This restaurant-style ground beef recipe makes perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful meat every time. Simmered slowly in beef broth, this method creates finely crumbled beef with a rich, saucy texture ideal for tacos, pasta, casseroles, and more. Easy to make and versatile for meal prep, this how to cook ground beef guide is perfect for creating professional-quality results right in your kitchen.

This simple method for cooking ground beef restaurant-style creates perfectly tender, flavorful, and juicy beef every time. The secret is simmering the browned meat in broth for an hour — giving it a rich, saucy texture that’s perfect for tacos, pasta, casseroles, and more.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (see notes)
Seasonings (see notes)
2 to 3 cups low-sodium beef broth or water

Directions

Brown the beef:
Heat a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess fat, then return the beef to the skillet.
Add liquid and seasonings:
Pour in enough beef broth or water to cover the cooked beef (about 2 cups). Add your preferred seasonings and stir well.
Simmer slowly:
Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with the lid. Simmer for 1 hour, stirring and breaking up the beef every 10 minutes. Add more broth or water as needed to keep the meat moist — it doesn’t need to be fully submerged, just halfway covered.
Finish and thicken:
During the last 10 minutes, remove the lid and let the liquid reduce until slightly thick and saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve:
Use immediately in your favorite recipes, or refrigerate for later use.

Tips

Choose the right meat: 85% lean ground beef gives the best balance of flavor and texture.
Don’t skip the simmer: Slow cooking in broth helps the beef become tender and flavorful.
Keep it moist: Add small splashes of broth if it starts drying out during simmering.
Fine texture: Use a potato masher or whisk to break the meat into small, restaurant-style crumbles.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef.
Flavor boost: Add onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Spicy version: Mix in chili powder, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.
Broth options: Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.

FAQs

Can I cook this recipe in advance?
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Do I have to use broth?
No. Water works too, but broth adds richer flavor.

Can I shorten the cooking time?
Yes, but simmering for an hour gives the best texture and flavor. For quicker results, simmer for at least 20–30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Use for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas.
Add to spaghetti sauce, lasagna, or casseroles.
Spoon over baked potatoes, rice bowls, or nachos.
Combine with vegetables for hearty meal prep dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creates soft, flavorful ground beef with a professional texture.
Perfect base for countless dishes — from Mexican to Italian.
Simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Ideal for meal prep and freezer-friendly cooking.