Perfectly Browning Ground Beef In The Ninja Foodi – My Easy Tips & Tricks

What’s up fellow Foodi fans! I’m back with another Ninja recipe tutorial for my favorite multi-cooker, Today I’m sharing my pro tips for how to beautifully brown ground beef in the Foodi

Whether you’re making tacos, chili, sloppy joes, or anything else that starts with browning ground meat, the Foodi makes it so easy. No more messy stovetop spatter! With just a few simple tricks, you’ll get perfect crispy bits every time.

I love my Foodi for how much time it saves me on weeknights. No waiting around to brown meat and veggies before getting dinner in the Instant Pot The Foodi does it all in one pot! Let’s get into how I make magic happen

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• 1-2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 works best)
• Oil (avocado, olive or canola oil)
• Seasonings of choice
• Small amount of water or broth

That’s it! So easy.

Step 1 – Use the Cook & Crisp Basket

The key is to always use the Foodi’s Cook & Crisp Basket when browning ground meat This gives you maximum browning on all sides since the hot air circulates fully around the basket,

Make sure to remove the inner pot if it’s still in there. Then lower the Cook & Crisp Basket into position.

Step 2 – Don’t Overfill the Basket

One rookie mistake is piling too much meat into the Cook & Crisp Basket. It won’t brown as evenly if it’s overcrowded.

I find 1-1.5 lbs is the ideal amount per batch. If you have more meat, brown it in batches.

Step 3 – Get the Foodi Hot!

Preheat your Foodi using the Air Crisp function at 400°F for 5 minutes. You want it nice and hot before adding the meat.

Trust me, you need that sizzling high heat to get the meat beautifully seared and crispy.

Step 4 – Grease the Basket

Once preheated, add 1 tbsp oil to the bottom of the Cook & Crisp Basket.

Use a spatula to evenly coat the entire inside surface. This helps prevent sticking.

I like to use avocado oil for its high smoke point, but olive or canola oil works too.

Step 5 – Add the Ground Beef

Now add your ground beef to the hot, oiled basket.

Break it up into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.

Try not to over-stir – you want those nice crispy browned bits!

Step 6 – Season Generously

This is a crucial step in any Foodi ground beef recipe.

Liberally season the meat as soon as you add it to the basket. I use:

• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika

Seasoning the meat before browning infuses tons of flavor.

Step 7 – Leave it Alone!

Here’s another common mistake – fussing with the meat too much.

Once seasoned, just leave the ground beef alone to brown for 5-7 minutes, stirring just 2-3 times.

Letting it sit will give you the best caramelization.

Step 8 – Crisp to Perfection

When the beef is nicely browned, use a spatula to break up any larger chunks.

Then let it go for another 3-5 minutes, or until the crispy browned bits are perfect.

This dual searing gives the best texture. Resist the urge to stir constantly!

Step 9 – Drain the Excess Fat

When the meat is beautifully crispy, carefully remove the Cook & Crisp Basket.

Hold it over a bowl, allowing any excess grease to drain off.

Pour that grease into a heatproof container once cooled. It makes great cooking oil!

Step 10 – Deglaze the Bits

Here’s my favorite trick for maximum flavor – deglazing!

Add 1/4 cup water or broth to the hot Cook & Crisp Basket.

Use a wooden spoon to loosen up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Then pour the flavorful liquid over the ground beef before proceeding with your recipe.

Pro Ground Beef Tips:

• Use 80/20 or 85/15 beef for the best texture
• Make sure to season BEFORE browning
• Resist stirring too often
• Work in batches for even browning
• Deglaze the crispy bits stuck to the basket
• Drain excess grease before adding other ingredients

Common Ground Beef Mistakes:

• Overcrowding the Cook & Crisp Basket
• Not preheating at a high temp
• Neglecting to season the raw meat
• Stirring too frequently while browning
• Skipping the deglazing step
• Leaving fatty grease in the meat

So there you have it – perfectly browned and crisped ground beef for tacos, burritos, casseroles and more, with no messy stove cleanup!

Until next time,

Amy

Home Chef & Foodi Expert