If you’ve purchased ground beef in the past month, you’ll want to take note of this news, especially if you shop at Kroger. JBS USA, Inc. has recalled a whopping 35,464 pounds of ground beef products, the USDA announced this week. And while the USDA classifies this instance as a “low” health risk, you’ll still want to check any items in your freezer. According to the recall, the ground beef packages in question may include “extraneous materials, specifically hard plastic.” And no one wants pieces of plastic in their dinner.
How to Know If Your Ground Beef Is Affected
The ground beef packages affected by the recall include options from Kroger, Laura’s Lean Beef, Private Selection angus beef, and JBS ground beef. The recalled products listed on the USDA’s website have sell-by dates of April 9, 2018. If you have a package of meat with that sell-by date hanging out in your freezer, check the USDA website for full information on the recalled ground beef labels. The affected items also say “EST. 34176” under the USDA inspection seal.
Don’t Be Too Worried
Again, the USDA lists the risk from this recall as a “low” one. The amount of meat recalled is alarming, but there haven’t been any confirmed “adverse reactions” to this specific recall.
Get Rid of Any Affected Ground Beef Packages
Even though the USDA hasn’t reported any illnesses from this recall, you still don’t want to keep any meat affected by it. Toss any ground beef that meets the above criteria, or return them to the store. Don’t be afraid of returning to Kroger in the future, though—all affected ground beef has been removed from store shelves.
And if you’d planned on using that ground beef to make dinner, there are plenty of recipes, like this Mediterranean turkey skillet, that would still taste great with ground turkey or ground chicken.
Ground Turkey Recipes to Try Tonight
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California Burger Bowls
Burgers are a weekly staple at our house year-round. Skip the fries, chips and bun—you won't need them with these loaded veggie & fruit burgers. To spice up the mayo, add 1/2 tsp. of chipotle powder. —Courtney Stultz, Weir Kansas
Effortless Black Bean Chili
My mom found the inspiration for this chili in a slow-cooker cookbook. After a few updates, all of us love it (even those of us who steer clear of beans). We think it's even better served over rice. —Amelia Gormley, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Slow-Cooked Pizzaiola Meat Loaf
I also like to add Italian Castelvetrano olives to the meat loaf mixture. They're bright green, very mild and fruity, and are available in the deli section of the grocery store. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Sweet and Spicy Sloppy Joes
These sandwiches have been the go-to meal for my son's basketball team. Turkey is a wonderful change from ground beef and really absorbs all the flavors. I have also used this for a Friday the 13th celebration at work, calling it 13-ingredient sloppy joes (you have to count salt and pepper separately to get to 13). —Karen Hildebrand, LaBelle, Florida
Southwest Turkey Patties with Beans
These turkey patties are delicious and low in calories. Skip the rice if you're looking to cut carbs. —Dot Carpenter, Washington, Pennsylvania
Turkey & Pork Meatballs
Treat yourself to homemade meatballs, already simmering in sauce, at the end of a busy day. —Suzanne Wagg, Madison, Maine
Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers
This well-seasoned entree is so tasty, you won’t even miss having real cheddar cheese. Round out the meal with a salad or a side of rice. Thanks to Judy Hand-Truitt from Birmingham, Alabama for sharing the recipe.
Jalapeno-Swiss Turkey Burgers
These easy turkey burgers are extra juicy and loaded with flavor. I think the spicy jalapenos give it just the right level of heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to amp it up or tone it down. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida
Turkey White Chili
Growing up in a Pennsylvania Dutch area, I was surrounded by excellent cooks and wonderful foods. I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, like this change-of-pace chili. —Kaye Whiteman, Charleston, West Virginia
Three-Cheese Turkey Manicotti
This is my husband’s favorite dish. He always requests it, even for holidays! You’ll love the variety of cheeses and spices that jazz it up. It’s restaurant-quality, but at a quarter of the price! —LuAnne Wallace Bennett, Powder Springs, Georgia
Mexican Turkey Meat Loaf
Here's a zesty, flavorful meat loaf you can really sink your teeth into! Great with black beans, rice, green salad with lime vinaigrette, or any of your favorite Tex-Mex sides. —Kristen Miller, Glendale, Wisconsin
Turkey Sausage Cabbage Rolls
I practically grew up in my Polish grandmother's kitchen, watching Babci cook and listening to her stories. I made her cabbage roll recipe healthier with whole grains and turkey, but kept the same rich flavors I remember. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Turkey Portobello Bolognese
This sauce tastes better the longer it simmers, which allows the flavors to fully develop. In fact, it tastes best the second day after a night in the refrigerator. Mangia! —Darrell Kau, Eugene, Oregon
Black Bean Turkey Enchiladas
My best friend and I created this recipe together because we wanted a meal that’s easy to prepare, affordable and nutritious. We both have hectic schedules, so when we’re feeling crunched for time, it’s a relief to have these wholesome enchiladas waiting for us in the freezer. —Holly Baber, Seattle, Washington
Loaded Turkey Sliders
What these sliders lack in size they make up for in flavor! They're great for little hands and you can customize the toppings to suit kids' tastes. Serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish along with sweet potato fries and fresh fruit. —Kathy DeRousie, Port Angeles, Washington
Asian Turkey Lettuce Cups
Such a cool idea for a light lunch or even an appetizer simply served in small lettuce leaves. When I want to make it easier for my kids to eat, I mix it all up with shredded lettuce and serve in a bowl. —Diana Rios, Lytle, Texas
Crispy Baked Wontons
These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. —Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon
Turkey Salisbury Steaks
My mother always made Salisbury steak. When I married, I developed my own, and it just may be the recipe my husband asks for the most. —Leann Doyle, Patchogue, New York
Enchilada Stuffed Shells
I served this entree to my husband, my sister and my brother-in-law, who is a hard-to-please eater. He said he liked it and even took leftovers for lunch the next day—I was thrilled! —Rebecca Stout, Conroe, Texas
Quinoa Turkey Chili
This heart-healthy chili is not only tasty, it's a vitamin and protein powerhouse! —Sharon Giljum, San Diego, California
Lasagna Cups
I love lasagna and garlic bread, so it only made sense to put them together in these fun little cups. Have one as an appetizer or two for a meal! —Angelique Douglas, Maryville, Illinois
Deb's Mushroom & Barley Soup
Nothing is more comforting than coming home to this rich soup! I prepare the ingredients the night before and start the slow cooker on my way out the door. —Debra Kamerman, New York, New York
Apple-Sage Sausage Patties
Apple and sausage naturally go together. Add sage, and you’ve got some standout patties. They’re freezer friendly, so I make them ahead and grab when needed. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Terrific Teriyaki Burgers
Golden flecks of pineapple give these burgers a touch of sweetness, while the ginger root adds some spice. Ground chicken works well in this recipe, too. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
Spinach Turkey Meatballs
Our children call these "Gramby Meatballs" because the recipe came from my dear mother-in-law. It's a great way to make spinach palatable. I usually make a triple batch, bake them all and freeze the extras for a quick meal later. —Mimi Blanco, Bronxville, New York
Turkey Sausage Zucchini Boats
When I worked in the school library, my co-workers were my taste testers. They approved this healthy and happy spin on stuffed zucchini. —Stephanie Cotterman, West Alexandria, Ohio
Tangy Turkey Tostadas
I'm a health fitness specialist and personal trainer, so I know how important it is to make smart food choices to fuel my day. These fast and filling tostadas are packed with lean protein, fiber and a good dose of veggies. Have them any night of the week. —Julie Huntington, Memphis, Tennessee
Mushroom Bacon Turkey Burgers
If you ask me, a good burger needs mushrooms on top, but they tend to slide around and fall off. I decided to put mushrooms right into the patties—problem solved! —Melissa Obernesser, Utica, New York
Slow Cooker Turkey Pesto Lasagna
My cheesy, noodle-y lasagna makes any slow-cooker skeptic a believer. It's easy to prep while my kids nap, and dinner's ready when their dad walks in the door at night. We bring more pesto and marinara to the table for our resident sauce lovers. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA
Turkey Chili
I've taken my mother's turkey chili recipe and made it thicker and more robust. It's a favorite, especially in fall and winter. —Celesta Zanger, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Turkey Picadillo
I serve this over shortcut pasta or egg noodles and garnish it with sour cream and a sprinkling of chopped scallions. Any leftovers reheat wonderfully. —Anita Pinney, Santa Rosa, California
Turkey Taco Macaroni
This is a nice little twist on a classic dish. If you love cheese, feel free to add more, and green peppers are a great taste if you want some vegetables. —Barb Kondolf, Hamlin, New York
Festive Turkey Meatballs
Turkey gives a different twist to these slightly sweet and spicy meatballs. For the holidays, I serve them on a tray lined with parsley and garnished with red pepper or pimientos. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Black Bean Turkey Chili
This busy-day chili is packed with flavor. We make it ahead and freeze some to eat later. —Marisela Segovia, Miami, Florida
Sweet & Sour Turkey Meatballs
Decorating with the winter fruit pomegranate is an old holiday tradition, but few people know what to do with them afterward. Here is a great potluck or buffet recipe for Christmas parties that's seasonal, easy and delicious. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Upside-Down Frito Pie
Using ground turkey is a smart way to lighten up this hearty family-pleaser!—Mary Berg, Lake Elmo, Minnesota
Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
While exploring Mexican restaurants, I tasted chiles rellenos and wanted to make them at home. My husband and I teamed up to create this new favorite recipe, stuffed poblano peppers. —Lorrie Grabczynski, Commerce Township, Michigan
Cheesy Turkey Meat Loaf
Nothing says comfort food better than meat loaf! Get this one started in the morning and you’ll have a fantastic hot meal ready even by lunchtime. —Deanna Martinez Bey, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Great-Grandma's Italian Meatballs
My great-grandmother started this easy meatball recipe with our family. We use ground beef and turkey for these meatballs, and the flavor’s so good, you won’t miss the extra calories. —Audrey Colantino, Winchester, Massachusetts
Buffalo Sloppy Joes for Two
Lean ground turkey makes this a lighter sloppy joe than the standard ground beef version. A hefty splash of hot sauce and optional blue cheese provide an authentic Buffalo-style flavor. —Maria Regakis, Saugus, Massachusetts
Mediterranean Turkey Skillet
I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin
Mini Hawaiian Burgers
These are great burgers for a luau or any backyard gathering. I came up with this while trying to find something new that my husband would enjoy. He had no idea they were turkey burgers, and now he asks for them all the time! —Kathleen Manasian, Whitmore Lake, Michigan
Southern Barbecue Spaghetti Sauce
I revamped our favorite sloppy joe recipe into this thick spaghetti sauce that simmers in the slow cooker. The flavor is jazzy enough to be interesting to adults, yet mild enough for the kids to enjoy. —Rhonda Melanson, Sarnia, Ontario
Taco Noodle Dish
I got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter...and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty casserole. Later, I modified it so it has less fat and fewer calories. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota
Turkey Sloppy Joes for a Crowd
I found this recipe in my mother's recipe box. Sometimes I serve it over vegetables such as corn or green beans, but it's equally delicious on a bun. —Julie Clemes, Adrian Michigan
Turkey Stroganoff with Spaghetti Squash
My twin sister and I came up with this recipe after losing 25 pounds and craving comfort food. We have many recipes using spaghetti squash in place of pasta. —Courtney Varela, Aliso Viejo, California
Grilled Italian Turkey Burgers
These turkey burgers are awesome at a cookout, especially if you're trying to eat healthy. Try topping them with a little marinara or steak sauce. So good. —Darla Andrews, Lewisville, Texas
Barbecue Turkey Meat Loaf
I have no trouble getting my girls to lend a hand with this turkey loaf. And topping it with my husband’s favorite barbecue sauce always gets him to clean his plate! —Robyn Young, Indianapolis, Indiana
Greek Stuffed Banana Peppers
If you're looking for a ground turkey recipe that delivers, this is the one! The filling is flavorful and the peppers add some nice heat. You can easily stuff them ahead of time and bake them up when you're ready. —Ola Snow, Powell, Ohio