Ground beef is a super versatile and inexpensive meat that can be used to create delicious meals the entire family will love. It’s also a convenient ingredient to keep in your freezer for an easy dinner. But the question is: can you cook frozen ground beef without thawing it? In this post, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about cooking with frozen ground beef.

Table of Contents

The Best Way to Freeze Ground Beef

If you’ve picked up fresh ground beef at the grocery store, leave it in its original packaging, label it with the date and weight, and place it in your freezer. If the packages are large, you can use freezer bags to create smaller portions. Be sure to remove the excess air, and label the bags with the weight and date.

Can You Cook Frozen Ground Beef without Thawing it?

If you’ve just realized you forgot to take the ground beef out of the freezer, there are methods to cook it even if it’s frozen.

Can You Cook Frozen Ground Beef on the Stovetop?

This method will take some time but it can be done using a skillet and a bit of water.

Can You Cook Frozen Ground Beef in an Instant Pot?

Known for its convenience, the Instant Pot is considered the best and quickest way to cook frozen ground beef.

Can You Cook Frozen Ground Beef in the Microwave?

While you shouldn’t cook frozen ground beef in the microwave, it can be used to thaw it instead. You’ll need to cook it for about 3 minutes per pound of ground beef at medium power.

Can You Cook Frozen Ground Beef in an Air Fryer?

You might be surprised about this one but an Air Fryer works well. Because of the smaller size of the basket, this option is best used with frozen beef patties.

How to Defrost Frozen Ground Beef Fast?

The best way to thaw frozen ground beef is in the fridge overnight. But when you’re pressed for time, the microwave can be used to defrost ground beef. For best results try to break the frozen meat into smaller chunks, which will allow it to deforest more evenly and quickly. Go ahead and use the pre-programmed defrost button, and be sure to adjust the timing based on the weight of the beef. The sous vide method is another option to defrost ground beef.

Do I Have to Defrost Frozen Ground Beef Before Cooking?

Most recipes require the beef to be completely defrosted before cooking, as raw meat has to be thawed safely to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. But it is ok to cook frozen ground beef without thawing it by using an Instant Pot or on the stove as mentioned above.

How to Cook Frozen Ground Beef in an Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot is a convenient option to cook frozen ground beef, especially on busy weeknights. Add a cup of water to the Instant Pot and assemble the trivet or steamer insert. Add the frozen beef, close the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes. Allow an additional 5 minutes for the pressure to release naturally. If the meat is not fully cooked, discard the liquid from the pot and wipe the pot clean. Add some oil and use the sauté function to cook the beef until browned.

Ground Beef Recipes

Print Pin

How to Cook Frozen Ground Beef

Keyword Can You Cook Frozen Ground Beef

Servings

Ingredients

1 lb frozen ground beef
1 cup water
Oil

Instructions

Add water to the Instant Pot and assemble the trivet or steamer insert.
Add the frozen beef, close the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes.
Allow an additional 5 minutes for the pressure to release naturally. If the meat is not fully cooked, discard the liquid from the pot and wipe the pot clean.
Add some oil and use the sauté function to cook the beef until browned.