How to Reduce Fat in Ground Beef

We've got some great tips on how to reduce the fat content in ground beef, without reducing the flavor.

What to Do

If purchasing 73% to 85% lean ground beef, you can reduce the fat content by up to 50% with a simple rinsing process. Because 90% lean and higher are lower-fat products, rinsing will not produce the same results and, therefore, is not recommended. Draining and rinsing cooked ground beef should not decrease beef's vitamin and mineral content.

In a recipe that calls for browning ground beef with onion or garlic, these items can be added during the cooking process. Rinsing the beef mixture after cooking results in minimal flavor loss. Additional seasonings and herbs may be added as desired after rinsing. Here's how to do it:

Brown ground beef in skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
Using a slotted spoon, remove beef crumbles to a plate lined with 3 paper towels. Let sit 1 minute; blot top of beef with more paper towels.
Place beef in colander over a large bowl. Pour very hot water (not boiling) over beef to rinse fat. Drain 5 minutes then use in your recipe calling for cooked ground beef.

Notes

If you liked this recipe, be sure to check out our free eBook, Ground Beef Recipes: 25 Quick & Easy Recipes for Ground Beef!

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Cowboy Chef Jeff

Oct 21, 2020

I always start with 85% lean beef. Then I cook it and drain it. I see a lot of fat rendered out of the meat during the cooking process, so there is much less fat than what I started with. 85% beef is usually called ground round. I use 75% lean beef if the recipe calls for ground chuck.

cdgsfk

May 31, 2013

as long as you wash the fat down the drain with HOT water during the rinse and AFTER if will be fine, especially during the winter months. using cold or lukewarm water is when ppl have issue with grease clogs. if still concerned, dont do it.

Timdeller

May 07, 2014

I like to use the left over fat to saute veggies or potatoes. You can also make soap or candles. There is no excuse to waste it. I put leftover bacon and hamburger fat in a can and keep it in the freezer. I add to it whenever I have more fat.

walela

May 31, 2013

I have always placed the seasoned ground meat in a plastic colander, put it in a bowl to catch the drippings then micro waved it on a medium setting. I check it at short intervals, breaking it up with a fork, then contiue till done. I then just press out any excess fat through the colander. The meat is as good as fried without so much fat.

New England girl

Feb 05, 2013

Putting any kind of fat down the drain is extremely bad on plumbing! Put it in a container that you can throw out later. Also use bison meat which is very lean or just wait til lean ground beef goes on sale. Rinsing beef takes the flavor right out. Anything less than 85% is horribly unhealthy, even 85% is pushing it.

roynbarbi 9975190

Feb 04, 2013

I have done this for years and it works great. It is so satisfying to watch the fat go down the drain and not down me! ;-)