No BS Recipes › How to Cook Ground Beef So It Stays Juicy
How to Cook Ground Beef So It Stays Juicy
Cooking ground beef can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right techniques, you can ensure that your burgers, tacos, and other ground beef dishes stay juicy and flavorful. In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking ground beef so it stays juicy.
What You Need
- 1lbground beef (80/20 lean to fat ratio is ideal)
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1tspsalt
- 4/8tspblack pepper
- 4/8tspgarlic powder
- 2/8tsponion powder
- 2/8tsppaprika
- 2/8tspdried thyme
- 2/8tspdried rosemary
Step-by-Step
- **Prep the Ground Beef:** Before cooking, make sure your ground beef is at room temperature. This helps it cook evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.
- **Season the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- **Cook the Ground Beef:** Cook the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up frequently with a spoon or spatula. The meat should be browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center. If you prefer a more cooked texture, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- **Rest the Ground Beef:** Once the ground beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more juicy.
Timer is a simple countdown - it does not need to be running for the recipe to work.
Pro Tips
- **Use the Right Oil:** Olive oil is a great choice for cooking ground beef because it has a high smoke point and won't burn easily.
- **Don't Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan can cause the ground beef to steam rather than sear, which can make it tough and dry.
- **Use a Thermometer:** Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the ground beef to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degF (71 degC). This will ensure that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat.
- **Let It Rest:** Letting the ground beef rest before serving allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more juicy.
FAQ
How long should I cook ground beef?
Cook ground beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up frequently with a spoon or spatula. If you prefer a more cooked texture, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes.
What's the best oil to use for cooking ground beef?
Olive oil is a great choice for cooking ground beef because it has a high smoke point and won't burn easily.
Should I season the ground beef before or after cooking?
Season the ground beef before cooking. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and make it more flavorful.
How long should I let the ground beef rest before serving?
Let the ground beef rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more juicy.