There are a few tips and tricks you are going to want to learn when it comes to browning your ground beef. The simple cooking process will leave you with flavorful meat that will be a great addition to any recipe.
I know you’re probably thinking you already know how to brown your ground beef. However, there’s a high chance that you are actually doing it wrong! Sure, you may be cooking your meat, but are you actually browning it? It will be a simple cooking technique to learn that will make all of the difference in your food.
(Learn how long ground beef lasts in the refrigerator.)
HOW TO BROWN GROUND BEEF FOR ALL RECIPES
Ground beef is a staple in so many recipes. It is a staple in baked pasta, casseroles, chilis, and so much more. When cooked correctly, the ground beef adds incredible flavor to all of those recipes. So, how do you get excellent ground beef? It actually starts before you even begin cooking.
When you are buying ground beef, look for meat that is super fresh that has a strong fat-to-lean percentage. You’ll also want to check out the color of the meat and make sure it doesn’t look grey in color. Finally, you want to make sure the meat you buy stays extra cold until you cook it.
Now, when it comes to cooking the meat, you are going to want to use a large skillet. The large skillet will give the meat room to cook in the pan without being overcrowded. Before you add the meat to the skillet, make sure the skillet is super hot and coated with oil. As you add the meat to the pan, break it into pieces using a wooden spatula or spoon. As it continues to cook, you can break it up into even smaller pieces.
Now here is where the secret comes into play. Once the meat is broken into tiny pieces, try not to stir it. I know this sounds counteractive, but it will help the beef brown. It allows the beef to really connect with the hot pan and lets the flavors develop. Too much stirring could cause the beef to steam, resulting in grey pieces of meat. Just let the meat sit until it is fully brown and slightly crisp.
INGREDIENTS AND TOOLS NEEDED TO BROWN GROUND BEEF
- Ground beef with a good fat-to-lean ration
- Large skillet
- Wooden spatula or spoon
- Oil – Any neutral oil works.
- Salt and pepper to taste
HOW TO BROWN GROUND BEEF
1. PREPARE
Heat a large skillet with neutral oil and allow the oil to get hot in the pan.
2. COOK
Add the ground beef into the pan and break it into smaller pieces. Let the beef cook slightly, about 4-5 minutes, and continue to break down into smaller pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Once the pieces of the meat are small, continue to cook the meat without stirring. Let cook until brown and slightly crisp.
FAQ
Yes, the oil is essential to the cooking process when it comes to browning ground beef. Make sure the oil is very hot in the pan before you add the meat. This will give it a good sear and start the cooking process. Any neutral oil will be good for browning beef.
Yes! This method is great for other types of meat. Use this when browning ground turkey, ground chicken, or any other meat as well.
Browned ground beef freezes really well. Go ahead and cook the beef just like you would if you were to use it right away. Drain off any extra oil and grease, and then let it cool completely. When the beef is cool, add it to a container and seal it airtight. The beef should last in the freezer for about 3-6 months.
RECIPES THAT USE GROUND BEEF
How to Brown Ground Beef
Equipment
- large skillet
- wooden spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- ground beef
- oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet with neutral oil and allow the oil to get hot in the pan.
- Add the ground beef into the pan and break it into smaller pieces. Let the beef cook slightly, about 4-5 minutes, and continue to break down into smaller pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Once the pieces of the meat are small, continue to cook the meat without stirring. Let cook until brown and slightly crisp. Drain excess grease.
