the peppers and onions have started to soften, increase heat to medium high and add the ground beef to the pan, season with salt and pepper.
  • Once the ground beef is cooked through, drain off excess fat.
  • Then add the chicken broth, can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Stir together.
  • Bring the tomato mixture up to a simmer, then stir in one cup of uncooked rice. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let mixture cook 20-30 minutes, or until rice is tender.
  • At the 20 minute mark, start stirring the pan occasionally so the rice does not stick to the bottom of the pan. One rice is tender, sprinkle the cheese on top.
  • Cover the pan with the lid to let the cheese melt.
  • Spoon onto plates, garnish with fresh diced bell peppers and green onions if desired, serve.

Notes

The beef would cost about 100 Baht/500 grams. For 4 servings, this is about 75 cents per serving.
Shortcut: Tomato Sauce.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BEEF,PORK
Cracker Barrel Meatloaf
March 7, 2017 Lee
1 Comment

Cracker Barrel Meatloaf

Stephen Connell, United States.
I love a good meatloaf, and this is by far the best I have made! Excellent flavor from the use of butter crackers and cheese. Highly recommended.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Loaf Pans (two, 4x8 inch)
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggs
  • â…” cup milk
  • 32 butter crackers, crushed, like Magic or Ritz
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 120 grams Cheddar cheese, shredded, (4 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or a mix of black and white pepper
  • 1 kilo ground beef, (2 lb)
  • ½ cup ketchup, or chili sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F). Get out two loaf pans. I used my Pyrex pans.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add milk and crackers and stir together. Add the onion and cheese and stir together. Stir in the salt and pepper.
  • Add ground beef. Mix well.
  • Divide mixture between the 2 loafs, pack lightly and smooth off the top.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to make the topping. I used chili sauce in place of the ketchup.
  • After 30 minutes of baking, spoon ¼ of the topping onto each meatloaf, return the pans to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Then spoon on the rest of the topping, dividing between the loaves, and bake for another 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let the loaf rest for 5 minutes.
  • Slice and serve right from the pan with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy.

Notes

For 8 servings this is actually low cost per serving and also depends on where you source the beef from. I purchase in bulk from a local butcher and grind myself.
Updated on 2 July 2022.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BEEF
World’s Best Meatloaf
March 3, 2017 Lee
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World's Best Meatloaf

Now I cannot vouch for world's best, but this does sound good, on my to cook list as I do like a good meatloaf. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 750 grams ground meat, beef, or beef and pork mixed
  • 1 1/2 cups torn bread
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can condensed tomato soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 3/4 cup celery, grated
  • 3/4 cup carrot, grated

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C.
  • Place ground meat in a large mixing bowl, add the rest of the ingredients BUT only 1/2 can of the soup, use your hands for a good mix.
  • Turn into greased loaf pan or glass casserole dish 7x11 and pat out flat, pour remaining soup over the top, smoothing it evenly over all.
  • Bake for 75 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve. Some potato mash and a vegetable, you have a good meal.

Notes

Beef would cost about 150 Baht/750 grams, pork would cost about 125 Baht/750 grams. Going with 150, and for 6 servings, this is about 75 cents per serving.
Shortcut: Condensed Tomato Soup.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BEEF,PORK
Loco Moco
March 1, 2017 Lee
1 Comment

Loco Moco

Dave Petersen, United States.
This is standard in Hawaiian fast food places, this is a simple recipe and it is good. (I thought this would have had SPAM in it being Hawaiian 😉
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Gravy (or use a gravy packet)

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Worcherstershire sauce
  • 2 cups beef stock, fresh or from powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste

For the Patties

  • 500 grams ground beef, (1 lb)
  • ½ cup onion, finely diced
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Other Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 4 cups cooked rice

Instructions
 

  • Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; whisk until mixture becomes a dark brown color, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce and whisk for about 1 minute. Add beef stock and salt, and pepper to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until sauce is thickened, about 20 minutes.
  • While the gravy is thickening, mix the ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper together. Divide the mixture into 4 balls; flatten them into patties. Fry the patties to the desired doneness.
  • Fry the eggs sunny side up.
  • To plate this, divide the rice between 4 plates, place a burger patty on top of the rice, pour on some gravy, place an egg on top of the burger patty, drizzle a bit of gravy over the egg, serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving, figure about 100 Baht/500 grams of beef. For 4 servings, this is about 74 cents per serving.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BEEF
Meat Loaf and Potato Casserole
February 20, 2017 Lee
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Meat Loaf and Potato Casserole

Sounds very good, much like a Cottage Pie. There is two shortcuts to used for cost savings as well. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef
  • 3/4 cup onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the Potatoes

  • 6-8 potatoes, quartered
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup bacon, cooked crsipy and chopped
  • 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 190 C. Coat 9x9 baking dish with lightly with butter. In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, egg, chili powder, and salt until well mixed. Gently press into bottom of baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from oven and carefully pour off any excess fat if needed.
  • Adjust oven temperature to broil and place oven rack 6 to 8 inches from heat source. If using a counter top oven like me, switch to the top coil only and leave the rack in the center.
  • While the beef is cooking, boil the potatoes until tender, skin on or off is up to you. Once the potatoes are done, remove from heat, same pot, add the milk, butter, parsley, and garlic powder, mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in bacon. Spread evenly on top of beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned. Serve with a vegetable on the side for a nice meal.

Notes

Figure about 100 Baht/500 grams of beef. For 4 servings, this is about 74 cents per serving.
Shortcuts: Seasoned Breadcrumbs, BBQ Sauce.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BEEF
Best Hamburger Meat
February 17, 2017 Lee
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Best Hamburger Meat

This is a stand alone recipe, once you make this, you can make any burgers of your choice. I wanted to add this tip as it is excellent! There is 3 options here. This tip is for grinding your own beef or at a minimum, grinding the optional ingredients. You can grind these items together or do as I did and just grind separate and mix together by hand.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 burger patties

Ingredients
  

Beef with Bacon

  • 500 grams beef, any cut
  • 200 grams smoked bacon

Beef with Sausage

  • 500 grams beef, any cut
  • 250 grams beerwurst sausage, bratwurst, smoked sausage, etc

Beef with Green Chili

  • 500 grams beef, any cut
  • 200 grams smoked bacon
  • 1-2 large green chilies, also called large green peppers, roasted

Instructions
 

Beef with Bacon

  • Cut the beef into strips and place in the freezer to chill for about 20-30 minutes, place the bacon in the freezer as well. Thoroughly clean the grinder parts then sterilize in bleach water for a few minutes, then RINSE the parts completely, dry, and assemble the grinder. Grind the beef with the bacon, or grind separate and mix. Immediately chill the ground meat in the fridge until use. This makes 4-5 patties.

Beef with Sausage

  • Cut the beef into strips and place in the freezer to chill for about 20-30 minutes, place the sausage in the freezer as well. Thoroughly clean the grinder parts then sterilize in bleach water for a few minutes, then RINSE the parts completely, dry, and assemble the grinder. Grind the beef with the sausage, or grind separate and mix. Immediately chill the ground meat in the fridge until use. This makes 4-5 patties. This one I have done and it makes a great burger!

Beef with Green Chilies

  • Cut the beef into strips and place in the freezer to chill for about 20-30 minutes, place the bacon in the freezer as well. Thoroughly clean the grinder parts then sterilize in bleach water for a few minutes, then RINSE the parts completely, dry, and assemble the grinder. Grind the beef with the bacon and roasted chilies, or grind separate and mix. Immediately chill the ground meat in the fridge until use. This makes 4-5 patties.

Notes

The beef will cost about 100 Baht/500 grams, bacon can go up to 150 Baht/200 grams and is normally more than sausage. For 4 burger patties, this is about $1.84 per burger patty. High cost but great for a once in a while meal.
The Beef with Bacon, provided courtesy of good friend, Garland Davis, US Navy Cook (Ret).
United States.
The Beef with Green Chili, inspired by good friend, Jerry Juliana.
United States.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,BEEF
Green Chile Meatloaf
February 14, 2017 Lee
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Green Chile Meatloaf

This recipe comes from a good friend in New Mexico, United States, and calls for New Mexico green Chilies, and if I was a betting man, these would have to be Hatch Chilies, roasted as well. I am going to change this up and just Thai large green chilies.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 11 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 750 grams ground beef
  • 250 grams ground pork
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup large green chilies, roasted, chopped
  • Sriracha Chili Garlic sauce, for the top

Instructions
 

  • This will be the type of chili I will be using in this recipe, and they will be roasted.
  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Lightly oil a 9x13 baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the Sriracha sauce. Form into a loaf and place in the baking dish, coat the top with Sriracha sauce, bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • Allow to rest for 5 minutes, serve with mashed potatoes and a vegetable.

Notes

The beef would be about 150 Baht/750 grams, the pork would be about 30 Baht/250 grams. For 6 servings, this is about 88 cents per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Jerry Juliana.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BEEF