So Simple Big Batch Beef

1. Thoroughly cook ground beef with Lipton Onion Soup Mix in deep skillet on medium-high heat for 9 to 10 minutes, breaking up into small chunks with back of spoon or potato masher, until browned. Drain.
2. Spread mixture in single layer on several foil-lined baking trays; cover loosely with plastic wrap and freeze until meat is firm (about 1 hour).
3. Loosen frozen beef, breaking into small chunks; scoop meal-sized portions into freezer bags or sealable containers.

• So Simple Provolone Beef Pizza: Top 12-inch (30 cm) ready-made or rolled pizza dough crust with 1/2 cup (125 mL) pizza sauce, 1 cup (250 mL) So Simple Big Batch Beef, 1 cup (250 mL) halved grape or cherry tomatoes, 1 cup (250 mL) shredded Provolone cheese, half a red onion, thinly sliced and torn fresh basil leaves. Bake in 425°F (220°C) oven for about 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and crust is crispy and golden. Makes 6 slices.
• So Simple Spaghetti Sauce: Pan-fry 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) diced vegetables (such as carrot, zucchini, celery, sweet peppers) in saucepan in a bit of oil. Stir in 2 cups (500 mL) frozen So Simple Big Batch Beef, 2 cans (19 oz/540 mL EACH) Italian-style tomatoes and 1 can (5-1/2 oz/156 mL) tomato paste; heat to simmer, breaking up tomatoes with back of spoon. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Makes 6 cups (1.5 L).
• So Simple Mexicali Beef: Combine 1 can (28 oz/796 mL) diced tomatoes, drained, 2 cups (500 mL) frozen So Simple Big Batch Beef, 1 can (19 oz/540 mL) kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 cup (250 mL) frozen corn kernels, 1 sweet green pepper, diced, 2 tbsp (30 mL) chili powder and 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin in saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. Use over nachos, fill tortillas, or serve as a chili. Makes 7 cups (1.75 L).
• *Other Options: Lean or Extra Lean Ground Beef, Lean Ground Chuck or Extra Lean Ground Round.

Speedy Beef Sloppy Woes

No more 'woe is me' dinner dilemma -- with Big Batch Beef in the freezer, it's so easy to get a good-for-you super speedy weeknight meal! For singles in the kitchen, just divide ingredients by 4: 1/2 cup Big Batch Beef, 1/4 can of the pizza sauce, 1/3 cup frozen veggies, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire and a tablespoon of water. As a pantry staple, make up some Big Batch Beef for the first year college student in your life so you're sure they start off eating right.

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Sunny Day Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie is comfort food at its finest. With just 241 calories per serving and a beta carotene-rich sweet potato topping, this version is a healthy twist on the old standby!

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So Simple Trendy Toritilla Beef Pie

By cooking up Big Batch Beef, this contemporary meat pie can be ready in a flash!

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Simple Skillet Ground Beef Stroganoff

By making Big Batch Ground Beef ahead, recipes such as this can be pulled together in just minutes — a perfect dinner for those nights when everyone is on the run. If you want to skip making the Big Batch Beef, substitute 1 lb (500 g) fresh ground beef, browned with 1 EACH large onion and clove garlic, minced.

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