How to Season Ground Beef Like Breakfast Sausage
Breakfast sausage is a beloved staple in many households, offering a flavorful and convenient way to start the day. If you’re looking to replicate the taste of breakfast sausage at home using ground beef, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to season ground beef like breakfast sausage, ensuring that your homemade breakfast dish is as delicious as the store-bought variety.
Choosing the Right Ground Beef
The first step in creating a breakfast sausage-like flavor is to select the right ground beef. Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20 or 85/15, as the fat content is crucial for achieving the rich and juicy texture of breakfast sausage. The fat will also help to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the meat.
The Seasoning Blend
The key to seasoning ground beef like breakfast sausage lies in the right blend of spices. Here’s a basic recipe for a breakfast sausage seasoning blend:
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1 tablespoon of black pepper
– 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon of onion powder
– 1 tablespoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon of mustard powder
– 1 teaspoon of celery seed
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
Feel free to adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences. Combine all the spices in a bowl and mix them well.
Seasoning the Ground Beef
Once you have your seasoning blend ready, it’s time to mix it with the ground beef. Here’s how to do it:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and the seasoning blend.
2. Use your hands to gently mix the spices and ground beef together. Be sure to coat every piece of meat evenly.
3. Once the meat is well-seasoned, let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking the Seasoned Ground Beef
Now that your ground beef is seasoned like breakfast sausage, it’s time to cook it. Here are a few cooking methods you can try:
– Pan-Frying: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a small amount of oil, and cook the seasoned ground beef in batches until browned on all sides.
– Grilling: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and cook the seasoned ground beef in batches until well-done.
– Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the seasoned ground beef in a baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade breakfast sausage with classic breakfast sides like scrambled eggs, pancakes, toast, and hash browns. You can also add it to sandwiches, wraps, or even use it as a topping for pizza.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the taste of breakfast sausage made from scratch using ground beef. Happy cooking!
