“All-Purpose Savory Ground Meat Base”

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, turkey, or chicken)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional seasonings: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, or other herbs and spices depending on the intended use

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
   • If using a leaner meat like turkey or chicken, you might need a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet, cooking until it’s translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Meat:
   • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground meat to the skillet.
   • Break the meat into small pieces with a spoon or spatula.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices.
   • Cook until the meat is fully browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain Excess Fat:
   • If there’s a lot of excess fat, you might want to drain it off to keep the dish from being too greasy.
5. Use or Store:
   • This seasoned ground meat can now be used as a taco filling, added to pasta sauces, used to make sloppy joes, or cooled and stored in the refrigerator for use within 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

This basic method allows you to prepare a foundational ingredient that’s ready to be customized and used in countless recipes.