Freezing Ground Beef
Make freezing ground beef (or any ground meat) easier by following a few simple tips:
- First purchase good quality quart-sized plastic freezer bags. Place only one pound in each bag. Flatten the meat to a thin layer in the bag. Press to remove as much air as possible. Seal. Freeze.
- Another way of doing this: Separate hamburger into zip locks and roll with rolling pin until evenly flat. Takes up less space in freezer and thaws much more quickly.
- This method allows the meat to be thoroughly defrosted in the microwave oven without the usual browning around the edges. It also allows for quick, safe freezing.
Extra Freezer Tips
- To slice meat into thin strips, as for Chinese dishes, partially freeze and it will slice easily.
- Put meat used for stir frying in freezer for 45 minutes to 1 hour to make slicing easier.