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Browning ground beef is one of those essential cooking skills that’s handy for so many meals. Whether you’re making tacos, preparing a hearty chili, or simply adding it to your favorite pasta sauce, knowing how to brown ground beef is key. In this guide, I’ll walk you through a foolproof method to brown hamburger meat on the stovetop, ensuring it’s flavorful and cooked.
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Cooking ground beef might seem like a basic task, but getting that perfect sear, without drying it out or leaving it undercooked, can be a challend, plus learning to brown meat is one of those simple recipes I think is important for every home cook to learn. It’s a pretty easy technique, and once you master it, you can use it as a blank canvas for so many recipes. And the best part is, it’s simpler than you think.
WHY learn HOW TO BROWN GROUND Hamburger meat
- Make the best-tasting ground beef. Properly browned meat can make or break a dish. As chef Anne Burell would say “Brown food tastes good!” And that’s a proven fact!
- Easy meal prep option. Having pre-cooked ground hamburger on hand lets you quickly whip up various delicious meals, saving you valuable cooking time during busy days.
- Family-friendly protein option. Kids may turn down beef kabobs or stroganoff, but most kids love ground beef. This simple kitchen technique allows you to create kid-approved meals that take the stress out of dinnertime. Its mild flavor is a perfect foundation to customize with their favorites to please even the pickiest eaters in the family.
Ingredients to make BROWNED Hamburger meat
- Ground beef: Various types of ground beef are available in most grocery stores, each having different fat content. The most common is 80/20, with 80% lean and 20% fat. This option works well in many recipes. If you want a leaner cut, go with 95/5, which contains very little fat. This tutorial applies to any ground beef. If the meat is too lean, you can add more olive oil.
- Olive oil: Used as a cooking fat to prevent the meat from sticking to the pan and also adds flavor. You may need to adjust the amount based on how much fat your hamburger meat has in it.
- Salt and pepper: Salt enhances the overall flavor, adding savory deliciousness, while black pepper adds a touch of spiciness. This simple seasoning works well as is or can be enhanced with other spices depending on the specific recipe.
HOW TO BROWN GROUND BEEF
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over. Add the beef and cook until it starts to brown on the bottom.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the beef while stirring occasionally, being careful not to overmix the meat. Cook until there is no more pink and browned all over.
- Use a strainer to drain excess grease. You can also use a paper towel to remove the excess fat.
- Season with salt and pepper and use as desired in a recipe.
TIPS TO BROWN GROUND BEEF
- Preheat the pan before adding ground meat. A hot pan ensures that the beef browns quickly and seals the juices.
- Don’t stir the meat too often. After adding the ground beef to the pan, let it cook undisturbed to allow the bottom to brown properly. Break up the meat and stir as needed but keep it to a minimum to ensure even browning.
- Use a flat wooden spatula for cooking. This helps to break up the ground beef in the skillet into smaller pieces so that there are more browned edges and the spices are more evenly distributed.
- Save the seasoning for last. Salt draws out moisture, drying the meat and creating steam while it cooks, preventing it from browning properly. Season the meat towards the end.
- Don’t overcook the meat. For tender and moist ground hamburger, cook until no pink remains, and promptly remove from heat once it’s done. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness and a rubbery texture.
recipes to make with BROWNED GROUND BEEF
- Ground Beef Casserole
- Sheet Pan Nachos
- Easy Eggplant Moussaka
- Unstuffed Peppers
- Easy Ground Beef Tacos
- Hummus with Ground Beef
- Mediterranean Ground Beef and Rice
HOW TO REHEAT & STORE BROWNED GROUND BEEF
Store browned beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To reheat on the stovetop, add ground beef to a small pan over medium heat and add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it up and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a few minutes.
HOW LONG WILL BROWNED GROUND BEEF LAST IN THE FRIDGE?
Browned beef will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.
CAN I FREEZE BROWNED GROUND BEEF?
Absolutely! Cooked ground beef freezes wonderfully. Once cooled, transfer it into freezer-safe, airtight containers or freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. If using bags, store them flat to save space. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat per instructions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken or other ground meat following the same browning technique.
The ground beef should be browned all over with no pink color remaining.
If your ground beef has high-fat content, you can drain excess fat using a strainer, spoon, or paper towel. But this step is totally optional as it depends on your personal preferences and the recipe used because fat contributes to the overall flavor of the dish. Leaner cuts like 95/5 won’t have much fat to worry about.
And there you have it – browning ground beef made simple! With just a bit of olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and some careful attention, you can have perfectly browned ground hamburger ready for any recipe. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, this method will become a go-to in your culinary toolkit. Happy cooking, and enjoy the delicious dishes you’ll create with this easy yet essential technique!
More cooking tutorials:
- How to Cook Frozen Beef
- How to Cook Lobster Tail
- How to Grill Chicken Thighs
- How to Grill Salmon
- How to Cut a Whole Chicken
- How to Grill Steak
- How to Make Scrambled Eggs
- How to Bake Tofu
- How to Poach Chicken
- How to Make Shrimp Cocktail
- How to Cook Frozen Fish
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How to Brown Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium size pan over medium heat.
- Add the beef and allow it to cook undisturbed until it starts to brown at the bottom, about 5 minutes.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the beef while stirring occasionally, being careful not to overmix the beef. Continue cooking until the beef has no more pink color and is browned all over, about 5 more minutes.
- Use a strainer to pour off any excess grease or fat from the beef that you don’t want into a heat-proof container. You can also use a paper towel to remove the excess fat.
- Season with salt and pepper and use as desired in a recipe.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
