To cook ground beef in a pan properly, follow these steps for a well-browned, flavorful result:
- Preheat the pan: Use a large skillet (preferably stainless steel or cast iron for better browning) and heat it over medium heat until hot. Add a small amount of cooking oil, such as olive oil, to coat the pan
- Add the ground beef: Place the ground beef in the hot pan and press it down into an even, flat layer, similar to a large hamburger patty. This maximizes contact with the pan and helps form a brown crust
- Let it cook undisturbed: Allow the beef to cook without stirring for about 4-5 minutes. This develops a flavorful crust on the bottom
- Break up and flip: After the crust forms, start breaking the meat apart with a spatula or wooden spoon, flipping pieces to brown the other side. Continue cooking and breaking it into smaller pieces until fully browned and no pink remains, about another 4-5 minutes
- Season at the end: Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings after the meat is browned. Salting too early can draw out moisture and prevent proper browning
- Drain excess fat: If needed, drain off excess grease using a strainer or paper towels before using the cooked ground beef in your recipe
This method yields browned, flavorful ground beef suitable for tacos, pasta sauces, and many other dishes
. Summary:
- Use a hot pan with a little oil
- Press beef into a flat layer and let it brown undisturbed
- Break up and stir after crust forms
- Season after browning
- Drain excess fat if desired
This approach ensures juicy, well-browned ground beef with great texture and flavor
