Ground beef can be delicious and tender, but it takes some finesse to cook it right. It is a common ingredient in many recipes, such as meatloaf or tacos, so learning how to cook it right is essential for any home chef. A microwave is one of the most convenient ways to cook ground beef quickly.
However, one may want to know how to cook ground beef in microwave?
To cook ground beef in a microwave, take out your beef from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Put it on a microwave-safe plate and cover it snugly with plastic wrap. Microwave for 1-minute increment, breaking up with a fork every 1 minute until no longer pink.
Today’s post will explore the intricacies of cooking ground beef in the microwave. We’ll also highlight some benefits of cooking with a microwave and answer some of your frequently asked questions. So let’s start.
About Ground Beef
Ground beef is simply beef that has been ground into tiny pieces and can be made from different cuts of meat. In fact, around 80% of all beef sold in America is grounded. It’s popular because it’s inexpensive, versatile, and easy to cook.
Also known as mince or hamburger, this type of beef can be used in various recipes, from burgers and meatballs to spaghetti Bolognese and chili con carne. It is also readily available at supermarkets and butcher shops. It comes in different forms: fresh, frozen, or pre-packaged.
Alternatively, you can make your own using a meat grinder or food processor. This will give you more control over your burger patties, meatballs, and other dishes. Plus, you may even find it’s cheaper than buying ready-made mince.
Some types of ground beef are better than others for health reasons, so it’s important to read labels carefully before purchasing. Ground beef can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. However, freezing is not recommended because it changes its texture and flavor when thawed.
Benefits of Cooking Beef in Microwave over Stovetops
You might be wondering why you should even bother cooking beef in the microwave over stovetops. Well, several benefits make it worth your while. Let’s go over them:
1. Quick and Easy to Cook
Cooking the beef in the microwave is quick and easy compared to cooking it over stovetops. You don’t have to stand over it for hours, constantly stirring or flipping it, as you do when cooking beef on stovetops.
All you need is a microwave-safe bowl, ground beef, condiments of your choosing, and water or broth. That’s all! It takes only minutes to cook.
2. Food Doesn’t Burn
When cooking beef in a microwave, you don’t have to worry about burning or overcooking, as there is no direct contact with a heat source.
Microwaves cook food from inside out, meaning that only parts of food exposed to the microwaves get cooked. As a result, your food gets cooked evenly and perfectly every time.
3. No Messy Clean-Up
Cooking the beef in the microwave also means that you won’t have to deal with the messy clean-up afterward.
Unlike stovetops, which require cleaning after spills and grease splatters, microwaves have easy-to-clean interiors that make clean-up a breeze. After you’ve finished cooking, all you have to do is wipe them down with wet paper towels.
4. Retains Taste and Nutrients
Unlike stovetops, microwaves don’t make your food dry, rubbery, or burnt. You can manage the temperatures and how long you cook much better than when using stoves. As a result, your food gets cooked evenly without worrying about losing its nutritional value or flavor.
5. Much Safer
Last but not least, cooking beef in a microwave is much safer than cooking it over stovetops. This is because microwaves use electromagnetic waves to penetrate food from the inside out and cook only parts of food exposed.
As a result, you don’t have to worry about burning yourself or getting splattered with grease when cooking your food.
Instructions on How to Cook Ground Beef in Microwave
Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of cooking beef in microwaves follow these easy steps to cook ground beef in a microwave.
What You Need
- One lb. ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- Medium-sized microwave-safe bowl
- Microwave-safe lid
- Large wooden spoon
- A meat thermometer
Instructions
Step 1 – Defrost Your Ground Beef, If Necessary
If you’re using frozen ground beef, defrost it first before cooking it in the microwave. Otherwise, you risk overcooking the beef and drying it out. However, skip this step if you are starting with fresh ground beef.
Step 2 – Place the Raw Ground Beef into a Medium-Sized Microwave-Safe Bowl
Ensure that your bowl is microwave-safe and large enough to hold all of your raw ground beef. Then, place your uncooked ground beef inside.
Step 3 – Cover Your Pan with a Microwaveable Lid
Cover your pan with a microwaveable container to prevent splatters while your beef cooks.
Step 4 – Microwave Your Ground Beef for 1 Minute
Once you’ve covered your bowl with a microwavable lid or plate, place it inside your microwave and set it to cook for 1 minute on high power.
Step 5 – Remove the Ground Beef and Break It Up with a Large Wooden Spoon
After one minute has passed, remove your bowl from your microwave and break up your ground beef into small pieces with a large wooden spoon. This ensures that your beef is cooked evenly throughout.
Then, return it to your microwave and cook for an additional two minutes on high power.
Step 6 – Stir Your Ground Beef Again
When two more minutes have passed, stir your ground beef again with the wooden spoon. Continue cooking it for another two minutes on high power, stirring in between each minute until its all brown.
Alternatively, you can check if your ground beef is done using a meat thermometer to measure its internal temperature. The USDA recommends that hamburgers be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Step – Drain Away Any Excess Fat
If desired, drain excess fat using colander or paper towels before serving your ground beef dish.
Faqs About How to Cook Ground Beef
Can you cook raw ground beef in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook raw ground beef in a microwave. You’ll need a microwave-safe bowl or plate to heat your meat.
You’ll want to make sure that your grounded beef is cooked until its no longer pink in color. This could take as long as 5 minutes, depending on how much meat you are cooking at one time.
Can you cook taco meat in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook taco meat in a microwave. Ensure your meat cooks thoroughly and evenly by using an oven-safe dish and stirring every few minutes. You’ll also want to keep a close eye on it while it cooks so that it doesn’t burn or overcook.
How do I cook brown beef without a stove?
There are many ways to cook ground beef without a stove. The easiest is to use a microwave.
Can you brown meat in a microwave?
Sure, you can brown meat in the microwave. The secret is to preheat a microwave-safe pan for 2 minutes, then cook your brown meat for about 1 minute while flipping it over every 20 seconds. You’ll end up with perfectly browned meat that won’t have any burnt edges.
Do microwave browning dishes work?
Browning dishes are effective appliances and simulate a skillet or frying pan. Before browning your meat, ensure to preheat for at least one minute.
Can you microwave impossible meat?
Yes, it’s possible to microwave impossible meat. The key is to cook until 165 degrees Fahrenheit has been reached. This helps kill any bacteria that may be present in your meat. It also prevents you from eating undercooked meat, which can cause food poisoning.
How do you soften meat in the microwave?
The secret to making meat soft in the microwave is to cook at low power for a long time. As a result, your meat will gradually become tender as it heats up and cools down.
Depending on how tough your meat is and how much you’re cooking, the procedure can take longer.
Can you bake ground beef?
It is the easiest and most common way to cook ground beef. However, you’ll need to add some salt, pepper, and spices and lastly, bake it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.
How do you cook ground beef in a pan?
Heat butter in a pan on medium heat. Add ground beef and cut it into small bits using a spatula. Cook for about 5 minutes at moderate heat, stirring until browned. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with desired toppings.
Can you cook hamburger helper in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook Hamburger Helper in a microwave which takes less time than cooking it on a stovetop or oven.
Bottom Line
Cooking ground beef in a microwave can save you time and energy while still delivering good results. The cooking method is far more convenient than using an oven or stovetop. However, it does require some finesse.
Watch out for hot spots and learn how to avoid them by breaking up your meat and periodically testing its internal temperature. However, it would help if you remembered that cooking times will vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. If at all possible, make the necessary adjustments.
When all is said and done, cooking ground beef in a microwave is safe if you use the proper technique. Follow our guide to achieve great results with minimal effort.
Check out this video for more
