How to Cook Ground Beef (Boiling Ground Beef for Tacos, Spaghetti, etc.) (2024)

FAQs

Can you cook ground beef by boiling it? ›

Boiling your ground beef is a great idea if you want to cook with leaner, less fatty meat. This is a simple, quick, and easy-to-clean process where you cover the meat in water and brown it on medium heat for for 3-5 minutes or so. Boiled beef is also often used to feed dogs, as it is a great form of protein.

YES, in water. Resulting in that nicely steamed, soft texture you get in most Mexican restaurants."

The ground beef should be cooked separately before adding it to the spaghetti sauce. By cooking it separately, you have better control over the browning process and can ensure that it cooks evenly. Once the ground beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease and then add it to your simmering spaghetti sauce.

Boiling ground beef is the best way to cook it so that it comes out in small, fine crumbles. Trust me, this is the secret to all those amazing tacos and pasta sauces at your favorite restaurant! It's also a healthier option, because the boiling process helps separate the fat from the meat, and it comes out quite lean.

Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants boil raw ground beef with water and seasonings until cooked through to achieve a super fine texture, and the aforementioned Maid Rite sandwiches (aka Loose Meat Sandwiches, which are NOT Sloppy Joe's!) use steam to keep the cooked ground beef soft after cooking.

Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 °F as measured with a food thermometer. The color of cooked ground beef can be quite variable. At 160 °F, a safely cooked patty may look brown, pink, or some variation of brown or pink.

Cook, skimming occasionally, until each cut of beef is fork-tender, at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours, depending on the cut and animal your beef is from.

How long does cooked ground beef last in the fridge? After you've cooked the ground beef to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees, you have about three to four days to eat it. You can also store a meal with cooked ground beef in the freezer for about four months without compromising the quality, the USDA says.

We prepare it much the same way you prepare taco meat at home: after simmering, it is drained of excess fat and pre-seasoned with our signature blend of 7 authentic seasonings and spices. It is then packaged with added water to lock in the flavor and for added moisture, and then shipped to our restaurants.

You could also use a taco seasoning packet, but I prefer this blend of seasonings. Once the meat is seasoned, add about 1 1/2 cups of beef broth and stir well. Bring this to a quick boil, reduce the heat, and cover with a lid. This will simmer on low for about 20 minutes or until the liquid has started to reduce.

Why does Mexican beef taste different? ›

When Mexicans marinate carne asada, they soak the beef in orange juice to tenderize the meat and boost the flavor profile.

Season ground beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, add the beef and chopped onion and brown. Drain excess grease. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, worcestershire, and sugar to the skillet.

Seasonings for Ground Beef

Garlic powder and onion powder are two other versatile seasonings that work well with ground beef no matter how you plan to use it. Or if you're using it in lasagna or a pasta casserole, try dried oregano or Italian seasoning.

The most popular way to cook spaghetti is simple. Put the pasta into plenty of boiling water, stir it, bring it to a simmer, turn the heat off, put a lid on and leave it to finish cooking for 10-12 mins. This method works perfectly fine.

In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in water and taco seasoning mix; heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Spoon beef into taco shells.