Football season is in full swing—and that means tailgating is back and better than ever! Whether you’re loading up the truck for a day at the stadium, hosting friends in your backyard, or setting up a spread in the living room, tailgating is about more than just the game—it’s about food, fun, and cheering on your team together.
This season, score big with tailgating recipes that combine crowd-pleasing flavor with the clean, lean protein of Laura’s Lean Ground Beef. With 96% and 92% lean options, you get all the juicy, beefy taste you love—without compromise. From hearty chili to fun handhelds, these recipes are guaranteed to keep your crew fueled through every touchdown and overtime thriller.
Lean & Mean Game Day Chili (Southwestern Style)
Nothing says tailgate like a big pot of chili! Easy to make ahead and even better the next day, this Ground Beef Southwestern Chili is loaded with beans, peppers, and bold flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. Laura’s Lean Ground Beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and peppers, cooking until softened.
- Add Laura’s Lean Ground Beef and cook until browned, breaking apart as it cooks.
- Stir in beans, crushed tomatoes, and chili seasoning. Mix well.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with toppings like cheese, Greek yogurt, jalapeños, or avocado.
Handheld food is a must for tailgating, and these Cheesy Beef Taco Crescent Cups check all the boxes—fun, flavorful, and perfectly portioned.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Laura’s Lean Ground Beef
- 2 tubes crescent rolls (you'll have leftover dough)
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Unroll crescent dough and press into muffin tin cups.
- Spoon beef mixture into each dough cup.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve with optional toppings.
These grilled ground beef kebabs are a savory and satisfying option for your tailgate spread.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Laura’s Lean Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, parsley, and spices.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide mixture into 8 portions and mold each onto a skewer.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill kebabs, turning occasionally, until cooked through and browned, about 10–12 minutes.
- Serve with a yogurt-based dipping sauce or your favorite condiment.
Wrapping It Up
From parking lots to patios, tailgating is all about making memories with great people and even better food. With Laura’s Lean Ground Beef, you don’t have to choose between health and flavor - you get both. Try these recipes at your next game day celebration, and you’ll be the MVP of the Tailgate spread.
So, grab your jersey, fire up the grill, and get ready to cheer because when the food is this good, every game day feels like a win.
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