Emilie Meyer
Ground beef is a versatile and affordable protein that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos and sloppy joes to pasta sauces and casseroles. Knowing how to cook it well is a vital skill, and there are several methods you can use, including boiling, pan-frying, and oven-baking. Boiling ground beef is a great way to get lean, crumbled meat that can be used in tacos, spaghetti, and more. When boiling, it's recommended to not season the meat beforehand and to smash the meat down before adding it to the pot. Pan-frying is another popular method that involves using a skillet or pot with a bit of oil to brown the ground beef. This technique helps create a delicious crust on the meat and is perfect for weeknight standards like beef chili and tacos. For larger quantities, an oven or Instant Pot can be used to achieve equally delicious results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cookware | Pot, skillet, pressure cooker, oven |
| Type of ground beef | Leaner cuts, fatty cuts |
| Use of oil | Recommended for leaner cuts, not necessary for fatty cuts |
| Quantity of oil | Small amount, just enough to tide over until fat melts |
| Use of lid | Recommended to steam the meat in its own juices |
| Browning technique | Break meat into equal-sized pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula |
| Stirring technique | Avoid stirring too much to allow a crust to form |
| Browning time | 7-10 minutes on a stovetop, 6 minutes in an Instant Pot, 25-30 minutes in an oven |
| Boiling time | 15 minutes |
| Ideal temperature | 160°F for well-done, 130-140°F for medium-rare/medium |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning |
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What You'll Learn
Use a large skillet and wooden spoon
To cook ground beef in a pot, you can use a large skillet and a wooden spoon. First, heat your skillet over medium-high heat. You can use a non-stick pan, but a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet will give you a better crust.
Add some oil to the pan. Although ground beef contains natural fats, adding oil will help with browning. Once the pan is hot, add the ground beef and use your wooden spoon to break it into large pieces. Let the beef cook for several minutes without stirring. This will allow the beef to brown rather than steam, which can result in grey-coloured meat.
As the beef cooks, continue to break it into smaller and smaller pieces with your wooden spoon. Try not to stir the beef too much, only stirring occasionally until all the beef is browned. Finally, season the beef with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice.
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Add oil to the pan for better browning
While it is possible to cook ground beef without oil, adding a little oil to the pan helps achieve better browning. The oil helps the ground beef develop a delicious crust as it cooks.
To brown ground beef in a pan, start by heating the pan and adding oil. You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef and break it into large pieces using a wooden spoon, fish spatula, or any sturdy spatula. Allow the beef to cook for several minutes without stirring, so it develops a nice brown colour. As the beef starts to brown, continue to break it into smaller pieces. Try not to stir the beef too much, just enough to ensure even cooking.
The beef needs to maintain contact with the pan to achieve the desired browning. If you break the meat into smaller pieces too quickly, moisture will be released, causing the meat to steam instead of brown. This results in grey-coloured beef, which is safe to eat but less appealing in terms of flavour and appearance. Therefore, it is important to give the meat a few minutes to cook and brown before breaking it up further.
You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chilli powder to enhance the flavour of your ground beef.
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Don't stir the beef too much
Cooking ground beef in a pot is a straightforward process. You can choose to brown the beef in a skillet or boil it. However, there are some key steps to follow to ensure your ground beef is cooked to perfection.
One of the most important things to remember when cooking ground beef is not to stir the beef too much. This may seem counterintuitive, as you want to ensure the beef is cooked evenly, but stirring too much can prevent the beef from browning properly.
When browning ground beef, you need to let the meat maintain contact with the pan for a few minutes to allow a crust to form. Breaking up the meat too soon or stirring too often will cause moisture to evaporate, leading to steaming rather than browning. This results in grey-coloured beef that is less appealing and flavourful. So, only stir the beef occasionally and let it brown nicely before breaking it up into smaller pieces.
If you are boiling your ground beef, you also don't need to stir it too much. After bringing the water to a boil, simply cover the pot and let it simmer. The beef will be fully cooked in about 15 minutes, and you can then drain and rinse it to remove any excess fat.
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Drain the beef after boiling
Once the ground beef is done boiling, you will need to drain it. This is an important step to avoid letting any fat or grease fall down the drain of your sink. To do this, set up a strainer inside a large bowl. Carefully pour the pot of boiled beef through the strainer, and the bowl will catch the grease. You can then gently rinse the beef after draining to help remove any extra fat. Pour the grease into a sealed container and refrigerate it until you are ready to dispose of it—or you can use it for cooking. If you have leftovers or are cooking ground beef ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer.
When draining the beef, be careful to avoid splatters as the fat will still be hot. You can carefully tilt the pan or pot so the liquid fat falls to one side. Then, using a slotted spoon, push the meat to the other side of the pan and scoop it out onto a paper-towel-lined plate or another bowl.
If you are planning to use the ground beef in another recipe, it is recommended to boil it without seasoning and mix it in after draining or as you cook it with other recipes. This is especially good for meal prep.
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Season with salt, pepper, and spices
Seasoning is an essential part of cooking ground beef. While the beef is browning, you can season it with salt and pepper. You can add these midway through cooking or at the end—it doesn't matter too much.
Ground beef takes well to many additional spices, so you can add them if you choose. If you're using the ground beef in tacos or chilli, consider adding chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, or garlic powder. Garlic powder is a versatile seasoning that works well with ground beef no matter how you plan to use it. Oregano or Italian seasoning are great options if you're using the ground beef in lasagne or a pasta casserole.
If you're boiling your ground beef, it is recommended to boil it without seasoning and mix it in afterward or as you cook it with other recipes.
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Frequently asked questions
Ground beef can be cooked in a pot with or without oil. If you choose to use oil, heat the pot and oil first, then add the beef and break it into large pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. If you are cooking without oil, simply drain the beef of its natural juices before adding other ingredients.
On a stovetop, ground beef should take approximately 7 to 10 minutes to brown.
The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to destroy any harmful bacteria. This is equivalent to cooking the meat well-done.
Ground beef is done when it is browned and has reached an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
