Cooking Tip: Perfect Ground Beef

I have to admit that when I cook ground beef (aka hamburger) I usually do it somewhat haphazardly, i.e. throwing the frozen hunk of meat in a hot frying pan and trying to defrost it and cook it at the same time. Not pretty, not appetizing.  So I was amazed and impressed when I learned this technique for cooking ground beef that yields perfect results every time from my mom after a family dinner. 

First, you really need to start out with completely thawed or fresh hamburger.  Put it in your frying pan, and add water (start with about 1 cup of water per pound of hamburger you are cooking).  Don't turn the heat on yet!  This is important!  You can add onions now if you like them, or you can add them later.  They will be softer if you add them now.  Take your cooking implement and mash the meat so that the water mixes with all the hamburger and gets between each piece of the meat. 

Now, with everything mixed together, turn the heat on high and brown your hamburger as usual.

Turn off the heat and drain the water from the hamburger.  I pour everything into a colander, then put the meat back into the pan.  Turn the stove back on to medium- high heat.  You can add the onions now, if you like them more firm.

If you want to add taco seasoning, now is the time.  You will need to add some water  along with the seasonings so the meat stays moist.  You can use a store bought envelope of taco seasoning, or make your own using the following recipe:

Homemade Taco Seasoning

2 tsp. dry onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp. minced dry garlic
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. cumin

Mix! If adding to ground beef, add 1/2 c. water and simmer 10 minutes.

What lovely texture! It is ready to be eaten or frozen!

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