Got ground beef and ground pork in the refrigerator? Turn them into juicy meatballs, burgers, tacos, Bolognese, chili, casseroles, dumplings, breakfast skillets, and more with these practical recipes and cooking tips.
The most useful ground beef and pork recipes include meatballs, meatloaf, burgers, tacos, Bolognese, stuffed peppers, chili, rice skillets, dumplings, and casseroles. A 50/50 beef-and-pork blend is a flexible starting point, but you can shift the ratio depending on the dish.
For a quick dinner, choose tacos or a rice skillet. For meal prep, make meatballs, chili, or Bolognese. For a family centerpiece, meatloaf is a classic option.
How to Mix Ground Beef and Pork
The best ratio depends on what you’re cooking. Equal parts beef and pork give you a balanced starting point, while a beef-heavy mixture gives stronger beef flavor and a pork-heavy mixture can bring more richness.
Don’t pack the meat tightly while mixing. Overworking ground meat can make meatballs, burgers, and meatloaf noticeably denser.
| Best Use | Starting Ratio | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Meatballs | 50% beef / 50% pork | Balanced flavor and tenderness |
| Meatloaf | 50/50 or beef-heavy | Rich but still beef-forward |
| Burgers | 70% beef / 30% pork | Keeps a stronger burger flavor |
| Tacos | 50/50 | Takes bold spices well |
| Bolognese | 50/50 | Creates a rich, savory sauce |
| Dumplings | 30–50% beef / remainder pork | Pork-forward filling stays flavorful |
| Chili | 50/50 | Adds depth without dominating the beans |
| Breakfast hash | 50/50 | Works well with potatoes and eggs |
A Simple 2-Pound Mixing Formula
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- Seasonings appropriate for the recipe
- A binder such as egg and breadcrumbs when making meatballs or meatloaf
If the ground meats have noticeably different fat levels, adjust the recipe rather than assuming every 50/50 blend will behave identically.
Beef and Pork Meatballs
Soft, versatile meatballs for pasta, subs, appetizers, or meal prep.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- Heat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment.
- Mix breadcrumbs and milk and let them stand for about 2 minutes.
- Add beef, pork, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently just until combined.
- Shape into about 24 meatballs.
- Arrange with space between each meatball.
- Bake until browned and the centers reach 160°F.
- Serve with marinara, pasta, rice, or toasted rolls.
Refrigerate cooked meatballs for 3–4 days, or freeze them in a sealed container for longer storage.
Classic Beef and Pork Meatloaf
A rich, tender family-style meatloaf with a simple sweet-savory glaze.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Soak the breadcrumbs in milk for several minutes.
- Combine with beef, pork, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and ketchup.
- Mix gently until evenly combined.
- Shape into a loaf in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Mix the glaze ingredients and spread over the top.
- Bake until the center reaches 160°F.
- Rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, or a simple salad.
Juicy Beef and Pork Burgers
A beef-and-pork burger is a useful choice when you want something richer than a standard beef patty. Keep the mixture simple so the flavor of the meat remains noticeable.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Method
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions.
- Form each into a patty slightly wider than the bun.
- Make a shallow indentation in the center.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook, turning as needed, until the centers reach 160°F.
- Add cheese during the final minutes if desired.
- Rest briefly before serving.
Because these are made from ground beef and pork, cook them to 160°F rather than using steak-style doneness. Verify the temperature with a food thermometer.
Best Toppings
Easy Beef and Pork Tacos
A fast, boldly seasoned option for tacos, bowls, quesadillas, nachos, and burritos.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 8–12 tortillas
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add beef and pork and break into small pieces.
- Add onion and cook until the meat browns and onion softens.
- Stir in garlic and spices.
- Add water and simmer until moist but not watery.
- Verify the meat reaches 160°F.
- Spoon into warm tortillas.
Topping Ideas
Beef and Pork Bolognese
A beef-and-pork Bolognese is a strong choice for a slower weekend dinner. The meat works particularly well with onion, carrot, celery, tomato, wine or stock, and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound pasta
- Grated Parmesan, for serving
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot.
- Cook onion, carrot, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add beef and pork and break into small pieces.
- Cook until browned and most excess moisture has evaporated.
- Stir in tomato paste.
- Add tomatoes, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and simmer gently until thickened.
- Cook pasta separately and combine with enough sauce to coat.
- Finish with Parmesan.
Beef and Pork Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers turn the meat mixture into a colorful one-dish dinner. Rice adds bulk, while tomato sauce keeps the filling moist. For a faster version, chop the peppers instead and make an unstuffed pepper skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 4 large bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Method
- Heat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the tops from peppers and remove seeds.
- Brown beef and pork with onion.
- Add garlic, seasoning, salt, pepper, rice, and tomato sauce.
- Fill peppers and arrange them in a baking dish.
- Cover and bake until peppers are tender and filling reaches 160°F.
- Uncover, add mozzarella, and bake until melted.
Beef and Pork Rice Skillet
A rice skillet can turn two pounds of ground meat into a generous family meal with rice, vegetables, tomatoes, and pantry seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (14–15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Brown beef and pork in a large skillet.
- Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
- Add garlic and spices.
- Stir in tomatoes, beans, and cooked rice.
- Simmer until everything is hot and combined.
- Check the meat mixture reaches 160°F.
- Top with cheddar and cover briefly until melted.
Easy Variations
Beef and Pork Chili
Mixed beef and pork make a hearty chili with plenty of savory flavor. Beans and tomatoes stretch the meat while giving the finished pot enough body for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) beans, drained
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14–15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Brown beef and pork in a large pot.
- Add onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and spices.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and broth.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered until the chili reaches your preferred thickness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Confirm the meat reaches 160°F.
Serve with cheddar, sour cream, green onions, avocado, or tortilla chips.
Beef and Pork Casseroles
Casseroles are especially useful for family dinners, potlucks, and make-ahead meals. The same meat mixture can be combined with pasta, potatoes, rice, tortillas, or vegetables.
For casseroles containing cooked meat and other perishable ingredients, cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate them rather than leaving the dish at room temperature.
Beef and Pork Dumplings
Ground pork is a natural partner for ginger, garlic, scallions, soy sauce, cabbage, and sesame. Adding some beef gives the filling a deeper savory flavor.
Filling
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 cup finely chopped napa cabbage
- 2 scallions, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Mix gently, fill dumpling wrappers, and cook by steaming, boiling, or pan-frying. The filling should reach 160°F before serving.
Serve With
Beef and Pork Breakfast Recipes
Ground beef and pork can move easily into breakfast when paired with potatoes, eggs, tortillas, cheese, and peppers.
30-Minute Ground Beef and Pork Dinner Ideas
When you need dinner quickly, start with recipes that require little assembly. Skillet recipes, tacos, burgers, and quesadillas are among the most convenient options.
Freezer-Friendly Ground Beef and Pork Recipes
The most freezer-friendly choices are recipes with sauces or moisture. Meatballs, chili, Bolognese, taco filling, and cooked meatloaf slices generally handle freezing better than foods that depend on crisp textures.
Best Freezer Choices
Use airtight freezer packaging and label each container with the name and date.
USDA storage recommendations distinguish between food safety and best quality. Properly frozen food can remain safe longer when continuously frozen, while recommended timeframes are primarily quality guidelines.
How to Store and Reheat Ground Beef and Pork
Keep raw ground beef and pork refrigerated at 40°F or below. USDA recommends using or freezing raw ground meat within 1–2 days.
Raw Meat
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
- Use or freeze within 1–2 days.
- Keep raw meat away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw meat.
- Thaw in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave rather than on the counter.
Cooked Food
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
- Use refrigerated cooked leftovers within 3–4 days.
- Reheat leftovers to 165°F.
- Freeze portions you won’t eat within the recommended refrigerator window.
Ground beef, ground pork, and mixtures of the two should reach 160°F internally. Use a food thermometer rather than relying on color.
Best Substitutions for Ground Beef and Pork Recipes
If You Don’t Have Ground Pork
- Ground beef
- Ground turkey
- Ground chicken
- A mixture of beef and another ground meat
The flavor and fat level will change, so adjust seasonings and cooking accordingly.
If You Don’t Have Ground Beef
- Ground pork
- Ground turkey
- Ground chicken
Pork-only mixtures will usually taste richer and less beef-forward.
For Gluten-Free Recipes
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs
- Crushed gluten-free crackers
- Certified gluten-free oats where appropriate
- Corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas
Check packaged sauces, broths, seasonings, and condiments because some may contain wheat.
For Dairy-Free Recipes
Skip Parmesan, milk, sour cream, and cheese, or use suitable dairy-free alternatives.
For Egg-Free Meatballs
Use a suitable binder such as soaked breadcrumbs or another recipe-tested binder rather than simply removing the egg without adjustment.
What to Make With 1 Pound of Beef and 1 Pound of Pork
| Time Available | Best Choice | What You’ll Need |
|---|---|---|
| 20–30 minutes | Tacos | Tortillas, onion, spices, toppings |
| 30–40 minutes | Rice skillet | Cooked rice, tomatoes, beans |
| 40–50 minutes | Meatballs | Breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, sauce |
| About 1 hour | Meatloaf | Breadcrumbs, egg, onion, glaze |
| Under 30 minutes | Burgers | Buns, toppings, seasonings |
| Longer weekend meal | Bolognese | Tomatoes, aromatics, pasta |
| Meal prep | Chili | Beans, tomatoes, spices |
| Weekend project | Dumplings | Wrappers, cabbage, ginger, scallions |
This is also a useful way to avoid wasting ingredients. Cook one recipe now and freeze another portion when practical.
How to Make Ground Beef and Pork Taste Better
The biggest flavor improvement usually comes from proper browning, not simply adding more seasoning.
Brown the Meat in Batches
If the skillet is overcrowded, the meat can release moisture faster than it can brown. Use a wide skillet and give the meat enough room.
Season in Layers
Season the meat as you cook, then taste the finished sauce or filling before adding more salt.
Build Flavor Around the Meat
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mix ground beef and ground pork?
Yes. Ground beef and pork can be combined in meatballs, meatloaf, burgers, tacos, sauces, casseroles, and stuffed vegetables. A 50/50 blend is a useful starting point, but the ideal ratio depends on the recipe and meat’s fat content.
What is the best ratio of ground beef to pork?
There isn’t one universal ratio. 50/50 is versatile, while a beef-heavy mixture suits burgers and a pork-heavy mixture can work particularly well for dumpling fillings.
Is ground beef and pork good for burgers?
Yes. The mixture can make flavorful burgers with a rich texture. Because they’re made from ground meat, cook the centers to 160°F and verify the temperature with a food thermometer.
Can I freeze a beef and pork mixture?
Yes. Freeze raw ground meat promptly in suitable freezer packaging, or freeze cooked recipes in airtight containers. Refrigerated raw ground meat should generally be used or frozen within 1–2 days.
Should I drain ground beef and pork after browning?
Drain excess fat when the finished recipe would otherwise become greasy. For dishes such as Bolognese or chili, leaving some rendered fat can contribute flavor and body.
Can I use ground pork instead of ground beef?
Usually, yes, especially in meatballs, tacos, casseroles, pasta sauces, and stuffed vegetables. Expect a different flavor and potentially different fat level, so adjust the recipe as needed.
How long can cooked beef and pork stay in the refrigerator?
Cooked leftovers should generally be used within 3–4 days when properly refrigerated. Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving.
What temperature should ground beef and pork reach?
Cook the mixture to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F. Check the thickest part with a food thermometer, especially for meatloaf, burgers, meatballs, and stuffed dishes.
Final Takeaway
Ground beef and pork recipes give you a flexible starting point for everything from fast tacos and burgers to slow-simmered Bolognese and freezer-friendly meatballs. The best results come from choosing the right meat ratio, seasoning, cooking method, and supporting ingredients.
If you have one pound of beef and one pound of pork tonight, tacos are a fast option, meatballs are versatile, and chili is useful for leftovers. Keep a food thermometer nearby, refrigerate leftovers promptly, and freeze portions you won’t use within the recommended refrigerator window.
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