Cooking ground beef and onions together is a common technique used in many recipes. The savory, beefy flavor of the ground beef combines with the aromatic sweetness of onions to create a delicious flavor base for dishes like tacos, pasta sauce, sloppy joes, meatloaf, and more. However, some home cooks wonder if it’s better to cook the ground beef alone first before adding the onions. There are pros and cons to both methods, so let’s take a closer look at whether you should cook ground beef and onions together.
The case for cooking ground beef and onions together
Here are some of the main benefits of cooking ground beef and onions together:
- Saves time – You don’t have to dirty extra pans or wash your hands between cooking the beef and onions separately. Everything cooks in one pan.
- Maximum flavor blending – The juices and fond from the beef mingle with the onions as they cook, allowing the flavors to really marry and permeate each ingredient.
- Onions add moisture – Onions release moisture and steam as they cook down, which can help keep lean ground beef from drying out.
- Better texture – The onions get evenly dispersed throughout the cooked ground beef.
Overall, many home cooks and chefs argue that cooking the ground beef and onions together results in the best balanced flavor and texture.
Reasons for cooking ground beef alone first
On the other hand, there are some advantages to browning the ground beef alone before adding the onions:
- Better browning on the beef – Ground beef will brown and crisp more efficiently when the pan is not crowded.
- Easier to drain off excess fat – After browning just the ground beef, you can drain off the excess grease before adding the onions.
- Onions don’t burn – Onions are more likely to burn and stick to the bottom of the pan if beef is already present.
- Color distinction – The beef retains a dark brown color while the onions remain more translucent.
Cooking the beef alone first can lead to nicer presentation and textural contrast between the crumbled beef and soft onions in the finished dish.
Tips for cooking ground beef and onions together
If you do opt to cook the ground beef and onions together, here are some tips for the best results:
- Use a large pan – Crowding will cause steaming instead of browning. Use a wide skillet or saute pan.
- Get the pan hot – Preheating the pan will help the beef brown quickly before the onions have a chance to burn.
- Don’t overcrowd – Cook in smaller batches for the best texture. Too much food lowers the pan temperature.
- Blot away excess fat – Use a paper towel to blot up excess grease after the beef initially browns.
- Add onions once beef is half browned – Let the beef develop some fond before mixing in the onions.
- Cook onions until translucent – Cook for 2-3 minutes after adding to soften without burning.
Following these guidelines will help you achieve nicely caramelized beef and tender onions.
How to cook ground beef and onions together step-by-step
If you want to give this one-pan method a try, follow these simple steps:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil or butter.
- Add 1 pound ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, breaking up the meat so it browns evenly.
- Use a paper towel to blot up any excess grease from the pan.
- Add 1 chopped onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent.
- Continue cooking until beef is fully browned and cooked through, 5-7 more minutes.
- Drain excess grease if needed. The ground beef and onions are ready to use!
How long should you cook ground beef and onions?
Cook times will vary based on how much beef and onions you are cooking, but here are some general guidelines:
- 1 pound ground beef = 5-7 minutes browned alone or 8-10 minutes cooked with onions
- 1 medium onion = 2-3 minutes to soften and become translucent
So cooking 1 pound ground beef and 1 chopped onion together will take about 10-15 minutes total over medium-high heat.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the beef reaches 160°F for food safety.
Best onion options for ground beef recipes
The type of onion you use can make a difference in flavor and texture when cooking with ground beef. Some good options include:
| Onion Variety | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Sweet, mellow flavor; classic choice |
| White | More mild in flavor; adds moisture |
| Red | Slightly sweeter; adds color |
| Shallots | Delicate, aromatic flavor |
Yellow, white, or red onions are all excellent options. Shallots can also be nice for a more gourmet twist.
How to store and reheat ground beef and onions
Leftover cooked ground beef and onions can be stored and reheated a few different ways:
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freeze for 2-3 months.
Reheating
- Microwave on Medium power until heated through, 1-3 minutes.
- Heat in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
- Simmer on the stovetop in a saucepan with a bit of water or sauce.
Avoid reheating more than once. Bring leftovers up to 165°F before serving.
5 delicious recipes using ground beef and onions
Here are just a few amazing dishes you can make starting with browned ground beef and onions as the base:
1. Cheeseburger skillet
Cook beef and onion, then stir in pasta sauce and macaroni. Top with cheese and bake until melted.
2. Shepherd’s pie
Make a filling by cooking beef, onion, carrots, peas, and thyme. Top with mashed potatoes and bake.
3. Chili mac
Add cooked beef and onion to chili-seasoned tomato sauce. Stir in cooked macaroni noodles.
4. Beef and onion kabobs
Skewer cooked beef-onion mixture with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers.
5. Cottage pie
Prepare filling with beef, onion, celery, and carrots. Top with parsley mashed potatoes.
Common questions
Should you drain the fat after browning ground beef and onions?
Draining off excess grease after cooking ground beef and onions is optional but recommended, especially for leaner dishes. Blot away some of the fat with a paper towel first. Then drain the rest by reserving the beef and onions in a mesh strainer over a bowl or cup.
Can you freeze cooked ground beef and onions?
Yes, cooked ground beef and onions freeze well for 2-3 months. Cool completely before freezing. Portion into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What’s the ratio of ground beef to onions?
A good starting ratio is 1 pound ground beef to 1 medium onion. Adjust to taste based on how pronounced you want the onion flavor to be. Use less onion for milder flavor or more for a stronger onion presence.
Should you sauté onions before adding ground beef?
It’s best not to pre-cook the onions alone first, as they are likely to burn. It’s better to add them once the beef is partially browned so they can cook together, allowing the flavors to mingle.
Conclusion
Browning ground beef and onions together in one pan provides big flavor payoff with minimal effort. As long as you use a wide pan and don’t overcrowd it, this technique results in well-browned beef and tender onions infused with each other’s essences. While browning the beef alone first does have some advantages, one-pan cooking captures the signature flavors home cooks crave in many classic comfort foods. With some simple guidelines, you can learn how to quickly cook ground beef and onions together to use in everything from tacos to meatloaf. The savory browned beef and sweet onions provide the perfect start to so many delicious family meals.