Simply Golden Seasoned Ground Beef Recipe (2024)

EASY SEASONED GROUND BEEF

If you think all ground beef is bland and tastes the same, you're in for a treat with this recipe.

Welcome this seasoned ground beef into your rotation of simple but delicious recipes. For those of you who are watching carbs, it is keto-friendly, low carb, and gluten-free. More than that, it's the deep flavors, that rich caramel brown color, and the intoxicating aroma that truly sets it apart from other ground beef recipes.

Picture it adding a kick to your taco salad, giving depth to a bolognese sauce, or being the hearty star of a comforting casserole. Simple, versatile, and downright delicious—this beef is about to make your favorite dishes taste even better.

This seasoned ground beef recipe is: GLUTEN FREE, LOW CARB, KETO, PALEO, PRIMAL AND WHEAT BELLY FRIENDLY.

The Allure of Seasoned Ground Beef

I love beef. Let's just start there. To me, it is undeniably delicious. When simple ground beef is transformed into seasoned ground beef, it becomes the cornerstone for a multitude of dishes. Whether it's taco fillings (even those using romaine lettuce leaves), a crunchy layer on nachos, a rich element in marinara sauce, or a hearty addition to chili, this recipe will elevate any dish.

The magic lies in the seasoning – a simple yet potent mix of garlic, onion, cumin, and cayenne, creating some of the most tasty ground beef.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is just how easy it is. I'm convinced that just about anyone can achieve perfectly browned beef, and here's the secret: even if the meat turns a tad gray during cooking (this happens!), the addition of seasonings at the end of the cooking process will work wonders.

Whether you lean towards the smoky depth of adobo chili, the fiery punch of cayenne, or the rich warmth of chili powder, these additions ensure a beautiful golden-brown finish every single time.

Is Seasoned Ground Beef Low Carb or Keto-Friendly?

For those on a low carb or keto journey, seasoned ground beef is a tasty protein option. The primary ingredients – beef and the seasonings – are inherently low in carbs. There are no fillers, sugars, or carb-heavy additives in the mix.

However, a word of caution: always be mindful of the seasonings and additional ingredients you choose. While the core seasonings like garlic, onion, cumin, and cayenne can be considered keto-friendly, some store-bought mixes or sauces might contain hidden carbs. For those strictly monitoring carb intake, always check labels and, when in doubt, opt for homemade seasonings to keep things in check.

What to season ground beef with: the ingredients list.

Ground Beef: The star of the show. It's rich in proteins and brings a hearty texture. Depending on the fat ratio you choose, ground beef can provide varied levels of juiciness and flavor depth. An 80/20 mix is in the sweet spot for this recipe. Anything less will not release enough fat to absorb the spices.

Olive Oil: Olive oil offers a subtle, earthy undertone that complements the beef beautifully. I often use Clarified Butter in the place of olive oil. It adds richness and complexity to the overall flavor.

Granulated Garlic: The ground spices are the secret to making the caramel color for the ground beef. Fresh garlic simply won't absorb the fat. When you make the recipe, you'll understand why I am saying this!

Granulated Onion: Much like its garlic counterpart, granulated onion offers a steady, uniform onion flavor. It melds seamlessly into the beef, enhancing its richness without overpowering the flavor profile.

Ground Cumin: This aromatic spice adds a warm, earthy dimension.

Cayenne Powder: For those who love a hint of heat. Cayenne doesn't just bring spice; it introduces a brightness that makes the beef pop. Adjust to your heat preference, but even a little can elevate the dish.

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS: Try these different flavor profiles dependent on what you are cooking:

ITALIAN SEASONED GROUND BEEF: Add in dried oregano and basil. Omit the cayenne and substitute red pepper flakes if you like the heat. Use this seasoned ground beef for spaghetti, lasagna or bolognese.

MEXICAN SEASONED GROUND BEEF: Add in ground adobo, chili powder or chipotle powder. This Mexican ground beef also loves mustard powder and a hit of oregano. Use this seasoned ground beef for tacos or nachos.

When to Season Ground Beef

Timing is everything, especially when seasoning ground beef. The when can be as crucial as the what. Here's how to achieve browned beefy perfection:

Early Salting: About five minutes into cooking your ground beef, sprinkle in the salt. Why? Salt has the power to draw out moisture. If added too early, it can cause the meat to release liquids prematurely, potentially cooling your pan down. The result? You risk steaming your beef rather than achieving that desirable sauté. A mid-cooking salt addition strikes the balance, seasoning the meat without negatively impacting its texture.

Late Seasoning: Once your beef has rendered its fat and is fully cooked, that's your cue. It's seasoning time. This method allows the spices to mingle with the rendered fat, causing them to "bloom." Blooming refers to the process where dried spices rehydrate and intensify in flavor when introduced to moisture and heat. The outcome? Aromatic ground beef that takes on a gorgeous caramel brown hue, even if the meat has turned gray.

Do you season ground beef before cooking?For certain dishes, yes. If you're crafting burgers, meatballs, meatloaf, or other "formed" meat recipes, seasoning the beef before cooking is absolutely necessary. This helps infuse flavors deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful. However, when the goal is crumbly, perfectly browned ground beef, like in this seasoned ground beef recipe, it should always be added after the fat renders from the meat.

Adding the spices after the fat renders from the meat ensures maximum flavor while maintaining an optimal meat texture.

How to Make Seasoned Ground Meat

Crafting the perfect seasoned ground meat, especially beef, is pretty simple. The same techniques described below can be used for turkey, chicken, pork and more. Just ensure that there is enough fat (rendered or added) to absorb the ground spices.

Start by heating your preferred cooking pan, ideally cast iron or another heavy-bottomed pan, and drizzle in the olive oil. As the oil warms up, introduce your ground beef to the pan. As the beef begins to cook, around five minutes in, it's the optimal time to sprinkle in some salt. This timing ensures the meat doesn’t release all its moisture prematurely, which could lead to a drop in pan temperature and inadvertently steam the meat.

Continue cooking the beef until it's fully done and has rendered its fat. It's natural for the beef to appear a bit gray during this phase. Don't worry.

Once the beef has rendered its fat, it's time to generously add your mix of seasonings — granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground cumin, and cayenne powder. These seasonings absorb the rendered fat, bloom, and beautifully transform the beef. The meat takes on a delightful caramel brown, infused with a delightful aroma and deep flavors.

The result: a versatile seasoned ground meat of your choice that's ready to be the star in various dishes, from taco salads to hearty casseroles.

Quick Cooking Tip: Choose Your Pan Wisely

When cooking ground meats, from beef to chicken, your choice of pan matters. Opt for cast iron or other heavy-duty variants. Tossing 2 or 3 pounds of meat can rapidly reduce the pan's temperature. Lightweight pans might not retain enough heat, leading to a significantly longer cooking time.

Seasoned Ground Beef: A Picture Guide

Master making seasoned ground beef with our step-by-step photos. Each image simplifies the process, ensuring flavorful results every time.

Budget-Friendly & Flavorful

One of the underrated aspects of this dish is its affordability. Ground beef promotions are frequent at grocery stores. On my recent trip, I scored 2 lbs of local beef for a great price. To top it off, it was an 80/20 mix. This ratio of meat to fat is ideal. While you might come across mixes like 90/10 or 93/7, they often result in drier beef. In this recipe, the fat truly amplifies the flavor.

Storing Seasoned Ground Beef: Tips for the Best Taste

In the Fridge: Planning to devour it within the week? Seasoned ground beef maintains its delicious flavor and texture for up to seven days in the fridge. Keep in mind:retain the fat. Draining the beef, a common practice in many households, might seem like the right move initially, but when reheating occurs, it will result in meat that is really dry.

In the Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze your seasoned ground beef. Pack it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It's best enjoyed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating: When it's time to reheat this beefy delight, toss it in a pan and heat over medium-high. If it's frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, ensure the beef is heated slowly and evenly (with all the rendered fat!), preferably in a pan over medium heat. This way, you avoid drying it out, ensuring each bite is as scrumptious as when first cooked.

Recipes that Love Seasoned Ground Beef

Authentic Bolognese Sauce: Dive into a rich, meaty sauce with roots in Italian tradition. Our seasoned ground beef transforms this Bolognese into a luscious, texture-packed delight. It's pasta's best friend and your ticket to a culinary trip to Italy.

Easy Marinara Sauce with Pepperoni: Redefine pizza night with this zesty sauce. Combining seasoned ground beef with slices of spicy pepperoni, this marinara is both hearty and irresistibly tangy. Pizza and pasta will never be the same again.

The Best Homemade Tomato Sauce: When seasoned ground beef meets a medley of fresh tomatoes and herbs, magic happens. Perfectly balanced, this tomato sauce elevates any dish, from spaghetti to lasagna, with its depth of flavor and meaty chunks.

Keto Taco Salad: Salad meets fiesta! With our seasoned ground beef as the star, this taco salad is not just keto-friendly but downright delicious. Zesty, meaty, and bursting with flavor, it's a guilt-free indulgence.

And for that extra punch in your taco creations, don't miss out on our Homemade Taco Seasoning. It’s the perfect blend to elevate your seasoned ground beef to the next level.