Here you’ll find a collection of freezer meal ground beef recipes that not only promise to delight your taste buds but that have also been given the green light by me, a Registered Dietitian.
Not to mention as a Mom myself, these are all very family friendly meals as well! Ground beef is an easy meat to sneak into dishes for those picky little eaters that won’t exactly eat a slab of meat on their plate.
Pick which recipes sound good to you, buy your ground beef in bulk, and spend one afternoon saving yourself many afternoons while on maternity leave!
And to make things easier for you, I’ve organized the recipes by Casseroles, Soups, Pastas/Rice, and Other.
I’ve also provided a FAQ section at the bottom to cover anything you may be wondering such as freezing tactics and other meat substitutes.
Let’s get your freezer stocked so that you are ready to go whenever hunger strikes, leaving you with more time for snuggles, giggles, and those sweet newborn moments.
Recommendations
Coming from a Mom who has done a lot of trial and error with freezer meals myself, these recipes keep their quality best and are most convenient if made first and then frozen.
Below are some tips as you hunker down to meal prep:
- Cook vegetables and any pastas just slightly underdone
- Package in aluminum tins when applicable
- Freeze soups in gallon bags laying flat
- Label and date everything!
Curious on other meal prepping strategies? Check Mastering Meal Prepping for Maternity Leave on other ways you can be preparing food ahead of time!
Now let’s get to it!
Freezer Meals Using Ground Beef
Browse the recipes below to get your postpartum meal prep ideas. All are healthy, simple ground beef meals that freeze and reheat well.
Casseroles
Nothing is more quick and easy than ground beef freezer casseroles. Build your casserole in an aluminum tin and pop it right in the freezer. Check out these recipe suggestions!
Soups
Soups are the best ground beef freezer meals to put in a crockpot! Browse these recipes for your future dinner meals.
Pastas/Rice
Below are recipes using pastas or rice that make the best ground beef freezer dump meals.
Other
Check out these other recipes to make ahead using ground beef!
Conclusion
Now that you’ve discovered a treasure trove of freezer meal ground beef recipes – you can make your maternity leave that much easier!
As a Registered Dietitian and fellow mom, I understand the importance of convenient, family-friendly meals during this special time. Not to mention having proper postpartum nutrition as well.
Now it’s time to stock up and prepare some meals so you can focus on what matters most when it matters most, your baby.
And in case you have any lingering questions, I’ve included a helpful FAQ section below.
Happy Cooking!
FAQ
How Long Does Frozen Ground Beef Last?
While technically frozen foods can be kept indefinitely, they have expiration dates due to quality as the taste and texture deteriorates with time.
According to FoodSafetey.gov ground beef is good for 3-4 months if frozen from the date of purchase.
So whether you ground beef is 2 years old, 3 years old, or even 10 years old; technically you can still eat it but the quality will be lacking. It’s best to stick to the recommendation of 3-4 months.
Can You Make Freezer Meals with Frozen Meat?
Yes! You can absolutely make freezer meals with frozen meat. It just depends on what you’re making with how you will use your frozen meat.
If the meat is able to be added to the meal, for example most soup recipes, it’s best to keep the meat frozen until you are ready to use the meal. Simply cook the meat and then add it to the meal.
If you are cooking a combination meal, say a casserole for example, it’d be best to thaw the meat to prepare the recipe in its entirety and then freeze the meal.
Does Cooked Ground Beef Freeze Well?
Yes, cooked ground beef can maintain its quality if frozen properly. For best results, use a vacuum sealed bag and keep in the center of the freezer. Use within 3-4 months.
Freezer vs Deep Freezer
A fridge freezer will have less space and less temperature regulation due to the constant opening of the unit.
A deep freezer has more space and is better temperature regulated due to less accessing of the unit and typically has a tighter seal. Some deep freezers also have the ability to reach lower temperatures.
Freezer ground beef can be stored in either a fridge freezer or deep freeze, but if you have a deep freezer this is preferred.
How Do You Package Ground Beef for the Freezer?
A vacuumed sealed bag is the best way to package ground beef for the freezer.
If you do not have a vacuum sealer, place the raw ground beef in a labeled freezer bag and press the meat flat towards the seal of the bag. Thus pushing the air out of the bag.
This will help retain the quality of the ground beef and help prevent freezer burn.
Which Meat to Use?
Wondering if you can recreate some of these recipes with a different type of ground meat? You absolutely can, it just depends on your personal preference, desired flavor, and desired nutritional value.
Listed below are some of the common comparisons considered when making a ground beef recipe.
Ground Beef and Ground Chuck
Ground beef is a generic term for minced meat from various cow cuts, with variable fat content.
Ground chuck specifically comes from the chuck primal, known for its rich flavor and higher fat content, resulting in juicier and flavorful dishes, making it ideal for burgers.
While ground beef offers versatility, ground chuck is preferred for recipes where enhanced taste and juiciness are desired.
Ground Sirloin vs Ground Beef
Ground sirloin comes exclusively from the leaner sirloin cut, providing a lower-fat option compared to the more generic ground beef, which can include various cuts with variable fat content.
Ground sirloin offers a subtle flavor and is ideal for those seeking leaner minced meat, while ground beef provides versatility in fat content and flavor for different culinary preferences and recipes.
Ground Pork vs Ground Beef
Ground pork is minced pork with a rich, savory flavor and typically higher fat content, contributing to a juicy texture.
On the other hand, ground beef, made from minced beef, offers a beefy taste with variable fat content.
Ground pork is great for dishes desiring a distinct pork flavor but will have a higher caloric value, while ground beef is versatile for various recipes like burgers, tacos, and casseroles.
Ground Chicken vs Ground Beef
Ground chicken, made from minced chicken, offers a milder, adaptable flavor with lower fat content, making it a leaner option.
In contrast, ground beef, made from minced beef, provides a robust taste with variable fat content, offering versatility for different dishes.