Ground Beef
Browned ground beef in the microwave — high-protein but the highest environmental impact here.
Quick answer
4-5 min at 1000W
Quantity
3 oz (85g) raw 85/15 ground beef
Done when
No pink remains and it reaches 160F (71C)
Wattage table
Base method: 4-5 min at 1000W.
Preset answer for 1000W
4-5 min
3 oz (85g) raw 85/15 ground beef. No pink remains and it reaches 160F (71C).
| Wattage | Estimated time | Power | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 700W | 5.5-7 min | High | 2 min |
| 800W | 5-6.5 min | High | 2 min |
| 900W | 4.5-5.5 min | High | 2 min |
| 1000W | 4-5 min | High | 2 min |
| 1100W | 3.5-4.5 min | High | 2 min |
| 1200W | 3.5-4 min | High | 2 min |
Preparation
- 1Crumble the beef into small pieces in a microwave-safe bowl.
- 2Cover to contain splatter.
Container guidance
- Container
- Microwave-safe bowl or colander setup
- Cover
- Covered to limit splatter
- Liquid
- None
- Rest
- 2 min
Cooking steps
Brown
Microwave on high 2 minutes, then stir to break up clumps.
Finish
Cook 2-3 minutes more, stirring once, until no pink remains.
Drain
Drain the fat and verify the center reaches 160F (71C).
Common mistakes
Not breaking it up
Stir between bursts so it cooks evenly instead of in raw clumps.
Skipping the temperature check
Ground beef must reach 160F (71C); use a thermometer, not color alone.
FAQ
Is it safe to cook ground beef in the microwave?
Yes, if you stir for even cooking and confirm it reaches 160F (71C) throughout. It won't brown or crisp like a pan.