How to Make Simple and Homemade Ground Beef
Learn how to prepare a delicious homemade ground beef, a practical, quick recipe that pleases everyone. Perfect for everyday meals, this simple recipe is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Discover the secrets to making the ideal ground beef, browned and flavorful, suitable for both basic meals and special dishes.
Basic Recipe and Tips for Perfect Ground Beef
Ground beef is a classic in Brazilian cooking and can be made simply and homestyle using common, easily accessible ingredients. The secret lies in the choice of meat, proper preparation, and the use of seasonings in just the right amount to enhance flavor without complications.
For the basic recipe, you will need oil, onion or onion with garlic, fresh ground beef, and salt. To make the dish even tastier and browned, a spoonful of tomato pulp (or ketchup in emergencies) is excellent to ensure an irresistible caramelization. Finishing with fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or cilantro, enhances the dish’s aroma and flavor.
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Pair this simple ground beef with traditional sides such as white rice, beans, mashed potatoes, fried cassava, or steamed vegetables, ensuring a homemade meal full of flavor and comfort.
Choosing the Ideal Meat and Cuts
The quality of the meat is essential for the recipe’s success. Prefer ground beef of good origin, whether fresh or frozen, always observing the color and odor, avoiding grayish meats, stains, or strong odors. The recommended cuts for common homemade ground beef are eye round, sirloin tip, and chuck — all lean and flavorful when properly cleaned.
Currently, it is not essential to grind the meat on the spot, as fresh, clean ground meats can be found in trays at markets. Just pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions.
Step-by-Step for Browned and Flavorful Ground Beef
- Use a wide frying pan with low edges so that the meat can brown evenly and the liquid evaporates quickly.
- Heat vegetable oil and sauté the onion until it wilts and lightly browns.
- Add the ground beef over high heat, stirring constantly to loosen the pieces and prevent it from cooking in its own liquid.
- Season with salt and pepper when the meat changes color and continue stirring until all moisture evaporates.
- Incorporate the tomato pulp to caramelize and intensify the flavor, adjusting seasonings as needed.
- Finish with chopped fresh herbs for a special aromatic touch.
Varying the Recipe for Different Preparations
Simple ground beef is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for various recipes. You can add ingredients like olive slices, pieces of boiled eggs, or enhance it with vegetables and greens, transforming the dish into a more complete and nutritious meal.
Some suggested ingredients to mix in during preparation are:
- Potato, cassava, parsnip, yam, or taro
- Pumpkin, zucchini, chayote, sour gourd
- Tomato, bell pepper, or cambuci pepper
- Green beans, okra, cabbage, or kale
To cook these ingredients properly, add a little water to help with cooking, always being careful not to turn it into a soup. Stir, adjust the heat, and test the texture to ensure the ideal doneness.
Another tip is to vary the fat used, swapping the oil for olive oil or butter, or adding a touch of soy sauce for an oriental flavor, as well as using spices according to your personal taste.
Practical Recipe: Ground Beef with Potato and Cambuci Pepper
Ingredients:
- 1 medium chopped onion (150 g)
- 400 g ground beef (eye round, sirloin tip, or chuck)
- 1 large potato in small cubes (200 g)
- 4 cambuci peppers in cubes (100 g) or ¼ red/green bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato pulp (40 g)
- ½ cup water (120 ml)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley and chives
- Vegetable oil to taste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation method:
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a medium pan and sauté the onion until transparent.
- Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper, stirring until all lumps are broken up and it starts to brown well.
- Add the potato and peppers, wait until the aroma intensifies.
- Add the tomato pulp, the remaining salt, and water, reducing heat to medium-low.
- Cook for about 20 minutes until the potato is tender, stirring occasionally and adding water if necessary.
- If desired, add chopped boiled eggs or olive slices before finishing.
- Finish with chopped fresh herbs, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Finishing with Sides and Storage
This simple dish pairs perfectly with everyday meals such as white rice, beans, mashed potatoes, fried cassava, buttered vegetables, fresh salads, or even a fried egg for a complete and tasty meal.
To prepare in advance, you can cook the ground beef up to step 3 and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add eggs, olives, and herbs only before serving, ensuring freshness and flavor.
Finally, remember to thaw ground beef safely, preferably in the refrigerator or using cold water bath, to avoid food contamination.
Conclusion: Versatility and Practicality in Your Kitchen
With this simple recipe and tips for making homemade ground beef, you will have a practical and delicious base for countless preparations that please the whole family. Whether in the basic preparation or in your creative variations, this versatile ground beef is a staple in everyday cooking, ensuring flavor and practicality. Try it and adapt it to your taste!