Sure, almost everyone knows how to cook ground beef, as it’s one of the most commonly used proteins for main dishes. However, life can throw you curveballs and you may need to know how to prepare it using a different method.
Below I’ve included 4 different ways to cook ground beef using some of my favorite kitchen gadgets!
Why You’ll Love These Different Options
- Versatile. No matter your skill level, you can learn how to cook ground beef using one of these methods.
- Efficient. Make the best use of your time by selecting the perfect method to fit your day.
- High Protein. All of the methods are guaranteed to cook up an ingredient that can be added to a variety of meals to make it a high-protein dish.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Ground Beef?
The best way to cook beef is the way that is most convenient for you!
Some days you have more time to devote to cooking than others. Since some methods take more time to complete than others, you may not always choose the same one.
Sometimes appliances break, or you’re using them to make other dishes so you have to find a plan B.
This article contains instructions on how to cook ground beef if you aren’t familiar with multiple methods or if you just want to try something new!
Do You Need Oil To Cook Ground Beef?
Whether you need to use oil to cook ground beef depends on the method you choose and the type of ground beef you are using.
Even the leanest varieties of ground beef are fairly high in fat, so once you begin to cook them, they will render quite a bit of that fat to keep it from sticking or drying out.
The only times I would suggest adding any oil to your ground beef while cooking it is if you are using a skillet that isn’t nonstick.
How Long Should You Cook Ground Beef?
The amount of time it takes to cook ground beef will vary depending on which method you decide to choose. It can take anywhere from 7 minutes to 6 hours.
Regardless of the cooking method you choose, make sure to cook ground beef until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Stove Top Instructions
Sautéing hamburger is a quick and easy way to cook ground beef for various dishes. Use the steps below for the most commonly used method of cooking ground beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the skillet, and drain any excess fat.
For easy and safe fat removal, I suggest using a slotted spoon to scoop the cooked ground beef onto a paper towel for added fat absorption without worrying about burning yourself.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Cooking ground beef in a slow cooker is easy and convenient. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the ground beef into the slow cooker and gently break it up into chunks with a spatula.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.
If you prefer your ground beef to be chopped into smaller pieces for certain recipes, you may need to use the end of your spatula to break it into smaller bites periodically throughout the cooking cycle.
Instant Pot Instructions
Cooking ground beef in an Instant Pot is a convenient and fast way to get fully cooked, juicy, and flavorful beef in no time. It is very similar to the stovetop method but can make for easier cleanup or a good alternative if you don’t have a stovetop available in instances like camping or RV travel.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
- Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.
Note that it is harder to regulate the temperature when you are cooking your ground beef when sauteing in an Instant Pot, as it only has one setting. Stir continuously while cooking to avoid burning.
Air Fryer Instructions
Cooking ground beef in an air fryer is a quick and healthy way to get fully cooked, juicy, and flavorful beef. Here’s how you can do it in an air fryer with ease:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Place the ground beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160F.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the air fryer, and drain any excess fat.
For even easier cleanup, add aluminum foil to the bottom of your air fryer basket (with the cooking rack between the beef and the foil) so that it catches all of the renderings. Simply wait for the fats to solidify and toss the foil.
What To Use Cooked Ground Beef For
Cooked ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is great for meal prep, or just to have handy for busy nights to make your time in the kitchen shorter. Here are some popular uses for cooked ground beef:
- Stuffed Poblano Peppers
- Chili
- Big Mac Salad
- Meatloaf
- Cheeseburger Casserole
If you’re still looking for more recipes, check out these 36+ Keto Ground Beef recipes !
How To Store And Reheat
To properly store cooked ground beef, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label the container with the date it was cooked to keep track of freshness.
When you are ready to eat it, simply reheat the ground beef in a saucepan, microwave, or oven until it is hot and fully heated.
How Long Does It Last?
Cooked ground beef will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and up to 2-6 months in the freezer.
It is important to store cooked ground beef properly to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and to maintain its quality and flavor. Always make sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as a bad odor or off-taste before consuming leftovers.
More Recipes Using Ground Beef
Many families love the convenience of cooking with ground beef because it’s easy to freeze and can be bought relatively inexpensively in bulk.
If you want more recipe ideas for using up that ground beef in your fridge or freezer, check out some of my favorites:
- Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
- Stuffed Poblano Peppers
- Ethiopian Beef Stew
If you love this tutorial on How to Cook Ground Beef as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends so they can check out different ways to make it too! Don’t forget to Pin the article so you can try them all to make dinnertime and meal prep easier.
How To Cook Ground Beef | 4 Different Easy Techniques
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
Slow Cooker Ground Beef
- Place the ground beef into the slow cooker and gently break it up into chunks with a spatula.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.
Stove Top Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the skillet, and drain any excess fat.
Instant Pot Ground Beef
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
- Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.
Air Fryer Ground Beef
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Place the ground beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160F.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the air fryer, and drain any excess fat.
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How To Cook Ground Beef | 4 Different Easy Techniques
Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
Slow Cooker Ground Beef
- Place the ground beef into the slow cooker and gently break it up into chunks with a spatula.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the ground beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.
Stove Top Ground Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook the ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the skillet, and drain any excess fat.
Instant Pot Ground Beef
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
- Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the slow cooker, and drain any excess liquid.
Air Fryer Ground Beef
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Place the ground beef in a single layer in the air fryer basket, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160F.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the ground beef from the air fryer, and drain any excess fat.
How To Cook Ground Beef | 4 Different Easy Techniques https://twosleevers.com/how-to-cook-ground-beef/
This Popcorn Chicken air fryer recipe is a beloved snack food that can be enjoyed by all ages. But did you know that you can make it right in your own kitchen using an air fryer? This easy popcorn chicken recipe is easy, healthy, and just as delicious as the deep-fried version.
Why You’ll Love Making These Homemade
- Fast. Get cripsy, juicy popcorn chicken made in your air fryer in under 30 minutes .
- Easy. Chop up some chicken, batter, spray with some oil, and let your air fryer do the rest!
- High Protein . An incredible grams of protein per serving.
- Delicious. These tiny little chicken nuggets taste just as good–if not better–than the ones you get from your favorite fast food chicken place. They’re one of our best air fryer chicken recipes .
This recipe is sure to please everyone in the family. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the chicken make it a satisfying snack or meal. So, next time you’re craving some delicious popcorn chicken, skip the fast food restaurant and try making it at home with this simple recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
At a glance, this may look like a long list of ingredients, but many of them are spice rack staples. So if you have a well stocked spice cabinet, you’ll need very little to get started!
- 1 pound chicken breasts - Cut into bite-sized pieces, these provide the tender, juicy center of each crispy nugget. They’re the popcorn part of the popcorn chicken!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour - Creates the first dry coating that clings to the chicken and helps build the crunchy exterior. Think of it as the fluffy pillow that holds all the seasonings.
- 1 egg - Acts like edible glue, helping the dry ingredients adhere to the chicken so the coating doesn’t jump ship during cooking.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk - Tenderizes the chicken while adding tangy flavor. It works with the egg to form a sticky batter that traps moisture inside every piece.
- 1 tsp baking powder - Adds a hint of lift to the coating, making the crust lighter, crispier, and full of those delightful airy pockets.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder - Brings savory depth and that irresistible garlicky aroma.
- 1/2 tsp salt - Enhances every bite, making sure the chicken tastes seasoned all the way through, not just on the outside.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper - Adds subtle warmth and seasoning balance.
- 1/2 tsp paprika - Provides mild spice and a pop of color, helping the chicken achieve that golden glow worthy of a food magazine cover.
- 1/2 cup panko - Creates the ultimate crunch factor. These crisp breadcrumbs stay airy in the air fryer, giving you restaurant-level crisp without deep frying.
- Cooking oil spray - A light spritz adds just enough fat to help the breading brown beautifully while staying healthier than traditional frying.
How To Make Popcorn Chicken
Making popcorn chicken in the air fryer is so simple you’ll wonder why you’ve been spending all of that money on overpriced frozen stuff all of these years!
Here are the super simple steps to make your own air fryer version at home:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
- In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs with the buttermilk.
- In a third shallow dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well coated with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve the popcorn chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips And Tricks
Air fryer popcorn chicken brings all the crunchy joy of fast-food nuggets without the deep-fryer drama, and with a few smart tricks you can make every batch turn out irresistibly crisp and tender. Here’s how to guarantee golden greatness:
- Cut evenly . Keep your chicken pieces all about the same size so they cook at the same pace. No overcooked crumbs or underdone surprises.
- Pat the chicken dry . Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Dry pieces help the coating cling better and stay crunchy.
- Season every layer . Add a little seasoning to the flour, the egg mixture, and even the final crumbs. Flavor shouldn’t just live on the surface.
- Double-dip for extra crunch . Flour → egg/buttermilk → flour or panko again. This builds a crispy armor worthy of popcorn chicken royalty.
Variations
Air fryer popcorn chicken is a flavor playground. Change just a few ingredients, and suddenly your crispy little bites are rocking a whole new personality. Here are some fun and tasty ways to switch things up:
- Make it spicy. To add some heat, add 1/4 cup of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk to give just a hint of spice to each bite.
- Add some dill. If you love a hint of dill in your fried chicken, you can either sprinkle some dill into your flour mixture or pour a little bit of pickle juice into your buttermilk for an herbacious acidic bite.
- Toss them in sauce. Everyone loves boneless wings, right? Pour some of your favorite dipping sauce in a bowl and toss the air fried chicken tenders in the sauce for an experience that rivals your local wing spot.
How To Make Frozen Popcorn Chicken In The Air Fryer
Do you love the convenience of frozen popcorn chicken but want a healthier alternative to oven baking? Look no further than your trusty air fryer!
- Remove the frozen popcorn chicken from the packaging and place it in a single layer on a plate.
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to thaw slightly.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Lightly spray the chicken with non-stick cooking spray to ensure even crispiness.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve the popcorn chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
The air fryer is a game changer when it comes to cooking frozen foods. Not only does it produce perfectly crispy and juicy results, but it also does so with minimal oil and in a fraction of the time it would take to oven-bake.
What To Serve With This Popcorn Chicken Air Fryer Recipe
Popcorn chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. Some of my favorite things to serve it with are:
- French fries - A classic option for a delicious and filling meal.
- Coleslaw - Adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor to the meal.
- Baked beans - A hearty side dish that complements the salty and savory flavors of the chicken.
- Salad - A light and healthy option that provides a contrasting texture to the crispy chicken.
- Macaroni and cheese - A comfort food classic that is perfect for those who love a creamy, cheesy pairing.
- Mashed potatoes - A comforting side dish that pairs well with the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Dipping sauces - Some popular options include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch , and hot sauce. Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite!
No matter what you choose to serve with your popcorn chicken, make sure to enjoy it hot and crispy for the ultimate family-friendly experience!
How Long Does It Last
Like most fried foods, popcorn chicken are best enjoyed when freshly cooked. If you made too much, or want to use this air fryer popcorn chicken for meal prep, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 to 4 days.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze air fryer popcorn chicken, and it freezes beautifully! Once cooked and cooled completely, spread the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2–3 months.
To reheat, pop the frozen bites straight into the air fryer for a few minutes until hot and crispy again. No thawing needed, and the crunch comes right back like magic.
More Simple Chicken Recipes
- Keto Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Popcorn Chicken Air Fryer Recipe| Easy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound chicken breasts
- ▢ 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- ▢ 1 Eggs
- ▢ 1/2 cup buttermilk
- ▢ 1 tsp Baking Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp pepper
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Paprika
- ▢ 1 cup Panko
- ▢ Cooking Oil Spray
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
- In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs with the buttermilk.
- In a third shallow dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well coated with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Spray lightly with cooking oil spray.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time and spraying with oil.
- Serve the popcorn chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
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And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .
