What to Season Ground Beef With: 15 Delicious Options to Try

Ground beef is a kitchen staple that can be used in endless quick and easy meals. From tacos to chili, sloppy joes to meatballs, the versatile protein makes regular appearances on dinner tables across the country. While recipes may vary, one thing remains the same – properly seasoning ground beef is the key to incredible flavor.

When determining what to season ground beef with, there are myriad spices, herbs, sauces, and other ingredients to consider. The options are seemingly endless, which can make deciding what to use a challenge. However, there are several go-to seasonings that pair exceptionally well with ground beef.

In this article we will explore 15 delicious and foolproof ways to season ground beef. From basic salt and pepper to chili powder and mustard these ingredients will seriously upgrade your ground beef dishes. Let’s dive in!

1. Salt and Pepper

The dynamic duo of salt and pepper is a no-brainer place to start when seasoning ground beef. A dash of salt enhances and balances flavors. Pepper provides a subtle heat and bite. For best results, add them near the end of cooking. This allows the beef to brown properly and prevents moisture loss that can lead to a tough, dry texture.

Sea salt or kosher salt have excellent flavor for seasoning. When it comes to pepper, freshly cracked or coarsely ground peppercorns are ideal. Pre-ground pepper quickly loses its aroma and potency.

2. Onion Powder

Onion powder is a versatile way to infuse recipes with onion flavor without adding moisture or changing the texture. It comes in white, yellow, and red varieties, each with its own unique flavor profile.

White onion powder is pungent and sharp. Yellow has a sweeter, milder taste. Red onion powder is also mild but packs the least punch For authentic onion flavor, stick to white or yellow onion powder Use approximately 1/2 teaspoon per pound of ground beef.

3. Garlic

Garlic is a must for seasoning ground beef. You can use minced garlic, garlic powder, or garlic salt. For convenience, the powdered and salt varieties are great. However, minced garlic offers the most authentic flavor.

When cooking with fresh garlic, sauté it briefly before adding ground beef. This mellows its harshness and distributes the flavor. As a rule of thumb, substitute 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic.

4. Chili Powder

A blend of dried chilies and spices like cumin and oregano, chili powder packs a flavorful punch It instantly infuses ground beef with a warm, earthy spiciness perfect for tacos, chili, sloppy joes, etc

Start with 1 teaspoon of chili powder per pound of ground beef. Sprinkle it on the beef as it browns to let the flavors meld. The heat level varies, so taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika deserves a spot in every spice drawer. It provides a rich smokiness along with subtle sweetness. The intensity depends on the type of peppers used. For great smoky flavor without excessive heat, choose a sweet smoked paprika.

Use smoked paprika sparingly, about 1 teaspoon per pound of ground beef. Too much will make the dish taste bitter. Add it as the beef cooks for maximum flavor infusion.

6. Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning blends basil, oregano, thyme and other herbs, adding layers of flavor with ease. You can make your own or use store-bought. Dried Italian seasoning works great. For convenience, choose a blend that also contains onion and garlic.

Use about 1-2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning per pound of ground beef. Sprinkle it on as the beef browns or add it to a marinade. The herbaceous flavor pairs perfectly with beef.

7. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a savory condiment that delivers tangy, umami flavor. It contains vinegars, molasses, anchovies, garlic, spices, and more. The unique flavor profile makes it an ideal way to season ground beef.

Use 2-3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce per pound of ground beef. For maximum flavor integration, add it to the beef mixture before cooking. It’s especially tasty in hamburgers and meatloaf.

8. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is another umami-rich option for seasoning ground beef. The salty, fermented sauce enhances savoriness. For best results, use less sodium soy sauce. Regular soy sauce may make the dish overly salty.

Add 1-2 tablespoons less sodium soy sauce per pound of ground beef. Sprinkle it on the cooked beef or combine it with other liquid ingredients like Worcestershire. Soy sauce perfectly complements beef’s hearty flavor.

9. Mustard

Yellow mustard powder brings tanginess and subtle vinegar flavor to ground beef without overpowering it. Make a paste by combining mustard powder with water, vinegar, or oil first to fully activate the flavors.

When seasoning with dry mustard, use about 1 teaspoon per pound of ground beef. Mix into a paste then add to the raw beef. Mustard’s unique flavor profilepairs especially well with beef.

10. Steak Sauce

Steak sauce offers a foolproof way to inject mega-flavor into ground beef. The sweet, tangy sauce typically contains tomatoes, raisins, vinegar, and spices. Use original A1 for an iconic taste.

For every pound of ground beef, add 2-3 tablespoons of steak sauce. Mix it into raw beef for the fullest flavor infusion. Steak sauce gives burgers, meatballs, meatloaf and more a gourmet upgrade.

11. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce makes ground beef irresistible. The sweet, tangy, and often smoky sauce contains tomatoes, vinegar, spices, etc. Choose your favorite variety – from Kansas City to Texas style, options abound.

Mix 2-4 tablespoons BBQ sauce per pound of ground beef. Add it to the raw beef or brush on patties, meatballs, etc. during cooking. The possibilities are endless with this crowd-pleasing sauce.

12. Brown Gravy Mix

Gravy may seem unconventional, but it’s amazing on ground beef. The concentrated, savory sauce adds big flavor with little effort. Look for powdered brown gravy mixes, which create rich, beefy gravy.

Follow package instructions to make 1 packet of gravy. Use this to season 1-2 pounds of ground beef. The easy shortcut beats making gravy from scratch.

13. Teriyaki Sauce

Sweet and salty teriyaki sauce infuses ground beef with mouthwatering Japanese flavor. Use about 1/4 cup per pound of ground beef. Mix into the raw beef or brush on as a glaze during cooking for irresistible teriyaki flavor.

14. Beer

Cooking ground beef in beer creates incredibly moist, tender meat with amplified flavor. Splash in 1/4 – 1/2 cup beer per pound of beef. Brown the meat then simmer until the beer reduces down. The alcohol burns off, leaving just delicious flavor behind.

15. Bacon

Everything tastes better with bacon! Add 2-3 chopped bacon slices per pound of ground beef. Cook until the bacon is crispy then add the beef to the renderings in the pan. This takes the flavor up several notches.

Seasoning Ground Beef to Perfection

When determining what to season ground beef with, don’t limit yourself to just salt and pepper. With so many herbs, spices, sauces and other flavor-boosting ingredients to choose from, the options are endless.

Use this guide to discover new ways to make your ground beef dishes irresistible. A small amount of seasoning goes a long way toward enhancing natural flavor and creating deliciously satisfying meals.

So next time you cook with ground beef, explore the diverse flavors available from smoked paprika to BBQ sauce and beyond. With the right seasonings, this humble staple can be transformed into extraordinary fare.