4 Easy Methods For How to Drain Grease From Ground Beef

Learning how to drain grease from ground beef can change the fattiness of the meals you cook.

One of the most common problems when cooking beef is dealing with all the grease that comes off it.

This can be a hassle, especially if you’re trying to make a healthier meal or simply want to avoid creating a mess in your kitchen.

I’ll share my favorite methods and tips for removing grease and making your beef dishes even more delicious.

Key Takeaways

• Use a colander and a pan for an easy and mess-free grease drainage method.
• Employ the spoon dip method with a slotted spoon to remove grease without losing beef.
• Opt for a turkey baster to suck up grease from the pan; pour into a bowl with aluminum foil and toss once the grease cools.
• Paper towel blotting is quick and effective for soaking up excess grease directly from the cooked beef.
• Rinsing cooked beef under hot water can remove grease but may also wash away flavor.
• Choosing lean ground beef can minimize grease, making meals healthier.
• Always dispose of hot grease properly to avoid plumbing issues—never pour it down the sink.

How to Drain Grease From Ground Beef

I’ve tried it all to get rid of grease, paper towels to sop it up, draining it over the sink (I’ve learned pouring grease down the drain is a no-no, folks!), etc.

Here are 4 methods to get rid of grease from your beef:

1. Collander

Here is how we do it in our house – it takes a pan and a colander. Simply place the colander inside the cold pan, dump the ground beef in the colander, and let the grease drain right into the pan.  

Once the grease cools a bit, we then pour it into an old can and discard it in the garbage can.

You can use this grease-free beef in my homemade spaghetti sauce recipe or maybe even add it to Chili.

2. Spoon Dip

Another way for draining ground beef is the spoon dip method. Using a slotted spoon, scoop the cooked meat out of the pan so only the grease remains.

Then, you can pour the grease into a dish lined with aluminum foil (to throw out after it cools) and add the beef back to the pan to cook like normal.

3. Turkey Baster

If you don’t have a colander or slotted spoon, you can also use a turkey baster to separate hot grease from beef.

Make grease pools by moving the beef around the pan, and tipping the pan to collect the grease in one spot.

Simply squeeze the baster in the grease to suck it up. You can discharge it into a bowl lined with aluminum foil to toss out after it cools down.

4. Paper Towel Blotting

Paper towels are also a quick and easy way to remove grease from cooked ground beef.

Place a few layers of paper towels on top of the cooked beef and lightly press down. The paper towels will absorb the hot grease, easy peasy.

You may need to use more paper towels and go back and forth a little to get all the grease, but it’s worth it for less grease in the dish.

Additional Tips

Keep these tips in mind and say goodbye to greasy meals:

• You can also rinse cooked beef under hot water in a colander to remove excess grease, but this may also rinse away some of the flavors.
• For a healthier option, consider using lean ground beef or draining the grease before adding other ingredients to your dish.
• Never pour grease down your sink, as it can cause clogs and other plumbing issues. Always discard grease in the trash or save it for future use in cooking.

FAQs

How can I drain excess liquid from beef when it cooks?

There are several methods you can use to drain excess liquid from beef when it cooks.

I prefer using a colander, but you can also use the spoon dip method or mopping up the grease in the pan.

Is it necessary to remove grease from ground beef?

It’s not always necessary to remove grease from beef. If you are using lean ground beef and cooking it in a non-stick pan, there may not be much grease to drain.

But draining grease can help remove some of the fat and make your dish healthier.

How much grease comes off of 85% beef versus 90% beef?

The amount of grease that comes off of beef can vary depending on the cut and quality of the meat. We have percentages that cover the fat content of the meat.

In general, 85% lean beef will produce more grease than 90% lean beef, as it has a higher fat content.

Final Thoughts

There are several ways to separate grease from ground beef, so find the method that works best for you and your cooking needs.

Whether using a colander or one of the other methods, these tips will help you avoid greasy and unhealthy meals.

So go ahead and enjoy your favorite beef dishes without the grease! Your family and your health will thank you.

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