Ground beef is one of the most affordable meats in the market, which is why you don’t need to wait for it to go on sale before you buy. If you are entertaining for the holidays ground beef should be at the top of your shopping list. Not only is it a budget-saver, but it’s also extremely versatile as seen in the following simple yet delicious party dishes I like to make this time of year:
GROUND BEEF STUFFED JALAPENO PEPPERS
Ingredients:
8 ounces ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup drained canned diced tomatoes
1/3 cup finely chopped carrots
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted blanched almonds
1 cup shredded Chihuahua cheese
24 large jalapeno peppers (1 to 1.5 ounces each)
Sour cream
Lime wedges
Directions:
Brown ground beef with onion in large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is not pink, breaking beef up into small crumbles. Pour off drippings, season with salt.
Stir in tomatoes, carrots, raisins, and almonds. Cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until carrots are tender, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, cool slightly. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cut slit lengthwise down one side of each jalapeno to create pocket, leaving stem and tip on. Make another small crosswise cut just below the stem to form t-shaped opening. Remove and discard seeds and membranes, being careful to keep peppers intact. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the beef mixture into pocket of each pepper.
Place on baking sheet. Top each with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until peppers are tender and cheese begins to brown.
Garnish with sour cream and lime wedges before serving.
MINI PARTY MEATBALLS
Ingredients:
1 bottle chili sauce
1 1/2 cups cranberry sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
In crock-pot, combine chili sauce, cranberry sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and garlic powder. Mix well, set aside. Turn crock-pot on high.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Roll the beef mixture into about 35 to 40 small meatballs.
Place in a shallow baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking time.
Drain the meatballs and add to the crock-pot with the sauce. Mix together to ensure all of the meatballs are coated well. Cover and cook in the crock-pot on low for 2 to 3 hours.
Serve hot with toothpicks.
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