Sneak some vegetables into the meat mix when making Cheeseburger Mini Meat Loves – the kids will never notice. Add up to 1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded carrot or zucchini. Hint: This works well in burger mix too!
To make Beef ‘N' Fine Cheddar Wraps into bite-size hors d'oeuvres for parties, refrigerate tightly covered wraps for 1 hour or up to 24 hours. To serve, trim off ends and discard. Cut on diagonal into 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick slices. Makes 40 pieces.
For the quickest fix when making Moroccan-Style Beef Brochettes, make this meal using store-made fresh beef kabobs, marinating the entire meat and veggie kabobs as directed in the recipe.
Try a potato masher to stir ground beef when pan-frying for faster and more even cooking. Who doesn't like faster cooking?
To know when burgers and thick cut steaks are done, insert an instant-read thermometer sideways into centre of steak/burger.
Beef burgers are done when thermometer reads 160°F (71°C). Steaks can be enjoyed medium-rare (145°F/63°C), medium (155°F/68°C) or well-done (165°F/74°C), allowing steaks to rest covered loosely with foil for 5 minutes before serving.
Make soups more substantial by adding cooked lean ground beef or slivers of left over roast beef.
Spaghetti is the perfect pasta for speedy soup since it cooks in just minutes.
Boost your vitamin D – add lean beef, salmon or a hard cooked egg to a salad for lunch or dinner
For a quick restaurant-style steak experience at home, use thick-cut beef medallions, pan-seared and served with a simple sauce (see Pan Searing Cooking Lesson)
To maximize tenderness with roast beef, even in less than premium cuts, carve your roast into thin slices across the grain.
If your roast is underdone, slip thin slices into simmering gravy for a second or two to finish them as you like.
Instead of lasagna for the buffet table, make spoonable ground beef casseroles so they serve up neatly. See Beef and Pasta Florentine