Mixed-Up Meats

1 LB Ground Meat

Beef, chicken, lamb, pork, sausage, turkey or veal. Try mixing in chopped bacon or pancetta

½ Cup Binder

Breadcrumbs (plain, seasoned or panko), crumbled crackers (or potato chips/cereal), ground oats or rice

1 Large Egg + 1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic + 1 Teaspoon Salt

Herbs & Seasoning

Basil, black pepper, chili powder, chives, cilantro, crushed red pepper, cumin, curry powder, dill, garam masala, mint, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sesame seeds, thyme

½ Cup Chopped Vegetables (Fresh or Sautéed)

Bell pepper, carrot, celery, chili peppers, mushrooms, onion, scallion, shallot, spinach, squash

½ Cup Shredded or Crumbled Cheese

Asiago, blue cheese, Cheddar, feta, Gouda, Gruyere, Manchego, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, Romano, pepperjack, queso fresco, Swiss

For Meatballs

Roll mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and place on a prepared rack inside a foil-lined sheet pan. Bake at 375 degrees until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees, 15-18 minutes.

For Meatloaf

Double the formula above and add mixture to a prepared 8×4-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Spread glaze over meatloaf (see step three), return to oven and bake until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, 15-20 more minutes.

For Loaded Burgers

Evenly form mixture into four patties (about ¾-inch thick). Grill or sauté over medium-high heat until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, 5-8 minutes per side.