How to Reduce Fat in Ground Beef

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:

1. Brown ground beef in skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
    
2. 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.
    
3. 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.