Many recipes begin by telling readers to "brown the ground beef," but don't explain how. Is it easy? Yes—but there are still ways it can go wrong. Here's how to cook ground beef the right way, so it's tender, full of flavor and ready to use in your favorite ground beef recipes.
Use this method whether you need to know how to cook ground beef for tacos, how to cook ground beef for spaghetti, or any other dish you're craving for dinner.
This recipe is for 1 pound of ground beef and is ready in 8 to 10 minutes. For larger amounts of meat, use a large skillet or brown the meat in batches.
Set a medium- to large-sized skillet on a burner set to medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get hot.
Tear the ground beef into chunks and add to the hot pan in a single layer.
Let the beef cook without moving it for the first 5 minutes. The beef will begin to brown and develop color along the bottom.
Use a wooden spoon to break up the larger chunks of beef and gently move the beef around. You don't want to overwork the meat; just move it enough to brown it evenly. If the bottom is getting too dark, turn the heat down to medium.
Cook the beef a few minutes more until it's browned and no pink color remains. Use a draining utensil, a strainer or even a small plate to pour off most of the grease into a heat-proof container. (Never pour grease down the drain!) Keep a small amount of fat in with the beef; this will help the meat stay moist and flavorful.
Use your browned meat right away in one of these creative ground beef recipes, diabetic-friendly ground beef recipes, or, if saving it for later, allow it to cool. Then spoon it into a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. (Learn how to tell if ground beef is bad.) To freeze it, put the cooked-and-cooled beef in a freezer-safe zip-close bag and press out all the air. Keep it frozen for up to 3 months.
Ideally, for meat that is evenly cooked and moist, you want to brown ground beef that is completely thawed. Here's how to defrost ground beef:
Don't drop that brick of ground beef straight into the pan! To cook the meat evenly and prevent steaming, break up the meat before it goes into the pan. Tear the meat into chunks by hand or with a wooden spoon and add these to the hot skillet in a single layer.
The most common mistake people make when browning ground beef is putting the beef in a cold pan. As it heats up, the meat begins to steam, which makes it look dull or gray. The goal is to brown—as in sear—the meat, and to do this the pan needs to be hot. So make sure your skillet is hot before you add the ground beef!
After you add the ground beef to the hot pan, let it cook untouched for several minutes. Many cooks make the mistake of constantly stirring ground beef as it browns, but this agitation drives moisture out of the meat, creating a tougher texture. Only after the beef has a good sear on the bottom and you see the color creeping up the sides should you begin to gently move the ground beef in the pan.
Draining the grease from cooked ground beef makes your finished dish less greasy. However, for moist and flavorful meat, keep a tablespoon or two of that fat in. Stir it through your browned beef. You'll still be removing most of the fat while stillprotecting the meat from drying out.
Drain the rest of the grease into a heat-proof container. Once it solidifies, scrape it into your trash. (Some municipal compost programs may accept grease, but don't put it in your backyard compost.)
When it comes to seasoning your ground beef, wait until after it has been browned and drained. Adding salt to raw ground beef pulls out moisture, drying the meat out and creating steam while it cooks, which prevents it from browning properly. The same goes for other seasonings, but for a different reason. Much of the herbs and spices will drain away along with the grease, leaving your ground beef underseasoned.
Once your ground beef has been cooked and drained, it can be seasoned with almost anything. Salt and pepper are the basics and could be paired with a taco seasoning blend, Old Bay, herbes de Provence or garam masala, to name a few options. It just depends what you're planning on making with the beef. For inspiration, check out our favorite ground beef recipes of the past year.
One TikTok user almost broke the internet when she shared a video of cooked ground beef poured into a strainer and rinsed under the faucet, which washed all of the grease off the meat and right down the drain. (The video has since been deleted, but you can catch it in @simplyfoodbyty's duet with the original post.) The user claimed it was a technique learned in a nutrition class, but you definitely should not rinse browned ground beef.
For one, grease and fats should never be poured down the sink drain. (It's one of the things plumbers want you to know.) The grease can solidify in the pipes, creating clogs and a huge mess in sewers and septic systems. Additionally, while pouring off excess fat from browned beef makes it healthier, removing every last drop of fat by rinsing it away will leave the beef tough, dry and tasteless.
If you're concerned about the amount of fat in ground beef, opt for the leanest option like ground sirloin. Or, use ground turkey or ground chicken in place of beef, which are reasonably priced and have less fat.
While defrosted ground beef will have the best flavor and texture, you can cook ground beef from frozen. Here's how:
Browning your ground beef this way should really be a last resort; it's more time-consuming and all that handling will result in beef that's tough and unevenly cooked. Those in a time pinch will love these quick and easy ground beef recipes instead.
Now that you know how to cook and brown ground beef, you're ready to make our best ground beef recipes.
Taste of Home
Sloppy Joe Pie
To be honest, I don't hear many compliments on this dish...folks are always too busy eating! I developed the recipe by grabbing ingredients from my refrigerator and cupboards one "crunch time" when I needed an easy dish fast. —Kathy McCreary, Goddard, Kansas
Get Recipe If you're a sloppy joe fan, try out this loose-meat sandwich recipe.
Hearty Penne Beef
This hearty penne beef recipe is comfort food at its finest! The best of everything is found here—it's tasty, easy and a smart way to sneak in some spinach for extra nutrition. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen,
For low-carb beef recipe ideas, check out these diabetic-friendly ground beef recipes.
Chorizo Burgers
I've always enjoyed a hamburger right off the grill, and in the Southwest we enjoy chorizo, so I combined the two. Instead of using store-bought condiments, I use fresh ingredients to brighten up the burgers along with some pickled vegetables. I like to serve these burgers with a side of deep-fried Brussels sprouts. —Robert J. Johnson, Chino Valley, Arizona
Cheeseburger Soup with Rice
I don't have a lot of extra time to spend in the kitchen, so I appreciate that I can cook this soup's ground beef and rice in advance to speed up my dinner prep on busy days. —Janne Rowe, Wichita, Kansas
Chilean Beef and Olive Empanadas
Lorain is known as the International City, because people came here from all over the world to work. During the summer, the city hosts a festival to celebrate the diverse community. One year, I got to help my Chilean friend's mom prepare these for the festival. They bring back happy memories! —Kristyne Mcdougle, Lorain, Ohio
Crescent Beef Casserole
This flavorful meal-in-one dish is all you need to serve a satisfying and quick weeknight dinner. It's on the table in just 30 minutes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Southern-Style Meat Loaf
When my husband and I moved to the South, we discovered our love for pimiento cheese! Its addition lends flair to this tried-and-true southern meatloaf recipe. —Patricia Getson, Wilmington, North Carolina
Party Meatballs
These meatballs in a sweet, tangy sauce can be made a day in advance and reheated. We usually serve them at birthday parties. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Gyro Salad with Tzatziki Dressing
If you're fond of gyros, you'll enjoy this garden-fresh gyro salad showcasing ground lamb, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, tomatoes and a creamy, tangy dressing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mexican Meatloaf
"Being a working mother with a small budget and little time, I make a lot of dishes using ground beef," explains Alice McCauley of Beaumont, Texas. "When our son complained about having meat loaf again, I came up with this taco-seasoned version. The whole family loves it served with sour cream and extra salsa."
Beef & Blue Cheese Tart
This elegant, rustic recipe goes together in minutes and is so simple. It is perfect when you're entertaining guests! —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Ravioli Soup
We adore pasta, so I used it as the inspiration for this soup. The meaty tomato base pairs perfectly with the cheesy ravioli pillows. —Shelley Way, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Blue-Ribbon Beef Nachos
Chili powder and convenient jarred salsa season a zesty mixture of ground beef and refried beans that's sprinkled with green onions, tomatoes and ripe olives. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
St. Patrick's Irish Beef Dinner
A variation on shepherd's pie, this hearty St. Patrick's Irish beef dinner brings together saucy beef, mashed potatoes, parsnips and other vegetables. It's always the star of our March 17th meal. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Quick Tater Tots Bake
I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Cola Burgers
A friend who's an excellent cook shared this hamburger recipe with me, and it has since become a family favorite. The unusual combination of cola and French salad dressing added to the ground beef gives it fabulous flavor. The mixture is also used as a basting sauce on the moist burgers. —Melva Baumer, Millmont, Pennsylvania
Perfect Four-Cheese Lasagna
Lasagna is one of my favorites, and this is the recipe I've been making since I was a teenager. It's a tantalizing combo of pasta, meat sauce, cheese and more cheese that really lives up to its name! —Lauren Delaney-Wallace, Glen Carbon, Illinois
Skillet Bow Tie Lasagna
This quick recipe tastes just like lasagna, but you make it on the stove. It's very tasty and is always a hit with my family. —Arleta Schurle, Clay Center, Kansas
Spaghetti Meatball Supper
It was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming
Ground Beef Potpie
A must-try for the meat-and-potato lover in your home, slices of this hearty ground beef potpie are sure to satisfy. Best of all, our home economists used a refrigerated pastry crust to make it easy as pie.
Easy Beef-Stuffed Shells
Here's a rich and comforting dish that's terrific right away or made ahead and baked the next day. Pesto makes a surprising filling for these stuffed shells with meat sauce. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Cowboy Stew
I made up this cowboy stew in the early 1970s when I was down to very little food in the house. Because it's a combination of barbecue sauce, hamburger, hot dogs and beans, this one-skillet meal makes both children and adults happy. —Val Rananawski, Millville, New Jersey
Cheesy Fiesta Beef Casserole
Over the years I've tweaked this recipe to end up with a wonderful, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos, if you prefer a little more heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Easy Beef Soup
This colorful, easy beef soup comes together in minutes. Even my husband, who admits he's no cook, makes it on occasion." —Agnes Bierbaum, Gainesville, Florida
Taco Puffs
I got this Taco Puffs recipe from a friend years ago. I still make these cheesy sandwiches regularly for dinner alongside a steaming bowl of soup or a fresh green salad. Any leftovers taste even better the next day for lunch. A helpful hint: Plain refrigerated biscuits seal together better than buttermilk types. —Jan Schmid, Hibbing, Minnesota
Ramen Stir-Fry
This ramen stir-fry is unique and flavorful. The whole gang will enjoy the hearty, colorful meal-in-one. —Marlene McAllister, Portland, Michigan
Meatball Cabbage Rolls
My mother often had these cabbage rolls simmering in her slow cooker when my family and I arrived at her house for weekend visits. The mouthwatering meatballs tucked inside made these stand out from any other cabbage rolls I've tried. —Betty Buckmaster, Muskogee, Oklahoma
Find more ground beef Crockpot recipes.
One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
When the weather's too chilly to grill, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas
Lasagna Deliziosa
Everyone loves this lasagna. It's often served as a birthday treat for guests. I've lightened it up a lot from the original, but no one can tell the difference! —Heather O'Neill, Troy, Ohio
Beef Quesadilla
Quick-cooking ground beef is the perfect ingredient for on-the-run cooks. Try this beef quesadilla recipe with your favorite taco toppings.
Homemade Ragu Sauce
My family loves homemade spaghetti sauce and this one is a big hit. I always make sure to serve this ragu sauce recipe with plenty of garlic bread. —Kate Gaul, Dubuque, IA
California Burger Wraps
I love the way these fresh flavors blend. It's a snap to throw these wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa
Barley Beef Skillet
Even my 3-year-old loves this family-favorite beef barley skillet. It's very filling, inexpensive and packed with veggies. It's also really good spiced up with chili powder, cayenne or a dash of Tabasco. —Kit Tunstall, Boise, Idaho
Easy Stuffed Poblanos
My partner adores these saucy stuffed peppers—and I love how quickly they come together. Top with low-fat sour cream and your favorite salsa. —Jean Erhardt, Portland, Oregon
Ground Beef Hash Brown Casserole
Because this ground beef hash brown casserole is practically a meal in itself, I simply pair it with a salad and dessert. —Rochelle Boucher, Brooklyn, Wisconsin
Meat-and-Potato Casserole
For variety, you can use another kind of cream soup (cream of mushroom, for instance). But try this meat and potato casserole this way first. —Marna Heitz, Farley, Iowa
Sassy Salsa Meat Loaves
Here's a twist on classic meat loaf. You can make these loaves ahead, and they'll last for a few days. Make meat loaf sandwiches with the leftovers, buns and a little Monterey Jack cheese. —Tasha Tully, Owings Mills, Maryland
Quick and Easy Chili
This quick and easy chili recipe can be made in a flash and easily doubled or tripled to satisfy any famished family. You don't have to wait until the weekend to throw it together. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tacoritos
This mild and meaty Southwestern dish combines the delicious flavor of tacos with the heartiness of baked burritos. Your family's going to love 'em! —Monica Flatford, Knoxville, Tennessee
Garden-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Not only are these boats a delightful way to get your veggies, they're basically a one-dish meal that covers all the bases—just grab your favorite garden goodies and add any spices or mix-ins you like. —Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Quick and Simple Meatballs
Keep a batch of these meatballs in your freezer for an easy weeknight meal. This simple meatball recipe can be used for pizzas, sub sandwiches, in soups and more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Double-Crust Pizza Casserole
After my husband and I got married, this biscuit pizza solved the what's-for-dinner problem. As our family grew, I just made bigger and bigger batches. It never disappoints! —Pat Crane, Pine City, New York
Bacon Cheeseburger Rolls
My husband and I both love these cheeseburger rolls. I often serve them with broccoli and cheese. They must be good because this recipe won a first-place prize at the Iowa State Fair! —Jessica Cain, Des Moines, Iowa
Baked Beans with Ground Beef
I serve these hearty baked beans with ground beef along with a tossed salad and some crusty bread for a balanced one-pot meal. It's nice to have this casserole in the freezer for those nights when there's no time to cook. —Louann Sherbach, Wantagh, New York
Taco Salad Waffles
What a quick and easy twist on the usual Mexican fare. This recipe is perfect for a build-your-own party for teens, and I've also served it as a brunch dish—to rave reviews. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Southwestern Beef and Rice Skillet
I like to serve this kicked-up skillet dish with warm flour tortillas and a side of guacamole. If you like things a little spicier, add more jalapeno and enjoy the heat! —Pat Hockett, Ocala, Florida
Cheeseburger and Fries Casserole
Kids love this casserole because it combines two of their favorite fast foods. And I like the fact that I can whip it up with just four ingredients. —Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
Taco Stew
The ingredients are simple, but together they make this awesome stew. If you want to a little added crunch, crush a few tortilla chips on top of each bowl. —Suzanne Francis, Marysville, Washington
Mushroom Swiss Burgers
This mushroom Swiss burger recipe is perfect to make on the stovetop or the grill. Heaping with mushrooms and the wonderful flavor of Swiss cheese, these burgers are a family favorite. —James Bowles, Ironton, Ohio
Frito Pie
Frito pie is legendary in the Southwest for being spicy, salty and cheesy fabulous. Here's my easy take on this crunchy classic. —Jan Moon, Alamogordo, New Mexico
Ground Beef Shepherd's Pie
This hearty ground beef shepherd's pie is an ideal supper-in-one for small families. I use ground beef, frozen veggies and canned gravy to hurry along the down-home dinner. —Elaine Williams, Surrey, British Columbia
Barbecued Meatballs
Grape jelly and chili sauce are the secrets that make these meatballs so fantastic. If I'm serving them at a party, I prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat them right before guests arrive. —Irma Schnuelle, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Cheeseburger Crescent Ring
This is an easy entree that can be put together quickly after a long day at work. I guarantee that adults will enjoy it as much as kids do. —Stephanie Hurd, Oxford, Alabama
Beef and Potato Moussaka
My son—who is now 27—brought home this Greek moussaka recipe with potatoes (a classic Greek entree) when he had a sixth-grade assignment about Greece. It earned high marks when we made it for his class. —Jean Puffer, Chilliwack, British Columbia
Mexican Stuffed Peppers
This nutritious yet economical summer meal makes the most of my home-grown peppers. I like to top it with sour cream and serve with tortilla chips and salsa, but it's wonderful on its own, too. —Kimberly Coleman, Columbia, South Carolina
Zucchini Lasagna
We plant zucchini every year and always seem to have more than we can use! This hearty zucchini lasagna is a delicious way to use our abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Potato-Topped Ground Beef Skillet
Compared to other ground beef skillet recipes, the depth of flavor in this recipe is amazing, and I never have leftovers when I take it to potlucks. I love recipes that I can cook and serve in the same skillet. If your butcher has chili grind beef, which is coarsely ground, go for that; it lends an extra meaty texture. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Cheese-Stuffed Burgers for Two
Here's a sandwich that does traditional burgers one better—with a surprise pocket of cheddar! My family really enjoys the melted cheese center. —Says Janet Wood, Windham, New Hampshire
Beef Chimichangas
My husband loves this beef chimichanga recipe! I often double the recipe and freeze the chimichangas individually to take out as needed. I serve them with shredded lettuce and sour cream. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware
Vegetable Beef Casserole
This easy one-dish recipe has been a family favorite ever since my husband's aunt handed it down to me decades ago. Try using whatever vegetables you have on hand. —Evangeline Rew, Manassas, Virginia
Tacos Deluxe
I first tried this recipe in my junior high school home economics class more than 20 years ago. As an adult, I wrote home for the recipe and have enjoyed it ever since! —Katie Dreibelbis, Santa Clara, California
Upside-Down Meat Pie
This recipe, which my sister gave me more than 30 years ago, is perfect whenever friends drop by. It mixes up in a jiffy, yet it's substantial and satisfying. —Cora Dowling, Toledo, Ohio
Chili Beef Cornbread Casserole
This recipe is my potluck standby. And when I hear that someone may need a comforting home-cooked meal, I bring them this casserole. —Lorraine Espenhain, Corpus Christi, Texas
If you like this casserole, you'll love this beef chili recipe!
Beef Bolognese with Linguine
After much research, tasting and tweaking, I finally came up with this beef bolognese recipe that is based on a dish from an Italian restaurant where I worked. It's perfect for feeding a house full of guests. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Family-Favorite Cheeseburger Pasta
I created this cheeseburger pasta recipe to satisfy a craving. What a delicious, healthy classic! —Raquel Haggard, Edmond, Oklahoma
Garlic Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are typically prepared with corn tortillas, but my husband, Jeff, and I prefer flour tortillas. I use them in this saucy casserole that has irresistible home-cooked flavor and a subtle kick. —Jennifer Standridge, Dallas, Georgia
Meatballs and Gravy
I can still see Grandmother making dozens of these little meatballs, and gravy to go with them! The hint of spices gives them a savory taste that makes them authentically Norwegian. —Karen Hoylo, Duluth, Minnesota
Best Salisbury Steak
Finding the best Salisbury steak recipe is hard! I remember enjoying it often when I was growing up, but when I decided to add it to my recipe collection, I wasn't able to find it in my modern cookbooks. I came up with these ingredients on my own and experimented until it tasted like the dish I remembered. —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
Scrabble Soup
Many games involve letters, so I thought alphabet soup would be ideal to serve at my theme party, which included an evening of playing board games and cards. I concocted the hearty soup using ingredients I had on hand.
Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
When my mom and I cooked spaghetti squash with meat sauce, all we could do was grin and say "Wow!" It's fun to separate the noodle-like strands from the squash shell, but eating it is the best part! —Lina Vainauskas, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina
Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet
This is the ultimate simple and fulfilling dinner that uses items I typically have in my cupboard. It's so easy to prepare and cooking all in one skillet makes it a snap for clean up. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
All-American Hamburgers
We do a lot of camping and outdoor cooking. This all-American, homemade hamburger recipe is on our menu more than any other food. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Beef and Noodle Casserole
When I was working on the local election board in the '50s, one of my co-workers gave me this ground beef casserole with noodles recipe, and it has been a family favorite ever since. It's quick to make for unexpected company or easily doubled for a potluck. —Mary Hinman, Escondido, California
Easy Salisbury Steak
This easy Salisbury steak recipe can be made in 25 minutes or made ahead and reheated with the gravy in the microwave. I often double the recipe and freeze a batch for busy nights. —Carol Callahan, Rome, Georgia
Beef & Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
This recipe is special to me because it's an easy one-pot meal that tastes like you spent the whole day in the kitchen. My family loves it. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama
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