Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ground Beef Recipe in just 25m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Ground Beef Base
Aromatic Flavoring (optional but recommended)
Optional Finishes / For Serving
Method
Preparation
- 1
Prep ingredients
Remove ground beef from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while you prepare aromatics. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure spices and optional finishes.
Cooking Ground Beef
- 2
Heat pan
Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and let it heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 1 minute).
- 3
Sauté aromatics
Add the diced onion to the hot pan and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add dried oregano and ground cumin and stir 10–15 seconds to bloom the spices.
- 4
Brown the beef
Increase heat to medium-high if needed. Add 1 pound ground beef to the pan, breaking it into large pieces with a spatula. Spread it into an even layer and let it sear undisturbed for 1–2 minutes to develop browning. Continue to break up and stir the beef, cooking 6–8 minutes total until no longer pink and well browned in places.
- 5
Season and finish
Season the cooked beef with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper, stirring to combine. If using, add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or cilantro, and 1/2 tablespoon lime or lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as needed.
- 6
Drain (optional)
If the beef released excess fat and you prefer leaner result, carefully tilt the pan and spoon out excess fat or drain through a fine-mesh strainer set over a heatproof bowl. Return beef to pan and reheat briefly if needed.
- 7
Serve
Use the seasoned ground beef immediately in tacos, pasta sauce, grain bowls, nachos, or sandwiches. Keeps well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.