Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of ground beef browning in a cast iron skillet, part of the Ultimate Ground Beef Recipes Guide.

Ultimate Ground Beef Recipes Guide: Ingredients, Temps, Tips

Learn how to perfectly brown ground beef for any recipe. This guide covers essential ingredients, cooking temperatures, and helpful tips for delicious results every time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For Browning Ground Beef
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or bacon fat optional
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 spices optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Stiff spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil or bacon fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This helps prevent sticking, especially with stainless steel. Use a little extra oil for lean beef. You can skip this step if you want to avoid extra fat, but watch the meat closely to prevent burning.
  2. Add the ground beef to the center of the hot pan. Use a spatula to break the meat into a few large pieces. Let it brown without moving for 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Break the ground beef into smaller pieces with your spatula. Sprinkle with salt and any desired spices. Cook for a minute between stirs to allow moisture to evaporate and the meat to brown.
  4. The beef is done when it is evenly browned with no pink remaining. Break open larger crumbles to ensure it's browned throughout.

Notes

Browned ground beef can be used immediately, refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for three months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!