How to Cook Ground Beef (Lean)?

Question

Hi I have some lean ground beef (i.e. it's not extra lean..it has some fat in it). How do I prepare the ground beef, and how do I make sure the fat is removed as much as possible. Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Brown it in a skillet and then drain it in a colander. I read in a diet book that you should rinse the meat with hot water to get any excess fat off and it really works. I do it whenever I make ground beef and its amazing to see all the extra fat that runs off into the sink when you rinse it.

Answer 2

If you're using cooked crumbled ground beef in a sauce or casserole, you can reduce the fat content by rinsing it after browning and before adding to your recipe. Simply cook the meat until done, pour into a colander in the sink, and rinse with hot water. Thoroughly drain the water and blot dry with paper towels. This method used on regular ground beef can reduce the fat content down to that of the more expensive lean ground beef.
Burger tips: To avoid ground beef sticking to your hands, dip your hands in cold water before handling the meat. Don't overhandle the meat when making patties. Keep a light touch and do not over-compact. Form patties to desired thickness and then make a deep depression in the center with your thumb. As the meat cooks and expands, the depression will disappear, keeping your burger from turning into a flying saucer shape. Never use the spatula to press down on the burger patty as it is cooking. You'll squeeze out all the juice and flavor to go up in smoke. Poking holes in the burger with a fork also causes loss of moisture and flavor. Use a spatula or tongs to turn them. Be sure the pan or grill fire is hot before you add the meat. This helps sear the surface and seal in the juice. Most burgers will not require a greased pan, however extra-lean burgers may stick without added lubrication. Some chefs suggest a sprinkling of salt on the pan to prevent lean meat from sticking.

Answer 3

put the ground beef in a cast iron skillet, then cook until all beef is browned. Then you could put it in a strainer or colander and let the fat drain off. or just use a lid and pour the fat off. I use the strainer if I am making something that has ingredients like cheese going in. But what ever you do, do not rinse the meat, as it will take away from the flavor. After putting back in the pan, you could put a lettuce leaf in the pan and stir around, as lettuce will absorb the fat.

Answer 4

Well, if you are cooking it for chili or tacos etc.. cook in
skillet ,chop it up with a spatula
and drain the grease with a spoon. Or
make into patties and cook in skillet.
Lean beef if good and sometimes all that liquid
left is just beef broth not fat just spoon it out anyway.
Don't forget the salt. Enjoy!

Answer 5

I know someone said not to rinse it, but if you want as much fat gone as possible you might try adding some water to the meat and then pouring it off. It will take away more of the fat than just pouring it off.

Answer 6

Peas n Beef

2 pounds Ground Beef (Keema)
3 medium Onions (finely chopped)
5 cloves of Garlic (Lehsan) (peeled & minced)
1" piece of Ginger (Adrak) (peeled & minced)
2" piece of Cinnamon Stick (Dal Cheeni)
6 Cloves (Loung)
¼ tsp. Red Chilli Powder (Pisi Lal Mirch) (or to taste)
Salt (to taste)
1 tsp. Turmeric Powder (Pisi Haldi)
1 tbsp. Cumin Powder (Pisa Zeera)
1 tbsp. Coriander Powder (Pisa Dhania)
2 tbsp. Plain Yogurt
3 tbsp. Tomato Paste
½ cup Clarified Butter (Ghee) or Cooking Oil

In a pot heat the clarified butter or oil. When it gets hot add in the onions and saute well to golden brown. Add in all spices and stir well. Add tomato paste and yogurt, stir and saute on medium heat for about 10 minutes (you may add a little water in between to prevent spices from burning.)

Add in the ground beef; mix well. Saute beef for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of water, mix and bring to a boil. One it boils lower the heat and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes or until beef is cooked.

When ground beef is well done add in the peas; mix and simmer to heat throughly.

Serve hot with Indian Bread (roti)

To remove any excess fat...just drain all the floating fat after u r done cooking.

Answer 7

just brown it in a skillet, when It is cooked thru pour it into a colander resting over a bowl to drain the fat - you can also pat it dry with a paper towel to soak up extra fat.

Answer 8

fry it in a skillet drain the grease then pat it with paper towels. I use paper towels to pat the grease off of all my meats even pizza. ( do not pour your grease down the sink it will glog your sink up)

Answer 9

Are you kidding? just fry it and drain the grease it is a piece of cake.