Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or preferred fat ratio)
- 1 tsp salt (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Beef – Spread the ground beef evenly onto the baking sheet, breaking it up slightly with your hands. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Bake – Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Break It Up – Remove the beef from the oven and use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into crumbles.
- Continue Baking – Return to the oven and cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the beef is browned and fully cooked (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
- Drain & Serve – If excess grease is present, carefully drain it. Use the cooked beef immediately or store it for later use in your favorite recipes.
Notes
- For leaner beef, use 90/10 ground beef and drain any excess fat.
- Add seasonings like smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
- Store cooked beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Meal Prep
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
Keywords: browning ground beef in oven, how to cook ground beef in oven, easy ground beef recipe, baked ground beef, oven-baked beef, meal prep ground beef, ground beef for tacos, keto ground beef recipe, healthy ground beef method, hands-off cooking method.