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Lots of Ground Chuck. Help!

post #1 of 9
7/25/09 at 10:46am
Thread Starter 
I got a great deal on ground chuck so I bought several pounds and thinking about going back for more. I need ideas on what I can do with it. There's lots of great recipes out there, but my problem is that I can't stand the taste of reheated ground beef. Once it's cooked, I have to eat it then. I'm planning on using some of it to make meatloaves and meatballs. Those freeze ok raw,right? Any other recipes where I can freeze the meat raw would be greatly appreciated.
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post #2 of 9
7/25/09 at 10:57am
I would divide it out into 1lb portions and vacumn seal them
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post #3 of 9
7/25/09 at 12:45pm
If you're going to prepare items like meatloaf, don't make it thick. You need to make it flatter or smaller (individual pieces?) so it freezes and defrosts correctly. A frozen food that is too thick may remain frozen in the middle during cooking or may stay at a dangerous temperature while in the oven.

As for freezing meatballs raw, I wouldn't - personally. You can try a batch but it seems they would fall apart later. Because they tend to be small, it is safe to freeze them raw. I just don't think they would be very satisfying.

I agree with the above that I'd just divide it into 1 lb portions (again, make them flat so they defrost quickly) or individual hamburger patties and freeze it that way.
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post #4 of 9
7/25/09 at 1:00pm
I agree with everyone who is saying to freeze in 1 lb. portions and burgers. I do that (I make the 1 lb. paks flat, too. They freeze & defrost more quickly and fit better in my freezer).
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post #5 of 9
7/25/09 at 1:39pm
Hamburger lasts a really long time in the freezer. I always have at least 10 lbs (in 1 lb pks) in my freezer.
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post #6 of 9
7/25/09 at 1:57pm
I agree about breaking it up into small portions. I have a great recipe for freezer ready meatloaf. You just make 6 to 8 loafs instead of one and freeze them. Then when you take them out of the freezer you let thraw a little add sauce and bake them. I've done it a few times.
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post #7 of 9
7/26/09 at 12:22pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the advice, everyone! I usually divide it up in 1 lb packages, but thought I might try something different this time. I think I'll try making some mini meatloaves. Thanks again!
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post #8 of 9
7/26/09 at 12:53pm
I freeze raw meatballs and salisbury steaks all the time(and the meatloaves)

The meatballs are great to drop in the cp w/some sauce and have a day off.

you could also cook a few 1 lb batches and freeze then just thaw and mix w/sloppy joe mix and such.
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post #9 of 9
9/30/09 at 4:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mommy2mercedes View Post

I freeze raw meatballs and salisbury steaks all the time(and the meatloaves)

The meatballs are great to drop in the cp w/some sauce and have a day off.

you could also cook a few 1 lb batches and freeze then just thaw and mix w/sloppy joe mix and such.


I do the same thing with raw meatballs and salisbury steaks. I buy a bunch of ground beef on sale. Then I line cookie sheets with waxed paper and make tons of meatballs and salisbury steaks. I pop the cookie sheets in the freezer until everything is frozen. Then I transfer the items to zippered freezer bags. It makes it so easy to have dinner ready on busy nights!

I also make meatloaves and freeze them raw. Then I cook them from frozen. I just lower the temperature and extend the cooking time. It works out great when we have a night where the kids have an activity that ends right at dinner time. I just pop a frozen meatloat in the oven on time bake and head out the door. When I get home I just have to cook up some frozen veggies and dinner is ready! This has saved us tons of money on take out food!

My last idea is to make taco filling with some of the ground beef. It freezes beautifully and it is a dinner that my kids love! We thaw it out and eat it on taco salads or in tortillas and everybody is happy. Especially now that I can serve it with some of the homemade salsa that is in the freezer.
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