Illinois Beef's Family Recipes

Every year to prepare for May Beef Month, we collect family beef recipes from our members to feature in our magazine and social media. Now that we have quite the collection of these delicious recipes, we want to share them with you in our Family Recipes Collection! 

Give these recipes a try for you next family dinner! 


Have your own recipe to submit? Send it in to Olivia Hoots, [email protected], with a title and full recipe included for a chance to be featured in our next May Beef Month Family Recipes collection and here!

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Aunt Kim's Meatloaf and Hokey Pokey Sauce

What you'll need (Meatloaf):
2 lbs. hamburger
1 package onion soup mix
1 can evaporated milk
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 ketchup
Additional ingredients: Ketchup and 2-3 tbsp. brown sugar 
Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix all meatloaf ingredients together. Put into loaf pan, or 8x8 pan and shape into loaf. Cover top with additional ketchup and 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Bake for 1.5 hours, or until internal temperature reads 160°F. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

What you'll need (Hokey Pokey Sauce):
1 can of tomato sauce (15 oz.)

1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 cup of brown sugar (more or less depending on desired sweetness)
Salt and pepper

Directions: 

Combine all Hokey Pokey Sauce ingredients in a small sauce pan. Bring to slight boil over medium heat to warm sauce. Serve over slices of meatloaf. Also good over mashed potatoes if served with meatloaf.


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Grandma T's Smothered Steak

What you'll need: 

2 lbs. round or sirloin steak
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup of oil (of choice)

Directions: 

Cut meat into strips, removing bone and extra fat. Pour oil in large skillet and cook steak on low-medium heat, turning once until done (20 minutes or so). Simmer by pouring both soups and one can of water into the skillet with the steak. Mix.
Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
Optional: Add peppers, mushrooms, or onions for flavor and texture. 


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Angela Anderson's Sale Day BBQ Sandwiches

What you'll need:

3 lbs. hamburger
3 lbs. roast
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1 onion
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cans chicken gumbo soup
Salt and pepper (to taste)
A "little" mustard and BBQ sauce

Directions:

Boil beef roast until tender and shred. In a large skillet, brown hamburger and onion. Drain. Combine roast and hamburger then add other ingredients. Simmer for 45 minutes to an hour over slow heat. This lets the flavor become savory throughout. 
Good to freeze and save for later!


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Will's Favorite Beef Chili

What you'll need (Ground Beef):

4 lbs. ground beef
1 sweet onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
1/4-1/2 tsp. ground allspice
1/4-1/2 tsp. black pepper

What you'll need (Chili):

4 tbsp. flour
1-1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
3 tsp. cumin
3 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tbsp. paprika
1 cap-full A1 Steak Sauce
Good squirt of ketchup
2 46 oz. cans tomato juice
1 27 oz. can chili beans
1 28 oz. can petite cut tomatoes
Cayenne if you want extra heat

Directions:

Cook ground beef with spices and onion in a large pot over medium heat. Drain off fat.
Once beef is cooked, sprinkle flour over ground beef and cook for a minute or two. Add the rest of the spices, steak sauce, ketchup, tomatoes, and chili beans. Lower heat, if needed, so you do not burn anything. Give this a good stir to combine everything, then slowly add tomato juice, stirring as you pour. Lower to medium-low heat and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, lowering heat as necessary. 
Serve with your choice of Fritos corn chips, cheese and saltine crackers. 
Also good served over spaghetti for "Chili Spaghetti"!


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The Willrett Family's Carne Asada Fries

What you'll need (Carne Asada):

1 lb. flank or skirt steak
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. cilantro, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tsp. canola oil

1/2 cup shredded cheese of your choice

What you'll need (French Fries):

2 Russet potatoes
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika

What you'll need (for serving):

Sour cream
Guacamole
Diced tomato
Cilantro
Cojita Cheese

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 450°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper. While over is preheating, cut potatoes into wedges. In a large bowl, stir the potatoes, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Place the fries on baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. While fries bake, in a bowl, combine salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, garlic, cilantro, OJ and lime juice. Add steak and marinate for 20 minutes. Heat your skillet with oil over medium heat. Cook the steak for 3 minutes on both sides for a medium cook. Remove from the skillet and let steak rest before dicing. 
In an oven-proof dish, place fries, cheese of choice and carne asada and broil until cheese is bubbly. 
Serve and top with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, cilantro and grated cheese. 


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Slow COoker Beef And Noodles - From Jenna Siegel Meteer's Moments together cookbook

What you'll need:

2 lb. chuck roast
3 tbsp. herb and garlic seasoning
2 cups + an additional 1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cornstarch, whisked, with an equal amount of water
16 oz. egg noodles
1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions: 

Season roast with 2 tablespoons of seasoning and place in slow cooker. Add 2 cups of broth, cover, and cook on low for at least 8 hours or until roast is fall-apart fork tender. After cooked, shred beef and add cornstarch slurry, the remaining 1/2 cup of beef broth, noodles and cream to slow cooker. Turn to high heat and cover and allow to cook for another 30-40 minutes, stirring a few times, until noodles are cooked and sauce is thick. Once it is done, season with remaining seasoning and mix well. 

Get the book! Inspired by five generations of farmers that came before her, Jenna Siegel Meteer brings a collection of recipes targeting farm wives, stock show moms, sports parents, and those from all walks of life who need a hand in the kitchen. From breakfast to main meals and desserts, these recipes are meant to be joyfully created and enjoyed by all who cherish their moments together.
Moments Together recipe book available for purchase on Amazon at the link here


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HEBERT FARMs' favorite Meatballs

What you'll need:

2 eggs
2 lbs. ground beef
1 cup crushed crackers
1/3 cup ketchup
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp chopped onion
1 can cranberry sauce
1 bottle chili sauce

Directions: 

Preheat over to 350°F. Put eggs in bowl and beat, then add ground beef, crushed crackers, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, pepper and onion. Mix. Roll into balls and space into a 13x9 baking dish. Melt cranberry sauce and chili sauce in a saucepan on the stove. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and bake for 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reached 160°F.


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GRam's beef stroganoff

What you'll need:

2 lbs. sirloin steak (or beef round)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp butter
1/2 chopped onion
4 tbsp flour
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 cups of fresh mushrooms (optional)
1/2 cup miracle whip
1/2 cup water
2 tsp beef bouillon granules

Directions: 

Cut the sirloin into strips. Sauté in a large skillet with oil and butter. When steak is almost to your desired doneness, add the chopped onion (and optional mushrooms) . Stir in the flour and mix well. Add all remaining ingredients and simmer for a few more minutes. Serve over noodles or rice!


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Annie's cheesy cowboy soup

What you'll need:

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 finely diced yellow onion
1 cup finely sliced carrots
2 medium, peeled & diced potatoes
6 cups chicken broth
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 block of cream cheese
1 bag frozen corn
8 oz. Colby jack shredded cheese
Seasonings of choice (Italian, seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder)

Directions: 

Brown ground beef and drain; sauté onions and carrots until golden; combine ground beef and vegetables in pot; stir in potatoes, chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes and corn, let simmer until potatoes are soft (30-45 minutes); place block of cream cheese and seasoning in pot and stir until well combined; stir in shredded cheese and remove heat. 


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Smash burger tacos from the Tasty Tuesday segment with Peri Andras

What you'll need (for burgers):

4-6 small flour tortillas
1 lb. ground beef 
Salt and pepper, both to taste 
1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado) 
4-6 slices American Cheese
1 small onion, diced 
shredded iceberg lettuce
What you'll need (for burger sauce):

1 cup mayo 
4 tbsp pickle relish 
2 tbsp Dijon mustard 
1 teaspoon sugar 
½ tablespoon white vinegar 
1 ¼ teaspoon paprika 
1 teaspoon onion powder 
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions: 

Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Divide the ground beef into four to six equal patties, depending on how thick you want the burgers, on top of the flour tortillas. Sprinkle the beef with salt and pepper, or your favorite burger or taco seasoning, to taste. Heat a skillet to medium heat and place tortillas beef side down in the pan. Allow to cook until beef reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, flip to slightly brown the tortillas, and place a slice of cheese on top to allow to melt. Remove and add lettuce, or any of your favorite toppings.


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Hamburger Bowls from the Tasty Tuesday segment with Rebecca Walker

What you'll need (for bowls):
1 lb. ground beef 
salt and pepper, both to taste 
Don-O's Original
2 sweet potatoes
1 sliced avocado
1 diced tomato
What you'll need (for yogurt sauce):

1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 tsp honey

1/4 tsp garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions: 

Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Brown and season ground beef, roast sweet potatoes and place them as a serving together in a bowl, topping with other ingredients for a heart-healthy nightly meal.


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Cheesy Bourbon Hot Brown Skillet Dip from the Tasty Tuesday segment with Olivia Hoots

What you'll need:
8 ounces Deli Roast Beef 
8 ounces cream cheese
6 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded 
1/2 cup Romano cheese, shredded 
1/2 cup sour cream 
4 strips cooked bacon, finely chopped 
2 Roma tomatoes, diced 
2 tablespoons bourbon 
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 
1/4 teaspoon paprika 
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 
2 teaspoons granulated garlic

Directions: 

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Set aside 1 tablespoon parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped bacon, and 1 tablespoon diced tomatoes for garnish. In a standing mixer combine cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, bacon, Deli Roast Beef, sour cream, Romano cheese, tomatoes, paprika, garlic, mustard, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, bourbon, and pepper until well incorporated. Remove bowl from mixer and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to bake.  Spread the dip into a 8" cast iron or oven-proof dish. Bake in a 350°F oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown and edges are bubbling. Remove from oven and top with remaining bacon, parsley, and tomatoes. Serve warm with crackers, toasted bread or celery & carrots.


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Maroulosalata with Feta & Dill

What you'll need (Salad):

2 tbsp lemon juice 
1/3 cup olive oil 
1/2 tsp minced garlic 
1 tsp dijon 
1 cup green onion 
1 cup feta 
2 heads of butter lettuce 
1/2 cup dill 
1/2 cup parsley
What you'll need (Steak):

2 thinly-sliced ribeye steaks
salt & pepper
1 tbsp butter
thyme
minced garlic

Directions: 

Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and dijon mustard. Set aside, this will be your dressing. Chop your lettuce, then add 1 cup of diced green onion, feta, chopped dill and chopped parsley. Set salad in the fridge. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides, let sit 10 minutes. Heat some oil in a pan on your stove at medium-high heat. Place one steak in the pan, cooking for two minutes on both sides, then add a 1/2 tbsp of butter, some minced garlic and thyme to the pan, scooping the flavors onto the steak. Remove from pan and let sit for twenty minutes. Repeat this step for the second steak. Mix your salad up and add steak to the top of the salad. Serve and enjoy!


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Fresh Pita Pockets with Sirloin Steak

What you'll need (Pita):

2 cups diced cherry tomatoes 
5 mini cucumbers 

1 red bell pepper 
1/2 red onion 
1/4 cup parsley
1 tbsp garlic
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp oregano 
Pita Pockets
Hummus

What you'll need (Steak):

2 Top Sirloin steaks
salt & pepper
1 tbsp butter
thyme
minced garlic

Directions: 

Into a medium-sized bowl mix tomatoes cut into fourths, diced cucumbers, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and parsley. To dress this salad, top with garlic, lemon juice, and oregano. Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides, let sit 10 minutes. Heat some oil in a pan on your stove at medium-high heat. Place one steak in the pan, cooking for two minutes on both sides, then add a 1/2 tbsp of butter, some minced garlic and thyme to the pan, scooping the flavors onto the steak. Remove from pan and let sit for twenty minutes. Repeat this step for the second steak. Spoon a thin layer of hummus on a pita round, then romaine lettuce and your greek salad. Top with steak slices to enjoy!
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Bollman family grape leaves (Rolled & Stuffed)

What you'll need:

1 lb. ground round extra lean 
1 cup white rice
1/4 stick of butter
salt, pepper & cinnamon
2 lemons
30 grape leaves
Directions: 

Combine cooked meat and rice with salt, pepper and cinnamon to taste. Mix well. Roll into the grape leaves and stack criss-cross in a pot. Add water to top layer, then add the lemons and more salt and pepper. Cover with an inverted dish. Bring to a boil and cook on low for 35 minutes, until tender. Serve with greek yogurt.
Cook's Tip: Don't have grape leaves? This recipe is also great rolled with cabbage or stuffed in bellpeppers!
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Beef Tallow Cinnamon ROlls

What you'll need (Rolls):

1 package of dry yeast
¼ cup warm water
¼ cup milk
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp & 1/3 cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cardamom, divided
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons tallow, divided, plus more for greasing
1 ½ cup & 1/3 cup flour, plus more for dusting
1 tsp butter extract
Salt & Cinnamon

What you'll need (Icing):

2 cups powdered sugar
¼ tsp orange extract
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Milk to taste

Directions: 

In warm water, dissolve one package of active dry yeast and 1 tsp of brown sugar. Let sit for ten minutes to activate yeast. Scald milk and remove from heat, immediately adding 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of tallow, ¼ cups of sugar and a good pinch of salt. This should make the fats melt and cool the milk. Using a stand mixer, beat one egg. Next add the milk mixture and beat until blended, follow with ½ cup and 1/3 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tsp of cardamon spice. Beat again then replace attachment with the dough hook. Add the final cup of flour and scrape down the edges then turn mixer to medium-high to incorporate all the flour. Pour onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and prepped. Place in a tallow-greased bowl and let rise for 40 minutes (up to 1.5 hours). While your dough is rising, prepare the filling. Blend 1 tsp butter extract, 1 tsp cardamom, 1/3 brown sugar and cinnamon to taste. *Use your sniffer to get the perfect spice blend, you will know when there is enough cinnamon. Uncover and punch down then roll out on a floured surface to ½ inch thick. Evenly spread one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of tallow on the flat dough and then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Roll the dough and cut into twelve even pieces. Place pieces on their flat side and use a thin cylindric object (maybe a spatula) to press the center and create the butterfly roll shape. Let rise for another hour, preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Once rolls are done rising, bake for ten minutes on a center oven rack. Now make your icing. Combine all ingredients, use the milk to create your preferred texture. Drizzle rolls with icing to enjoy!