Ground Beef Recipe
Learn how to cook Ground Beef perfectly every time! This quick and easy recipe delivers juicy, flavorful beef for tacos, pasta, and meal prep in just 25 minutes!
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan Ensures even cooking & proper browning
- Wooden spoon or spatula Helps break apart the beef
- Tongs or Meat Chopper (Optional) Useful for crumbling beef evenly
- Cutting Board & Knife For chopping aromatics
- Measuring Spoons & Cups For seasoning accuracy
- Meat Thermometer To check safe cooking temperature (160°F / 71°C)
- Fine-Mesh Strainer (Optional) o drain excess grease
- Airtight Containers For refrigerating or freezing leftovers
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 for juiciness, or 85/15 for a balanced option
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking and added flavor
- ½ small onion finely chopped (adds depth and natural sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic minced (enhances the aroma and taste)
- 1 tsp salt for seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper adds mild heat and richness
- 1 tsp paprika adds a subtle smokiness
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce deepens umami flavor
Optional Add-Ins & Flavor Boosters
- ½ tsp chili powder – For a spicy kick
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Ideal for pasta sauces and meatballs
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – Adds a rich umami depth
- ½ tsp cumin – Perfect for taco meat and Tex-Mex flavors
- ¼ cup beef broth – Keeps the beef moist and flavorful
Instructions
📖 Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Ground Beef
1️⃣ Preheat the Pan
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil and let it warm for 30 seconds to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
- Add chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Brown the Ground Beef
- Add ground beef to the pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a rich, browned crust.
- Stir occasionally and continue cooking for 5–7 minutes until no pink remains.
4️⃣ Season the Beef
- Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well to coat the beef evenly.
- (Optional: Add tomato paste or beef broth for extra richness and moisture.)
5️⃣ Drain Excess Fat (If Needed)
- If using higher-fat beef (80/20), tilt the pan and drain excess grease.
- For leaner beef (90/10), skip this step.
6️⃣ Taste & Adjust
- Give the beef a final stir and taste for seasoning.
- Add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Use immediately in tacos, pasta sauces, casseroles, or meal prep!
Video
Notes
✔️ Choosing the Right Beef:
- 80/20 (80% lean, 20% fat): Best for juicier dishes like burgers and chili.
- 85/15 (85% lean, 15% fat): A balanced option for tacos, casseroles, and pasta sauces.
- 90/10 (90% lean, 10% fat): Ideal for leaner meals like lettuce wraps and stuffed peppers.
- Don’t overcook—remove it from heat once it’s fully browned.
- Add a splash of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, or tomato paste for extra depth.
- If using lean beef, mix in a little olive oil or butter to maintain juiciness.
- Refrigerate: Store cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, pasta sauces, stuffed peppers, or casseroles.
- Great for meal prep—portion into containers for quick lunches or dinners.