Have you ever found yourself needing ground beef for dinner, only to realize it’s still frozen solid? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! The good news is you can safely and easily cook ground beef straight from the freezer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods, helpful tips, and answer some common questions so you can get dinner on the table fast—no thawing required.
Contents
Can You Cook Ground Beef from Frozen?
Absolutely! Cooking ground beef from frozen is safe as long as you cook it thoroughly. The key is to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to kill any harmful bacteria. There are a few easy ways to do this, and we’ll cover the most popular ones below.
How to Cook Frozen Ground Beef on the Stovetop
This is the most common and convenient method. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove Packaging: Take the frozen ground beef out of its packaging. If it’s stuck, run it under cold water for a few seconds.
- Add to Pan: Place the frozen block of ground beef in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook and Flip: Let it cook for a couple of minutes until the outside starts to brown. Flip the block, scraping off cooked portions as they loosen.
- Break Apart: As the meat thaws and cooks, use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces.
- Continue Cooking: Keep stirring and breaking up the meat until it’s browned all over and no pink remains.
- Drain Excess Fat: If there’s a lot of grease, carefully drain it off before using the beef in your recipe.
This method usually takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on the size of your beef block.
How to Cook Frozen Ground Beef in an Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker
If you have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, you can cook frozen ground beef quickly and with minimal effort:
- Add Water: Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot.
- Insert Trivet: Place the metal trivet or rack inside.
- Add Beef: Put your frozen ground beef block on top of the trivet.
- Cook: Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 20–25 minutes (for a 1–2 pound block).
- Release Pressure: Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Break Up & Sauté: Remove the beef, break it apart, and sauté in the pot if you want to brown it further.
Cooking Frozen Ground Beef in the Oven
If you prefer using your oven, here’s how:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place Beef in Pan: Put the frozen ground beef in a baking dish or oven-safe pan.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for about 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Break up and stir as it thaws and cooks.
- Brown as Desired: Once cooked through, you can brown it under the broiler for a few extra minutes if you like.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Ground Beef
- Don’t Use a Slow Cooker: Cooking frozen ground beef in a slow cooker isn’t recommended, as it may not reach a safe temperature quickly enough.
- Add Seasonings Later: Wait until the beef is at least partially cooked before adding spices or sauces for best flavor distribution.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that your beef has reached at least 160°F (71°C) before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to cook ground beef from frozen?
Yes! As long as you cook it thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C), it’s perfectly safe.
How long does it take to cook frozen ground beef?
This depends on your method. On the stovetop, expect about 10–15 minutes. In an Instant Pot, around 20–25 minutes. In the oven, about 30–40 minutes.
Can I refreeze cooked ground beef?
If you’ve cooked your ground beef thoroughly, you can safely refreeze it for later use. Let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers or freezer bags.
What recipes can I make with cooked ground beef?
You can use cooked ground beef in tacos, spaghetti sauce, casseroles, chili, sloppy joes, and so much more!
The Bottom Line
No need to panic if you forgot to thaw your ground beef. Whether you use your stovetop, Instant Pot, or oven, cooking ground beef from frozen is easy and safe—as long as you follow these simple steps. Next time dinner plans change at the last minute, you’ll be ready!