You can reheat ground beef in so many ways. Reheating ground beef can be done in a microwave on a microwave-safe dish, with a splash of water as you cover it with a lid. Reheat on medium heat for 2 to minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C or 165°F.
For best quality, taste, and texture, reheat the amount to be consumed in a single sitting. You can tell when the ground beef is reheated by steam rising from the surface and a noticeable smell of cooked beef aroma.
Microwave
Use a microwave to reheat leftover ground beef when you need a quick fix. Nuke on medium heat for a minute, stir and continue microwaving on high for another minute or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C or 165°F. To reheat ground beef in the microwave, place the cooked meat on a microwave-safe plate with a loose lid.
After defrosting ground beef, store leftovers so you can reheat ground beef in the microwave to prevent the risk of the growth of bacteria. Reheat ground beef in the microwave quickly and easily. Reheating in a microwave saves money and time, but do it right to avoid any health hazards or food poisoning.
- Sprinkle water, olive oil, or sauce over the ground beef to reheat the beef, giving it moisture so it does not dry out.
- Put a leaf over the top to lock in the steam and warm food. Reheat by using a microwave-safe lid or microwave cover to distribute heat effectively.
- Use a wet paper towel or microwaveable plastic wrap on top of it to cover the ground beef to trap the steam and prevent it from drying out.
- Check-in between and stir the ground beef often for reheating. Reheat on medium heat in a microwave to prevent overcooking.
Air fryer
This method works better for reheating food promptly. Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Use extra virgin olive oil to coat the exterior of your leftover ground beef. The beef piece should either be placed in a basket or on the crisper plate of an air fryer.
Air fryers are great at keeping crispy foods. Put the ground beef into the air fryer basket, season it, close it up and let the process begin. Unlike when you cook ground beef on the stove, you have to stir it more often and monitor it.
The other reason to cook ground beef in the air fryer is that it drains the fat as it cooks, meaning that the meat is not cooking in fat the entire time. You do not have to strain fat or use a spoon to scoop out the fat like you do when on the stove. When the ground beef is cooked, lift out the basket, and the fat is left behind.
The only drawback to cooking ground beef in the air fryer is that it can be dry due to the fat draining away. If using ground beef in a sauce, like spaghetti sauce, you will not notice.
Oven
Do not turn your oven on full blast. Instead, reheat food on a lower heat. Add a dash of oil or butter to keep the meat moist. It takes 10-15 minutes. You have to wait longer since you have to wait for the oven to preheat. When reheating in the oven, cover the tray with foil. The lower heat is better (Spoonunirvesity.com).
Best method
Stovetop
Keep the heat low to avoid overcooking. Before placing the meat in the pan, add a bit of oil or your choice of butter. Cover the pan while the meat reheats. Flip the meat over halfway through. It takes around five minutes.
Reheating on the stovetop is a great way to return a lot of foods close to their original texture, especially things with a lot of moisture like soups and stews (the kitchen.com).
Storage
Store cooked beef in a fridge or freezer within an hour or two of cooking. It has to be covered and eaten within 3 to 4 days. Leftover ground meat must be refrigerated or frozen within an hour or two of being cooked.
Refrigerate the cooked ground beef in shallow airtight containers. Wrap the ground beef tightly in plastic wrap or using aluminum foil. Do not leave ground beef within the temperature danger zone of 40°F to 140°F for longer than two hours if you intend on keeping the leftovers. For safe food handling procedures, store cooked ground beef in the fridge within two hours post-cooking.
Cooked and stored ground beef should last for three to four days in the fridge when stored in a meal prep container. Any slime or sour smell indicates that the ground beef has gone bad. Get rid of it right away, and do not try to reheat it. Keep it on the lowest shelf of your refrigerator to prevent its juices from dripping on other foods.
Safe Temperatures
Reheated ground beef in the microwave is safe to eat when the internal temperature is 74°C or 165°F. To be sure, check with a meat thermometer.
FAQs
Is it safe to reheat ground beef in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat ground beef in the microwave, but when done the right way. It must be stored and warmed to an internal temperature of 74°C or 165°F.
Why is my ground beef so dry?
Ground beef can become dry if you overcook. However, there is a tip for ensuring your ground beef is not too dry while reheating. To prevent your ground beef from drying out, add a little moisture to it when reheating it. Splash a little water, olive oil, broth, or your favorite sauce. Stir it often to keep the heat evenly distributed and tenderize your meat.
Why do we have to cook it on medium power?
Ground beef has a dry consistency even though it is from beef. It is lean, thereby making it difficult for microwaves to cook without them ending up dry. To prevent ground beef from drying, use medium power when reheating it in the microwave. If you use high power, your dish gets too brown on the outside while the inside is not cooked.