The smell of savory beef on the stove is comforting. It reminds us of home-cooked meals. But, life can get busy, leaving little time for cooking. That’s when canned beef comes to the rescue, making quick, tasty meals.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, these 10 easy canned beef recipes are perfect. They’re quick, satisfying, and easy to make. They’re great for busy weeknights when you’re short on time.
Table of Contents
Understanding Canned Beef Types and Preparation Methods
There are two main kinds of canned beef: raw-packed and hot-packed. Knowing the difference helps you pick the right one for your cooking needs.
Raw Packed vs. Hot Packed Beef
Raw-packed beef is put straight into jars and then canned under pressure. This makes it easy to shred or flake. Hot-packed beef, however, is partially cooked before being canned. It keeps its shape and texture better.
Both types are cooked and ready to eat. They offer convenience and flexibility in the kitchen.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keeping canned beef in a cool, dry place is crucial. Unopened cans can last 12-18 months. Once opened, leftovers should be refrigerated and eaten within 3-4 days. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Basic Preparation Guidelines
- Refrigerate canned beef before slicing to help the meat hold its shape.
- You can use canned beef in many dishes, like beef stew, tacos, and enchiladas with a Mexican twist.
- For optimal texture and flavor, consider searing or sautéing canned beef before incorporating it into your recipes.
By knowing the different canned beef types and following these tips, you can easily add this convenient ingredient to your meals. It makes for quick and tasty homemade dishes.
Classic Beef Stroganoff Using Canned Beef
Beef stroganoff is a tasty and comforting dish great for quick weeknight meals. Using canned beef makes it easy to prepare in no time. It’s perfect for busy people who don’t want to spend hours cooking.
To make this quick beef stroganoff, start by sautéing mushrooms in a skillet. Once they’re nicely browned, add your canned beef. You can use it raw-packed or hot-packed. Let it heat through.
Then, stir in sour cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. This creates a creamy, flavorful sauce.
This recipe is versatile. You can serve it over hot cooked noodles, like egg noodles. Or, try it over fluffy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. For a heartier meal, turn it into a beef pot pie with a flaky pie crust or an almond flour crust.
No matter how you enjoy it, this canned beef stroganoff is a quick and easy solution for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious, satisfying meal ready in a flash. Try it and see how canned beef can make your beef stroganoff recipe even better.
Quick and Hearty Beef Stew Recipe
Craving a comforting meal? A quick beef stew made with canned beef is perfect. It combines tender beef with veggies, herbs, and spices. This stew is delicious and easy to make, great for a chilly day.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stew
- 3 pounds of beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 medium onions, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 small red potatoes, diced
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of red wine (such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, or Shiraz)
- 32 oz of beef stock or broth
- 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions and Tips
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Brown the beef cubes in a large pot over medium-high heat. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Cook the onions and garlic in the pot until the onions are clear. Pour in red wine and scrape up browned bits. Stir in beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and beef cubes. Cover and bake in the oven.
Cook for about 2.5 hours, or until beef and veggies are tender. If the stew is too thin, make a cornstarch slurry and stir in during the last 30 minutes.
Suggested Side Dishes
Enjoy this stew with crusty bread, fluffy biscuits, or creamy mashed potatoes. It also goes well with a fresh green salad for a lighter side.
Homestyle Cottage Pie and Shepherd’s Pie Variations
Make your dinner time cosy with canned beef cottage pie and shepherd’s pie with canned beef. These dishes are tasty and simple to make. They use common ingredients like canned beef.
Cottage pie usually has ground beef, while shepherd’s pie has lamb. But, you can easily make both with canned beef for a quick meal. Just layer the canned beef, add veggies, and cover with mashed potatoes and cheese. Bake until it’s warm and bubbly.
To create the best easy pie recipes with canned beef, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a pie dish, layer the canned beef, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- If desired, add diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or onions to the beef layer.
- Top the beef and vegetables with a layer of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake the pie for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Whether you like canned beef cottage pie or shepherd’s pie with canned beef, these recipes will be hits. They offer rich flavors and the ease of canned beef for a great meal anytime.
Canned Beef Recipes for Mexican-Inspired Dishes
Canned beef is a great pantry item for many tasty Mexican dishes. It’s perfect for quick meals like beef quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, and burrito bowls. It’s a quick and tasty option for busy nights or when you want Mexican food.
Beef Quesadillas and Tacos
For a quick and tasty meal, mix taco seasoning with canned beef. Use it as a filling for quesadillas or tacos. Add cheese, tomatoes, and sour cream on top. You can also add black beans or corn for more flavor and nutrition.
Easy Enchiladas
Canned beef is also great for enchiladas. Mix it with enchilada sauce, onions, and spices. Roll it in tortillas, top with more sauce and cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly. It’s a comforting Mexican dish.
Burrito Bowl Assembly
Make a customizable burrito bowl with canned beef, rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, and your favorite toppings. It’s perfect for meal prep or serving a crowd. Everyone can make a bowl just how they want it.
Canned beef lets you try many Mexican flavors and textures. It makes it easy to enjoy Mexican food any night of the week.
Savory Beef Hash for Breakfast or Dinner
Canned beef hash is great for breakfast or dinner. It’s savory, filling, and easy to make. This makes it perfect for quick, satisfying meals.
To start, fry diced potatoes in a cast-iron skillet with olive oil and butter. When they’re golden, add a diced onion and cook until it’s soft. Then, mix in the canned beef and season with salt and pepper.
For a fancy touch, add sour cream, cheddar cheese, olives, or sauerkraut on top. You can also add bell peppers or cabbage for more flavor and nutrition.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Diced potatoes | 2 cups |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Finely diced onion | 1 medium |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cooked diced corned beef | 2 cups |
| Fresh chopped parsley | For garnish |
Canned beef hash is a tasty, simple dish for any meal. It’s perfect for quick breakfasts or dinners. Try different toppings to make it your own.
Gourmet Sandwiches and Sliders
Canned beef is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your sandwich and slider game. Discover two delectable ways to incorporate this pantry staple into mouthwatering gourmet creations.
Hot Sandwich Options
For a twist on classic beef sliders, top slider buns with shredded canned beef, provolone cheese, sautéed peppers, and caramelized onions. Brush the assembled sandwiches with melted butter and bake until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown, about 15 minutes. These canned beef sliders are a quick and easy way to enjoy a hot, open-faced sandwich.
Cold Sandwich Combinations
Elevate your lunchtime routine with canned beef sandwiches. Simply layer the canned beef between slices of bread or rolls, along with your favorite cheese and condiments like mayonnaise or mustard. The rich, savory flavor of the canned beef pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables and creamy spreads for a satisfying gourmet canned beef recipe.
Whether you opt for hot or cold, these canned beef sandwiches and sliders are sure to impress. With minimal prep time and pantry-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious, gourmet-inspired meal in no time.
Asian-Inspired Stir Fry Solutions
Discover the versatility of canned beef in creating delectable Asian-inspired stir fry dishes. With hot-packed canned beef, you can whip up quick and flavorful stir-fry meals with ease. Pair the tender beef chunks or strips with your choice of savory or spicy sauces and an array of fresh vegetables for a satisfying one-pan wonder.
To elevate your canned beef stir fry, consider using large chunks or strips of beef that are specifically canned for stir fry purposes. This cut and preparation ensure the beef retains its texture and absorbs the bold flavors of the dish. The key is to rely on the convenience of canned beef while incorporating the vibrant tastes of Asian cuisine.
Experiment with a variety of stir-fry sauces, from classic teriyaki and garlic-ginger to spicy Szechuan or Thai-inspired flavors. Pair the beef with your favorite stir-fry-friendly vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, water chestnuts, and baby corn. The options are endless when it comes to creating craveable canned beef stir-fry dishes that are both quick and Asian-inspired.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water chestnuts | 1 cup |
| Servings | 6 regular or 4 large |
| Recommended Beef Cut | Flank, Rib Eye, or Striploin Steak |
| Cornstarch for Coating | 1/3 cup |
| Vegetable Oil for Frying | 1 cup |
With these easy canned beef stir fry techniques and flavor combinations, you can enjoy quick, delicious, and Asian-inspired quick stir fry meals any night of the week.
Creamy Garlic Beef Over Rice
Turn canned beef into a delicious, restaurant-quality dish with this easy Creamy Garlic Beef recipe. Sauté the hot-packed canned beef in a garlic-butter sauce. Then, slowly add a creamy base for a flavorful meal that goes great with rice or mashed potatoes.
High-quality, hot-packed canned beef is key for this recipe. It keeps its tender texture and rich flavor. Just sauté the beef with garlic and butter until it’s warm. Then, add heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy sauce.
Serve the creamy garlic beef over steamed rice for a complete dish. The rice lets the beef and sauce take centre stage. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes for a cosy meal.
This Creamy Garlic Beef recipe is not only tasty but also flexible. You can tweak it by changing the garlic amount, adding fresh herbs, or including mushrooms or onions. The options are endless!
Looking for a quick dinner or a special meal? This Creamy Garlic Beef over Rice will impress. Its creamy texture and bold garlic flavor will delight your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hot-packed canned beef | 1 (12 oz) can |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Heavy cream or half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Cooked white or brown rice | 3 cups |
Conclusion
Canned beef is a great pantry staple for quick and tasty meals. You can make everything from classic beef stroganoff to international dishes. It’s easy to cook with canned beef, making it perfect for any meal.
Looking for a comforting casserole or a Mexican taco filling? Canned beef can make it happen. It’s affordable, lasts long, and saves time. This makes it ideal for busy cooks who love to eat well.
Next time you want a fast, delicious meal, grab a can of beef. These recipes are easy and flavorful. They’ll impress your family and friends with your cooking.
FAQ
What are the main types of canned beef?
How do I properly store canned beef?
What are some basic preparation guidelines for using canned beef?
How can I use canned beef in a beef stroganoff recipe?
What are the essential ingredients for a hearty beef stew with canned beef?
How can I use canned beef to make cottage pie or shepherd’s pie?
What are some Mexican-inspired dishes I can make with canned beef?
How can I make a delicious beef hash with canned beef?
What kind of gourmet sandwiches and sliders can I make with canned beef?
How can I use canned beef in Asian-inspired stir fry dishes?
What is a delicious creamy garlic beef recipe using canned beef?
Love beef dishes? Explore more in our Beef Recipes Collection for more mouthwatering meals!