Vote with your dollar

Forget about Chipotle

A couple weeks ago, I read a great BEEF Daily post that hit the nail on the head. A lot of us have been up in arms about Chipotle's stand on animal agriculture and our feathers were ruffled even more with their recent ad campaign, Farmed and Dangerous. So much of our attention was focused on Chipotle, not the good kind, that we forgot about the good other companies do. It actually made me feel bad for companies like Culver's. They have invested a lot into supporting our industry and have basically been overshadowed and placed on the back burner with media due to Chipotle's stand.

Vote with your dollar is a key take away in this post. After reading this post I needed a pick-me-up-- so off to Culver's I went with my coworkers to support an company that supports us. I love seeing the Thank you, Farmers billboard as I drive down the highway. It makes me proud of where I've come from and what I do. And let's not forget about last summer when Culver's donated a dollar to the National FFA Organization for every thank you note sent to dairy and beef producers who help raise the food Culver's serves.

My family's been an avid supporter of Culver's since the get-go. They originated in Wisconsin ya know, so there is one in just about every town. Sometimes Culver's is the only place we can all be in agreement on when we're in the car headed to a .....cattle show, cattle sale, wedding, Fleet Farm, Tractor parts store, Mall, Panache, feed mill, graduation/anniversary/birthday party, random meeting...well you name it, with my family we could be headed anywhere! My dad's favorite part of Culver's is the flavor of the day. So much so that he picks up the Flavor Forecast calendars at his usual "Culver's stops" across the state so he can plan his sales calls accordingly. Oh, the perks of being a traveling salesman, hitting up multiple Culver's for your favorite flavors of custard. Yes, flavor forecasts can be accessed from your phone, Dad just hasn't quite updated to that "type" of phone!
N.Starr   

National Cheeseburger Day

Celebrating in style with 5 Guys

When I learned that today was National Cheeseburger day the lyrics Cheeseburger in Paradise immediately popped into my mind, anyone else or was it just me?
I was not going to miss out on this celebration. After boot camp I decided it would be best to fuel my body with zinc, iron and protein so ultimately ended up at a good burger joint, 5 Guys. If you don't have one in your area I suggest finding one in a nearby town. Nothing compares to the mom and papa bar burgers I get back home, but this is a close second. Known as The Place to get a fresh, juicy burger with all the fixings in between. Click here for the complete 5 Guys story. Here are some quick facts about the fun establishment.

 Did you know...

• There are over 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at Five Guys.
• They use only fresh ground beef.
• There are no freezers in Five Guys locations, just coolers. Nothing is ever frozen.
• They use only Peanut oil.
• Our menu is trans-fat free.

Eating at 5 Guys is almost like being a kid again. Draw a picture and hang it on the wall; something fun to help pass the time while your burger cooks.

 

Bacon Cheeseburger (have to support both the pork and beef industries) with lettuce, tomato and ketchup.
What's the one thing that HAS to be on your burger?

N.Starr

Lean Beef Matchup

Hunk of Meat Monday

We've all taken personality quizes whether it be in school or at work to find out more about ourselves, how we fit in and why we do things the way we do. Same ole' same ole results always come back. I'm type A, list-oriented, social but hard working. Come on people tell me something I don't already know!
Today I took a personality quiz and finally learned something new.... the cut of lean beef that best fits me! Lean beef can fit into every lifestyle; take this 5 question quiz to find your perfect dinner time match and how you can beef up a balanced diet.
I had to answer as best I could since not all the answers applied to me since I don't have kids. I answered mostly C's making the T-Bone most fitting for me. Here's what it said:

"This protein-packed powerhouse sizzles on the grill and dishes up enough flavor and nutrition to satisfy your entire training team. Protein can help in maintaining a healthy weight, building muscle and fueling physical activity. Try our T-Bones with Sweet & Savory Steak Sauce; just one 3-ounce serving provides 44 percent of the Daily Value for protein, to keep you going no matter what tomorrow brings."

Pretty right on with my active lifestyle. Farm work on the weekends; boot camp and running during the week. I can't wait to try the recommended steak sauce.

Take the Lean Beef Match-Up Quiz and comment below with your perfect lean beef match.
 

N.Starr

Back to School 2012

In Wisconsin, today was the official start of school. To me it feels like back to school: dew on my car, sunsets getting earlier and last weekend was the start of college football. Go Green!
Growing up it was tradition to get our first day of school picture, book bag in tow, on our front steps before the bus came. No matter how old or young, taking the bus or being old enough to drive ourselves, the three of us sisters always lined up with our outfits that we'd be planning for days! Besides what we were going to wear on the first day, it was also a big decision if one was to pack a lunch or eat the school lunch. What would be served? What would be the "cool" thing to do? Most times during my twelve years, it was "cool" to eat the school lunch, odds were that it was going to be something good since after all it was the first day of school!
Today, however I wondered.... what would be "cool"? And what would I have done? As most of you have heard the school lunch program has cut the amount of red meat served to students. While it's great to increase the amount veggies and fruits, should one food group suffer? How will students get the proper nutrition and calories? Take for example Katie Pinke's son who is a football player and needs the vitamins and minerals to be a star at the games.
While I don't have kids in school, I'm still a concerned individual about the health and diets of children. My nephew Isaac loves lean beef, those lunch ladies will be in for a rude awakening when he goes through the lunch line in a few years.

Did your kids take the school lunch today? What was served?
Stay up to date by joining the Sensible School Lunch facebook group.

Body Boot Camp

On a fitness note.

A year ago I started becoming a "runner"; in college it was something I always wanted to do, but just didn't have time for. My parents got me the Nike + Shoes and app for my birthday so I was good to go, no excuses. So far with Nike + and Couch 2 5K I've ran in a few races: Kraut Run, Susan G. Komen and the Iola Trail Run.
Over 2 months ago I also started doing a boot camp through my office (I know how cool is my job?!!). Our trainer, aka army boy, comes in from Body by Design and is our drill sergeant for the quickest exercise hour I've ever had. I love it and am becoming addicted! It's amazing to me how much you can push yourself to do that extra pushup, situp or burpee when you have someone motivating you. We're in the midst of session II and am working toward good results (after session I I was down 4% body fat).
I've learned that working out is only half of a healthy lifestyle. The second half is diet. I've always tried to eat a balanced diet (but I'll admit I have a sweet tooth). But I've been trying extra hard to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grain and lean BEEF! Yes I said it and I'll say it again lean BEEF! Beef is what I use to recharge my body. There are 29 lean cuts of beef with a total fat content that falls between a skinless chicken breast and skinless chicken thigh. By choosing a lean cut of beef I'm efficiently recharging my body with several vitamins and minerals; critical after an intense workout. My new thing to do is broil a tenderloin, cut it up and lay it over a crisp lettuce salad with fresh veggies and fruit (raspberries are my favorite fruit to put on a salad). What lean beef recipes do you like in the summer?

Dude, It's Just Beef

Jog your memory back to earlier this spring; you may remember the term Pink Slime and all the negative heat the industry was getting. When in reality (and lucky science quickly confirmed) Lean Finely Textured Beef is and always has been a safe, nutritious product for consumers to enjoy.
This just proved that the media is known to take a "nothing" and turn it into catastrophe, newsworthly information. You can't always trust what you hear. If you have questions about where your food comes from, just ask a farmer. They'd be happy to tell you the truth.
A really cool tagline from Beef Products, Inc was created as a result of Pink Slime. T-shirts, bumper stickers, Facebook photo shares... word got around that: "Dude, It's Just Beef".

This was one of the coolest birthday presents ever!!
With a shirt like this, I knew year 24 was off to a good start!

N.Starr

Let's Celebrate

BEEF Month
Have I mentioned I love parties and the month of May? Let's continue on with yesterday's celebration into a whole month of celebrating beef. May is beef month, with the temperatures rising, long hours of daylight and calves on the ground I think we all deserve to kick up our boots and eat beef (and maybe sip a little wine..).
Do you have a favorite ground beef recipe that you think would blow everyone out of the water in a cook-off? Well you're in luck... to celebrate May Beef Month, The Beef Daily blog is having a contest. For complete details view their blog. For the shortened version keep reading.
Each week in May participants submit their favorite recipe along with photo, the champion will take home a $125 Roper gift certificate for boots!! Everyone can always use an extra pair of these. This week's feature is ground beef... think think think! What do you have in that recipe box that's a guaranteed crowd pleaser?! You have until Saturday to submit recipe and photo to: beefnews@hotmail.com
My thinking cap is on, unfortunately I don't own a BEEF apron, but I'm sure my ruffly apron will do... and I'm off to the kitchen!

Did anyone put together a May Day basket? Please post pictures!

N.Starr

What's in your basket?

Happy May Day

An old, yet cool holiday that shouldn't pass by without a shout out. I only remember celebrating this holiday once in elementary school and I thought it was pretty exciting! Click here for the rules of May Day and how to surprise the receiver of your special basket. Ok, I'll admit this is really why I love May 1st.... Official countdown to my birthday begins! I may need to get another wish list like that years, stay tuned.
People (like me) have a  lot of fun putting together baskets, I think these themes would go over well.

Crosscut Solutions Greenhouse can help you put together a traditional May Day basket....

This is what a typcial, calm, normal May Day basket would be.

   However, if you're like me and like to think outside the box you might opt for something unique...

Trade in the Christmas bow for a case of beer and you got yourself a
good ole' Wisconsin May Day basket!

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner (Saturday) and happens to be another one of my favorite May holidays. Who wouldn't love to be surprised with salsa and Margarita mix?! I know it would brighten my Tuesday!

Now for the grand finale...

Celebrating May Day with a side of "I Heart Beef" promotion! Found on the Forking Delicious blog, a basket full of "I Heart Beef": apron, bumper stickers, buttons, recipe book and cutting board. Along with oils and spices for grilling up lean, healthy and affordable BEEF! I'd love for this basket to land on my door step.

N.Starr

Happiness and red meat

Sorry for the absence, but it seems like the first day of spring was just yesterday!
A recent Australian study has linked women's happiness to red meat consumption. As a avid consumer I have always knew that the recommended serving of lean beef would provide my body with zinc, iron, protein, vitamin B12 and other essential amino acids in an efficiency manner. A calorie saver really--I'd have to eat 2 to 3 times more the amount of plants in order for my body to get the same amount of protein found in one serving (150 calories) of lean beef, what a deal! I also feel I'm a pretty happy person, however some may disagree if they've encounted me before my second cup of morning brew! But all in all I'm a happy go-lucky kinda girl. Little did I know I was also providing fuel for my personality and mood. The Australian article reported that those who ate LESS then the recommended daily serving of beef were twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression.
Want to boost your mood? Plan meal with lean beef! Like I said above a serving of lean beef is 150 calories. And if you're a visual person like me it looks something like this:

Just one 3 ounce serving, the size of a deck of cards, provides 25 grams of protein

Healthy Eating Tip: To find lean beef choices, look for cuts that contain the words "round" or "loin".
Need ideas? Here's some of my recent beef recipies (Beef Cupcake, Restaurant Steak and finally Meatballs) Or perhaps you didn't quite get your fill of St. Patrick's Day and need to bring back the Ultimate Irish Dish, McDonalds brought back the Shamrock Shake so why not?!

N.Starr

Hunk of Beef Monday: Meatballs

#IheartBeef

I'm sad that this is the last Hunk of Beef Monday for February's #Iheartbeef campaign, don't worry.... I look forward to sharing more beef recipes I find with you in the months to come! This past weekend my mom made these delicious meatballs with mashed potatoes.  Even though mashed potatoes weren't on the diet I still splurged and had a little:) However, I was not shy when the meatballs were passed to me! These were made with lean ground beef. As you know lean beef can be part of a healthy diet and is high in Zinc, Iron, Protein and vitamins B12. In no other meat product would my body be getting this many vitamins and minerals. Here's the recipe... looking forward to the leftovers tonight!

Ingredients

1 tsp olive oil

1 small onion, minced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 celery stalk, minced

1/4 cup minced parsley

1 lb 93% lean beef

1 egg

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 tsp allspice

2 cups reduced sodium beef stoc

2 ounces light cream cheese

Directions
In a large deep saute pan, heat oil on medium heat, add onions and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add celery and parsley and cook until soft, about 3-4 more minutes. Let cool a few minutes.

In a large bowl combine beef, egg, onion mixture, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and allspice. Mix well and form meatballs with your hands 1/8 cup each (fill 1/4 cup then divide the meat in half).
Add beef stock to the pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly drop meatballs into the broth. Cover and cook about 20 minutes. Remove the meatballs with a slotted spoon and set aside in a serving dish. Strain the stock, add to blender with cream cheese and pulse until smooth. Return to pan and simmer a few minutes to thicken, then pour over meatballs. Garnish with parsley and serve over mashed potatoes or with toothpicks if you want to set these out as an appetizer.

N.Starr

Hunk of Meat Monday: Taco Soup

It's a pretty chilly day here in Milwaukee, especially since I was in California all last week (I could get use to that kind of February weather!) So why not warm up with some zesty taco soup for supper. I could eat Mexican just about all the time. The recipe I'm about to share is from the 101 Things to do with Ground Beef book. Yes, like previous Mondays this recipe contains beef and in this case lean ground beef.
When at the meat counter you've probably noticed several different percentages of leanness. Ground beef is packages are labeled with a percentage of ratio to lean meat to fat. The higher number on the package indicates the lean percentage. For example, if a package is labeled 93/7, it is 93 percent lean. The most leanest require little or no draining when cooked. A common percentage range is anywhere from 85 to 93 percent.

Taco Soup
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (see above for lean percentages)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) kidney or black beans, drained
1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 envelope taco seasoning
1/2 cup water
sour cream
grated cheddar cheese

Directions
In a 3 to 4 quart pot, brown beef and onion together until crumbly and done. Drain if necessary (depending on the percentage of lean beef you purchased). Stir in remaining ingredients except sour cream and cheese. Simmer over low heat 15-25 minutes. Serve over crunched tortilla chips. Garnish with scour cream and grated cheddar cheese. Makes 6-8 servings.

N.Starr

Eat beef with BOLDNESS

The BOLD diet

All of us can recall situation we've been in where friends, family or coworkers have announced that they were on a "diet" and no longer eating red meat. How did you react? Rather then getting defensive, take a more educational approach. Tell this person about the vitamins and minerals their body will be missing out on when beef is cut from the diet. One of the perks of a diet with beef is the protein. Protein can help in maintain a healthy weight, building muscle and fueling physical activity - all of which play an important role in a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention.
Now comes the BOLD Diet, which is now part of a heart healthy diet. Have you heard of it? New checkoff-funded research called BOLD (Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet) found that adding lean beef to the most recommended heart-healthy diet can lower heart disease risk by reducing levels of total and LDL "bad" cholesterol.
When you summarize the BOLD diet to your wanna-be-non-eating-red-meat-friend, their response will probably in along the lines of "Well, beef has fat?" They're partially correct, beef does have fat. The good fat. Half the fat in beef is monounsaturated, the same heart-healthy kind found in olive oil.
So keep this information handy, the next time someone turns to you for beef diet advice.
Look back at past posts for easy beef recipes. The Master of Beef Advocacy sent me beef recipes that I'm happy to share!

• Two steppin' tenderloin
• Hearty Glazed Tri-Tip Roast with Creamy Gorgonzola Sauce
• Add pizazz with beef marinades

Remember, it's February, show the world just how much you love beef!

Valentine sweet treats

Perhaps you men didn't take my advice from the Hunk of Beef Monday post and you failed to run out Macy's or Bath & Body to get a perfume/lotion/soap gift combo (remember these items are cattle byproducts). It's OK- today I have the solution to redeem yourself and get you out of the doghouse. As you know, it's "I Heart Beef Month", here's your second chance to combine your Valentine gift with beef awareness......
If this doesn't say "I love you" and "You're my Valentine", I don't know what does!! You're little sweetheart is bound to forgive you for forgetting the Feb 14th holiday when you surprise her with a steak cookie!! Another Pinterest find, thank you! Now you're on your own as far as a recipe and step by step instructions.

.

A normal steak wouldn't contain this much fat. I suggest
adding more meat (aka red frosting) to your cookie.

Since we're sweet talking, I'll leave you with a beef and chocolate health fact...
One-third of the saturated fat in beef is stearic acid, which has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol levels and is the same fat recognized in chocolate for its benefits.

N.Starr

Hunk of Beef Monday: Restaurant style steak

The secret is out!

It's the week of Valentine's Day!! Men are you still scrambling trying to figure out what to do on Tuesday? (Yes Valentine's Day is Tuesday, for those that weren't sure!) Well today I'll offer you a little help. How about you combine Valentine's Day and "I Heart Beef" month into one meal and really impress your Valentine?! A majority of Americans agree the best way to say "I love you" to your sweetheart on Valentine's Day is with a steak! And since lean beef is good for your heart, you are also saying I love you by serving a heart-healthy dinner. Thanks to Pinterest I'm about to clue you in on a big secret when in comes to cooking steal-- they way the professionals do it!

Here it is... Restaurant style filet Mignon

2 8 ounce filet mignons

4 teaspoons kosher salt

4 teaspoons freshly ground pepper

1 stick butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon thyme, chopped

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

Take 1/2 stick of butter, softened, and mix well with the peeled, chopped garlic, the chopped herbs, and the lemon zest. Form into a log and refrigerate. Generously season the filet’s with salt and pepper, approximately 1 teaspoon of seasoning per side.

Heat the remainder of the butter (1/2 stick) and the olive oil in a cast iron skillet to a screaming hot temperature. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Sear the filets in a screaming hot pan for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until a nice brown crust has formed. While the steak is searing, continue to spoon the residual butter in the pan on top of the meat while it’s cooking. Once both sides are seared, place in the center of the oven for about 6-8 minutes, depending upon how thick your steak is. In the last minute of cooking, take the log of compound butter and slice a nice thick piece to place on top.

Your steak will be ready when it is approximately 135 degrees in the center, or when you push lightly on the top center of the steak and it gently and slowly bounces back. (Note, this is medium rare kids. Some people don’t like to eat cows while they are mooing, so clearly you can cook longer if your afraid of the pink.)

Treat your sweetie to a nutritional powerhouse meal. On average, one 3-ounce serving of lean beef is only 154 calories yet a naturally rich source of 10 essential nutrients - including protein, iron, zinc and B-vitamins. There are more than 29 lean cuts of beef (a cut for everyday in February), including favorites like Flank steak, Tenderloin, 95 percent lean Ground Beef and T-Bone.

Roses are Red

Violets Are Blue

I Heart Lean Beef

And so should you!

Good Luck!

N.Starr

Hunk of Lovin' Beef Monday: Why not have a cupcake

For those that really know me, know that I have a sweet tooth that at times just can't be hidden. Yes, I am that lady at the buffet lines who grabs a regular sized plate but then bypasses the main courses and get the most bang for my buck at the dessert table! I can't hide it, perhaps I need to be hypnotized!? So in honor of #iheartbeef month and my sweet tooth, why not cook up a cupcake....a beef cupcake that is!
Props to Pinterest for helping me find this!

For the meatloaf: Feel free to use your family recipe or if you're looking to try something new continue reading....
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup ketchup, divided
1 pounds ground beef, extra lean (raw)
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; saute 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and saute another couple of minutes. Let cool.
Combine onion mixture, 1/2 cup ketchup, and the remaining ingredients except cooking spray in a large bowl. Spoon the meat mixture into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Top each with ketchup.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a thermometer registers 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes. While the meatloaf is cooking, make the mashed potatoes.
Put the potatoes into a pastry bag with a wide star tip (or a sandwich bag with the corner cut off) and pipe the mashed potatoes on top of the meatloaf.  It would also be really cute to use peas and corn kernels as sprinkles. How cute!?

Make #IHeartBeef your Valentine

Happy 1st day of February! February is well known for being the month of love, as we all show our sweetness to our special Valentines. While showering your loved ones during this short month, don't forget that it's also American Heart Month, fitting huh?!
With the month of love in full swing, don't forget to spread the good word that beef is the perfect addition to a heart-healthy diet. Today's beef is lean and fits into the recommend profile for a healthy diet. A wallet sized card of the 29 lean cuts of beef can be found here, have this handy reference with you when your at the grocery store or dining out. This guide may even come in handy when agvocating in daily conversation with friends or family!

So get out there are promoting beef as part of a healthy diet! Spark conversation with your coworkers, post pictures & recipes of your divine beef recipes and join the pack in using the hashtag #IHeartBeef

We have 29 days....ready, set, go!!

Tenderloin salad... one of my favorite beef meals!

On another February note... tomorrow is Groundhog's Day. With this unseasonable warm weather do you think we'll continue onto to spring?

N.Starr

Hunk of Beef Monday: Tuscan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Basil and Ground Beef

Bon Appetit

This week lots of folks are posting their favorite Thanksgiving recipe, so I thought I'd spice things up a little (literally) and share with you a new Pinterest recipe. Last week I shared Lasagna soup so thought I'd stick to the Italian theme. This time featuring Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Basil w/Ground Beef. I had to alter this recipe to make it "Hunk of Beef Monday" worthy, just goes to shows you can add beef to about every meal!

Step 1: Cook Ravioli (very easy part!). This was my first time ever purchasing these, delic! For this step you can use my wooden spoon trick.

Step 2: Fun things to chop- 2 medium tomatoes, mushrooms (couple handfuls... this was an added ingredient per my request), 1/2 cup basil, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step 3: While waiting for the noodles get out a medium sauce pan. Over medium-low heat pour in a jar of sun dried tomato Alfredo sauce and stir in everything from step 2 expect the cheese. Stir and let it marry, no need to hurry here. The ingredients must get acquainted.

Step 4: I added in this step for all my beef lovin' friends. I stirred in about a pound of ground beef seasoned with oregano and red pepper. Make sure beef is fully cooked and drain off excess fat before combining with food.

Step 5: Once the ravioli noodles are cooked, drain and combine in the sauce pan over medium heat. Let sit on the stove top for the sauce to thicken and ingredients to cook together. At this point you can add in the Parmesan cheese from step 2. I even put in my oven on 215* (in casserole dish) for some time just so everything was well acquainted.

 I then use the Pinterest freezing method and divided the dish into jumbo muffin tins, froze and popped out to be placed in freezer bags. Evening meal.... whhaaalaaaa!!

Happy Monday!

N.Starr

Hunk of beef Mondays...

A simple meal is 5 easy steps.

Happy Monday!! Why not start out your week with a easy meal that will satisfy everyone. This is one of those family recipes that my mom always made for us as kids; it was easy to make for our crazy week but always a crowd (family) pleaser. I think it's called Tator-Tot Cassarole But I made it without the tator tots! You should also be warned that there is no measurements in this meal!!.

Brown hamburger. Everyone has they're own way of doing this.
Just make sure to fully cook and drain excess fat.

Throw in cooked noodles... bow tie are my favorite!

Toss in a can of corn

Stir in these two cans

And stir in all together!!



Fall Cookin'

Today when I going through my inbox I found a Kraft recipe email with a subject line: 7 ground beef recipes and HALLOWEEN cupcake photos. I knew this was a winner because A) I love Beef and B) I'll admit I have quite the sweet tooth. So I opened it up and was taken to the Kraft website were I saw a bunch of  fabulous ideas on ways to spice up your suppers with ground beef.
My favorite one that I plan on making is the Cheesey-Salsa Mini-Meatloaf. I had to laugh about how Kraft recommended baking it because my friend, Crystal Cattle, did a blog post just yesterday about this cooking method. She found it on Pinterest. Oh Pinterest..... I'm starting to have fun with my boards, that's a whole other post!
All the ingredients sounded pretty easy and I am a huge Mexican-food lover! Look forward to making & freezing!

What you need
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onions (for a little favor-lovin')
1 egg
12 finely chopped Saltine crackers
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
1 cup salsa, divided
Make it
Heat oven to 400*F
Mix the first 4 ingredients (listed above) together with 1 cup cheese and 1/2 cup salsa
Press into 12 muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray. Use back of spoon to make indentation in the center of each. Place muffin pan on foil covered baking sheet.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until the meat-muffins reach an internal temperature of 160*F. Top with the remaining cheese and salsa and bake for an additional 3 minutes. I also think alittle sour cream on the side could be good, or what about complimenting this meal with tostito chips?

Stuffed Tomatoes

Do you have a lot of ground beef in the freezer that you just don't know what to do with? I think we all have our usual recipes that require ground beef, but sometimes we get sick of the same ole' thing. Today I wanted to share a recipe I came upon in my "101 Things To Do With Ground Beef" that I think your family may enjoy. Plus on a high note most of the ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. I'm a tomato lover (fresh tomatoes from the garden are AAAmazing to these taste buds). So if you have any garden tomatoes that you froze from your harvest I recommend splurging that pulling them out for this meal.

Stuffed Tomatoes
6 medium sized tomatoes
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup minced onion
1 cup milk
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 buttered breadcrumbs

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cut a very thin slice from the top of tomatoes and carefully spoon out centers. Turn tomato "cups" upside down to drain and set aside.
Brown ground beef and drain off excess fat (everyone has their own way of browning hamburger, so I'll let you take care of that step) and combine with onion in a frying pan to "be marry"
In a small bowl combine milk, flour, salt, pepper and curry. Pour mixture into meat and bring to a boil over medium-low heat and boil 1 minute. Spoon meat mixture into tomato cups. Place tomato cups in a baking pan and sprinkle tops with buttered breadcrumbs. Bake 17-20 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 6 serving.

Ground beef is a very versatile product, it just requires some creativity every once and a while. It's also great to share your family favorites with others:) And talk about a complete well-balanced meal (Cha-Ching). By incorporating beef into your diet you're supply your body with vitamins and minerals especially high in Zinc, Iron, Protein and Vitamin B12. (ZIP).

Let me know the results of your taste panel.

N.Starr