To season ground beef effectively, follow these guidelines:
Basic Seasoning Ingredients
- Salt (kosher salt preferred)
- Black pepper (freshly cracked)
- Garlic powder or granulated garlic
- Onion powder or granulated onion
These form a simple and versatile base for seasoning ground beef
Additional Spices for Flavor Variations
- Ground cumin for warmth and earthiness
- Paprika or smoked paprika for color and subtle sweetness
- Cayenne powder or red pepper flakes for heat
- Dried oregano and basil for Italian-style dishes
- Chili powder, chipotle powder, or adobo for Mexican-inspired flavors
- Mustard powder for a tangy kick
These spices can be mixed and matched depending on the cuisine or dish you are preparing
When and How to Season
- Add salt about 3 to 5 minutes into cooking the ground beef to avoid drawing out too much moisture too early, which can cause steaming instead of browning.
- Once the fat has rendered and the beef starts to brown, add the rest of the seasonings. This allows the spices to "bloom" in the rendered fat, intensifying their flavor and giving the beef a rich caramelized color
- For formed dishes like burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf, season the raw ground beef before cooking to infuse flavor throughout
Cooking Tips
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan such as cast iron to retain heat and achieve even browning.
- Break up the beef as it cooks and stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and seasoning distribution.
- Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 10-15 minutes depending on the amount
Example Seasoned Ground Beef Recipe
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or bacon fat, ghee, clarified butter)
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- ΒΌ teaspoon cayenne powder (adjust to taste)
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Cook the beef in hot oil, add salt after 3-5 minutes, then add the spices once fat has rendered. Stir and cook until browned and flavorful
. This approach yields richly flavored, well-seasoned ground beef suitable for tacos, pasta sauces, casseroles, and more.
