Beef
How Long to Cook Ground Beef
Ground beef takes 8–10 minutes on stovetop over medium-high heat, breaking up as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains — 160°F internal.
Safe Internal Temperature
160°F / 71°C
Cooking Times by Method
| Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | Medium-high heat | 8–10 minutes |
| Oven | 400°F / 200°C | 20–25 minutes |
| Microwave | — | 8–10 minutes (stirring every 2 min) |
Stovetop: Break up with a wooden spoon or meat masher. Drain excess fat for leaner results.
Oven: Spread on a sheet pan, break up halfway through. Great for prepping large batches.
Microwave: Crumble into microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely. Drain fat between stops.
Chef Tips
- 1Don't salt before cooking — add seasoning after browning to draw less moisture out.
- 2For better browning: don't crowd the pan. Use a large skillet and resist stirring for 2–3 minutes per side to develop a browned crust.
- 3Lean ground beef (93/7) needs a little oil; 80/20 has enough fat for self-basting.
- 4If using for tacos, bolognese, or chilli, brown first, then add liquid ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to brown ground beef?
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, ground beef takes 8–10 minutes to fully cook. Break it apart frequently and cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat. Internal temp should reach 160°F.
Should I drain the fat from ground beef?
Depends on the recipe. For tacos, pasta sauce, chilli — yes, drain the fat. For burgers or meatballs — keep it in for flavour and moisture. 80/20 ground beef has the most fat; 93/7 has very little to drain.
Can you overcook ground beef?
Yes — overcooked ground beef becomes grey, dry, and crumbly. Cook just until no pink remains and juices run clear. Avoid cooking on very high heat if you want it moist and tender rather than well-browned.
How long to cook ground beef in air fryer?
Crumble ground beef in an air fryer-safe pan, cook at 400°F for 8–12 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes. Less convenient than stovetop but works well for smaller quantities.