Grass-fed beef offers many health advantages over conventional grain-fed beef. It contains more heart-healthy omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Grass-fed cattle also are not treated with hormones or antibiotics. However many find the taste of grass-fed beef to be more gamey and less fatty. Here are tips to make ground grass-fed beef more delicious.
Why Grass-Fed Tastes Different
Grass-fed cows eat a natural diet of grass hay and silage instead of corn soy or grains. This influences the flavor of the meat, making it taste more mineral-like and bold compared to conventional beef. Since they eat a leaner diet, grass-fed cattle also have less marbling fat within the meat. Many people are just not used to this fuller-bodied taste.
Grain-fed beef has a milder taste and softer texture because the cattle fatten up on grains The abundant marbling provides fatty flavor and tenderness. Grass-fed beef lacks this, so the flavor stands out more With the right techniques, you can make tasty dishes with ground grass-fed beef.
Start with High-Quality Ground Beef
Be picky about your source for grass-fed ground beef. Higher quality beef comes from cows raised entirely on pasture and grass. Organic, local beef will have the best flavor. Poor quality grass-fed beef is more likely to taste gamey and dry.
Look for beef with good marbling and a fresh, red color. Buy freshly ground beef rather than pre-packaged frozen. The starting quality makes a big impact on the end result.
Season Boldly
Because grass-fed beef has its own distinctive taste, it can handle bold seasonings. Generously season ground beef to mask any gamey notes and ramp up flavor.
Garlic, onion, soy sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and spice rubs all add lots of flavor. Sample combinations:
- Garlic, oregano, basil
- Onion powder, chili powder, cumin
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger
- Tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, thyme
Use 2-3X more seasoning compared to mild beef. Let the seasonings complement rather than overpower the grass-fed taste.
Cook with Added Fats
One way to boost moisture and flavor is to cook ground grass-fed beef in added fats. The meat is naturally lean, so fat needs to be incorporated. Pan-fry in butter, olive oil or beef tallow to prevent dryness. Or mix fat directly into the ground beef:
- Ground bacon adds smoky pork flavor
- Beef suet (kidney fat) provides beefy richness
- Bone marrow gives an unctuous meatiness
- Duck fat offers luscious mouthfeel
Added fats prevent dryness while contributing flavorful fat-soluble compounds. Cook in liberal fat to maximize juiciness and taste.
Mix in Other Ground Meats
Blend grass-fed beef with fattier ground meats to improve moisture and flavor balance. Try using half grass-fed beef and half pork, lamb, or veal. The other meat provides its own flavor notes and fat.
- Ground pork adds tenderness and sweetness
- Ground lamb gives a rich gaminess
- Ground veal is delicately flavored
- Ground bacon lends a smoky saltiness
A 50/50 blend results in the ideal texture and fuller taste.
Include Lots of Aromatic Vegetables
When making chili, Bolognese sauce, or other beef dishes, include plenty of flavor-packed vegetables. Onions, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, and peppers all enhance the flavor.
- Roast vegetables first to intensify sweetness
- Add tomato paste or sun-dried tomatoes for umami
- Saute vegetables before adding ground beef
- For chili or pasta sauce, simmer with crushed tomatoes
This masks any plain beefiness and contributes moisture for tender ground beef.
Cook Gently
Grass-fed ground beef easily dries out and becomes chewy. Avoid cooking over high heat. Gently sauté in a skillet over medium-low heat until just browned. For meatballs or burgers, bake at 325°F or grill indirectly until done.
Simmer in soups, chili or pasta sauce for 1-2 hours to break down fibers. Be careful not to overcook or it will toughen. Use a thermometer to ensure proper doneness without drying out.
Finish with Flavor Accents
After cooking, add a flavor finisher to balance taste. A little goes a long way:
- Fresh lemon or lime juice
- Chopped parsley, cilantro or chives
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Balsamic glaze
- Hot sauce or salsa
- Compound butter with herbs
A simple drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of sea salt also enhances flavor.
Lean Into Strongly Seasoned Dishes
If the grass-fed taste is still too pronounced, serve it minced or crumbled in robustly flavored dishes:
- Chili – Packed with spices, beans, tomatoes
- Tacos – Topped with salsa, cheese, guacamole
- Spaghetti Bolognese – Long-simmered savory meat sauce
- Enchiladas – Smothered in chile sauce and cheese
- Shepherd’s pie – Mixed into vegetables and gravy
This allows you to reap the nutritional benefits of grass-fed beef in favorite comfort foods without the strong raw flavor.
Handling and Cooking Tips
- Chill ground beef thoroughly before cooking
- Avoid over-handling or compressing into a tight ball
- Form looser patties with crumbles for burgers
- Flip meat only once during cooking
- Don’t press burgers with a spatula
- Rest meat 3-5 minutes after cooking
Follow these tips for tender, juicy grass-fed ground beef every time. With the right techniques, you can serve delicious dishes that highlight the deeper flavor. Grass-fed on its own may taste different than what you’re used to, but with added seasonings and fats, you can savor nutritious grass-fed beef in all your favorite recipes.
The Best Way To Cook A Grass Fed Beef Burger – Beef Hacks with Michelin-starred Chef Kelly McCown
FAQ
How do you get the gamey taste out of grass-fed ground beef?
How do you make grass fed beef taste better?
Why does my grass-fed beef taste bad?
What is the secret to cooking grass-fed beef?
How to cook grass-fed beef?
A dish like beef stew really lets the grass-fed beef shine because the slow cooking allows plenty of time for the meat’s juices to incorporate themselves into the accompanying vegetables. Use fresh herbs if you can. 7.
Ground beef vs Ground round: Which is healthier?
Ground round is better than ground beef because of less fat content as compared to ground beef. It can be used in soups and hamburgers. Beef falls into red meats and is high in cholesterol and saturated fats which are unhealthy for heart and even for diabetic patients. Lean meats like chicken and fish which are used skinless in soups and curries are better option than red meats.
Is grass-fed beef better than conventional beef?
Grass-fed beef has a very different nutritional profile than conventionally raised beef. So different, in fact, that I think it would be a big mis-steak (had to!) to eat conventional beef over grass-fed. Many studies have shown that the nutrients in beef can vary depending on what the cows eat (makes total sense).
What to eat with grass-fed beef?
This grass-fed ground beef recipe is a Fed by the Farm original. If you’re looking for something easy and flavorful to make with ground grass-fed beef, hamburger and macaroni is probably my favorite recipe to whip up! And it only requires a few ingredients to make this easy dinner. 4. Classic Grass-Fed Beef Chili