Of course, one of the main uses for ground beef is the hamburger patty. Eyring and Ashcraft have a half dozen or so different versions in their cookbook, including Swiss Mushroom Burger, Bacon-Wrap Burger and Green Chile Burger, as well as Barbecued Beef on buns. And there are 13 different kinds of meat loaf, plus pasta combinations such as Lasagna Roll-Ups and Beefed-Up Spaghetti.

Ground beef is also a good veggie-stuffer, as the books lists stuffed peppers, zucchini and eggplant recipes.

The Deseret Morning News asked readers to share their favorite ground beef recipes. The submissions showcase ground beef in a hearty Hamburger Soup, a layered Party Casserole and a spicy LaBamba Casserole.

MEATBALL SANDWICHES

1 pound ground beef

1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs

1 egg

1 teaspoon minced garlic

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1 14.5-ounce jar pasta sauce

Crusty rolls

Mild giardiniera (pickled vegetables)

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, water, salt and pepper, lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 12 two-inch meatballs.

Place on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 400-degree oven 17 to 19 minutes to medium (160 degrees) doneness, until not pink in center and juices show no pink color.

Heat meatballs in sauce. Serve in rolls with giardiniera. Serves 4. — National Cattlemen's Beef Association

HAMBURGER SOUP

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

28-ounce can tomatoes, diced

2 cups water

2-3 cans beef consomme

1 can tomato soup

4 carrots, diced

1 bay leaf

3 sticks celery, chopped

Parsley to taste

Pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon thyme

8 tablespoons pearl barley

Brown beef and onion. Drain fat. Mix remaining ingredients together and simmer on top of stove for 2 hours or more. Stir occasionally. Serves 10-12. — Emma Lou Nelson, Midvale

PARTY CASSEROLE

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

1/3 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

3 8-ounce cans tomato sauce

8 ounces uncooked noodles (medium-wide flat egg noodle recommended)

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

1 8-ounce package cream cheese (softened)

1/2 cup sour cream

Brown ground beef in a skillet; add onion and cook until tender. Add seasonings and tomato sauce. Cover and simmer five minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook noodles according to directions; drain and rinse.