Cooking ground beef typically takes about 6 to 8 minutes when browned in a skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink
. A common method is to heat oil in a pan, add the ground beef, let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to develop a brown crust, then break it apart and cook for another 4-5 minutes until fully cooked
. For food safety, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) according to USDA guidelines to ensure harmful bacteria are destroyed
. Cooking times can vary based on the quantity and heat source, but generally, browning for around 6-9 minutes is sufficient for a pound of ground beef
. If using a slow cooker, ground beef can be cooked on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours, which is convenient for meal prep though much longer than stovetop cooking
. In summary:
- Stovetop browning: about 6-8 minutes until no pink remains
- Internal temperature target: 160°F (71°C)
- Slow cooker: 2-6 hours depending on setting and amount
This ensures the ground beef is fully cooked, safe to eat, and flavorful
