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Close-up of a juicy, grilled ground beef patty with grill marks, seasoned and ready for a recipe.

How to Brown Ground Beef Like a Pro

Learn the essential technique for browning ground beef to achieve maximum flavor and texture in your dishes. This method is perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their everyday meals.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Browning 5 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For Browning
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or bacon fat optional
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 spices optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Stiff spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil or bacon fat in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This helps prevent sticking and scorching, especially with stainless steel. Use a little extra oil for lean beef. You can skip this if you want to avoid extra fat, but watch the meat closely to prevent burning.
  2. Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Break the meat into a few large pieces with a stiff spatula. Let it brown without moving for 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Break the ground beef into smaller pieces with your spatula. Sprinkle with kosher salt and any desired spices. Cook for a minute between stirs to let moisture evaporate and allow the meat to brown.
  4. The beef is done when it is evenly browned with no pink remaining. Break open larger crumbles to ensure it's browned all the way through.

Notes

This browning technique develops a rich, savory flavor in your ground beef, transforming simple dishes into something more satisfying. Patience is key to achieving the best results.

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