There are a few good ways to cook ground beef, but a very effective basic method is to brown it properly in a hot skillet and then cook it through. Here is a simple, practical approach:

1. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and optionally add a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Add the ground beef in a single layer and let it cook without stirring for about 4-5 minutes to allow a brown crust to form.
3. Break the beef apart with a spatula and continue cooking while stirring occasionally until fully browned and no pink remains, about 4-5 more minutes.
4. Drain excess fat if desired.
5. Season with salt and pepper or other spices as preferred.

For an extra tender and fine texture, some restaurant-style methods suggest browning the beef first, then adding water or beef broth and simmering it for around 1 hour, stirring and breaking it up every 10 minutes. This can give a soft, finely crumbled result suitable for tacos or sauces. The main points for perfectly cooked ground beef are: use a hot pan, allow it to brown undisturbed initially for flavor, break it up later, and avoid overcooking so it stays moist.

If desired, adding onions and garlic sautéed in olive oil before adding the beef creates a moist and flavorful result.

In summary, the fundamental steps are heating, browning with minimal stirring initially, breaking up the meat, cooking fully, draining fat, and seasoning to taste. Optionally, simmering in broth can yield a tender, finely textured ground beef.