Reheating meat on the stovetop is the most common method to do it. But is it the easiest way to do it? Once you learn how to reheat ground beef in the microwave, you will know the answer.
Adding ground beef to any dish can make it a lot better. My personal favorite is ground beef tacos.
But the one thing which I always struggled with was reheating ground beef. I tried different methods, but some were too complex, while others ruined the ground beef and dried it out.
Then I turned on my microwave and reheated the beef. On the first try, it dried out. But after 3 attempts, I figured out how to reheat ground beef in the microwave.
So, if you are ready, let’s get started.
Can you reheat ground beef in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat ground beef in the microwave as long as you follow the proper instructions. Reheating ground beef in the microwave is much easier and faster than doing it with any other method.
Ground beef needs to reach 165° F internal temperature to get reheated properly. A conventional microwave can heat up higher than that. So, you can quickly reheat ground beef in the microwave.
How do you reheat ground beef in the microwave?
To reheat ground beef in the microwave:
- Put the ground beef in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a splash of water to the dish.
- Use a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to cover the ground beef.
- Nuke it on medium heat, setting for 30 seconds.
- After 30 seconds, stir the beef.
- Check if the meat is done.
- If the beef is undone, microwave it for 30 seconds intervals on medium heat till it is reheated properly.
Reheating ground beef in the microwave might look like an easy task. But it is much more complicated than that.
One secret for always getting perfectly reheated ground beef is adding moisture to the beef. You can just add plain water. You can add broth or olive oil as well.
Adding olive oil and broth helps the beef to reheat evenly. It also has a deeper, richer flavor which everyone loves.
Lastly, never forget to keep stirring the ground beef between the intervals. This stirring motion allows the ground beef to reheat evenly.
Is it safe to reheat ground beef in the microwave?
Yes, it is safe to reheat ground beef in the microwave. However, it is only safe to store it properly before reheating it.
To ensure that the ground beef is safe to eat is by reheating it at at least 160° F. At this temperature, the bacteria and other pathogens in the beef are killed. And the beef becomes safe to eat.
On top of that, it is also necessary to store the ground beef properly. If you plan to reheat the beef in the microwave later, put it in a ziplock bag and keep it at a low temperature.
Furthermore, if the ground beef is frozen, defrost it before microwaving it. But instead of thawing the ground beef on the countertop, use cold water. The cold water helps to defrost the ground beef while preventing bacterial growth.
How long does it take to reheat ground beef in the microwave?
The amount of time it takes to reheat ground beef in the microwave depends on the amount of ground beef, microwave wattage, etc. But generally, you can reheat ground beef in the microwave for 2-3 minutes at a medium heat setting.
If you are reheating one serving of ground beef, it takes around 2-3 minutes. However, the exact timing is not easy to tell. Sometimes you add more moisture, and it changes the microwaving time of ground beef.
The easiest way to always get perfectly ground beef without getting it burnt is by stirring it and checking its doneness. Between each interval, check if the beef has reheated properly. And once it has, turns off the microwave.
In short, you do not need to hit a certain number on the timer before turning off the microwave. When the ground beef is done, that is the time to take it out of the microwave.
How do you know when the ground beef is done reheating in the microwave?
When the ground beef is done reheating in the microwave, the most telltale sign would be its temperature. Once the ground beef’s internal temperature reaches 165° F, it is done.
There are a few tips that you can use to check the doneness of ground beef. You can touch the ground beef to see if it feels warm. Or you can even bite into it to check if it has been reheated properly.
But the safest method to check ground beef’s doneness is by checking its internal temperature. So, keep a food-grade thermometer by your side when microwaving ground beef.
Between each interval, check the internal temperature of the ground beef. And once it reaches 165° F, turn off the microwave.
Tips to Reheat Ground Beef in the Microwave
If you think that reheating ground beef in the microwave is an easy task, you can’t be more wrong. Reheating ground beef in the microwave is a complex process that can easily go wrong.
But don’t worry. The following tips will help you reheat beef in the microwave.
- When reheating ground beef in the microwave, always add water to the meat.
- If you want to add moisture and taste to the ground beef, use olive oil or broth instead of water. This way, the ground beef will be moist and flavourful.
- Always use a microwave-safe container to reheat ground beef.
- Cover the beef with a damp paper towel to prevent the steam from escaping.
- You can also use a lid to cover the container. However, ensure that the lid is microwave-safe as well.
- When reheating the ground beef in the microwave, stir the beef between each interval. Stirring will ensure that the beef reheats evenly and quickly.
- Keep checking the temperature of the beef between each interval. And once the internal temperature reaches 165° F, turn off the microwave.
How to store cooked ground beef?
If you want to properly store cooked ground beef, then put it in a ziplock bag and freeze it after 2-3 hours of being cooked. You can store cooked ground beef in the freezer for up to 4 days.
Reheating cooked ground beef is not unsafe. However, if the ground beef is stored improperly, it can be dangerous to consume.
If you do not have a ziplock bag, you can also use an airtight container. To enhance the shelf life of cooked ground beef, wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil before putting it in the airtight container.
The best temperature to store cooked ground beef is 40°F to 140°F. At this temperature, the beef freezes properly, and the bacterial growth also stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can you reheat ground beef?
The NHS (National Health Service) does not recommend reheating ground beef more than one time. However, if you store the ground beef properly, you can reheat it up to two times.
However, throw away the ground beef after that, as it might have been contaminated.
How do you reheat meat in the microwave without drying it out?
Reheating ground beef in the microwave without proper instructions can dry it out. One of the easiest ways to reheat ground beef in the microwave without drying out is by adding moisture.
You can simply add a splash of water to the ground beef to prevent it from drying out. Or, if you want to add in some flavor, use broth or olive oil. It keeps the beef moist and enhances its flavor.
Final Words
Now you know how to microwave ground beef in the microwave. But before you go, remember to always add water, broth, or olive oil to the ground beef before microwaving it. The moisture prevents the beef from drying out.
So, let’s turn on the microwave and start reheating the ground beef,