Ground beef has a dirty little secret. It’s not just one thing. There’s 80/20, 85/15, and the lean 93/7. That first number is the meat, the second is the fat—your ticket to flavor town.
Is 80/20 too fatty? No way. That fat is liquid gold for a smash burger. It crusts up like a dream. Just don’t drain it all away—save a little for the pan sauce.
Fun fact: The average American eats 50 pounds of ground beef a year. That’s a lot of spaghetti nights. Also, a single cow can produce over 300 pounds of ground meat. You’re basically eating a whole herd over time.
Beef Recipes That Slap
First up: Monster Meatloaf. Don’t just throw it in a loaf pan. Shape it into a mountain on a sheet tray. Glaze it with ketchup, brown sugar, and a dash of hot sauce.
Next: Lazy Taco Skillet. Brown the beef, toss in a packet of seasoning, then stir in a can of diced tomatoes and black beans. Eat it with chips. Or from a spoon. I won’t judge.
Last: Smashed Burgers. Roll the beef into small balls. Get a cast-iron skillet screaming hot. Smash them flat with a spatula until they cry crispy edges.
