Saucy Ground Beef

Name: Saucy Ground Beef with Cornstarch Pan Sauce
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained; 3/4 cup beef broth; 1/2 tbsp cornstarch; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup water

Saucy Ground Beef is a simple technique using a cornstarch slurry made with broth to coat cooked ground beef, preventing dryness and creating a flavorful pan sauce that works with any ground beef recipe.

🏷️Ground beef 🏷️Beef 🏷️Saucy 🏷️Juicy 🏷️Cooking hack 🏷️Weeknight

-0:00

moribyanonTikTok

Total

3 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$13–$21

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by moribyan

-0:00

moribyanonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
3/4 cup beef broth
1/2 tbsp cornstarch
3/4 cup chicken brothoptional
3/4 cup wateroptional

5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a small bowl or glass, combine your liquid of choice (beef broth, chicken broth, or water) with the cornstarch.
2
Whisk the mixture thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the slurry is smooth with no clumps.
3
Pour the cornstarch slurry over your cooked ground beef in a skillet.
4
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ground beef, about 1-2 minutes.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Mix cornstarch with cold liquid first to prevent lumps before adding to the hot pan—this ensures a smooth sauce.
Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef before adding the slurry so the sauce coats the meat instead of pooling.
Simmer the sauce for 1-2 minutes after adding the slurry to let the cornstarch fully thicken and the flavors meld.
Use a combination of beef and chicken broth for deeper umami flavor, or stick with one for simplicity.

Substitutions

beef broth → chicken broth or vegetable broth (slightly lighter flavor)
cornstarch → flour (use slightly more, about 1 tablespoon, and cook longer to remove raw flour taste)
water → dry wine or coconut milk (adds complexity)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore sauce consistency.

Common Questions

Why does ground beef get dry?

Ground beef loses moisture during cooking. A pan sauce made with cornstarch slurry rehydrates the meat and locks in moisture while adding flavor.

Can I use water instead of broth?

Yes, plain water works, but beef or chicken broth adds more flavor to the final sauce. You can also substitute with stock or even soy sauce mixed with water.