Chopped Beef Recipe

Prepare beef

Remove the ground beef from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients. This helps it cook more evenly.

In a medium bowl, combine ground beef with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until just combined — avoid overworking the meat to keep it tender.

Cook aromatics

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the neutral oil and swirl to coat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and starting to brown, about 4–6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Brown the beef

Increase heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up into large chunks with a spatula. Let it sear undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to develop color, then continue to break it into smaller crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes total.

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and continue to cook for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Finish and serve

If using, stir in the butter until melted to add richness. Fold in the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook another 30 seconds to combine flavors. Remove from heat.

Serve the chopped beef hot as a topping for rice, in tacos, on toasted bread, or alongside vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.