Best way to package and freeze ground beef. I used to use 1 lb (ca. 454 g) all the time. It wasn’t until years later I realized. You don’t really need all that beef. In fact, if you could use half. You would cut your bill in half on ground beef. So portioning out at 1/2 lb (ca. 227 g) and flattening it allows it to not only freeze and thaw quickly. But you can use the 1/2 lb (ca. 227 g) of Ground beef for a lot of recipes, or take two out at a time for 1 lb (ca. 454 g) and still a quick thaw time.
Freezer Ground Beef Portion Size
In our kitchen, we find the best way to package ground beef is to weigh them at 227 g each — a half a lbs, and place them into a Ziploc bag. Flattened out.
Weighing them out at 227 g helps with portion control. Often people use 1 lb (ca. 454 g) of ground beef in recipes as that seems to be the norm. But in a lot of recipes, you don’t need 1 lb.
For example, the American Goulash of Ground Beef, Macaroni and Tomatoes, Spaghetti or Pasta Sauce, Scalloped Potatoes with Ground Beef, Stroganoff, Vegetable Beef Soup. Most of these use 1 lb, but can easily use only 1/2 a lb to make things stretch out.
For others like Meatloaf or Tacos, then 2 packages (ca. 227 g) or more can be used — making up 1 lb or more. This is the best way to package and freeze ground beef.
Flattening the Ground Beef
Flattening also helps the meat to freeze faster and thaw faster when needed. Cutting down on exposure time as well as removing all air that causes freezer burn. It also allows for the packaged beef to be stacked neatly in the freezer after it is frozen.
Frozen Ground beef will last a long time. However, it will start to lose quality over time. I have frozen ground beef for over 4 months with no issues.
Thawing Ground Beef
When ready to use. Take however many packages you need and place them on a plate, don’t stack them, or it will take longer. Leave on the counter for about 1 hour. Alternatively, place it on a plate and put it in the fridge for the next day.
I also have taken them straight from frozen. Placed them in a pan covered with a lid on medium heat to defrost it and then break it up and this works quite well too.
Ground Beef Patties
If you know you will be making ground beef patties. Then it is best to make the patties up with Fresh ground beef and freeze them, rather than freezing the ground beef to thaw later in order to make burger patties and freezing again. It can be just as simple as portioning the meat out into 45 g or 90 g patties, or adding in other ingredients into the patties and portioning them out just the same. For more information, visit the How To Make Burger Patties — How to article.
Once the tray of Burger Patties have been frozen, they can then be transferred to a freezer bag for long time storage. Optionally, with a piece of waxed paper between the patties to keep them separate. Then you can enjoy a burger anytime in about 10–15 minutes.
Burger Patty Uses
Keep in mind, while already prepared and frozen burger patties are a very easy way to have a quick burger anytime you want. They can also be used in other recipes such as Hot Hamburgers, Salisbury Steaks and Cabbage Rolls with 45g portions thawed and reshaped, or cooked and chopped for a ground beef Pizza Topping. Also, if a recipe requires 1/2 lb of ground beef and all you have is patties, 5 × 45 g patties can be used.
The best way to freeze ground beef
Portioning ground beef into 227 g (1/2 lb) packages and freezing them is one of the most efficient and practical ways to store ground beef. Here’s why:
- Convenient Portion Size
Versatility in Recipes: Most recipes call for ground beef in 1/2 lb, 1 lb, or other divisible amounts. Having 227 g portions lets you easily double, half, or scale recipes without waste or guesswork.
Family-Friendly: It’s a manageable amount for small households or for individual servings, reducing the risk of cooking more than you need. - Prevents Waste
By portioning ground beef into smaller packs, you only thaw what you need, minimizing the risk of leftovers that might go bad. Helps avoid freezer burn since smaller portions are sealed tightly. - Speeds Up Defrosting
Smaller portions defrost much faster than larger ones, saving time when you’re in a rush to cook. You can also defrost multiple portions as needed. - Optimizes Freezer Space
Uniformly portioned and flattened packages stack neatly, making better use of freezer space and keeping your freezer organized. - Simplifies Meal Planning
It’s easier to plan meals when you know the exact weight of each portion. For example:
1 pack (227 g) for pasta dishes, soups, nachos, and other recipes where using a 1/2 lb is sufficient and can help stretch things out.
2 packs (454 g or 1 lb) most commonly used for recipes such as meatloaf, shepherds pie, burgers, or chili. - Cost Efficiency
Buying ground beef in bulk is cheaper, and portioning into 227 g packs allows you to take advantage of these savings without worrying about spoilage. - Consistent Nutrition Tracking
For those tracking calories or macros, knowing each package contains a precise amount makes it easier to stick to your goals.
By spending a few minutes portioning out the ground beef when you bring it home, you save time, reduce waste, and make mealtime simpler. It’s a small effort upfront for a huge payoff in convenience and efficiency!
Check out JAHZKITCHEN collection of Ground Beef Recipes!