All-Purpose Ground Meat Mixture
Ingredients
2 lb (900 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup (optional, for extra flavor)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let stand for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground meat, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and all the seasonings.
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meat tough.
Use the mixture as desired:
Meatballs: Roll into 1½-inch balls and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes.
Meatloaf: Shape into a loaf and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60–70 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Burgers: Form into patties and grill or pan-fry for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Stuffed vegetables or cabbage rolls: Fill and cook according to your recipe.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the uncooked mixture for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
