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From choosing the right fat content to mastering delicious recipes, these simple tips and tricks will make choosing and preparing your ground beef recipes so much easier, saving you time and energy in the kitchen. 

Ground beef in a large mixing bowl.

When it comes to kitchen staples, few things top ground beef. It’s such a versatile and easy to use ingredient, from making Instant Pot Chili to whipping up some simple Ground Beef Tacos.

I know it can be tricky to pick out the right kind of beef for the recipe you are making, but have no fear! I’ve got lots of tips that will help make choosing and cooking your ground beef so much simpler. 

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What is Ground Beef?

Ground beef, also known as minced beef or hamburger meat, is made from beef that has been finely chopped or ground into small pieces. It is one of the most popular, versatile and cost-effective types of meat used in cooking.

The meat is passed through a grinder to break it down into smaller pieces. The grinding process helps to tenderize the meat and mix the fat evenly throughout, resulting in a flavorful and juicy product. The fat content can vary, and different types are available based on the percentage of fat present.

stack of 3 cheeseburgers with toppings.

Ground beef has a wide variety of uses in cooking such as hamburgers, meatballs, meatloaf, tacos, chili, and pasta sauces. It can be a blank canvas for various seasonings and flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment and add different herbs, spices, or sauces to enhance the taste.

A little bit goes a long way, and you can stretch a pound of ground beef by mixing with vegetables and broth for Hamburger Soup, or with rice and veggies for a One Pot Dirty Rice.

How To Choose The Right Ground Beef

Recipes like burgers and meatloaf will benefit from the moisture and juiciness of a higher fat ratio, while casseroles and chilis will do well using a lower fat ratio.

The fat content affects the flavor and juiciness of the cooked meat. So what kind of ground beef is best?

The choice depends on personal preference, dietary needs, and the specific recipe you are preparing. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Fat Content: Lean ground beef (such as 90% lean) has less fat and can be a good option for those looking for a healthier choice. Higher-fat beef (such as 80% lean) tends to offer more flavor and juiciness.
  2. Quality: Look for high-quality ground beef from reputable sources. It’s ideal to choose a product that is freshly ground or purchased from a trusted butcher or store for a better flavor and texture.
  3. Freshness: When purchasing, check the expiration or “sell by” date on the packaging to ensure freshness. If possible, buy from a store that grinds the meat in-house or buy it on the day it was ground for the best quality.
  4. Organic or Grass-Fed: Some people prefer organic or grass-fed, which can have a different taste profile and may be produced using more sustainable and ethical practices.
  5. Recipe Requirements: Certain recipes may benefit from a leaner variety, while others may call for fattier options for added flavor and moisture.

Types of Ground Beef

Most major grocery stores carry different varieties of ground beef. Each package displays a different percentage. These percentages tell you how much of the meat is fat. Common options include:

  • Regular ground beef (aka chuck) – 80% lean and 20% fat. Chuck is a flavorful and slightly fatty cut that comes from the shoulder area of the cow. It’s commonly used in ground meat because it has a good balance of meat and fat, which adds flavor and juiciness to the final product. It also tends to be the most budget-friendly.
  • Lean ground beef (aka sirloin) – 85-90% lean and 10-15% fat. Sirloin is a leaner cut that comes from the back of the cow, just behind the ribs. It has less fat compared to chuck, but it still provides good flavor. Sirloin tends to be a bit leaner and can be a good choice for those looking for a lower-fat option, though a bit higher in price.
  • Extra-lean ground beef (aka round) – 95% lean and 5% fat. Round is a lean cut that comes from the hindquarters of the cow. It contains less fat than chuck and sirloin, so ground beef made from round can be quite lean. It is also the least budget-friendly of the 3 most common varieties.

How To Cook Ground Beef

When batch cooking, I like to add diced onions and garlic for a more flavorful final product. If you don’t want small bits of onion in your meat, you can simply season as desired.

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add olive oil and cook diced onions until translucent.
  • Add garlic and ground beef and cook until no longer pink. As the meat cooks, break it up into small pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon.
Raw round beef in a pan with onions and garlic.
Cooked ground beef with onions.

The USDA recommends cooking ground beef to at least 160℉ (well done) for safe consumption. Most recipes call for ground beef to be well done anyway, but when it comes to burgers, some prefer the flavor and juiciness of medium or medium well (140-155℉).

Pan of rice with ground beef and peppers.
Dirty Rice

How To Know When Your Beef Is Done

Depending on the type of recipe you are using, your beef may not brown all the way through before it is safe to eat. To ensure your beef is cooked all the way through, we recommend using a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature of your meat. Once your beef has reached an internal temperature of 160°F it is ready to consume. For more information on food safe temperatures, check out my Beef Temperature Chart.

Storing Ground Beef

Refrigerating raw ground beef: Raw ground beef will remain fresh for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing raw ground beef: In order to preserve its freshness, you can freeze your ground beef for up to 6 months. Unless it’s vacuum sealed, I recommend transferring the meat to a freezer-safe plastic bag to prevent freezer burn. For tons of tips, check out my post on how to freeze and how to thaw ground beef.

Refrigerating cooked ground beef: Cool the meat completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This goes for batch cooked meat as well as casseroles, meatballs, burgers and meatloaf.

Final Tips

  1. Choose the right fat content: Consider the fat content of the beef based on your recipe and personal preference. Lean ground beef (e.g., 90% lean) is great for healthier options, while higher fat content (e.g., 80% lean) can add more flavor and juiciness. Choose the appropriate fat content for your specific recipe.
  2. Handle with care: Avoid overhandling or excessively compacting it. Overworking the meat can result in a denser and tougher texture. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix or shape the meat as necessary to avoid compacting it too much.
  3. Seasoning and mixing: For even distribution of flavor, mix in any seasonings, herbs, or spices thoroughly. This ensures that every bite is well-seasoned. Use your hands or a fork to combine the ingredients evenly (see tip #2).
  4. Cook to the right temperature: Cook meat to a safe internal temperature to ensure it’s safe to eat. The minimum safe internal temperature for ground beef is 160°F (71°C). Use a food thermometer to check the temperature and avoid any risk of undercooking.
  5. Drain excess fat: If the beef releases a lot of fat while cooking, you can drain off the excess fat using a spoon, spatula or paper towels. This step can help reduce the overall fat content and make the dish less greasy.
  6. Experiment with seasonings: Ground beef can be a blank canvas for various seasonings and flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add different herbs, spices, or sauces to enhance the taste. This allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking and explore different culinary possibilities.
  7. Store properly: If you have leftover raw ground beef, store it in the refrigerator promptly. Make sure to use it within a day or two to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Cooked ground beef can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer-term storage.
Sloppy Joe featured image.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to handle ground beef effectively and create delicious dishes with excellent texture and flavor.

Recipe
Ground beef cooked with onions in a pan.

How to Cook Ground Beef

5
How to cook ground beef: from fat content selection to mastering tasty recipes. Save time and energy in the kitchen with these expert tips.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 pound

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Optional – desired seasonings or add-ins
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Instructions
 

  • Heat a pan or skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the beef, onion, and garlic. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break apart the meat.
  • Cook until the onions are translucent and beef is tender; about 7-10 minutes.
  • Use a spoon, turkey baster or paper towels to remove any excess fat from the pan.

Notes

Cook several pounds of ground beef at a time and portion into freezer bags for easy make-ahead meals.

Nutrition

Calories: 1024kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 86gFat: 68gSaturated Fat: 27gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 4gCholesterol: 308mgSodium: 304mgPotassium: 1511mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 10mg

Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.

Kristin Maxwell

Kristin Maxwell is the creator and main recipe developer, writer, and photographer of Yellow Bliss Road. A self-taught cook and self-appointed foodie, she specializes in easy, flavorful and approachable recipes for any home cook.

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Comments

  1. Carolyn Tyler says:

    I just want you to know I appreciate you and your recipes. Keep up the good work and thank you!

    1. Kristin says:

      You are so welcome Carolyn! Thank you so much for the kind words.