Cooking ground beef is a kitchen basic that can sometimes feel repetitive. But fear not, for with the right touch of seasoning and technique, you can transform this ordinary ingredient into a dish bursting with flavor and versatility. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the perfect ratio of seasonings and ingredients to create a delicious and well-seasoned ground beef that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to pasta sauces. Let’s dive into creating the perfect batch of perfectly seasoned ground beef.
Perfectly Seasoned Ground Beef Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup beef broth or water
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly.
2. Once the ground beef starts to brown, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and turned translucent.
3. Season the meat with salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
4. Pour in the beef broth or water to the skillet. This will help create a flavorful sauce and keep the meat moist. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Taste the ground beef and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or other spices based on your preference.
6. Once the ground beef is fully cooked and seasoned to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat. Your perfectly seasoned ground beef is now ready to be used in your favorite recipes.
7. Serve the ground beef in tacos, burritos, pasta sauces, stuffed bell peppers, or any dish that calls for a flavorful protein base. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creating perfectly seasoned ground beef is all about finding the right balance of flavors and aromatics to elevate this humble ingredient. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a go-to batch of seasoned ground beef that will bring depth and richness to your meals. Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences and experiment with different dishes to enjoy the versatility of this savory staple. Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just meal planning for the week ahead, this perfectly seasoned ground beef recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.