How to prepare ground beef to reduce fat

Buying ground beef with a high percentage of fat is usually less expensive per pound but yields less meat. However, you can save with the cheaper ground beef if you rinse and drain it after browning.

Learn more about cooking and reducing fat in ground beef and follow these easy steps to remove excess fat when cooking ground beef for spaghetti sauce or other uses.

1. Drain fat from skillet after browning meat (photo 1).
2. Use a slotted spoon to transfer beef to a plate lined with paper towels. Let sit 1 minute; blot top of beef with more paper towels (photo 2).
3. Place beef in a fine mesh strainer or colander set on a sturdy 1/2-quart (or larger) bowl (photo 3).
4. Pour 4 cups very hot water over beef to rinse fat. Drain 5 minutes.
5. Use rinsed beef as desired (or freeze for later use). Chill the bowl of waste water. Remove resulting fat layer, wrap in newspaper and discard in trash. Remaining water can be poured down the drain.