Big-Batch Seasoned Ground Beef
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Active Time
25 minutes
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Total Time
25 minutes
When cooking four pounds of ground beef, you’re not going to get every little bit perfectly browned unless you work carefully in batches, potentially investing more time than a big-batch recipe merits. Instead, brown the first two pounds, then just stir in the rest—the rich flavor of deeply browned beef will meld into the whole batch. Stash it in smaller quantities in the freezer, then turn it into pasta sauce, casseroles, tacos, chili, and more in the weeks to come.
Ingredients
Makes about 8 cups
Step 1
Heat oil in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over high. Add one-quarter (1 lb.) of the ground beef in an even layer, using your hands to break up large pieces and leaving some gaps to encourage browning (instead of steaming). Season with 1 tsp. salt. Cook, undisturbed, until bottom is deeply browned, about 3 minutes. Turn and break into smaller pieces and cook until the other side is browned, 2–3 minutes. Push over to one side of pot. Repeat with another one-quarter (1 lb.) of ground beef, seasoning uncooked meat with 1 tsp. salt. Using a wooden spatula or spoon, break meat into smaller pieces and stir to combine.
Step 2
Season remaining 2 lb. beef with 2 tsp. salt, then add to pot and cook over medium heat, stirring often and breaking into small pieces, until all meat is cooked through and most (but not all) of the liquid is evaporated from bottom of pot, 12–15 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
Do Ahead:
Step 3
Ground beef can be made 5 days ahead. Divide among airtight containers and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.
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