Ground beef is a kitchen staple used in many delicious recipes like hamburgers, meatballs, and chili. While it’s very versatile, it does require a bit of extra care when cooking to avoid ending up with a pan full of grease. Draining ground beef properly removes excess fat and results in healthier, tastier dishes. So what is the best technique for draining all that fat from ground beef? Here are some tips for getting it just right.
Why Drain Ground Beef
There are a few reasons why you should take the time to drain the grease from ground beef before cooking:
- Removes excess fat and calories – Ground beef contains a high amount of fat mixed throughout. Draining it removes some of the saturated fat and reduces overall calories per serving.
- Prevents greasy dishes – Excess grease in the pan can make dishes like tacos or pasta taste overly fatty and oily. Draining creates a less greasy, cleaner tasting result.
- Avoids grease splatters – Fat splattering in a hot pan can cause burns and make a mess of your stove. Draining first minimizes splatters.
- Intensifies flavor – With less grease coating your mouth, you can better taste the true flavor of the beef and other ingredients.
So for tastier, lighter ground beef dishes, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to drain away all that unneeded fat.
Draining Methods
There are a variety of techniques you can use to drain grease from cooked ground beef. Here are some of the most common and effective methods.
Colander
A simple colander placed in the sink is one of the easiest ways to drain grease. After browning the beef, carefully pour the contents of the pan into the colander. Let the fat drain through for a minute or two, gently tossing the meat so all sides are drained. Pour the beef back into the pan to continue cooking.
Paper Towels
Lining a plate or bowl with paper towels is another handy technique. Spoon the cooked ground beef onto the paper towels and allow to sit for 2-3 minutes. The towels will absorb a good amount of the fat. You can also gently pat the top of the meat with additional paper towels to soak up more grease.
Slotted Spoon
A slotted spoon is a great tool for draining. After cooking, use the slotted spoon to transfer the beef from the pan into a bowl or plate, allowing the fat to stay behind in the pan. You can then discard the grease and return the beef to cook.
Fat Separator
A fat separator is a specially designed tool that makes draining easy. Simply pour the cooked beef and drippings into the separator. The fat rises to the top and can be poured off through a spout, while the beef stays below ready to pour back into the pan.
Gravy Separator
Similar to a fat separator, a gravy separator has a spout low on the bottom so you can pour off the fat from the top. The beef collects in the bottom ready to pour out the spout free of grease.
Tips for Draining Ground Beef
Follow these tips for best results when draining fat from ground beef:
- Cook until browned – Cook the beef thoroughly until browned to render the fat and make draining easier.
- Drain after cooking – Always drain after browning. Draining before cooking will remove flavorful juices as well.
- Don’t press or crush – Avoid pressing down on the meat to extract fat, which can make the texture dense and dry.
- Blot gently – For paper towel draining, gently pat rather than rub the meat to protect the texture.
- Work in batches – Drain in smaller batches for better control and to avoid spills.
- Discard grease – Pour off fat into a heat safe container and dispose of when cooled.
Best Practices for Browning Ground Beef
Browning ground beef properly before draining is key to maximizing flavor. Follow these best practices:
- Use a heavy pan – A thick, heavy skillet or saucepan works best to brown beef without scorching.
- Heat oil first – Add a tablespoon or two of oil or cooking fat before the beef to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overcrowd – Cook in a single layer with space between pieces for even browning.
- Stir occasionally – Stir with a spatula every few minutes to promote even cooking.
- Cook until browned – Cook until beef is evenly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Work in batches – For larger amounts, brown in smaller batches to avoid steaming.
- Season at end – Salt and pepper after draining to avoid drawing out moisture.
Choosing the Best Ground Beef for Draining
The variety of ground beef you choose also impacts how much fat needs draining:
| Type | Fat Content | Flavor | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 15-20% fat | Moderate beef flavor | All-purpose for most recipes |
| Lean | 10-15% fat | Slightly less beefy | Healthier choice for soups, chilis |
| Extra Lean | 5-10% fat | Lowest fat, less juicy | Best for dishes where fat is undesirable |
The leaner the meat, the less excess fat there will be to drain off. Extra lean varieties will have less waste and fewer calories than regular higher fat blends.
Recipes for Drained Ground Beef
Here are some delicious recipes perfectly suited for well-drained lean ground beef:
Turkey and Beef Meatloaf
For a lighter take on classic meatloaf, mix drained 85% lean ground beef with lean ground turkey. Season with onions, eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and spices and bake into a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Zucchini Lasagna
Create a roasted vegetable lasagna by layering sliced zucchini instead of noodles with well-drained lean beef, tomato sauce, and cheese for a delicious low carb dinner.
Bunless Burgers
Skip the bun and make lettuce-wrapped burgers. Use extra lean ground beef for big beefy flavor in a low calorie, high protein meal.
Taco Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with taco-seasoned 90% lean ground beef, black beans, salsa, and cheese for a fun Mexican-inspired meal.
Lean Beef Chili
For a slimmed-down chili, brown 93% lean ground beef with onions and garlic. Add chili powder, crushed tomatoes, beans, and chili fixings for an easy 30 minute meal.
Skillet Lasagna
Cook a quick skillet lasagna in one pan by browning lean beef with onions. Layer in prepared sauce, noodles broken into pieces, cheese, and seasonings. Cover and simmer on the stovetop until the noodles are tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you drain ground beef before or after browning?
Always drain ground beef after it has been browned. Draining before cooking will remove flavorful juices. Allow the meat to cook through and release its fat before draining.
Is it necessary to drain 80/20 ground beef?
Yes, even 80/20 blends with 20% fat should be drained. While they have less fat than other varieties, draining will still remove excess grease for a healthier final dish.
Can you brown ground beef without oil?
It’s best to use a small amount of oil when browning to prevent sticking. The fat in the meat will render out during cooking and can then be drained off. Avoid cooking without oil or the meat may burn.
How long can I leave ground beef in the fridge after draining?
Properly drained ground beef stored in an airtight container will usually last 1-2 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze drained cooked beef in portions for up to 4 months.
What is the healthiest way to cook ground beef?
Choose extra lean beef and cook in a skillet with a small amount of oil. Drain thoroughly after browning and season with fresh herbs, spices, garlic, and other healthy flavorings. Pair with vegetables and whole grains for a well-balanced meal.
Conclusion
Draining excess fat from ground beef is a simple way to create healthier, tastier dishes. Allow the meat to brown fully to bring out flavor and separate the grease. Use tools like a colander, paper towels, or fat separator to remove grease before continuing to cook. Choosing leaner blends reduces the amount that needs draining. Cook drained beef in delicious recipes like turkey meatloaf, zucchini lasagna, chili, and more for wholesome family meals. With a few easy steps, you can cut unnecessary calories and let the fresh taste of the beef shine through.