Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from classic burgers to hearty stews. However, many recipes call for tomato sauce as a base, which can be a problem for those who are allergic to tomatoes or simply don’t enjoy the taste.
But fear not, there are plenty of delicious and easy-to-make dishes that don’t require tomato sauce. In this article, we’ll explore some creative and tasty ways to use ground beef without relying on the traditional tomato-based sauce.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick midweek dinner or a comforting weekend meal, keep reading for some mouth-watering inspiration.
What To Make With Ground Beef Without Tomato Sauce?
1. No-Tomato Ground Beef Pasta Sauce
This comforting and satisfying pasta sauce is perfect for those who want to avoid tomato-based sauces. It’s made with a delicious blend of meat and vegetables, including chili powder seasoning and smoked paprika, which give it a rich and flavorful taste. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a hearty and filling meal.
2. Ground Beef Stroganoff
This classic dish is typically made with a creamy mushroom sauce, but you can easily swap out the mushrooms for other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. The beef is cooked in a savory broth with onions and garlic, then mixed with sour cream for a tangy finish. Serve it over egg noodles or rice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
3. One-Pot Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta
This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. It’s made with ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and convenience. The result is a creamy and cheesy pasta that the whole family will love.
4. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
If you’re looking for a classic Italian dish without the tomato sauce, try making spaghetti with meat sauce instead. This recipe calls for ground beef cooked in a savory broth with onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The result is a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with spaghetti noodles.
Asian-Inspired Ground Beef Dishes
For those who love Asian-inspired flavors, ground beef can be a versatile ingredient for creating delicious and satisfying dishes. Here are some Asian-inspired ground beef dishes to try:
1. Keema Matar
This Pakistani and Indian-style dish features ground beef and peas cooked in a curry sauce with a blend of Indian spices. The combination of the meat and vegetable creates a burst of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
2. Korean Tofu Stew
This easy and authentic Korean tofu stew is a hearty and warming dish that can be customized with small pieces of meat or seafood. It’s thick and perfect for colder weather, and can be made mild or spicy depending on your preference.
3. Ground Beef and Noodles (Asian Style)
This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy homemade takeout-style food. It features ground beef cooked with garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and green onions, served over egg noodles or rice.
4. Beef Stir Fry with Vegetables
This dish is a classic Asian-inspired recipe that can be made with ground beef instead of sliced beef. The meat is cooked with garlic, onion, and a mix of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
With these Asian-inspired ground beef dishes, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Asia without having to rely on tomato-based sauces. Experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique variations.
Ground Beef And Potato Casseroles
Ground beef and potato casseroles are a delicious and comforting meal that are perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Here are three different variations to try:
1. Hamburger Potato Casserole
This classic casserole combines seasoned ground beef with tender potatoes, creamy mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese for a meal that’s sure to please. Layer the ingredients in a greased baking dish and bake in the oven until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Southwestern-Style Beef and Potato Casserole
For a twist on the classic casserole, try this Southwestern-style version. Cook ground beef with onions, celery, garlic, and chili peppers, then layer it with potatoes, corn, and cheese in a baking dish. Serve with avocado, salsa, and sour cream for a delicious and satisfying meal.
3. Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. Brown ground beef in a skillet with onions and mushrooms, then mix with a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, chicken broth, milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Layer the beef mixture with chopped potatoes and cheese in a baking dish and bake until the potatoes are soft and the cheese is melted.
No matter which variation you choose, ground beef and potato casseroles are a hearty and delicious way to enjoy a comforting meal without tomato sauce.
Tex-Mex Style Ground Beef Recipes
If you’re in the mood for some Tex-Mex inspired dishes, ground beef is the perfect ingredient to use. Here are a few recipes to try:
1. Tex-Mex Taco Meat
This recipe is perfect for those who want to make their own taco seasoning without using store-bought packets. The ground beef is cooked with onions and a blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a flavorful and slightly spicy taste. Serve it in taco shells or use it as a base for other Tex-Mex dishes like nachos or burritos.
2. Tamale and Ground Beef Casserole
This casserole is a delicious twist on traditional tamale pie. It’s made with layers of cornbread batter, ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, and cheese. The result is a comforting and filling dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
3. Tex-Mex Beef and Rice Skillet
This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. It’s made with ground beef, rice, corn, black beans, and a blend of spices like chili powder and garlic powder. Top it off with some shredded cheese and green onions for a delicious and satisfying meal.
4. Beef Enchiladas
These enchiladas are made with ground beef cooked in a savory sauce with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder. The beef mixture is then rolled up in tortillas with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden brown. Serve them with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for a delicious Tex-Mex inspired meal.
Italian-Inspired Ground Beef Dishes
Italian cuisine is known for its delicious and comforting dishes, and ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Italian-inspired recipes. Here are some ideas for Italian-inspired ground beef dishes that don’t require tomato sauce:
1. Zucchini and Eggplant Lasagna
This recipe is a fun twist on traditional lasagna, using zucchini and eggplant instead of pasta sheets. The ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning for a flavorful filling. Layer the vegetables and beef mixture with ricotta cheese and mozzarella for a cheesy and satisfying meal.
2. Pasta Puttanesca with Beef
This dish is a classic Italian recipe that uses bold flavors like olives, capers, and anchovies to create a delicious sauce. Cook the ground beef with garlic and red pepper flakes before adding it to the sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
3. Italian Ground Beef Casserole
This easy casserole is made with ground beef, noodles, marinara sauce, cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Pair it with a Caesar salad and garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner.
4. Beef and Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that’s creamy and comforting. This recipe uses ground beef and mushrooms for a rich and flavorful filling. Cook the rice in beef broth and white wine before adding the beef mixture for a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re craving lasagna or risotto, these Italian-inspired ground beef dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds without relying on tomato sauce.
Ground Beef Stir-Fry Recipes
Stir-fry is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal with ground beef and a variety of vegetables. Here are three different stir-fry recipes to try:
1. Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry
In this recipe, ground beef is cooked with garlic and ginger before being set aside. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and peppers are then stir-fried until they are crisp-tender. The beef is added back to the pan along with a homemade Korean stir-fry sauce, which is made with soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and ginger. Once the sauce has thickened, the dish is served over rice and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Brown Sugar Beef Stir-Fry
This sweet and savory stir-fry is made by cooking ground beef with garlic before setting it aside. Vegetables like sugar snap peas, carrots, red bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms are then stir-fried until tender. A sauce made from brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes is whisked together in a small bowl before being poured over the beef and veggies in the pan. The dish is then simmered for a few minutes before being served over hot rice.
3. Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
This stir-fry recipe features ground beef cooked with garlic and ginger before being set aside. Vegetables like onion, celery, cabbage, and peppers are then stir-fried until they begin to soften. The beef is added back to the pan along with water chestnuts and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch. Once the sauce has thickened, the dish is served over rice and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Ground Beef And Vegetable Soup Recipes
Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that is perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. If you’re looking for a ground beef soup recipe that doesn’t use tomato sauce, try one of these delicious options:
1. Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
This soup is loaded with hearty ingredients like potatoes, carrots, green beans, and beef broth. The ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic for extra flavor, and Worcestershire sauce is added for a savory punch. Simmer everything together until the vegetables are fork-tender, then add frozen peas, corn, and parsley for a colorful finish.
2. Beef and Barley Soup
Barley is a nutritious grain that adds a chewy texture to this soup. The ground beef is cooked with onions, celery, and carrots in a beef broth base, then simmered with barley until tender. Add some thyme and bay leaves for extra flavor, and serve with crusty bread for a comforting meal.
3. Vegetable Soup with Ground Beef
This soup is packed with colorful vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, and corn. The ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic for depth of flavor, then simmered with the vegetables in beef broth until tender. Add some Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor, and enjoy this hearty soup on a cold day.
4. Beef and Cabbage Soup
Cabbage is a nutritious vegetable that adds a crunchy texture to this soup. The ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic in a beef broth base, then simmered with cabbage until tender. Add some paprika and caraway seeds for extra flavor, and serve with rye bread for a satisfying meal.
No matter which recipe you choose, these ground beef and vegetable soups are sure to warm you up from the inside out!
