Korean Beef Lettuce Cups

1. Cook garlic, diced pepper, ground beef and ginger root in large skillet using medium heat, stirring occasionally for 8 to 10 minutes until beef is browned and completely cooked. Drain if necessary.
2. Add soy sauce, chili sauce and sesame oil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Transfer to warm platter. At the table let each person spoon some filling into lettuce leaves. Top with squeeze of lime juice and serve with toppings such as shredded carrot, cucumber, chopped cilantro or mint. Roll up with your hands to eat.

• Cook’s Notes: Korean Beef mixture is also great served over rice instead of in lettuce cups.

Asian Beef Pot Stickers

These awesome appetizers start off with a delicious meat base mixture that you can also use to make a simple stir-fry recipe (see Cook's Notes).

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Beef Picadillo

Serve this Spanish-style ground beef over rice or baked potatoes. You can also cool the Picadillo and use as a filling to make empañadas or calzones.

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Eggplant and Beef Caponata

If you want to skip making the Big Batch Beef, use 1/2 lb (250 g) fresh ground beef, browned with 1 EACH small onion and clove garlic, minced. If you're looking to change up the flavours, substitute toasted slivered almonds for the pine nuts and diced dried apricots or sliced green olives for the golden raisins.

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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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