Here we will share how long to cook ground beef in a pan, the oven, pressure cooker, or even the oven! From there you can take a peek at our long list of what to cook with ground beef and you’ll have enough recipes to keep you busy for weeks!
We will share how to cook ground beef in microwave here as well as all the other methods out there so you can decide for yourself which is your favorite. Then use it in your favorite dish or enjoy as is as a protein rich meal. (affiliate links present)
How to Cook Hamburger Meat
Before we delve into the cooking process, it’s crucial to select the right type of ground beef for the dish you want to make. Look for ground beef with a moderate fat content, usually labeled as 80% lean and 20% fat. Especially if you are making easy sloppy joes this will make them super juicy and flavorful.
Remember that fat=flavor. Yes of course you can read how long to cook ground turkey to save on calories but the flavor will go to the wayside along with it. Another plus to a package with a bit more fat is that it will act like a binder in dishes like meatloaf or meatballs.
How Long Does Ground Beef Take to Cook?
That depends on the method you are using. From 10 minutes to 2 hours, the longest would be in a slow cooker. You will always start by breaking up the chunk into smaller pieces. Doing so helps the meat cook evenly and allows it to absorb flavors more effectively. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small chunks, ensuring no large clumps remain.
How Long to Cook Ground Beef in a Pan
This will take about 10 minutes. Before adding the beef, you’ll want to preheat the pan over medium-high heat. A hot pan ensures that the meat browns quickly and evenly, creating a delightful caramelization on the surface. Adding the beef to a cold pan might lead to steaming instead of browning, which can affect the overall taste of your sloppy joes.
When the pan is hot, add the meat. Break it up into pieces with a spatula. Let cook undisturbed for a few minutes until it develops a rich, brown crust on the bottom. You can sprinkle some salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. If you are going to cook on the stovetop, like in our ShipWreck Casserole, opt for a sturdy pan or skillet that provides even heat distribution.
What is the best pan to cook ground beef in?
Cast iron retains heat most effectively, while stainless steel offers a non reactive surface and easier cleanup. Whichever you choose, make sure the pan is large enough to hold all the meat in a single layer without overcrowding.
The cook time for ground beef is relatively short. On medium high heat, it typically takes around 5 to 7 minutes to brown beef thoroughly. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to break up any remaining clumps and ensure even cooking. Then add to make meat sauce or add into other dishes like our ground beef potato casserole.
How Long to Cook Ground Beef in Crock Pot
You are looking at a few hours to make Crockpot ground beef. I will say that usually I will say this is the easiest way to cook, not in this case. You have to break it up and it is best tended to over time to move it around a bit along the way too but can be done.
Can You Cook Ground Beef in the Oven?
Yes!! Ground Beef in Oven works great. If this is the only heat source you have by all means use a sheet pan to cook until the juices run clear and then add into your dish with other ingredients.
How Long to Cook Ground Beef for Spaghetti
Once the ground meat is cooked, reduce the heat to medium and add your preferred spaghetti sauce to the pan. Additionally, you can include garlic powder or other seasonings to enhance the taste of your further. Mix everything well, allowing the flavors to meld together for a few more minutes.
Another option is to make it into sloppy joe sliders with our not so sloppy joe sauce in hamburger buns, or on toast. The mixture is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed with various toppings such as cheese, pickles, onions, or coleslaw.
How Long to Cook Ground Beef for Tacos?
I have done this two different ways. If I am in a hurry and want the grease to drain away I will use our air fryer ground beef instructions. That way will give the outsides a bit of crisp which is nice. Then toss with your seasonings and serve.
In order to permeate the Mexican flavors further I would highly recommend making Crockpot taco meat so it can sit in the sauce over hours and hours.
Can You Cook Frozen Ground Beef?
If you need to know how to cook frozen ground beef we have information on that as well. You will need flip the beef a few times to get this done properly but a great save for dinner if you forgot to defrost beforehand. If you do not want to do this we do have information on how to transition it from rock hard to softer.
How do you cook hamburger meat in the microwave?
Follow our How to Thaw Ground Beef in Microwave directions for that information. Then once softened you can break it up on to a plate and cook in 30 second increments, stirring after each time span until the juices run clear and no pink remains.
How do you know when ground beef is done?
You can check if the beef is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F no matter what method you use. Alternatively, you can cut a larger piece in half to ensure there are no pink spots. If there is no visible pink and the beef is uniformly browned, it is ready for the next step.
What can you add to ground beef for flavor?
Sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in the pan before adding the ground beef can infuse the meat with a savory and aromatic flavor.
- Simple yet essential, seasoning ground beef with salt and pepper brings out its natural taste and elevates the overall flavor.
- A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce can add depth and umami to the ground beef, enhancing its savoriness.
- For an Asian-inspired twist, a splash of soy sauce complements the beef’s flavor and imparts a delightful saltiness.
- Mixing in tomato sauce or paste can add richness and sweetness to the beef, making it a perfect base for various dishes.
- Incorporating beef broth or stock can enhance the meaty taste and keep the ground beef moist during cooking.
- Experiment with herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, or spices such as cumin, paprika, and smoked paprika to infuse unique flavors into the ground beef.
- Besides onions and garlic, you can include other vegetables like bell peppers, celery, or carrots to add both flavor and texture.
- For an extra indulgent touch, consider adding grated or shredded cheese to the ground beef mixture, creating a creamy and flavorful result.
If you prefer some heat, adding hot sauce, dry Sriracha or chili powder to spice up hamburger meat to give it a zesty kick. Start with 1/4 tsp. stir in and taste. Add more if desired in small amounts.
If you thaw in the fridge it will take overnight, maybe a few hours more. If you want a fast thaw method you can set into a bowl of cool water. Change the water out every 30 minutes and it likely will be soft to the center in about 1 hour or so.
Remember to taste your mixture as you add these ingredients, adjusting the flavors to suit your preferences. The beauty of cooking it yourself at home is the versatility. This allows you to customize the flavor profile or add heat to match various cuisines and dishes.
How Long to Cook Ground Beef
Equipment
- 1 pressure cooker or skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Instant Pot ground beef – Set pressure cooker to saute. Add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once hot add meat and break up into smaller pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Flip often until outside is no longer pink + 1 more minute beyond that. Turn pot off, pour meat out and use as desired.
- Ground beef in a pan – Put a skillet over medium high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once hot add meat and break up into smaller pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Use a spatula to flip over often until the outside is no longer pink. Continue cooking for 1 minute beyond that.
- Ground beef in microwave – Break up your lump of hamburger into smaller bits inside of a large bowl, one with a lid. Cover your bowl with a lid or tight saran wrap and cook for 4 minutes. Take it out, stir to break up any lumps, and put it back in the microwave in 2 minute intervals (breaking up every time) for 4-5 more minutes or until there is no pink remaining and juices run clear.
- Ground beef in air fryer – Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees F for 5 minutes. Break up ground beef and lay in air fryer basket and spread out in a single layer as much as possible. Season with salt and pepper. Close basket and keep at 380 degrees for a total of 5 minutes breaking meat up again after 3 minutes until browned to your liking.
- Ground beef in slow cooker – Spray slow cooker with non stick spray. Smash meat into small pieces and lay in a thin layer on the bottom of the pot. Season meat. Cook on high for 1.5-2 hours breaking up meat every 30 minutes until beef is no longer pink and cooked.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
