Quick Hamburger Dinner Ideas
The lonely package of hamburger hidden in the back of the freezer is your salvation for quick dinners. And no, you don't need a package of helper to get the job done. Defrost the hamburger on the defrost cycle of the microwave or put it in the refrigerator in the morning. It will be ready to cook in the afternoon. Does this Spark an idea?
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Sliders
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There's not a lot that's quicker to fix for a fast Friday night supper than hamburger sliders. The tiny hamburgers cook quickly because they are so small. You don't need a special slider pan. Flatten golf ball size balls of meat. Place on a pan you've sprayed with cooking oil. Place in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven and those sliders will be done before you know it. Offer store bought condiments such as pre-cooked bacon, shredded cheese, olive spread, and of course ketchup, mustard and mayo. Make a double batch of sliders and dinner will be on the table twice as fast next time. Add coleslaw and potato salad or baked beans and macaroni salad from the grocer's deli case.
Meatballs
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Meatballs don't have to be boring. Vary the ingredients you use with the ground meat. Add crushed pineapple for a Hawaiian flare and serve with a sweet and sour sauce. Use ginger, chopped scallions and soy sauce for Asian meatballs. Serve with teriyaki sauce. Southwest meatballs are made from adding finely crushed corn chips, cumin and red pepper flakes. Serve with salsa. Saute the meatballs or bake them. When baking, shake the pan several times so the meatballs stay round. Finish the dinner with rice or potatoes and vegetables.
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Pasta
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Spaghetti and meatballs are an old standby. Serve deconstructed spaghetti and meatballs by frying the ground meat in a skillet with chopped onions and garlic. Add tomato sauce with chopped fresh basil and fennel seeds. If you don't have basil or fennel, use dried "Italian" seasonings instead. Mix cooked spaghetti into the pan and transfer to a baking dish. Cover with Parmesan cheese. As an alternative, use cheddar cheese and parsley for a dish kids will love. Turn the dish into a pasta pizza. Top with pizza toppings such as mushrooms, green peppers, pepperoni and olives. Serve with a crunchy iceberg and tomato salad.
Soups
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Convert canned soups into dinner in minutes. Fry the hamburger. Mix with the canned soup of your choice. Heat through and serve over rice. Try tomato soup, vegetable beef or cream of mushroom. Other alternatives include corn chowder, potato soup, minestrone and black bean. Serve with crunchy bread and raw vegetables sticks.
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References
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