How to Microwave Ground Beef
Cooking ground beef or hamburger meat in the microwave just got easier and cleaner, thanks to one small step: By simply adding a bit of water (or chicken stock or milk) to your beef, the microwave can tenderly steam the ground beef for a flavorful result! This method not only locks in moisture but also keeps your microwave spotless. You won't need any extra oils or fats, making your meal prep simpler and healthier. Use this recipe as a base for ground beef tacos, quick bolognese, hamburger meat dishes, and so much more!
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work—, and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Small Dish
This dish’s superpower is evenly heating leftovers and cooking small portions.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 4 oz (125g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon water
Preparation
- Add the ground beef and water to the Anyday and mix until the water is fully incorporated. The liquid will help break down the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Cover with the lid (knob lifted) and cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to break down the meat into smaller pieces.
- Once cooked, break up any remaining large pieces and strain the extra liquid. Taste and adjust seasonings
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a separate serving dish, or keep the meat with the liquid and add seasoning for a flavorful sauce! Keep in mind that some lumps of meat are unavoidable.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Add paprika, taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or any ready-to-use seasoning packs for added flavor.
- Add fresh herbs, chopped garlic, diced onions, and peppers for a quick sauce base or empanada filling.
- Turn the ground beef into a topping for salads, rice bowls, or pasta casseroles.
Recipe notes
- Swap the water for whole milk, bone broth, or stock for extra flavor.
- Even with added liquid, some lumps may occur. Use a fork to break down the meat as it cooks.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Ground Beef: 4 Ways
For every pound of ground beef, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water, plus the ingredients below:
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Easy Ground Beef And Broccoli
Add chopped garlic, grated ginger, chili crunch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and broccoli florets.
Smoky Chipotle Taco Filling
Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo and chopped garlic. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro.
Teriyaki Ground Beef
Add Soyaki Teriyaki sauce and chopped garlic. Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Almost Fajitas
Add Taco seasoning, chopped garlic, and frozen roasted peppers and onions. Top with crema.
Microwave Match Up: Ground Beef
See for yourself— microwaving ground beef is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 5 mins |
| Stovetop* | 10-15 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 15-20 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Ground Beef
How long does take to cook ground beef in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Water | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4 oz (125g) ground beef | 1 tablespoon water | 1-2 mins |
| 8 oz (225g) ground beef | 2 tablespoons water | 3-4 mins |
| 12 oz (350g) ground beef | 3 tablespoons water | 4-5 mins |
| 16 oz (450g) ground beef | 1/4 cup (60ml) water | 6 mins |
| 24 oz (560g) ground beef | 1/3 cup (80ml) water | 10-11 mins |
| 32 oz (907g) ground beef | 1/2 cup (120ml) water | 13-14 mins |
It typically takes about 4 minutes per pound of ground beef or hamburger meat to cook in the microwave. To tell when the meat is cooked through, look for firm pieces of meat that are all even in color. Taste a small portion of the cooked meat, it should be tender, hot, and without any red juices.
Is it safe to steam ground beef?
Yes, steaming ground beef in the microwave is a safe and clean way to cook beef! You also don’t need to add any additional fats or oils, making this method the leanest way to cook ground beef.
Why do I need to add liquid when cooking ground beef?
When proteins cook, they tend to seize up and stick together. Because hamburger meat is especially prone to sticking together, it’s important to add liquid to keep the meat separated while it cooks. This allows the final product to break apart more easily and taste better! You can drain off the excess liquid, or stir it back into the beef.
Why is there liquid in my Anyday after cooking ground beef?
The leftover liquid in the Anyday after cooking is made of a blend of the initially added liquid, steam condensation generated during the cooking process, and any juices released from the meat. Even when cooking meat without additional liquid, a small amount of liquid may accumulate. To separate it, you can either strain it or use a slotted spoon.
How to freeze microwave-cooked ground beef?
To freeze microwaved hamburger or ground meat, begin by microwaving the meat and then allow it to cool. Transfer the cooked meat into 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Trays, and freeze it for future use. While we don’t necessarily recommend freezing cooked ground beef on its own, it’s best to incorporate it into a sauce or soup before freezing. This way, the freezer won’t dry out the beef while it waits to be reheated.
Can I reheat frozen cooked ground beef?
Place as many portions of frozen ground meat as needed in the Anyday dish. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per portion, or until heated through. Once reheated, season to taste or add to sauces, casseroles, or taco fillings.
