Let me show you how to cook ground beef or minced beef as called here in the UK in easy steps. This method is not only easy and delicious, the beef is well seasoned, flavorful, juicy and it comes out right at all times.
Ground beef is used in many dishes like this spaghetti Bolognese recipe, tacos, quesadilla, pies and many easy homemade delicious recipes. It freezes well which makes it handy for when time is of the essence too.
Minced Beef
Cooking and browning ground beef is one of the basic kitchen skills everyone needs to know and my job is to show you how to make the best. I am aware some people like to rinse and boil minced meat before using it in their recipes, that is a no for me.
I like to brown mine first then let it simmer over medium heat or in my instant pot. You can also cook it in a slow cooker but whatever you do, do not skip the browning stage.
Also, I have used some herbs that complements beef in this recipe like oregano and parsley. You can just use salt and pepper, but trust life is much more than salt and pepper in minced beef.
Related post: Homemade meatballs and gravy and how to cook sausages in the oven.
Here are what you will need to cook ground beef
Ground beef: you can either use lean beef or the one with a bit of fat to it. The fat content on most ground beef is between 5% to 25%. The 5% is usually referred to as the lean beef.
Onion powder
Olive oil: I used just a little because I am using lean beef. Skip the oil if you are using beef with high-fat content.
Dried parsley
Dried oregano
Garlic paste
Salt and black pepper
Water
How to cook and brown ground beef from scratch
Bring the ground beef out of the fridge some few minutes before cooking it so it comes to room temperature
Place a skillet on medium heat and heat up the olive oil until hot
Add the ground beef to the hot pan and break up with a spatula.
Leave undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes so it becomes a bit crispy, then add onion powder, oregano, parsley, garlic paste, salt and pepper and stir together to combine.
Continue to cook undisturbed for another 3 to 5 minutes. Stir until the beef is completely browned and no longer pink.
This next stage is optional but recommended if you would be using the beef immediately. Add water to the beef, continue to cook until the liquid is reduced. Stir to combine and take it off the heat. Use as desired in your dishes of choice.
Tip
Skim off excess fat from the beef or drain on a kitchen towel before using it in dishes.
How to use ground beef
There are many ways you can use ground beef in your dishes and I have some easy delicious recipes you might want to try. Taco nights just got better with this instant pot taco meat recipe. The meat melts in the mouth and it can be used in burritos too. The ground beef crumbles perfectly for this type of recipe. If you are looking to cook ground beef for taco then I have the best homemade taco seasoning for you.
For Asian flavours, you should try this instant pot Korean beef also known as bulgogi. Add it to this vegetable soup to bulk it up. These are easy ground beef recipe the whole family would enjoy. This instant pot sloppy joe is also a great treat. All these recipes mentioned can be made on the stovetop if you don’t own an electric pressure cooker.
Other ground beef recipes that don’t require browning are these instant pot meatballs and instant pot meatloaf.
Ever wondered if you can cook frozen ground beef? Yes, you can but it would have to be thawed before using like I like did with this instant pot bolognese sauce recipe.
How to store
Browned minced beef is a good one as it can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure it is properly labelled. Cooked ground beef would stay good for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. Ensure it is completely cooled before storing away.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I cook ground beef?
This depends on the recipe you are using it for, if you are using it plain in tacos or as quesadilla filling or toppings of any sort, then 10 to 15 minutes should be enough to cook it. The most important thing to look out for is that all the beef is completely browned and there are no pink bits left. Also, the temperature of cooked beef should read 16OF/71C
What spices goes well with ground beef?
Browned ground beef is a blank canvas and it can be seasoned as you see fit. My go to spices for cooking it are oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black or white pepper and thyme. I let the recipe I am making dictate the spices to use and flavours to aim for.
Do I wash or rinse ground beef before cooking?
No, you do not need to rinse or wash ground beef before cooking. If you must, you can parboil the ground beef for about 5 minutes on medium heat, then skim off any foamy bits on top of it. Drain it and return to the stove, season and continue cooking.
More how-to recipes
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How To Cook Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef (1.1lb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil skip the oil if you are not using lean beef
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- ¼ cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring the ground beef out of the fridge some few minutes before cooking it so it comes to room temperature
- Place a skillet on medium heat and heat up the olive oil until hot
- Add the ground beef to the hot pan and break up with a spatula.
- Leave undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes so it becomes a bit crispy, then add onion powder, oregano, parsley, garlic paste, salt and pepper and stir together to combine.
- Continue to cook undisturbed for another 3 to 5 minutes. Stir until the beef is completely browned and no longer pink.
- This next stage is optional but recommended if you would be using the beef immediately. Add water to the beef, continue to cook until the liquid is reduced. Stir to combine and take it off the heat. Use as desired in your dishes of choice.
Video
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
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Johnny says
Great recipes
Jim Bernard says
Thank You !!!
Trying to Make Ground Beef Burritos and Have Not Been Able to Make Small Curd Beef, Mix With Sauce, So It Comes Out Like the Stuff at Resturants.
I Want Burritos That are 990% Beef, With 5% Cheese in Sauce, With Some Diced Onion 🧅, Pepper 🌶 🫑, & Garlic 🧄!!! Yum !!! ❤️💕🌶🍷 🤓
Shane Schultz says
I use this recipe all the time because it’s quick and easy. I add tomato’s and onions.