Buzz
Aside from the occasional stubbed toe, few things frustrate me as much as mistakenly buying a low-fat version of a beloved product. I'll never forgive myself for the Low-Fat Sour Cream Incident of 2016, and I doubt I ever will. A similar sense of rage nearly overtook me when I accidentally picked up a package of extra-lean ground beef instead of my usual 80/20. But then, I recalled the culinary magic that happens when you add ground pork.
Most sausage-grade pork comes with a decent amount of fat (around 25-30%), which makes it the perfect complement to even the leanest beef. Combining equal parts of each results in a juicy mix that won’t dry out during extended cooking times, making it ideal for dishes like meatloaf. It’s also fantastic for meatballs, as pork and tomato are a classic pairing that always works well together.
If you’re a burger purist, this meat combo might not excite you at first, but I see it as an opportunity to experiment with new toppings. While I typically stick to the classic burger toppings for an all-beef patty, a pork-beef blend opens up a whole new world of possibilities. (Give it a try with miso-butter mushrooms and crispy shallots.) This mixed meat option can also bring a refreshing twist to taco night, especially if you're a fan of tacos with crispy shells from a taco kit.
So, the next time you or someone dear to you comes back from the store with an unexpected surplus of lean beef, don't worry. Embrace forgiveness, grab some ground pork, and whip up a meatloaf. Meatloaf is therapeutic, and don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
