Taco Salad
Ground Beef Taco Salad
Ground BeefeasyCleanup score 2 of 5
Meat and poultry
Ground beef: what it is, how to pick and store it
Sold by its lean-to-fat ratio: 80/20 is juicy for burgers and meatballs; 90/10 is leaner for sauces, tacos and fillings, with less fat to drain.
How to pick it
A cold package, used by its date. The outside should be red; a darker inside is normal (it hasn't touched the air).
How to store it
Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge on a plate, and freeze it if you won't cook it soon. Thaw it in the fridge, never on the counter.
| Food | Fridge (40°F) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Raw ground beef | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months |
- Cook ground beef to 160°F. (FoodSafety.gov temperature chart)
- Keep the fridge at 40°F or colder and the freezer at 0°F. (FoodSafety.gov cold storage chart)
Out of ground beef? What to use instead
- Ground turkey or chicken: The same weight. Leaner and milder; burgers and meatballs are a bit drier.
- Ground pork: The same weight. Richer and slightly sweet.
- Plant-based ground: The same weight. Close in tacos and sauces; cooks faster.
- Cooked lentils: About 2 to 2½ cups cooked lentils for each pound. Earthy and soft, with more fiber; no browning.
Recipes with ground beef (15)
Weeknight Tacos
Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning
Ground BeefeasyCleanup score 4 of 5
Beef Bulgogi
Korean-Inspired Ground Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Ground Beef BowlseasyCleanup score 4 of 5
Shepherd's Pie
Cheddar-Topped Beef Cottage Pie
Beef (Cottage Pie)mediumCleanup score 1 of 5
Stuffed Peppers
Cheesy Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Beef and RiceeasyCleanup score 3 of 5
Meatballs
Classic Baked Beef and Pork Meatballs
Classic Beef and PorkeasyCleanup score 3 of 5
Chili
Classic Beef and Bean Chili
Classic Beef & BeaneasyCleanup score 3 of 5
Meatloaf
Classic Glazed Meatloaf
Classic GlazedeasyCleanup score 4 of 5
Hamburgers
Classic Grilled Hamburgers
Classic GrilledeasyCleanup score 5 of 5
Lasagna
Classic Meat Sauce Lasagna
Classic Meat SaucemediumCleanup score 1 of 5
Smash Burgers
Diner-Style Double Smash Burgers
Classic DoubleeasyCleanup score 4 of 5
Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers
Tex-Mex BeefmediumCleanup score 3 of 5
More recipes with ground beef
More meat and poultry
Pick and store tips are in our own words. Storage times and safe temperatures are only shown where a U.S. government source gives them, named on each line; for anything not listed here, see USDA's FoodKeeper app.