Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add beef fat.
- Add the entire 5 lb of ground beef.
- Break apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, creating small crumbles.
- Add oregano, salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and pepper.
- Stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Continue cooking until no pink remains, about 15-18 minutes.
- Add water and stir to deglaze any browned bits from the bottom.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until most water has evaporated, leaving just enough moisture to prevent the beef from drying out during storage, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cool to room temperature.
Disclosure: Nutrition is estimated and provided for general guidance.
Notes
Use as instant pizza topping - just sprinkle over sauce and cheese before baking. Perfect for empanadas - add to dough with cheese and fold. Can also serve as quick starter for Italian meat sauce - just add marinara and simmer. More flavorful than plain ground beef but still versatile enough for multiple Italian-style dishes. If making pizza, use about 4oz (½ cup) per 12-inch pizza. For empanadas, use 2-3 tablespoon per empanada.
