Big Batch Cooked Ground Beef Recipe
Perfect for Freezing and Quick Meal Prep
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: Makes approximately 10 cups of cooked ground beef
If you love having cooked ground beef on hand for quick meals, this Big Batch Cooked Ground Beef recipe is your new best friend. Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it’s also a time-saver for busy weekdays when you need to whip up a quick dinner. Whether you’re tossing it into pasta sauces, chili, soups, or casseroles, this recipe ensures that you have a convenient and versatile ingredient ready to go. By freezing the cooked beef in manageable portions, you can easily scoop out what you need whenever a recipe calls for browned ground beef. Let’s dive into this flavorful and efficient cooking method that will simplify your meal prep routine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 4 pounds | Choose lean beef for a healthier option |
| Onions | 4 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced |
Nutritional Information (per 1 cup serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 410.4 kcal | 21% |
| Total Fat | 27.3 g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 10.7 g | 54% |
| Cholesterol | 123.4 mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 121.3 mg | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 4.8 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% |
| Sugar | 1.9 g | 4% |
| Protein | 34.2 g | 68% |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small chunks with the back of a spoon as it begins to cook. Continue cooking for about 9 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and completely cooked through. This ensures that the beef is ready to be added to your favorite dishes later on.
Step 2: Drain the Beef
Once the ground beef is fully cooked, transfer it to a colander to drain excess fat and juices. This step will prevent your stored beef from becoming greasy when frozen. Allow it to sit for a few moments to ensure all the liquid is drained.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Return the drained beef to the pot and add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir everything together, ensuring the onions and garlic are well incorporated with the beef. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and absorb the flavors of the beef. This step enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a delicious aroma to the beef.
Step 4: Freeze the Beef Mixture
Once the beef and vegetables have cooked together, spread the mixture out in a single layer onto several foil-lined baking trays. Cover the trays loosely with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. Freeze just until the beef is firm but not fully frozen (about 1 hour). This partial freezing makes it easier to separate the beef into smaller portions later on.
Step 5: Portion the Beef
After the beef mixture has firmed up, remove it from the freezer and use a spatula or your hands to loosen the frozen beef into chunks. Scoop the beef into freezer bags or containers. Make sure to label each bag with the date so you can easily keep track of when it was frozen.
Step 6: Freeze for Future Use
Store your portions of cooked ground beef in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or for making quick dinners on the go. Whenever a recipe calls for browned ground beef, simply grab a portion from the freezer and add it directly to your dish. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly since the beef will be frozen.
Tips for Using Frozen Ground Beef
- When using frozen ground beef, there’s no need to thaw it first; you can add it directly to your recipe.
- For soups and stews, break the frozen beef up into smaller chunks as it cooks.
- If you’re adding the beef to a stir-fry or casserole, you may want to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight for better texture, but it will work just fine straight from the freezer in most dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Big Batch Cooked Ground Beef Recipe
This recipe is an excellent way to save time in the kitchen and have a key ingredient always on hand. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, the pre-cooked ground beef can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s also an ideal option for those who are watching their carb intake and want to have protein-packed meals ready at a moment’s notice. Plus, you’ll love the convenience of having your ground beef already flavored with onions and garlic, making meal preparation even easier.
This Big Batch Cooked Ground Beef is perfect for meal prepping and helps cut down on cooking time during busy days. Freezing the beef in small portions means you’ll always have a supply of perfectly cooked ground beef for all your recipes. From pasta sauces to chili to casseroles, this cooked ground beef will quickly become your kitchen go-to for quick and easy meals.
Recipe Variations
- Add spices or herbs: If you like your beef with more flavor, try adding chili powder, cumin, or dried oregano while sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Add bell peppers: For extra vegetables, include some finely chopped bell peppers along with the onions.
- Make it spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
This Big Batch Cooked Ground Beef recipe is a simple yet effective way to streamline your meal planning and make dinnertime quicker and easier. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a way to make weeknight dinners less stressful, having this ingredient prepped and ready to go is sure to save you time in the kitchen.
