What Goes With Ground Beef (15+ Best Pairings)
Ground beef is a versatile protein that can be used in many dishes. It is a popular protein choice for many people. It is affordable and versatile, which means that it can be used in many different dishes. But what goes with ground beef? That is a question that many people have.
Ever since I was a child, I have always loved ground beef. My mom would make the best ground beef dishes. She made a variety of dishes, including tacos, burgers, meatloaf, and more. I always looked forward to her meals. But of course, different side dishes make it great too!
Now that I am an adult, I still love ground beef. I find myself eating it often. And since I am always asked what goes with ground beef, I began researching about it and even experimenting with various side dishes.
Many different side dishes go well with ground beef. But of course, it depends on what you like. To help you out, I have listed some of the most popular side dishes that go with ground beef, as well as some of my personal favorites!
What Goes With Ground Beef
- Nachos
- Mashed Potatoes
- Salad
- Pasta
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Grilled Brussels Sprouts
- Buttered Carrots
- Spinach With Lemon
- Grilled Mushrooms
- Buttered Corn
Nachos
When it comes to side dishes, few things are more versatile than nachos. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or a main course, nachos are always a hit.
But what makes nachos so special? Part of it is the texture. The chips are crunchy, while the cheese is smooth and creamy. This contrast makes for a delicious bite. Nachos also have a lot of flavors. The cheese is rich and salty, while the chips provide a satisfying crunch. Add in some diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos, and you’ve got a real party in your mouth.
When it comes to pairing nachos with ground beef, you really can’t go wrong. The beef will add some richness and heartiness to the dish, while the nachos will keep things light and crispy.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that can be dressed up or down to suit any meal. They’re smooth and creamy, with a rich flavor that pairs well with savory dishes like Ground Beef.
When made correctly, they should be light and fluffy, not dense or gummy. One of the keys to success is to use starchy potatoes like Russets, which will break down easily when mashed.
You’ll also need to add enough liquid – usually milk or cream – to create a smooth consistency. For extra flavor, you can stir in shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.
Salad
Salad is a great side dish for Ground Beef. It has a light, refreshing taste that goes well with the rich flavor of the beef. The crunchy texture of the salad also helps to offset the tenderness of the meat. Salad is also a healthy choice, as it is low in fat and calories.
Important things to note when pairing a salad with ground beef:
- Avoid salads with strong flavors, as they will compete with the beef.
- Make sure that the salad is properly chilled before serving, as the last thing you want is for it to wilt under the heat of the beef.
- Don’t forget to dress the salad lightly, as you don’t want it to be too heavy or overly moist.
Pasta
There are few things more comforting than a big bowl of pasta. It’s the perfect food for a rainy day, or when you need a little pick-me-up. Pasta is also an excellent side dish for ground beef.
The beef will add richness and depth of flavor to the pasta, and the pasta will help to balance out the heaviness of the beef. Here are a few tips for making the perfect pasta dish:
- Choose a short, tubular pasta for your dish. This will help to keep the beef from overpowering the flavor of the pasta.
- Use a simple tomato sauce or pesto. You don’t want anything too heavy or flavorful that will overshadow the taste of the beef.
- Add some vegetables to your dish for added color and nutrients. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini all go well with ground beef and pasta.
- If you’re using ground beef that is high in fat, you may want to drain it before adding it to the pasta. This will help to keep your dish from being too greasy.
Vegetable Fried Rice
Who doesn’t love a bowl of good fried rice? Vegetable Fried Rice is the perfect side dish for your Ground Beef because it’s packed with nutrients, and it’s so delicious.
The best part about Vegetable Fried Rice is that it’s so versatile. You can add whatever vegetables you like, and it will taste great. I like to add carrots, peas, and corn to my Vegetable Fried Rice.
The carrots add a little sweetness, the peas add a pop of color, and the corn adds a nice crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add some chopped-up chicken or pork to your Vegetable Fried Rice. Just make sure that your meat is cooked through before you add it to the rice. Trust me, you don’t want to eat undercooked meat.
Important things to note when pairing vegetable fried rice with ground beef:
- You need to make sure that your rice is cooked before you add the vegetables. If your rice is undercooked, it will absorb all of the moisture from the vegetables and become mushy.
- Make sure that you don’t overcook the vegetables. You want them to be tender but not mushy.
- Don’t forget to season your Vegetable Fried Rice with salt and pepper. This will help to bring out all of the flavors.
Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are mini cabbage that is usually served as a side dish. When you cook them on the grill, they get these little crispy leaves on the outside while remaining nice and tender on the inside. The Brussels sprouts will soak up all of the flavors of what you’re cooking them with.
When it comes to choosing a side dish for ground beef, grilled Brussels sprouts are an excellent option because they complement the taste and texture of the ground beef.
The fat in the ground beef will render down and drip onto the Brussels sprouts, infusing them with flavor. The dense texture of the Brussels sprouts will also stand up to the hearty ground beef.
How to grill your brussels sprouts perfectly:
- Trim off the stem end and any yellow or brown leaves.
- Cut the Brussels sprouts in half if they’re large.
- Toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Brussels sprouts for 5-8 minutes, flipping once until they’re tender and slightly charred around the edges.
- Serve immediately.
Buttered Carrots
Buttered Carrots are a delicious, easy-to-make side dish that goes great with Ground Beef.
They have a sweet, rich flavor that is enhanced by the butter and a crispy texture that provides a nice contrast to the meat.
Plus, they are packed with nutrients and fiber. While they do take a little bit of time to prepare, the results are well worth it.
To make Buttered Carrots, follow these easy steps:
- Start by peeling and chopping the carrots into bite-sized pieces.
- Then, steam or boil the carrots until they are tender.
- Once they are cooked, simply add some butter and salt to taste. For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a bit of honey or brown sugar.
Spinach With Lemon
Spinach With Lemon is a classic side dish that is simple to make and goes well with a variety of meats. The slightly sour taste of the lemon juice helps to cut through the richness of the ground beef, and the spinach provides a pop of color and a nutrient-rich contrast to the heavy meat.
This dish can be made in under 10 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight meal. However, it is important not to overcook the spinach, as it will quickly become mushy and lose its bright green color.
Grilled Mushrooms
Grilled mushrooms are the perfect side dish for ground beef. They have a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with the juicy, savory taste of ground beef. And they’re so easy to make! Just toss them on the grill and let them cook until they’re golden brown and slightly charred.
The key is to not over-cook them, or they’ll become tough and rubbery. I like to serve grilled mushrooms with a simple salad and some crusty bread. That way, you can soak up all that delicious beefy juices!
Buttered Corn
Buttered Corn is the perfect side dish for Ground Beef. The sweet taste of the corn pairs perfectly with the savory taste of the beef, and the creamy texture of the butter rounds out the meal. Plus, it is quick and easy to make, so you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
Important things to note when pairing buttered corn with ground beef:
- Be sure to use fresh corn, as frozen or canned corn will not taste as good.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different butter flavors – garlic, herb, and chipotle all work well with corn.
- Remember that a little bit of butter goes a long way – too much can make the corn greasy and difficult to eat.
Related Questions When Choosing What Goes With Ground Beef
What are other options when choosing what goes with ground beef?
- Roasted Red Potatoes With Rosemary
- Cucumbers Soaked In Vinegar And Salt
- Broccoli
- Green Beans
- Fried Okra
- White Rice
- Cornbread
- Mac N’ Cheese
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Baked Beans
What is the healthiest ground beef?
The healthiest kinds of ground beef are ground sirloin and ground round since their fat content is one of the lowest among others.
What’s the healthiest ground beef? Ground round and ground sirloin have the lowest fat content and are the two lightest, healthiest options.
How do you make ground beef not bland?
Season your beef with salt and let it sit for about 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature to allow the salt to tenderize and season the meat. Letting the beef sit also allows it to brown better.
Conclusion
Ground beef is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of side dishes. In this article, I have shared some of our favorite recipes for what goes well with ground beef. From Buttered Carrots to Grilled Mushrooms, there is something for everyone in this roundup.
So next time you’re planning a meal, be sure to try out one of these delicious side dishes! And don’t be scared to experiment – the possibilities are endless when it comes to what goes with ground beef.
Now, get creative in the kitchen and have fun! Who knows, you might just come up with your new favorite dish.