Everyone uses ground beef, at least once per week in their cooking, I thought it was a great time to talk about how to purchase ground beef, what to look for, and some pointers.

• Ground beef is actually a combination of beef cuts. It usually is a combination of chuck, round, and sirloin.  Some labels, at the grocery store, may include the cut of meat that is ground.
• Always purchase ground meat that is bright red. You can tell older ground meat by the color, if it is brown or gray, do not purchase it, as it indicates that it is older.
• For huge savings purchase a family pack of ground beef and then freeze some of the meat for later.
• Look for a tightly wrapped package of meat, avoid a package with loose plastic wrap or a tear.

Here are some guides for purchasing ground beef due to leanness:

• Not less than 73% lean-This is normal just labeled ground beef. This meat is good for chilis, soups, sloppy joes, and pizzas.
• Not less than 80% lean-This meat is used best in meat loves, meatballs and hamburgers
• Not less than 85% lean-This is best used in casseroles

The most important thing to remember when using ground meat is that it is very versatile.

DON’T FORGET TO PIN–

Air Fryer, Smoked Gouda and Onion Burgers

This is a really easy way to make homemade hamburgers or cheeseburgers. Today, I topped them off with a caramelized onion mixture, that is amazing. The burgers are stuffed with smoked gouda cheese.

• Author: ForkToSpoon.com
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 30
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup smoked gouda shredded cheese
• 4 hamburger rolls

Caramelized Onions: (see notes for recipe)

• 1 large yellow or sweet onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer at 400 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, shredded gouda cheese, and spices
3. Shape your hamburgers into patties, as you shape them, put them into the air fryer basket.
4. Air fry for about 5 minutes, per side, flip them using a spatula, unless if you want it less than medium.
5. Serve with a heaping teaspoon of caramelized onion (see recipe below)
6. Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

To make the caramelized onion:

in a small saute pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the sliced yellow or sweet onion, saute for about 3-5 minutes, and then add in the Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar, continue to stir and saute until they are softened.