Wondering how to cook ground beef? Frying is a popular option, but boiling ground beef is easy, quick, and it creates leaner, finer meat! Cooking ground beef with this method creates the perfect crumbled ground meat for tacos, chili, spaghetti sauce, and more.
This recipe will show you how to cook ground beef or chuck to use in other ground beef recipes. Boiling ground beef is the best way to cook it so that it comes out in small, fine crumbles. Trust me, this is the secret to all those amazing tacos and pasta sauces at your favorite restaurant! It’s also a healthier option, because the boiling process helps separate the fat from the meat, and it comes out quite lean.
You can boil any cut of meat, I am using shin beef in today’s recipe but you can use beef shoulder, chunks, brisket, rounds, ribs, sirloin. Etc. The cut you use determines how long you boil the beef for. In Nigerian dishes, we use beef offal to cook and it is called assorted meat.
How to Season Ground Beef
The wonderful thing about ground beef is that it’s easy to season any way you like. What works best really depends on what you’re making! Try a range of spices, herbs, and seasoning blends.
- If you’re cooking ground beef for taco meat, then a simple taco seasoning works beautifully.
- To make spaghetti, meat sauce, or another pasta recipe, add Italian seasoning.
- Use burger seasoning if you want to make some burger-inspired casseroles, dips, or others dishes.
- Salt and pepper is a great way to add simple flavor no matter what you’re using it for.
- Onion, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and thyme are some of my other favorites for a range of dishes.
If you’re cooking the beef to mix into sauces, stews, casseroles, or other recipes, you won’t have to worry too much about seasoning it on its own. I actually recommend boiling ground beef without seasoning (especially if you’re cooking it for meal prep), and mixing it in after draining, or as you cook it with other recipes.
Once the water has come to a boil, cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer. It should only take about 15 minutes for the beef to fully cook through. The meat will turn brown when it’s done, so keep an eye on it.
According to the USDA, ground beef, taco meat, hamburger meat, and other ground meats should be cooked to 160°F to be considered safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check internal meat temperatures, and check this Meat Temperature Chart for more information about the best temperatures for all types of meat.
A lot of people fry ground beef and brown it in a pan before using it in other recipes. While pan-frying works great, cooking anything in oil or butter is going to add more fat and calories. I like boiling ground beef because it comes out much leaner, and the boiling process is super easy. Cooking ground beef with this method also gives you the perfect ground meat crumbles, which is great for tacos and pasta sauces.
After you’ve finished boiling the ground beef, you’ll need to drain it. To avoid letting any fat or grease fall down the drain of your sink, set up a strainer inside of a large bowl. Pour the pot of boiled beef through the strainer, and the bowl will catch the grease. Then you can gently rinse the beef after draining if needed to help remove extra fat. Pour the grease into a sealed container and refrigerate until ready to dispose (or use it to cook with).
What You’ll Need to Boil Ground Beef
Grab a pound of hamburger meat and a pot, and you’ll be on your way to cooking the perfect beef crumbles for any recipe you like.
- Ground Beef: I like to use lean beef for most recipes, but you can use 90/10, 80/20, or any other type. This recipe is made for 1 lb of ground meat, though it works for any amount.
- Water: You’ll need enough to fully submerge the beef in the pan. Place the ground meat in the pot first, then pour cold/tap water over it until it’s covered.
- Seasonings: Use any type of seasonings or spices you like. Check below for some ideas!
Pro Tip: You can cook ground chicken or ground turkey with this stovetop recipe as well!
How to boil meat perfectly (TENDER MEAT and RICH STOCK)
FAQ
What meats are good boiled?
Can all meat be boiled?
Why would you boil meat?
Can you boil tough meat?
What type of meat can be boiled?
Any type of meat can be boiled; for today’s recipe, I’m using shin beef, but you can also use beef shoulder, chunks, brisket, rounds, ribs, and sirloin. Etc. How long you boil the beef depends on the cut that you use. Nigerian cuisine uses beef offal, also known as assorted meat, in its preparation.
What type of meat is good for bones?
However, the type of meat that is best for the bones depends on the cooking method and cut of the meat. Lean meats such as chicken and fish are good options for bone health. Additionally, lean red meats such as beef and pork can also be beneficial for bones if cooked using healthy methods such as grilling or roasting.
What is boiled meat used for?
One of the most popular uses for boiled meat is for beef pot roast, which is usually made with added vegetables and cooked in a liquid containing spices, herbs, soy sauce or other flavorings. Boiling as a method of cooking may not be suitable for ground meats because the fibers have already been broken down.
Can You boil meat?
Yes, you can boil almost any type of meat. Common choices include beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. The cooking time and technique may vary depending on the type and cut of meat you are using. What is the purpose of boiling meat? Boiling meat is a cooking technique that helps to tenderize tough cuts of meat.