I always froze ground beef in its store package, and then forgot to thaw it until 5 p.m. My daughter-in-law showed me how she freezes hers, and now I can have supper started in minutes.
The Trick: Freeze It Flat
- Put a pound of ground beef in a zip-top freezer bag.
- Press it flat, about half an inch thick, and squeeze out the air.
- Press lines into it with a chopstick or the back of a knife to make sections, like a chocolate bar.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer until frozen, then stack them like books.
Why It Works
- Thaws much faster because it’s thin.
- Snap off just what you need along the lines.
- Saves freezer space.
- Less air means less freezer burn.
Brown It First?
Many cooks brown, drain and cool a big batch first, then freeze it flat. It’s ready to drop straight into tacos, chili and casseroles.
Thawing It Safely
Thaw it in the fridge, in a bowl of cold water, or in the microwave on defrost. Cook it right away if you used water or the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does frozen ground beef keep?
It’s safe frozen, and best within a few months for quality.
Can I cook it frozen?
Yes, in a skillet. Break it up as it thaws in the pan.
Flat bags, and supper’s never stuck in the freezer again.
