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How to Drain Ground Beef

Want to know how to drain ground beef easily and completely mess-free?  Here are THREE easy methods to suit your needs.

bowl of ground beef and napkin

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

  • Easy
  • You don’t need any special tools 
  • Can be done several ways to suit your needs 

HERE’S HOW ITS DONE 

STEP 1:

Cook the ground beef. 

Wooden spoon chopping ground beef in a black iron skillet with red towel

STEP 2.

Drain the fat.

spatula and frying pan of ground beef

POINTS TO REMEMBER: 

  • Determining which way works for you depends on what you are using the meat for and what utensils you have to use
  • Don’t drain all of the fat off.  Leave just a little bit for extra flavor
  • If you are getting tons of extra fat check the fat to meat ratios on your packaging.  Try to stick to an 80/20 ratio. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) 

Can you drain ground beef in the sink?

NO!  Do NOT drain any fats into your sink!  This can cause your sink to get clogged up and even Draino will not work. 

You will have to take your sink apart and possibly have costly repairs from a plumber.  It’s best to pour the excess fat into a bowl and wait for it to cool and put it in the trash. 

You can save bacon grease for other cooking dishes but not hamburger grease, that just doesn’t work. 

How do you drain ground beef for tacos?

To drain ground beef for tacos, I would recommend using the slotted spoon method. Simply spoon the beef out of the pan into your tacos or a serving bowl. This will only dirty up one other utensil rather than getting the colander and a bowl dirty.   

Do you drain beef for spaghetti?  

This is really up to you and your preference.  If there is a lot of extra fat I would recommend draining some of it.  If you leave a little bit, it will help keep the meat moist and give it extra flavor.  

bowl of food on table

Tips and Tricks

  • Determining which way works for you depends on what you are using the meat for and what utensils you have to use
  • Don’t drain all of the fat off.  Leave just a little bit for extra flavor!
  • Don’t pour the extra fat in your sink drain!  It will clog your drain.
  • Here’s what the USDA says about Ground Beef!

PRO TIP: Check out your ground beef packaging.  You want to buy beef that is at an 80/20 meat to fat ratio.  This will produce minimal extra fat that needs to be drained.  

If You Enjoyed This Recipe, You Might Also Enjoy… 

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How to cook ground beef the ultimate guide

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How to cook ground pork

How to Drain Ground Beef 

Want to know how to drain ground beef easily and completely mess-free?  Well, I will show you how.  It is easy, mess-free, and fast! 
5 from 2 votes
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Course: main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: how to drain ground beef
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 6 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Calories: 351kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cook ground beef

Instructions

Method 1

  • Using the slotted spoon, scoop the beef out of the pan.  Let the fat drain off the beef for a few seconds and then transfer into another bowl.

Method 2

  • Using the spoon, push all the beef to one side of the pan.  Scoop the excess fat out and put it into a separate bowl to cool off before throwing it out.

Method 3

  • Put a colander into a bowl.  Pour your cooked meat into the colander and allow some time for it to drain.  Once it is drained you can put the meat into a separate bowl or back into the pan.

Notes

  • Determining which way works for you depends on what you are using the meat for and what utensils you have to use
  • Don’t drain all of the fat off.  Leave just a little bit for extra flavor!
  • Don’t pour the extra fat in your sink drain!  It will clog your drain.
PRO TIP: Check out your ground beef packaging.  You want to buy beef that is at an 80/20 meat to fat ratio.  This will produce minimal extra fat that needs to be drained.  

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
How to Drain Ground Beef 
Amount Per Serving
Calories 351 Calories from Fat 189
% Daily Value*
Fat 21g32%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 130mg43%
Sodium 119mg5%
Potassium 528mg15%
Protein 37g74%
Calcium 30mg3%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Louise Cherf

Tuesday 8th of September 2020

Love your website and will be checking it frequently.

Wendi Spraker

Tuesday 8th of September 2020

Hi Louise! Thanks and I look forward to having you back!

Wendi J Spraker

Thursday 13th of August 2020

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