How To Cook Ground Beef

Close-up of perfectly browned ground beef in a pan showing uniform color and texture

A foundational skill in the kitchen is browning ground beef. It's the underpinning of many remarkable dishes. Our guide will equip you with everything you need to create dishes that are flavorful, aromatic, and absolutely irresistible.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Servings lb

Calories 1303.9kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil optional
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat the oil (if using) in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small pieces. Spread the meat evenly in the pan, allowing for maximum surface area to achieve browning.
Let the beef cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to create a browned crust. Then break the beef into smaller pieces.
Once the ground beef is well broken up and nearly fully browned, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, Worcestershire sauce.
Cook until all beef is browned evenly and no pink remains. About 8 minutes, and the internal temperature reaches or exceeds 160°F. Drain any excess fat.
Use it immediately or store it safely in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Nutrition