Can You Cook Ground Beef With Water?
You want to make taco meat, sloppy joes or spaghetti sauce with fine, crumbly ground beef, but the standard method for browning ground beef makes it too clumpy. There are a few things you can do to fix this problem:
Boiling Ground Beef
One of the most simple and convenient ways to cook ground beef is to boil it, as described below. It works great for making a variety of recipes, including chili and stews.
When boiling, you should stir the meat occasionally to help it break up and cook evenly. Also, be sure to check the temperature of the water frequently, as ground beef should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit before it is safe to eat.
Boiling is a good choice for lean ground beef, as it helps to separate the fat from the meat.
Some people even add a small amount of water to their ground beef as it cooks, which can keep the meat moist and tender. But this method of cooking can be difficult for cuts of meat that tend to be dry, like steak or chops.
A crock pot is another great option for preparing ground beef. Just add the beef to the crock pot, pour in enough water to cover and set the lid on top.
You should simmer the beef until it’s cooked through and no longer pink (about 15 minutes). Once the ground beef is done, remove it from the crock pot and season it as needed, whether that be salt and pepper or whatever else your recipe calls for.
Drain the boiled ground beef and discard the water and grease, then rinse it thoroughly before storing it in freezer containers or zippered bags. You can freeze the drained ground beef in single meal-sized portions, or vacuum seal it for use in a Foodsaver.
Seasoning Before or After Cooking
Some cooks prefer to season their ground beef before cooking, to allow the flavor to permeate the meat and retain its moisture. Others prefer to season the meat while it is cooking, which will draw out some of the moisture and create a more flavorful dish.
This is a personal preference and depends on the type of dish you plan to make with your cooked ground beef. You can add a variety of spices to your ground beef, such as taco seasoning, Old Bay or herbs de Provence.
Don’t over-season your ground beef, as it will taste blander. If your recipe calls for a lot of salt, consider reducing the amount of seasoning in your ground beef by about a half-teaspoon to compensate.
It is best to let the ground beef cool before transferring it to the refrigerator for storage. This will help it stay fresher for longer and prevent bacteria from forming in the fridge.
If your recipe requires refrigeration, place the drained ground beef in a plastic bag and label it with the date of the purchase. You can then store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
