Ground Beef Basics

Ground beef comes in packages based on their % fat. Always buy a 90% or higher, otherwise it'll still taste greasy even when you drain the fat. The only exception to this is when making hamburger patties. When making patties you'll want the 85% fat so that it cooks well on the bbq grill.

Toss your ground beef into a pan and then turn the heat on to medium. Do not add any oils, sprays etc. Just a clean, dry pan. 

Use your meat tool to break up the meat with an up and down motion. As it cooks, use smaller swirl motions and it will continue to break your meat into a smaller, softer consistency. Ground beef needs constant motion to cook evenly.

When all of the meat is brown, it is done. 

Move all of the meat to the sides to create a center opening. This will quickly fill with the fat. Use your meat tool and a paper towel to drain out the fat. This paper towel is now filled with nearly boiling fat, so its very hot! Don't touch it with your fingers. Use your tool to pull it back out of the pan and into the trash. 

Make sure to take your trash out the same day. The packaging and the fat soaked paper towel will smell badly if left overnight. 

Turn your heat to low and this meat is now ready for any seasoning or sauces you want to add. You can separate it and make half into taco meat and half into spaghetti or sloppy joes etc. This can only stay in your fridge for 2 days though. So if you separate it, plan to eat it two days in a row.