Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in everything from burgers to tacos to meatloaf But when is the best time to season ground beef – before or after cooking? The answer depends on the dish you’re making Here’s a detailed look at when and how to season ground beef for maximum flavor,
Seasoning Raw Ground Beef
For many dishes, it’s best to season the ground beef before cooking. Here are some of the benefits to seasoning raw ground beef:
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The seasonings have time to penetrate the meat. By seasoning before cooking, you allow time for the flavors to soak in. This leads to beef that is seasoned throughout, not just on the exterior.
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It helps the meat hold together. Seasonings like salt and pepper will extract a bit of moisture from the beef, which aids in binding the proteins so your burgers and meatballs hold their shape better.
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It creates a flavorful browned crust Seasoned beef develops more flavorful browning and caramelization during cooking,
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No seasonings are lost in drained fat. If you wait to season until after cooking, some of the flavor can pour down the drain when you drain excess fat.
Some good times to season raw ground beef include:
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When making patties or balls. Season burgers, meatballs, and meatloaf several hours ahead or the night before cooking. Letting the meat rest allows time for the seasonings to spread evenly.
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When browning loose beef for another recipe. If you are browning ground beef for a chili, taco filling, pasta sauce, etc., season it before cooking. Simply salt and pepper or add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, etc.
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When making a batch for the freezer. Season beef with salt and pepper before freezing in single servings. Then the meat is ready to go when thawed and cooked later.
Seasoning Cooked Ground Beef
For other recipes, it’s better to wait and add seasonings after browning the beef:
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To avoid moisture loss. Heavily salting beef before cooking draws out moisture, which can inhibit browning. It’s best to wait when wanting deeply browned, caramelized beef.
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When draining fat after cooking. Pepper and some spices can become bitter if overheated. Hold off on seasonings if draining fat after browning.
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For dishes with a sauce. Tacos, sloppy joes, chili – dishes with a sauce get seasoned after cooking as ingredients simmer together.
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To control sodium. If reducing sodium, you can better control the amount of salt added after cooking rather than guessing before.
Some appropriate times to season ground beef after cooking include:
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When making tacos. Cook beef, drain fat, then add taco seasoning and simmer briefly.
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For pasta sauce or sloppy joes. Add seasonings once beef is cooked and drained. Simmer with tomatoes, sauce, etc.
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If avoiding draining after browning. If fat will not be drained after cooking, wait to avoid spatter and bitterness.
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When reducing sodium. Cook without salt, drain, then add a measured amount to control sodium.
How Much Seasoning Does Ground Beef Need?
When it comes to how much seasoning ground beef needs, restraint is key. Here are some tips:
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Use a light hand with salt – 3/4 tsp per pound of beef is usually sufficient. Add other salty ingredients like soy sauce sparingly.
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Pepper to taste – Coarsely ground is best. Add some cayenne or red pepper flakes for a kick.
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Limit garlic and onion powders to 1/2 tsp per pound – They become bitter if overdone.
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Use small amounts of strong herbs and spices – Start with 1/4 to 1/2 tsp per pound ofrosemary, thyme, oregano, chili powder, cumin, etc.
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Avoid pre-mixed seasoning packets – They often contain excessive salt, flavors that don’t complement beef, and anti-caking additives.
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Taste the seasoned raw beef before cooking. Cook a small bit and taste. Adjust seasonings as needed. Raw beef that tastes seasoned will be even more flavorful after cooking.
Choosing Seasonings for Ground Beef
Beyond just salt and pepper, what seasonings work best with ground beef? Here are some tasty options:
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Onion and garlic – Use fresh or dried, cooked or raw. Provides a flavor foundation.
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Beef-friendly herbs – Rosemary, thyme, oregano, marjoram, sage. Use dried or fresh.
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Spicy peppers – Coarsely ground black pepper, jalapeño, red pepper flakes, cayenne.
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Warm spices – Chili powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, mustard, cinnamon.
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Savor umami – Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, miso, dried mushrooms.
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Bright acids – Lemon juice, red wine vinegar, tomato adds freshness.
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Rich extras – Horseradish, tamarind paste, anchovies, Parmesan, mustard.
Best Practices for Seasoning Ground Beef
Follow these tips for flawlessly seasoned ground beef every time:
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Season beef before shaping into patties or balls so seasoning is evenly distributed.
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For burgers, meatloaf, etc., season several hours or a day ahead and let rest in the fridge. This allows seasonings to permeate the meat.
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When browning loose beef, sprinkle seasonings over all sides while cooking for even coverage.
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Cook ground beef in batches. Crowding the pan steams instead of sears.
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For great flavor development, let ground beef cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to sear before stirring.
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Drain cooked beef in a colander. Don’t rinse – you’ll wash away flavor.
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Avoid packing tightly when forming patties or meatballs. Loosely shaped beef browns better.
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For meatloaf and burgers, brush with oil or butter before cooking for enhanced browning.
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If needed, season just before serving cooked beef to adjust flavor.
With the right technique, humble ground beef can be elevated into memorable, restaurant-quality dishes. Follow these tips on when and how to add seasoning, and you’ll enjoy juicy, flavor-packed beef every time.
From My Kitchen To Yours
This seasoned ground beef is my go-to for last-minute weeknight dinners. You can make it without much thinking at all, and it’s ready to enjoy in about 10 minutes.
For serving, there are so many options. Wrap it up in flour or corn tortillas, add some shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream for quick soft tacos. Or sprinkle it over a bed of lettuce, along with all your favorite fixings, for a high-protein, low-carb lunch. Or take a cue from my daughter: sprinkle cheese and beef over tortilla chips and make nachos! Or what about rice bowls, burritos, tostadas, taquitos . . . whew, the options are endless!
We like to serve this seasoned ground beef as a “build-your-own-taco” bar. Because you can pick out (or leave out) exactly what you want, taco bars are great for kids, picky eaters, or people with food allergies. Don’t like tomatoes? Leave ’em off. Love cheese? Pile it on! Against all grain? Make a salad!
- Serves 4
- 1 lb. (454 g) grass-fed ground beef
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) smoked paprika
- Pinch dried oregano
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Heat a large pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sear, chopping beef with a spatula into small pieces.
- Sprinkle the seasonings over the beef. Continue to cook, tossing and chopping with a spatula, until beef is cooked through and brown. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Remove from heat and let cool about 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
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Hi! I’m Marie. Mama, wife, homebody. I’m a self-taught chef and cookbook author.
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How to cook ground beef for maximum flavor | I bet you didn’t know this!
FAQ
When should I season ground beef while cooking?
You should season ground beef before browning it. Adding salt and other seasonings early on allows the flavors to penetrate the meat as it cooks, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Just be careful not to over-season, as ground beef can absorb salt quickly.
Should I season taco meat before or after browning?
After. Once your taco meat is browned, drain the fat from the meat. “Bloom” the spices by adding it to the pan and stirring to distribute the spice evenly. Cooking it for a minute or two in the remaining fat will help maximize the flavor of the spices.
Should you season ground beef before or after cooking reddit?
season while cooking is the best. You want the seasoning cooked into the meat, not just sprinkled on the outside.
Should you season meat before or after cooking?
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Seasoned Advicehttps://cooking.stackexchange.comsalt – Should meat be seasoned before or after cooking?Jul 18, 2010 — There are different ‘camps’ when it comes to seasoning but essentially If you season meat too early before cooking, the salt will draw out the moist…
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Bradley Smokerhttps://www.bradleysmoker.comWhat Is the Purpose of Seasoning Your Meats? | Bradley SmokerJan 17, 2023 — When Should I Add My Seasoning? Meat is always best when seasoned before cooking. Take a few minutes to sprinkle or smear the cuts of meat with seas…
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America’s Test Kitchenhttps://www.americastestkitchen.comHow to Season After Cooking | America’s Test KitchenOct 29, 2023 — Ways to Quickly Dress Up a Finished Dish From left to right: Chili oil, fresh herbs, and matcha powder showcase how seasoning after cooking can impr…
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The Washington Posthttps://www.washingtonpost.comWhen to salt meat, eggs, vegetables and other foods in cookingJul 17, 2024 — Meat. “When salting meat for cooking, any time is better than none, and more is better than some,” Nosrat writes. This gives the salt time to diffus…
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Big Poppa Smokershttps://bigpoppasmokers.comYou Ask, We Answer: Do You Add Seasoning Before or After Grilling?May 31, 2024 — Start by seasoning your meat before grilling to build a strong flavor foundation and create a nice crust. Then, finish with a touch of seasoning aft…
Can You season ground beef before cooking?
Yes, you can season ground beef ahead of time. Doing so allows the flavors of the seasonings to penetrate more deeply into the meat. However, avoid adding salt until just before you cook the meat, as salt can draw out moisture from the beef, potentially making it tough and dry.
Do you let ground beef rest before cooking?
Let the ground beef rest: After seasoning, let the ground beef rest for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the seasonings to fully absorb into the meat. Seasoning ground beef is a culinary skill that takes practice and experimentation.
How do you season ground beef?
The secret to a perfectly seasoned ground beef lies in balancing the different flavors. Here are some tips: Start with a base of salt and pepper: Season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor. Add aromatic spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika provide depth and complexity to the dish.
How do I choose a good ground beef seasoning?
The key to great-tasting ground beef lies in selecting high-quality seasonings. Here are some essential spices and herbs to consider: Salt and Pepper: The foundation of any seasoning blend, salt and pepper enhance the natural flavor of the meat. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These aromatic spices add depth and complexity to the dish.
How to season ground beef for burgers?
There are two schools of thought on how to season ground beef for burger s- you can either mix together a bunch seasonings and make the beef very flavourful or you can keep it simple and let the authentic, natural taste of the burger come out.
Should you season meat after cooking?
After the meat is browned and the vegetables are tender, drain the excess grease from the pan, then add tomato sauce and seasonings. Seasoning the meat after cooking works in this case because you’re going to be simmering the mixture for a long time over low heat.