Meatloaf is an iconic comfort food that has graced dinner tables for generations. This versatile dish can be made with various types of ground meat like beef, pork, lamb, and even fish or poultry. But what if you want to make meatloaf but already have cooked ground beef handy? Is it still possible to make delicious meatloaf with pre-cooked beef?
As an avid home cook and meatloaf enthusiast, I did some research on this topic and discovered that yes, you absolutely can make meatloaf with already cooked ground beef! In fact, using cooked ground beef can save you time and effort in the kitchen.
In this detailed guide we will cover everything you need to know about making meatloaf with pre-cooked beef including
- The benefits of using cooked ground beef
- How to prepare and store cooked beef for later use
- Seasoning and flavoring tips
- Choosing the right binders and fillers
- Baking instructions and tips
- Creative ways to repurpose leftover meatloaf
So let’s get cooking and explore the wonderful possibilities of meatloaf made easy with cooked ground beef!
Can You Make Meatloaf With Already Cooked Ground Beef?
The short answer is yes! Using pre-cooked ground beef is absolutely possible for making meatloaf. In fact, it can save you time by skipping the initial sautéing step required when using raw beef.
The key when working with cooked beef is properly preparing and storing it after cooking for later use in recipes like meatloaf. As long as you follow a few simple guidelines, you can make tasty meatloaf using beef that is already cooked.
Benefits of Using Cooked Ground Beef for Meatloaf
There are several advantages to using pre-cooked ground beef for your meatloaf:
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Saves time – Skipping cooking raw beef saves time prepping.
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Easier even cooking – Pre-cooked beef ensures the meatloaf cooks evenly throughout
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Uses leftovers – Repurpose leftover cooked beef instead of wasting it,
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Lower fat – Cooked beef has less fat if you drain it after cooking.
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Intensifies flavor – Browning beef ahead brings out the meaty umami flavors.
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Convenience – Cook beef in batches ahead when time allows.
As you can see, using pre-cooked ground beef can make preparing meatloaf much easier and more efficient.
How to Prepare Cooked Ground Beef for Later Use
When preparing cooked beef for later use in meatloaf, follow these steps:
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Cook ground beef in a skillet until fully browned and cooked through.
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Drain excess fat and let the beef cool completely.
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Transfer cooled beef to airtight containers or zip-top bags.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 4-6 months.
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When ready to use, thaw frozen beef overnight in the fridge.
Proper storage keeps the pre-cooked beef fresh until you need it for recipes.
Tips for Seasoning and Flavoring Cooked Beef
When using cooked ground beef for meatloaf, seasoning is key since the beef won’t be cooked from raw. Here are some tips:
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Season the meatloaf mixture well with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Consider adding Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, ketchup, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
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Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, or basil.
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For a savory umami boost, add soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or tomato paste.
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For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
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Chopped mushrooms, crumbled bacon, grated cheese, or caramelized onions also add great flavor.
Getting creative with seasonings and mix-ins is an easy way to pump up the flavor of meatloaf made with already cooked beef.
Choosing the Right Binders and Fillers
An important step when making meatloaf with cooked ground beef is using the proper binders and fillers. This helps achieve the perfect texture. Here are some excellent options:
Binders: breadcrumbs, oats, mashed potatoes, eggs
Fillers: diced onions, shredded carrots, minced garlic, chopped spinach, diced peppers
Moisture-adding fillers: tomato sauce, applesauce, beef broth, milk, worcestershire
I recommend using at least one binder and a mix of fillers to complement the seasoned cooked beef. The fillers add back moisture lost during pre-cooking.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Cooking Meatloaf
Now let’s walk through the complete process of cooking delicious meatloaf with already cooked ground beef:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs cooked, drained, and cooled ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or oats
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 egg
- 1⁄4 cup milk
- 1⁄4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp each salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan.
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In a large bowl, mix together all ingredients except cooked beef.
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Add cooked ground beef and mix just until combined.
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Transfer mixture to prepared loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
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Bake for 45-60 minutes until cooked through.
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Let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing to serve.
The cooked beef requires less time in the oven than raw meatloaf – about 45 mins to an hour. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 160°F internally.
Handy Tips for Baking Meatloaf with Pre-cooked Beef
Follow these useful tips for success when baking meatloaf made with already cooked ground beef:
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Reduce oven time by at least 15 minutes from recipes for raw meat.
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Check for doneness early to avoid over-baking.
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Add extra binders like breadcrumbs to ensure moisture.
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Use a meat thermometer to check 160°F+ internal temp.
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Tent foil over loaf if browning too quickly.
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Let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
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Mix in gravy or sauce to add moisture to leftover meatloaf.
With these handy tips, you can adapt any meatloaf recipe to use cooked ground beef wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Use Leftover Cooked Beef Meatloaf
Leftover meatloaf doesn’t have to go to waste! Here are some inventive ways to repurpose cooked beef meatloaf creatively:
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Meatloaf sandwiches – Slice leftovers and serve on toasted bread with cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
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Meatloaf tacos or burritos – Dice or shred meatloaf and wrap in tortillas with taco toppings.
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Meatloaf hash – Dice and cook with potatoes, onions, peppers.
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Shepherd’s pie – Layer mashed potatoes over leftover meatloaf in a casserole dish.
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Meatloaf quesadillas – Fill tortillas with shredded meatloaf and cheese.
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Meatloaf salad – Toss diced meatloaf with greens, chopped veggies, and dressing.
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Meatloaf omelet or scramble – Dice and add to egg dishes for a protein punch.
With endless possibilities, you can reinvent leftover meatloaf in so many delicious ways. Get creative!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make meatloaf without any raw meat?
Yes, you absolutely can make meatloaf using only pre-cooked ground beef. Simply prepare the beef properly and combine with binders, fillers, and seasonings of your choice. Adjust cook times as needed.
Should I use a meatloaf recipe for raw meat?
You can, but reduce cook times and add extra binders or moisture-adding ingredients. Check often for doneness and use a meat thermometer.
How long will cooked beef last in the fridge or freezer?
Cooked beef will last 3-4 days refrigerated or 4-6 months in the freezer. Thaw frozen beef overnight before using.
What if my cooked beef is kind of dry and crumbly?
No worries! Just add extra binders like breadcrumbs and moisture-enhancing ingredients like broth or ketchup to ensure it holds together and stays juicy.
What’s the easiest way to prep cooked beef for later?
Cook beef in advance, let cool, and store in airtight bags or containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 4-6 months. Thaw overnight before using in meatloaf recipes.
Conclusion
As you can see, crafting delicious meatloaf with already cooked ground beef is absolutely doable with proper preparation and techniques. The key is adequately seasoning the beef, using enough binders and fillers, and adjusting oven time to avoid overcooking. With the tips in this guide, you can easily make tasty meatloaf that is convenient and family-friendly. Leftover meatloaf also offers endless creative possibilities to reinvent it in tasty new ways. So go ahead and turn that pre-cooked beef into a fabulous meatloaf meal that everyone will love!