Ground beef is a kitchen staple loved for its versatility, affordability, and rich flavor. Whether you’re making tacos, spaghetti sauce, chili, or sloppy joes, knowing how to cook ground beef properly is key to a delicious meal. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you cook ground beef to get that perfect brown, juicy texture, this guide is for you!
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
Before cooking, it’s helpful to understand the different types of ground beef available:
– 80/20 or 85/15: These are great all-purpose options. They have enough fat to keep the meat juicy and flavorful without being greasy.
– 70/30: This is fattier and very juicy but shrinks more during cooking.
– 96/4: Extra lean, low in fat and calories but can dry out quickly and be less flavorful.
For most recipes, 80/20 ground beef strikes a good balance between flavor and health.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Ground Beef Perfectly
1. Heat Your Skillet Properly
Use a large skillet (10 to 12 inches) to give the beef enough room to brown evenly. Cast iron skillets are ideal because they hold heat well and help develop a great crust. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil (olive or vegetable) over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2. Add the Ground Beef
Place the ground beef in the skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into a few large chunks. Spread it evenly across the pan.
3. Let It Brown Undisturbed
This is the secret to flavorful beef. Let the meat cook without stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until the bottom develops a golden-brown crust. Avoid moving it too soon so it can sear properly.
4. Break It Up and Season
After the crust forms, start breaking the beef into smaller pieces while stirring occasionally. Season with salt (about ½ teaspoon kosher salt per pound) and pepper. You can also add other spices depending on your recipe, such as garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning.
5. Continue Cooking Until No Pink Remains
Keep cooking and breaking the meat into crumbles until it is evenly browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes total. If there’s excess fat, drain it off, leaving a little for flavor.
6. Check the Temperature (Optional)
For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures harmful bacteria are destroyed. For dishes like burgers, some prefer less done meat, but for crumbled beef, fully cooked is best.
Tips for Flavorful Ground Beef
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you add too much beef at once, it will steam instead of brown.
– Pat the beef dry before cooking: Removing excess moisture helps the beef brown better.
– Use complementary seasonings: Ground beef pairs well with garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and Italian herbs depending on your dish.
– Let the beef rest briefly: After cooking, a minute or two resting off the heat helps juices redistribute.
Creative Ways to Use Cooked Ground Beef
Once you master cooking ground beef, the possibilities are endless:
– Tacos or burritos
– Spaghetti Bolognese or lasagna
– Chili con carne
– Sloppy joes
– Stuffed peppers or casseroles
– Meat sauces for pasta or rice bowls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Stirring too often: This prevents the beef from browning properly.
– Using too high heat: Can burn the beef outside while leaving it undercooked inside.
– Skipping seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential, but don’t be afraid to add herbs and spices.
Quick Summary of Cooking Ground Beef
– Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add beef, break into chunks, and spread evenly.
– Cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes to brown.
– Break into smaller pieces, season, and cook until no pink remains.
– Drain excess fat and use as desired.
Mastering this simple method will give you juicy, flavorful ground beef every time, making your meals tastier and more satisfying.
Perfectly cooked ground beef is just a skillet away!
Ground beef is easy to cook and incredibly versatile, making it a go-to ingredient for countless delicious meals.