Beef is a versatile protein that can be used in endless delicious recipes. From burgers to roasts, beef is a staple that most people eat on a regular basis. With the average American consuming around 67 pounds of beef per year, it’s likely you are cooking with it often. However, beef can get boring fast if you use the same seasonings every time.
The good news is that there are countless ways to season beef to highlight its savory umami flavor. With the right herbs spices, and seasonings you can take your beef dishes from bland to bold and make meals the whole family will love.
In this guide, we will break down the best seasonings and spices for every cut of beef. From steaks to ground beef, discover how to perfectly flavor beef through marinades, rubs, and more.
Best Seasonings for Steaks
For juicy grilled steaks, crusty pan-seared steaks, and flavorful roasts like prime rib, focus on building layers of flavor. Here are some of the best ways to season steaks:
Salt and Pepper
You can never go wrong with a simple coating of coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper, Sprinkle it on before or after cooking The salt enhances the beefy flavor while the pepper provides a subtle spiciness
Compound Butter
Compound butters mixed with herbs and aromatics are a flavor bomb on steaks. Try mixing softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme and a squeeze of lemon. Spread on top of cooked steaks or use as a base for pan searing.
Steak Rubs
Blend your own steak rub or purchase a pre-made blend. Good steak rubs contain salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and brown sugar or maple syrup to help create a flavorful crust.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil all pair exceptionally well with beef. Try crushing the herbs between your fingers to release the oils before sprinkling them on steaks before cooking.
Worcestershire Sauce
The classic umami-rich sauce makes a fast marinade for steaks. Let steaks marinate 15-30 minutes for extra flavor. Worcestershire sauce also pairs well with peppery rubs.
Soy Sauce or Teriyaki
For Asian flavors, marinate steak briefly in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar and fresh ginger. Teriyaki sauce also doubles as a tasty marinade.
Red Wine Marinade
A red wine vinaigrette with garlic, shallots, and a splash of balsamic vinegar makes steaks extra tender and adds big flavor. Let steak marinate 2-4 hours.
Best Seasonings for Roasts
For larger beef cuts like chuck roast, brisket, and prime rib opt for dry rubs or spice rubs injected into the meat.
Onion and Garlic
Onion and garlic powder are essential for adding flavor to roasts before cooking. For brisket, also try fresh onions and garlic cooked alongside the meat.
Salt and Pepper
As with steaks, a simple coating of salt and pepper allows the beefy flavor to shine through while adding seasoning.
Smoked Paprika
A teaspoon or two of smoked paprika gives roasts a delicious smoky flavor and also helps create a flavorful crust.
Chili Powder
For braised roasts like chuck roast or pot roast, rub with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, onion, and oregano before cooking low and slow.
Coffee Rub
Finely ground coffee adds an earthy flavor to beef roasts. Make a rub with coffee grounds, garlic, onion, brown sugar, and chipotle or ancho chile powder.
Fresh Herbs
Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage work well with roasts. Try tucking whole herb sprigs under the roast before cooking or sprinkle dried herbs on before roasting.
Best Seasonings for Ground Beef
When cooking with ground beef, there are endless ways to add flavor. Consider the dish you are making to determine the best spices to use.
Salt and Pepper
Don’t forget the salt and pepper for flavoring burgers, meatballs, tacos, and other ground beef dishes. Add them once the beef is nearly finished cooking.
Onion and Garlic
Onion and garlic pair perfectly with ground beef. Use fresh or powdered versions. Cook them with the beef to release their flavors.
Chili Powder
For tacos, chili, sloppy joes, and more – chili powder adds mild heat and smokiness. Add while cooking or use in a spice blend.
Italian Seasoning
Basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme give burgers and meatballs an Italian taste. Add the dried herbs while cooking or use to make a marinade.
Worcestershire Sauce
Adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to meatloaf, meatballs, or hamburgers enhances the umami flavor.
Soy Sauce
A splash of soy sauce adds salty, savory flavor to ground beef. It’s especially tasty in Asian-style lettuce wraps or stir fry dishes.
Cumin
Warm, earthy cumin is delicious in tacos, burritos, nachos, chili, and more. It pairs well with other Mexican-inspired spices.
Tips for Seasoning Beef
Follow these tips to get the most flavor out of herbs, spices, and seasonings:
-
Do a “spice test” to gauge flavor and heat level before adding seasonings to a dish. Start with small amounts.
-
Bloom spices in oil briefly over low heat to intensify flavor.
-
Add salt and pepper at the end of cooking ground beef for a juicier texture.
-
Use dried herbs half as much as fresh since their flavor is more concentrated.
-
Let meat marinate 1-4 hours for the best flavor and tenderness enhancement.
-
Rub seasonings thoroughly over meat or pound them
Mild Spice Chilli Rub
Eliminating the cayenne pepper takes the spice level down a notch in this option. If I’m cooking for kids and just want a hint of spice, this is my go-to combo. For a ready-made option, try our Double Chipotle Rub.
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Chipotle powder: 1/2 tsp
- Cumin: 1/2 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Raw sugar: 1/2 tsp
If you have adventurous taste buds, give this spicy cocoa rub a try. When I serve this spicy cocoa rub for guests, they are always asking for the recipe. When I tell them it includes cocoa powder, they are always surprised!
- Cocoa powder: 1 tsp
- Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Garlic: 1/2 tsp
Herb Beef Stew Rub
I usually skip the classic beef stew herbs and spices in favor of this combo. The addition of thyme, rosemary, and oregano adds delicious depth to a standard beef stew.
Bonus: Your house will smell so good after simmering the herbs and spices in this beef stew!
- Thyme: 1/2 tsp
- Rosemary: 1/2 tsp
- Oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
How to cook ground beef. (Yes seriously)
FAQ
What seasonings go well with beef?
Salt, pepper, and garlic are considered the best herbs and spices for beef, but I’d include spices like paprika, chilli flakes, and oregano.
How to best season beef?
- Salt and Pepper: The most basic seasoning; enhances the natural flavors of beef.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth; pairs well with almost all beef dishes.
- Onion Powder: Offers a sweet and savory flavor that complements beef.
- Paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color; smoked paprika can add a smoky flavor.
What should I season ground beef with?
- Salt and pepper, which season the meat and enhance its natural flavors,
- Garlic powder, which gives it a slight spiciness and lots of fragrance,
- Onion powder, which gives it all the strength of its flavors,
- Paprika, for a slight smoky sweetness,
What flavors go well with beef?
Rosemary: A classic pairing that complements beef well. Thyme: Provides an earthy flavor. Parsley: Freshens the dish and adds color. Paprika: Adds mild heat and sweetness. Cayenne Pepper: For those who like it spicy. Cumin: Gives a warm, earthy flavor. Chili Powder: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
What makes a good roast beef seasoning?
Vinegar is another magical ingredient more of a secret tool than flavoring, but nevertheless a fine roast beef seasoning. A tangy vinegar works as part meat tenderizer, part marinade. The acidity combats the proteins, breaking them down to then bind together and retain all the juicy goodness the meat has to offer.
Is ground beef a good seasoning?
There are few forms of beef more important to season correctly than ground beef! With its mild flavor and endless uses, a good ground beef seasoning recipe is a must for every way you plan to use it. Whether it’s for meatloaf, meatballs, or taco meat, it’s all in the ground beef seasoning!
What is Asian-inspired roast beef seasoning?
Asian-inspired roast beef seasoning is a unique and flavorful blend that adds a touch of Asian cuisine to your beef roast. This seasoning typically features ingredients such as soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, which give the beef a sweet and savory flavor with a hint of nuttiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F.