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This strawberry cream cheese pie has a smooth, creamy filling topped with sweet strawberries and held together by a crumbly buttery crust. It’s simply divine!

There is nothing quite like the combination of strawberries and cream. If you love this combo as much as I do, you should definitely try strawberry pretzel salad, this classic no-bake strawberry and cream pie, or my family’s favorite strawberry cheesecake salad!

Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe

This fresh strawberry pie recipe requires only a few simple ingredients, yet it will undoubtedly become a cherished family favorite. It’s perfect for family get-togethers, BBQs, or summer parties.

For more recipes that are perfect for gatherings, you can also try making this cookie salad or this red, white, and blue cheesecake salad. They are always a hit!

Ingredients You Need for Strawberry Cream Pie

There are only a few ingredients needed to make this pie. You can also save some time and use a store-bought graham cracker crust. It won’t have the same buttery crunch, but it could save you some time. For exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card below.

Crust

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a sweet, toasty flavor and crunchy texture.

Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.

Melted Salted Butter: The butter binds the graham cracker crumbs together, and the salt in the butter gives a depth of flavor.

Filling

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy tangy base to the pie filling.

Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and sweetness to the pie filling.

Thawed Whipped Topping: Gives the filling an airy, light texture and adds a touch of sweetness.

Fresh Strawberries: These are the highlight of the pie, offering a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.

Strawberry Jam: The jam acts as a glaze that intensifies the strawberry flavor and helps bind the fresh strawberries.

How to Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

Making this strawberry cream cheese pie will take about 20 minutes, and then it needs to set in the fridge for at least 3 hours. I love that it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your event.

Crust

Preheat: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Crush: If you are using whole graham crackers, you can crush them in a ziplock bag and a rolling pin, or you can blend them into fine crumbs using a food processor or a blender.

Combine: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.

Pack Crumb Crust: Press the crumbs evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. I like to use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to pack it down tightly.

Bake: Bake crust for 10 minutes. Set on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Combine all crust ingredients.

Press crust into pie dish.

Cream Cheese Mixture

Beat: Add the cream cheese and vanilla to a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth.

Fold and Spread: Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth. Spread into the cooled pie crust and smooth over the top. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and chill for at least 3 hours.

Strawberry Topping: Just before serving, toss the fresh strawberries in a large bowl with the strawberry jam. The longer the berries sit in the jam, the more juice they will release. 

Serve: Top the chilled pie with the berries, discarding the liquid. Serve immediately.

Beat cream cheese and vanilla until smooth.

Fold in whipped topping.

Spread into pie crust and chill.

Toss berries with jam before topping the cream cheese filling.

This bright sherbet punch is perfect for serving on any occasion! It has just the right balance of sweetness, zest, and refreshing coolness and you won’t be able to resist having a second glass.

I am a huge fan of delicious drink concoctions. They make me feel like I am in a tropical paradise, sipping on something the cabana boy just served me. This lava flow drink, peach smoothie, and Dole pineapple whip are perfect for quenching your thirst and bringing a touch of the tropics to your day!

What is Rainbow Sherbet Punch?

Sherbet punch is like that nostalgic drink you loved as a kid at family gatherings. I remember marveling at its incredible taste and creamy smoothness. Similar to a root beer float, it combines ice cream with a fizzy drink, creating a refreshing treat.

Ingredients in Sherbet Punch

This sherbet punch recipe comes together quickly and easily with only four already-made ingredients and zero prep time. You can have it ready in no time! Scroll down to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact measurements.

Sprite: Soda adds fun fizziness and bright citrus flavor.

Pineapple Juice:  Pineapple juice adds an acidity that balances out the sweetness.

Hawaiian Punch: This fruit punch provides a rich sweetness with tropical flair.

Rainbow Sherbet: This is what makes the punch so delicious and creamy!

Pineapple Slices: I love using fresh fruit as a garnish. It not only adds flavor but a gorgeous pop of color to the punch as well!

How Do You Make Sherbet Punch?

This punch only uses 4 ingredients and comes together so quickly. It is easy to make and feeds a crowd!

Combine: Add the Sprite, pineapple juice, and Hawaiian punch to a large punch bowl, pitcher, or drink dispenser and stir to combine. 

Add: Scoop the sherbet on top of the punch.

Garnish: As an option, you can garnish with fresh pineapple slices.

Serve: I recommend you make this right before serving so that it stays chilled.

Add the Sprite to the punch bowl.

Pour in the pineapple juice.

Pour in the Hawaiian punch and stir to combine.

Get ready for a fun-filled 4th of July with my easy and delicious menu plan, complete with a handy shopping list! From zesty BBQ chicken to refreshing strawberry pie, I’ve got everything you need for the perfect holiday!

I love this holiday so much! The food, the fireworks, the warm weather… Does it get get any better than that? Be extra festive and whip up some red white and blue treats like this Red White and Blue Cake or these yummy Red, White and Blue Stuffed Cream Cheese Strawberries!

Easy 4th of July Menu Plan

The 4th of July is so much fun but it can be a busy day! Parades, barbecues, swimming and fireworks! Who has time to plan for the food? That’s where this comes in! This menu plan has a variety of options that will make your holiday fun and delicious!

If you want more ideas for 4th of July recipes, click here! There are so many and some of my very favorites are the festive red white and blue ones!

Entree:  Zesty BBQ Chicken (5 Ingredients)

Entree: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Side: Bacon Ranch Potato Salad

Side: Copycat KFC Coleslaw

Dessert: The Easiest Fresh Strawberry Pie

Dessert: Firework Bundt Cake

With the rich Oreo crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and edible cookie dough bites, this no-bake cookie dough cheesecake is something your whole entire family will love!

While cheesecake desserts might seem intimidating, this no-bake approach will put you at ease. Like this No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake, Absolutely Perfect No-Bake Cheesecake, and No-Bake Key Lime Cheesecake, this no-bake cookie dough cheesecake recipe is foolproof!

Cookie Dough Cheesecake Recipe

This recipe is a fun, delicious way to impress your guests. Each layer of this decadent dessert will have your tastebuds embarking on a delightful journey, from the rich, creamy cheesecake to the buttery, crumbly crust.

If you love cool, creamy, and delicious cream cheese recipes as much as I do, you should definitely try making these treats: strawberry cheesecake salad, cheesecake stuffed strawberries and caramel apple cheesecake bars. Each one is a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake flavor!

What’s in No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake?

You should have most of the ingredients to make this no-bake cookie dough cheesecake right at home. These simple ingredients combine to create rich, delicious flavors! Make sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Cookie Dough

Butter: Salted butter provides a creamy texture and enhances the flavor.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and texture.

Brown Sugar: Adds more depth of flavor and sweetness.

Flour: Make sure your all-purpose flour is heat-treated so it is safe to eat. Instructions are in the recipe below.

Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances out the sweetness.

Vanilla: Vanilla is my go-to flavor enhancer in cookie dough!

Milk: This gives the cookie dough moisture that you’d normally get from eggs.

Mini Chocolate Chips: You can use either milk or semi-sweet chocolate, but the size of the mini chips is what makes them so good!

Oreo Crust

Oreos: Oreos add a depth of chocolate flavor you can’t get anywhere else.

Salted Butter: Melt your salted butter to be used as a binder.

Cheesecake Filling

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives your cookie dough cheesecake its flavor, texture, and structure.

Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors of other ingredients.

Heavy Whipping Cream: The fat in heavy whipping cream is essential to getting your no-bake cheesecake to get firm and set properly.

Whipped Cream: This is optional as a topping but can add flavor and aesthetic.

Let’s Make No-Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake

Edible Cookie Dough

Heat Treat Flour: Before you make the cookie dough, be sure your flour is heat-treated to make it safe to consume. You can do this by heating it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, or spread the flour out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes until all of the flour has reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it cool completely before using it in the recipe. 

Beat Together: Beat the butter and sugars in a large bowl with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix until combined. 

Add Dry to Wet Ingredients: Beat in the flour and salt until evenly combined. Add milk and mix again until fully combined. 

Stir: Stir in the chocolate chips by hand. You can roll some of the dough into little cookie dough balls or leave it as is. Cover and chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the cheesecake. 

Beat the butter together with both sugars

Add the heat-treated flour and salt, followed by vanilla and milk.

Stir in chocolate chips by hand.

Roll half the dough into small balls, if desired. Chill.

Blend and mix in the melted butter until it’s fully moistened.

Press into a greased springform pan. Chill.

Crust

Blend: Add the Oreos to a food processor or a large blender and blend until finely ground and no chunks remain.

Add: Add the melted butter and mix until it resembles very wet sand.

Prepare Crust: Spray a 9-inch springform pan with pan spray and pour the crumb mixture into it. Use your fingers or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press the crust evenly into the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and cream and beat again.

Smooth half over the chilled crust.

Crumble half of the cookie dough over the cheesecake.

Top with the remaining cheesecake filling and chill.

Cheesecake Filling

Beat: Add the cream cheese and powdered sugar to a large bowl and beat until smooth. Add the vanilla and heavy cream and beat again until smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix until everything is incorporated. 

Put it Together: Add half of the cheesecake mixture on top of the chilled crust and smooth with a spatula.

Add Cookie Dough: Crumble half of the cookie dough evenly over the top of the cheesecake and then top with the remaining half of the cheesecake filling. Use a spatula to smooth it over again. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 6 hours.

Serve: When you are ready to serve, top with the remaining cookie dough and, if desired, whipped cream.

The air fryer is one of the most versatile appliances in today’s kitchen! Learn how to use an air fryer to cook, reheat, and achieve that “fried” texture without frying in oil. Once you cook in the air fryer you will never look back!

Feel confident using your air fryer with this beginner’s guide! I can’t wait for you to try some of my tried and true air fryer recipes like this perfectly juicy chicken, these wings, or my brown sugar salmon.

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

What is an air fryer and how does it work? Air fryers are essentially small convection ovens. This means they work via the use of a heating element and a fan that circulates the hot air, which is why you don’t need to use very much oil when frying foods. The advantage it has over a traditional convection oven is the size! Since it’s much smaller, it takes a fraction of the time to come up to the temperature and cook your food. Check out my guide for choosing the right one to buy!

This appliance is a game-changer! It’s a huge time saver and acts like a second oven. I have so many easy and convenient recipes on the blog that use this incredible appliance! Check out my Best Air Fryer Recipe Roundup and this Healthy Recipes Roundup. I use the basket style, but I have also used the toaster oven style. The toaster oven style will have several settings in addition to the air fry mode, but both work great! 

What to Cook in an Air Fryer?

The possibilities with an air fryer are endless! From making an entire meal to cooking frozen foods to simply reheating leftovers. You will find it to be one of your most used appliances!

Dinners, Sides, and Desserts

Roasting Vegetables: Vegetables always turn out incredible! From corn on the cob to Brussels sprouts, and zucchini. It’s a great way to cook sides for any meal. These roasted potatoes are our very favorite!

Cooking Meat and Seafood: Cook raw meat to perfection! Start with this steak, make this easy shrimp, or try these chicken legs.

Whole Meals: Make an entire meal from start to finish! Try these stuffed peppers or this parmesan chicken. And if you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner, make these 20-minute fajitas!

Baking Desserts: Desserts in the air fryer? Yes! Try making these Oreos, easy s’mores, or this incredible cheesecake!

Frozen Foods and Snacks

Frozen Foods: Using it to cook frozen food is a must, and it’s even better than an oven! Use it to cook frozen meatballs, frozen French fries, or frozen corn dogs. It’s even easy for my kids to use when I don’t have time to help them.

Easy Snacks: It can do anything a microwave or oven can do! Use it to make easy snacks like quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and nachos!

Extras: I love using it for things you wouldn’t even think of! Did you know you can hard-boil eggs in the air fryer? You totally can! I also love it for making homemade tortilla chips, potato chips, and croutons for my salads! The possibilities are endless!

Cooking Temperatures and Times

What temperature should you cook food in the air fryer? A good rule of thumb is to set your air fryer 25 degrees Fahrenheit lower than you would if you were cooking in an oven. It’s best to follow recipes when learning how to cook your food. But once you become familiar with it, you will have a good idea of what temperature to set the air fryer to. Here are general cooking temperatures and times for common foods:

Leftovers: 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-8 minutes.

Frozen Foods: 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-15 minutes.

Bacon: 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes.

Vegetables: 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.

Chicken: 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes.

Steak: 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-15 minutes.

Seafood: 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.

Frozen French fries before cooking.

French fries cooked perfectly crisp.

Cleaning the Air Fryer

When it comes to cleaning your air fryer be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions first for any safety information involved with cleaning. But here are a few methods I recommend:

Remove Any Crumbs: Always remove any crumbs that have fallen to the bottom of the basket. With the toaster oven style, there should be a pull-out mechanism for the bottom of the basket that catches crumbs, which you can remove and empty. 

Hot Water and Soap: The most straightforward way to clean the basket and inserts is with hot soapy water and a dish scrubber. Avoid using anything too abrasive to avoid stripping the non-stick coating. Rinse with warm water and dry before replacing the basket.

Vinegar and Lemon Juice Steam: In a small heat-safe dish, add ¼ cup white vinegar and the juice of 1 lemon. Place the dish inside the basket, set it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then air fry for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, let the basket sit undisturbed for 30 minutes to allow the steam to penetrate the grease and grime. Remove the dish, dispose of any leftover liquid, then rinse or wipe down all the surfaces with a clean rag.

Lemon and Baking Soda: Another great method for cutting through tough grease is lemon and baking soda. Make a paste by combining the juice of 1 lemon and about 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda. Use a dish scrubber to apply the paste to the basket and scrub. Again, don’t use a brush that is too abrasive. Scrub and rinse with hot water. Allow the pieces to fully dry before using.

Whip up a batch of these delightful zeppole, perfect for a sweet treat anytime! With a light, fluffy texture and a generous coating of powdered or cinnamon sugar, these Italian donuts are sure to please.

If you love pastries as much as I do, then you have to try all of my incredible donut recipes! Try out my favorite Jelly Donuts, these Boston Cream Donuts or these tender, buttery Cruffins for your next brunch.

What is homemade Zeppole?

Try these Zeppole, and prepare to be blown away! This Italian dessert, similar to a donut hole but even better, fries up golden and crispy on the outside while staying light and fluffy on the inside. Roll them in cinnamon and sugar or powdered sugar for a perfectly sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat!

Ingredients Needed for Zeppole

You’ll love how easy it is to make this zeppole recipe with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! These treats look impressive enough for a special occasion or holiday brunch but are easy to whip up anytime. For exact measurements, check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Flour: All-purpose flour is best for a light, tender crumb.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.

Dry Active Yeast: This is what will help the dough rise, so the zeppoles are nice and fluffy.

Salt: Enhances the flavor.

Vanilla Extract: For warm sweetness.

Milk: Warm milk is essential to activate the yeast.

Warm Water: For extra moisture.

Oil: Use a neutral oil like peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil for frying.

Sugar for Coating: You can either coat these with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar or do some with each. You could even try honey butter.

How to Make Zeppole

Don’t be nervous about frying these up—it’s actually easier than you’d think! Just follow these simple, step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have delicious, perfectly fried zeppole in no time. Trust me, you’ve got this!

Mix Ingredients: Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add the water, milk, and vanilla and whisk until smooth.

Let Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside for 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Heat Oil: When the dough is nearly doubled, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep pot over high heat or a deep fryer until the oil reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fry: Spray a medium cookie scoop with pan spray and scoop balls of dough into the hot oil and cook for about 4 minutes, until golden brown on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot, or the temperature of the oil will drop. Use a metal spider to turn the zeppoles frequently while they fry to help them cook evenly all over.

Monitor Temperature: You can use a candy thermometer or an oil thermometer to ensure the oil stays between 375 and 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove: Once the zeppoles are fully cooked, use the spider to remove them from the oil to a paper towel-lined baking sheet.

Coat in Sugar: Carefully transfer the hot zeppole to a paper bag and top with a generous amount of powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar. Close the bag and shake until the zeppoles are completely coated in sugar. Serve warm.

Mix the dry ingredients together

Add the wet ingredients

Whisk until fully combined

Set aside to rise for 1 1/2 hours

Fry the dough

Toss the hot Zeppole in a paper bag with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar

S’mores crack is a quick way to enjoy the classic s’more experience without a campfire. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, rich melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows, this treat will quickly become a family favorite.

This s’mores crack toffee will remind you of times spent around a campfire! But it’s not the only one to love! Try out this churro crack that will make you feel like you’re walking down Disney’s Main Street. Or, this Christmas crack recipe is perfect for any holiday party!

What is S’mores Crack Toffee?

S’mores crack stands out from other crack candy recipes by using graham crackers instead of saltine crackers. It has the best taste that is made up of buttery caramel with nutty graham, topped with rich chocolate and toasted marshmallows. The term “crack” refers to its brittle texture like toffee.

If you’re a toffee fanatic like me, you’ve got to try these other toffee based desserts. Better Than Anything Cake, this toffee apple dip, and my favorite butter pecan cookies. They’re my go-to recipes for getting toffee goodness throughout the year!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love that I can grab the ingredients for this graham cracker s’mores crack toffee from my pantry and make this in just 15 minutes! It’s perfect for feeding the neighborhood kids playing night games in your backyard. Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Graham crackers: Provide a crunchy, sweet texture for the toffee.

Salted Butter: Acts as a base for the caramel layer. Its subtle saltiness balances the sweetness of the toffee.

Light brown sugar: Enhances the overall caramel flavor of the dessert.

Chocolate: Provides a smooth, creamy flavor that reminds you of the classic s’mores flavors!

Mini marshmallows: When broiled, they provide the slightly toasted flavor of traditional roasted marshmallows. They also give the dessert a fluffy, gooey texture and classic flavor.

How to Make S’mores Crack Candy

These come together so quickly and easily, and the flavor will truly knock your socks off! Keep these simple ingredients stocked in your pantry, and you’ll always be ready to whip up a treat—not just for the kids, but for yourself too. Trust me, you’ll love them!

Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line: Place the graham crackers in a single layer along the bottom of a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper. Break the crackers to fully line the pan.

Melt: Add the butter and brown sugar to a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the butter has melted. Let the mixture boil for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.

Pour: Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the graham crackers, then bake for 6-8 minutes.

Top: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with the broken chocolate bar pieces and then mini marshmallows.

Broil: Turn the oven to broil, place the pan back in the oven, and broil until the marshmallows are golden. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely; all ovens are different.

Cool: Allow the bars to cool and slightly harden, then cut into pieces and serve.

Line the prepared pan with graham crackers.

Melt then boil the brown sugar and butter.

Pour the mixture over the graham crackers.

Immediately top with marshmallows and chocolate candy pieces.

Get ready to spice up your dinner with these firecracker meatballs! Juicy beef meatballs are baked to perfection and then tossed in a sweet and spicy buffalo-based sauce, creating a delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

If you’re looking for ways to add a little more spice to your meals, try this firecracker salmon or this firecracker chicken. Then make this easy fried rice as a side; it will be a crowd-pleaser for sure!

Firecracker Meatballs Recipe

Firecracker meatballs are a delightful way to add spice and variety to your weekly meal planning. Not only that, you can totally change out the protein to match your preferences or what you have available. They come together quickly and easily, making them perfect as a side dish, main course, or even an appetizer for gatherings.

To make it a complete meal, use this fool-proof instant pot rice recipe. Get your vegetables in with this delicious green beans recipe and don’t forget dessert; you have to try my all-time favorite, mango sticky rice recipe!

What is in Firecracker Meatballs?

We all know “firecracker” means spiciness, but what exactly gives these meatballs their kick? I’ll give you a hint… it’s all about the red pepper flakes! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

Ground beef: This is the star of the show and provides texture and flavor.

Panko breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together and provide a light texture to prevent them from becoming too dense.

Egg: The eggs bind the meatballs together.

Green onion: Provides a mild fresh flavor and a slight crunch.

Toasted sesame seeds: Add a nutty-rich flavor.

Garlic: Who doesn’t love a bit of garlic in their meatballs? Don’t knock it til you try it!

Ginger: Adds a warm, sweet flavor with a hint of spice that also adds depth to the meatball flavor profile.

Red pepper flakes: This is what cranks up that heat and is where the term “firecracker” comes from.

Soy Sauce: Gives the meatballs a savory, umami saltiness.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and compliments the other spices.

What is Firecracker Sauce Made of?

Spicy firecracker sauce is all about heat, tanginess, and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for adding a lively kick to your favorite meals!

Buffalo sauce: This hot sauce acts as the base of the firecracker sauce and adds a tangy, spicy, slightly buttery flavor.

Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance out the heat.

Apple cider vinegar: Helps balance the sweetness of the brown sugar as well as the richness of the buffalo sauce.

Red pepper flakes: Gives the sauce an extra kick of heat.

Toasted sesame seeds: Add a nutty flavor and texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients in the sauce, ensuring each component reaches its full potential in taste.

How to Make Firecracker Meatballs

Preheat: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined.

Shape into balls: Shape the mixture into about 1-inch balls and place the formed meatballs in an even layer on the baking sheet.

Bake meatballs: Bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the meatballs are golden on the outside and no longer pink on the inside.

Make the sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together the buffalo sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth.

Heat sauce with meatballs: Once the meatballs have finished cooking, add them and the sauce to a skillet over medium heat. Toss to coat, and let simmer.

Serve: Enjoy the firecracker meatballs warm over your choice of rice—whether it’s white, brown, or even cauliflower rice. For added flair, sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Combine the meatball ingredients into a large bowl.

Mix the meatball ingredients together. Hands are your best tool!

Bake the meatballs on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil.

Combine the sauce ingredients into a small bowl.

Whisk together the sauce ingredients.

Warm the meatballs and sauce on skillet.

Get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy ground beef and broccoli stir-fry that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This flavorful dish combines tender broccoli, savory beef, and a rich, tangy sauce, all served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Having a simple yet crowd-pleasing meal in your back pocket to whip up in a hurry can be such a lifesaver. Some other favorite family recipes you’ll want to keep handy are this amazing taco spaghetti, my kids’ highly requested air-fried chicken tenders, and this quick beef fried rice.

Ingredients in Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

I love how simple the ingredients are in this ground beef and broccoli recipe! You could even switch up the meat, you don’t have to stick with just beef! Try ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork. This dish is my go-to weeknight meal when I don’t know what to cook because it’s so easy and all you need is 30 minutes! You can find the measurements below in the recipe card.

Broccoli Florets: You can use fresh or frozen bite-sized broccoli florets in this recipe.

Lean Ground Beef: I prefer to use lean ground beef, but other varieties of ground meat will work.

Yellow Onion: Diced onion adds great savory flavor and texture.

Salt & Pepper: To taste!

Garlic: Cooked with the onion and ground beef to add savory flavor.

Beef & Broccoli Sauce

Beef Broth: The flavorful base of the sauce.

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the added salt. However, regular soy sauce or tamari, which is gluten-free, will also work.

Packed Brown Sugar: Perfectly sweetens the sauce.

Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty, earthy taste. If you have toasted sesame oil, that’s really delicious for a toasty flavor.

Garlic: Minced garlic will add a sharp spice flavor.

Ground Ginger: Brings a warm and slightly spicy kick to the sauce.

Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce.

How to Make Ground Beef and Broccoli

This easy ground beef and broccoli is so quick and easy to make! 30-minute meals that the whole family loves are the best. Here is my full list of 30-minute meals for more dinner inspiration!

Steam the Broccoli: In a pot with a steamer basket, bring a few inches of water to boil and steam the broccoli for 4-5 minutes. It should be tender but still firm. Remove from the steamer basket and then set aside.

Brown the Beef: In a large pan, over medium-high heat, sauté the beef and onion together until the beef is fully browned. Add in the garlic and sauté another minute. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Drain excess grease when done cooking.

Make the Sauce: While the beef and onion are cooking, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch in a small bowl.

Combine Sauce with Beef and Broccoli: Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet and pour the sauce over everything. Stir everything together, sautéing until the sauce thickens and coats everything completely.

Serve: Serve over steamed rice. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds! If you’re feeling spicy, add some red pepper flakes.

Steam the broccoli.

Cook the ground beef and onions.

Whisk together the sauce ingredients.

Add the steamed broccoli and sauce to the meat mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.

Fire up the grill for these mouthwatering Grilled Bourbon Steaks! Marinated in a blend of whiskey, brown sugar, and savory spices, these steaks are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.

It’s grilling season, and I couldn’t be more excited! Make this a complete meal by serving this steak with some delicious grilled sides like grilled corn, grilled vegetable kabobs and watermelon for your next BBQ.

Ingredients Needed

This grilled bourbon steak recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients. Once you whip up the marinade and let your steak marinate for 1-4 hours, then you are on your way to juicy, flavorful ribeyes! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

Ribeye Steaks: Choose ribeye steaks with plenty of marbling. This will ensure that they are nice and tender after being cooked. If you want to know about other cuts of meat and substitutions, see my post about that here.

Bourbon Whiskey: Any brand will work to add flavor and break down the enzymes in the meat, yielding a tender, juicy steak!

Brown Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the bourbon, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce with a hint of sweetness.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright flavor and also helps to tenderize the meat.

Worcestershire Sauce: Includes a blend of vinegar, garlic, chiles, molasses and more for a wonderful umami taste.

Garlic: 3 cloves of freshly minced garlic will infuse the steak with savory flavor.

Salt and Pepper: To taste!

How to Make Grilled Bourbon Steak

Grilled bourbon steaks are really simple to make, and they are loaded with a big punch of flavor! Just be sure to plan enough time for the marinating and resting time. You will want to make these grilled ribeye steaks all season long!

Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whiskey, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper.

Marinate the Steaks: Pour the marinade into a sealable bag, add the steaks to the bag and seal it shut. Allow the steaks to marinate for between 1-4 hours in the fridge.

Heat the Grill: While the steak is marinating, heat a grill up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When the steaks have marinated, remove them from the fridge and allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Remove the steaks from the bag and discard the marinade.

Grill the Steaks: Brush the grill with oil and grill the steaks about 4-5 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach between 120-155 degrees fahrenheit, depending on how rare you’d like the steak to be.

Let Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled steaks from the grill and place on a clean plate to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Mix the marinade.

Marinate the steak.

Heat the grill and grill the steak for 4-5 minutes.

Flip the steak and cook to the desired doneness.