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How to Brown Ground Beef Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

Learn how to perfectly brown ground beef using a simple stovetop method. This basic cooking technique ensures evenly cooked, flavorful beef ready to be used in a variety of dishes like tacos, spaghetti sauce, or casseroles.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat until it’s hot and shimmering, preparing the pan for cooking the beef.
  2. Add the ground beef: Place the ground beef in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes so it starts to brown on the bottom, developing a rich flavor and color.
  3. Break up and stir the beef: Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently break up the beef into smaller pieces while stirring occasionally, avoiding overmixing. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the beef is evenly browned, about 5 more minutes.
  4. Drain excess fat: Carefully pour off excess grease using a strainer into a heat-proof container, or blot with a paper towel to remove unwanted fat from the cooked beef.
  5. Season: Sprinkle the beef with salt and black pepper, stirring to combine. Use the browned ground beef immediately in your favorite recipe or store it for later use.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to reduce excess fat.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
  • Allow the beef to brown undisturbed initially to develop better flavor.
  • You can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils like vegetable or canola oil.
  • Drain excess fat to make the dish healthier and prevent greasiness.