Ground Beef: The Everyday Essential, Elevated

Ground beef is one of those kitchen staples that never lets you down. From quick weeknight dinners to comforting classics, it is the foundation for flavor and creativity.

At Homestead Natural Meats, our locally raised, hormone-free ground beef is packed with rich, natural flavor. There are no fillers, no shortcuts, just premium Colorado beef. Whether you are making tacos for the family or simmering a cozy stroganoff, this cut delivers every time.

Here are four of our favorite ways to make the most of it.

Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick and wholesome dinner that brings bold, savory flavor to the table in just 30 minutes.

Serves: 4
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Homestead Ground Beef

• 1 cup water

• 6 Tbsp soy sauce

• 3 Tbsp brown sugar

• 1 Tbsp cornstarch

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced

• 2 tsp rice vinegar

• 3 Tbsp neutral oil (divided)

• 5 cups fresh broccoli florets

• Salt to taste

• Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the water, soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar for the sauce.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet and cook the broccoli for 6 to 7 minutes until tender. Remove and set aside.

3. Add the remaining oil, brown the ground beef with salt, and cook through.

4. Add the sauce and simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.

5. Return the broccoli to the skillet, toss to coat, and serve over rice.

Tip: Add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for an extra layer of flavor.

Homestead Salisbury Ground Beef

Rich, hearty, and comforting, this is the ultimate weeknight upgrade to traditional hamburger steak.

Serves: 4
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Homestead Ground Beef

• 1 Tbsp oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

• 4 Tbsp butter

• ¼ cup flour

• 3 cups beef broth

• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 12 oz pasta such as pappardelle

Directions:

1. Brown the beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet and set aside.

2. Melt butter, add mushrooms, and cook until browned.

3. Stir in flour, then slowly whisk in the broth. Add the beef mixture back to the skillet with Worcestershire sauce, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until thickened.

5. Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh thyme.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp green salad and a slice of warm bread.

Baked Ground Beef Tacos

Crunchy, cheesy, and made for sharing, these baked tacos are a fun twist on taco night.

Serves: 4
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Homestead Ground Beef

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• ⅔ cup water

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 8 small tortillas

• Toppings: diced onion, tomato, shredded lettuce, salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place a baking sheet inside while it heats.

2. Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned, then add taco seasoning and water. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Stir in cheese, fill each tortilla, and fold in half.

4. Bake on the preheated sheet for 5 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

5. Add toppings and serve warm.

Tip: Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you prefer a little extra spice.

Classic Hamburger Stroganoff

This cozy, creamy dish is a comforting take on a traditional stroganoff and is ready in under 40 minutes.

Serves: 4
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Homestead Ground Beef

• 1 onion, chopped

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

• ⅓ cup dry sherry or white wine

• 1¼ cups sour cream

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• ¼ tsp paprika

• 8 oz egg noodles

• Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles in salted water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and set aside. Sauté onion and mushrooms in butter until soft.

3. Add sherry to deglaze the pan, reducing by half.

4. Stir in sour cream, lemon juice, paprika, and return the beef to the pan.

5. Simmer gently, season to taste, and serve over noodles.

Optional: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and a touch of paprika before serving.

A Final Note from Homestead

Ground beef might be an everyday staple, but when it comes from Homestead Natural Meats, it is anything but ordinary. Raised naturally on the Western Slope and full of rich, authentic flavor, it is at the heart of countless meals that bring families together.

Try these recipes and taste the difference local makes, from our ranchers to your table.