The Perfect Ratio for Seasoning Ground Beef
If you’re like me, ground beef is a kitchen staple. From tacos to meatloaf, chili to burgers, this versatile meat anchors so many quick, budget-friendly meals. But I’ll admit – I don’t always get the seasoning right on the first try.
After years of testing ratios, I’ve finally cracked the code for adding the perfect amount of flavor to ground beef every time. My secret weapon? Garlic powder.
Follow my formula below to learn exactly how much garlic powder to use per pound of ground beef. I’ll also share tips for buying meat in bulk, getting the best browning results, and how to prep “meal starter” batches for your freezer. Let’s get cooking!
My Go-To Seasoning Formula
Through trial and error in my kitchen, I’ve landed on a simple garlic powder ratio that works flawlessly for 1 pound of ground beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp garlic powder
That’s it – no tricky measurements required! Just use 1 tsp of garlic powder per pound of meat as you’re browning it.
To round out the flavors. I also recommend adding
- 1 tsp onion powder
- A pinch of salt and pepper
But the garlic powder is the real star here. It adds a rich, savory depth that enhances any ground beef recipe.
Buying and Prepping Ground Beef
Before we get cooking, a few tips for choosing and preparing ground beef:
Look for Sales
I like to buy extra ground beef when it’s marked down or the store runs a special. Ground beef freezes beautifully, so you can stock up while saving money.
Aim for Lean
Select leaner blends with less fat content to avoid greasy results. I look for 90% lean or higher.
Work in Big Batches
When prepping multiple pounds at once, break it into smaller batches across two big skillets or pots to prevent sticking.
Add Water
A splash of water during browning helps ground beef cook evenly. The liquid evaporates as it cooks.
Portion Control
Weigh meat into 1 lb portions before freezing for quick and easy cooking straight from the freezer.
Perfectly Seasoned Beef Step-By-Step
Now let’s walk through how to nail perfectly seasoned ground beef every time:
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Add 1 lb ground beef to a hot, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle evenly with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat thoroughly with a spoon or spatula as it browns.
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Stir in 1-2 Tbsp of water to promote even cooking. Continue browning for another 3-5 minutes until completely cooked through with no pink remaining.
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Drain excess grease and let cool before freezing or using in recipes.
That’s it – with my easy seasoning formula, you’ll have delicious, full-flavored beef ready to mix into tacos, chili, burgers, and more!
Flavor Variations
While garlic powder is my go-to, you can sub in or mix in other dried herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile. Consider:
- Chili powder for taco meat
- Italian seasoning for pasta sauce or pizza toppings
- Poultry seasoning for a meatloaf or burgers
- Cumin and coriander for a Indian flair
The possibilities are endless. Use your favorite spice blends or dried herbs to customize the taste.
Bulk Cooked Ground Beef for the Freezer
Once you’ve mastered my seasoning recipe, you can whip up big batches of pre-cooked ground beef to stock your freezer. Here’s how:
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Buy 5+ pounds of meat on sale. Separate into 1 lb portions.
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Add seasoning (1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder per lb) as you brown each batch.
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Fully cook through, drain, and let cool.
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Package in airtight containers or freezer bags. Label with weight and date. Freeze immediately.
Now whenever you need cooked ground beef, just thaw a pre-seasoned package and add to any recipe. It’s a real timesaver!
Try These Freezer Meal Ideas:
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Chili – Add beans, tomato sauce, spices, and veggies.
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Tacos – Add taco seasoning and freeze in individual portions.
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Burgers – Form seasoned beef into patties and freeze on a baking sheet before bagging.
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Meatballs – Roll into balls and freeze in sauce or plain.
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Meatloaf – Combine with egg, breadcrumbs, and extras and bake frozen.
Having pre-made ground beef ingredients ready to pull from the freezer makes whipping up weeknight dinners a breeze.
Savory Ground Beef Recipes
My perfectly seasoned ground beef is versatile enough to use in any recipe. But here are some savory meal ideas to get you started:
Cheeseburger Casserole – Combine with egg noodles, cheese, pickles and bake.
Shepherd’s Pie – Top seasoned beef with instant mashed potatoes and bake.
Beef & Broccoli Pasta – Toss with broccoli florets and linguine.
Beef Enchiladas – Stuff tortillas with beef, cheese, beans, and enchilada sauce.
Italian Meatball Subs – Pile seasoned meatballs onto sub rolls with marinara and cheese.
Beef & Vegetable Soup – Simmer seasoned beef with veggies and broth.
Crunchy Beef Tacos – Serve in hard shells or lettuce wraps with all the toppings.
With my easy garlic powder ratio, your beef will be perfectly seasoned no matter how you use it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about seasoning ground beef:
How much garlic powder should I add to 2 lbs beef?
Use 2 tsp garlic powder. The ratio is always 1 tsp per pound.
Can I use garlic salt instead?
Yes, but reduce the amount to 3/4 tsp per lb to account for the added salt.
Should I add the seasoning before or after browning?
Always add dried seasoning to the raw meat so the flavors blend as it cooks.
How do I know if the beef is fully cooked?
Fully cooked beef will be brown throughout with no traces of pink. Use a meat thermometer if unsure.
What about fresh garlic?
Minced fresh garlic works too but sauté it before adding the raw beef to soften and prevent burning.
Get Your Seasonings
The Takeaway
Thanks to my easy 1 tsp garlic powder per 1 lb ground beef ratio, you’ll have perfectly seasoned meat ready for any recipe. This versatile formula saves time in the kitchen and eliminates the guesswork.
For flavorful, budget-friendly meals that please the whole family, keep my ground beef seasoning trick in mind. Now you can add the perfect punch of flavor to tacos, chili, burgers, and more with just a shake or two of garlic powder!
The Allure of Seasoned Ground Beef
I love beef. Lets just start there. To me, it is undeniably delicious. When regular ground beef is turned into seasoned ground beef, it can be used as the base for many dishes. This recipe will make any dish better, whether it’s taco fillings (even ones made with romaine lettuce leaves), nachos with a crunchy layer, marinara sauce with a rich element, or chili with a hearty addition.
The seasoning, which is a simple but powerful mix of garlic, onion, cumin, and cayenne, makes the ground beef taste so good.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is just how easy it is. A lot of people think they can make perfectly browned beef. Here’s the secret: seasoning the meat at the end of cooking will make it taste great even if it turns a little gray during cooking (this happens!).
You can choose the smoky depth of adobo chili, the fiery punch of cayenne, or the rich warmth of chili powder. These additions will always give you a beautiful golden-brown finish.
How to Make Seasoned Ground Meat
Crafting the perfect seasoned ground meat, especially beef, is pretty simple. The same techniques described below can be used for turkey, chicken, pork and more. Just ensure that there is enough fat (rendered or added) to absorb the ground spices.
Put the olive oil in your favorite cooking pan and heat it up. Cast iron or another heavy-bottomed pan works best. As the oil warms up, introduce your ground beef to the pan. Around five minutes into cooking, when the beef starts to brown, is the best time to add some salt. This time makes sure that the meat doesn’t lose all of its moisture too soon, which could cause the pan temperature to drop and steam the meat by accident.
Continue cooking the beef until its fully done and has rendered its fat. Its natural for the beef to appear a bit gray during this phase. Dont worry.
Add your seasoning mix of granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground cumin, and cayenne powder in large amounts once the beef has lost its fat. These seasonings absorb the rendered fat, bloom, and beautifully transform the beef. The meat takes on a delightful caramel brown, infused with a delightful aroma and deep flavors.
The result is a seasoned ground meat that can be used in a lot of different ways and can be the star of everything from taco salads to hearty casseroles.
How to Brown Ground Beef
FAQ
How much seasoning do I put on a pound of meat?
When to add garlic to ground beef?
How do Mexican restaurants get their ground beef so fine?
How many tablespoons of ground beef seasoning per pound?
Use 1 tablespoon of this ground beef seasoning per 1 pound ground beef. You can store the seasoning in a dry, airtight container in the kitchen cabinet for several months. Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating or comment! Thanks! Use this flavorful, all-purpose ground beef seasoning for tacos, meat dips, pasta, burgers and more!
How should one take powder garlic?
Garlic powder can be used in the preparation of foods such as broths, soups, chicken, fish, meat, beans, pates, sauces and in the most varied types of recipes.
How much chili powder do you use for ground beef?
I recommend to use 1 tablespoon for 1 pound ground beef. Stir all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. *Chili powder is a spice blend usually made from ground chili peppers, cumin, oregano, dried garlic and salt. It’s widely available in spice shops and you can often choose between different levels of spiciness.
How do you cook a pound of ground beef?
Combine all the spices in a small bowl. Stir till they are incorporated. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or other oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, press the one pound of beef into the skillet in a single layer. Let the ground beef sauté for several minutes till browned and a crust has formed.