Exploring unique and nutritious meats is a thrilling adventure for any culinary enthusiast, and ground ostrich offers a delicious, lean alternative to traditional proteins like beef or chicken. Known for its rich flavor and health benefits, ostrich meat is low in fat, high in protein, and packed with essential nutrients.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a gourmet meal or simply want to try something new and exciting in your kitchen, ground ostrich recipes provide a versatile foundation for creating mouthwatering dishes.
From burgers to hearty meat sauces, this exotic ingredient can transform everyday meals into extraordinary dining experiences.
In this post, you’ll find a collection of three easy-to-follow ground ostrich recipes that showcase its versatility and flavor. Each recipe is designed to bring out the best in this lean meat, ensuring juicy, flavorful results every time.
Plus, we’ll share handy tips, nutritional insights, and serving suggestions to make your cooking journey even more enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ground ostrich meat is a fantastic choice for health-conscious cooks and food lovers alike. It’s incredibly lean—much leaner than beef—making it a heart-friendly protein option without sacrificing taste.
Its mild, slightly gamey flavor blends beautifully with a variety of herbs and spices, allowing you to create dishes that are both unique and familiar.
These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even meal prepping. Ostrich cooks quickly, so you’ll have delicious meals on the table in no time.
Plus, the recipes are flexible, so you can adjust seasonings and ingredients to suit your palate.
If you enjoy exploring different meats or want to add some excitement to your protein rotation, ground ostrich is a must-try. Ready to dive in?
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Ground Ostrich Burgers
- 1 lb ground ostrich meat
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Burger buns and toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.)
Ground Ostrich Chili
- 1 lb ground ostrich meat
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Ground Ostrich Meat Sauce for Pasta
- 1 lb ground ostrich meat
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pasta of choice, cooked according to package instructions
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Grater (for carrot)
- Pot for boiling pasta (for meat sauce recipe)
Instructions
Ground Ostrich Burgers
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground ostrich, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined—avoid overmixing to keep burgers tender.
- Form patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a round patty about ¾ inch thick.
- Cook the burgers: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Assemble and serve: Toast burger buns if desired. Place burgers on buns and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, or pickles. Serve immediately.
Ground Ostrich Chili
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Brown the meat: Add ground ostrich to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Add beans and simmer: Stir in kidney beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to let flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed. Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions.
Ground Ostrich Meat Sauce for Pasta
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground ostrich and carrot: Add the ground meat and grated carrot. Cook until the meat is browned and carrot softens, about 7 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato sauce and herbs: Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Spoon the meat sauce over cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
“For juicier burgers, avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking. Ostrich meat is very lean, so it cooks quickly—keep an eye to prevent drying out.”
- Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixtures for added aroma and depth.
- Heat it up: Incorporate chili flakes or fresh jalapeño into the chili recipe for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Serve the meat sauce over gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Ostrich dishes reheat well, making them excellent for preparing lunches or dinners in advance.
- Try Different Cuisines: Use ground ostrich in recipes calling for ground beef, such as tacos or meatloaf, to experiment with new flavors.
Nutrition Facts
- 1 lb ground ostrich meat
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Ground Ostrich Meat Sauce for Pasta
- 1 lb ground ostrich meat
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pasta of choice, cooked according to package instructions
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Grater (for carrot)
- Pot for boiling pasta (for meat sauce recipe)
Instructions
Ground Ostrich Burgers
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a bowl, combine the ground ostrich, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined—avoid overmixing to keep burgers tender.
- Form patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a round patty about ¾ inch thick.
- Cook the burgers: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Assemble and serve: Toast burger buns if desired. Place burgers on buns and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, or pickles. Serve immediately.
Ground Ostrich Chili
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Brown the meat: Add ground ostrich to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Add beans and simmer: Stir in kidney beans. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to let flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed. Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions.
Ground Ostrich Meat Sauce for Pasta
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground ostrich and carrot: Add the ground meat and grated carrot. Cook until the meat is browned and carrot softens, about 7 minutes.
- Incorporate tomato sauce and herbs: Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve: Spoon the meat sauce over cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
“For juicier burgers, avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking. Ostrich meat is very lean, so it cooks quickly—keep an eye to prevent drying out.”
- Flavor Boost: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meat mixtures for added aroma and depth.
- Heat it up: Incorporate chili flakes or fresh jalapeño into the chili recipe for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Serve the meat sauce over gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Ostrich dishes reheat well, making them excellent for preparing lunches or dinners in advance.
- Try Different Cuisines: Use ground ostrich in recipes calling for ground beef, such as tacos or meatloaf, to experiment with new flavors.
Nutrition Facts
“For juicier burgers, avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking. Ostrich meat is very lean, so it cooks quickly—keep an eye to prevent drying out.”
| Nutrient | Amount per 4 oz (113g) Ground Ostrich |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg (19% DV) |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.4 mcg (40% DV) |
Ostrich meat is a powerhouse of nutrients, particularly rich in protein and iron, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to boost muscle health and energy levels.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve ostrich burgers with sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad for a balanced, satisfying meal.
- Ostrich chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread or over a bed of steamed rice for a comforting dinner.
- The meat sauce is delicious tossed with whole-grain pasta or zucchini noodles and garnished with fresh basil or parmesan cheese.
- For a lighter option, try stuffing roasted bell peppers with the ground ostrich chili or meat sauce and bake until tender.
- Complement your meal with a refreshing side like the Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe for a cool contrast.
More Recipes to Explore
- For a delightful vegan alternative, check out Veggie Ground Beef Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious.
- Looking for quick and tasty sandwiches? Try Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
- Planning a camping trip? Don’t miss Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping for convenient meal ideas.
Conclusion
Ground ostrich meat offers an exciting and healthy alternative to conventional ground meats, bringing a rich flavor and lean profile to your kitchen repertoire. The recipes shared here—from juicy burgers to comforting chili and savory pasta sauces—demonstrate just how versatile and delicious this exotic protein can be.
With thoughtful seasoning and simple cooking techniques, you can easily create meals that impress both family and friends.
Whether you’re new to ostrich meat or looking for creative ways to incorporate it into your diet, these recipes provide a fantastic starting point. Remember to experiment with herbs and spices to tailor flavors to your liking.
Also, don’t forget to explore related recipes for diverse meal inspirations. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Ground Ostrich Stir-Fry
Description: A lean and flavorful ground ostrich stir-fry with fresh vegetables and Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground ostrich
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic, ginger, and onion; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground ostrich and cook until browned.
- Stir in bell pepper, broccoli, and mushrooms; cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in soy sauce and hoisin sauce; mix well.
- Cook for another 3 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with black pepper.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 8 g
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