Skip to Content
Menu

Make-Ahead Ground Beef

  • Save Recipe
  • Prep 30 min
  • Total 30 min
  • Servings 16
  • Save
  • Print
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Email
Ready to Make?
  • Save
  • Shop
  • Share
  • Keep Screen On
Plan ahead and stock your freezer with a big batch of this make-ahead ground beef. It freezes like a dream and can be used as a time-saving shortcut in your favorite beef recipes—from chili to shepherd’s pie and a whole lot more. Make it easy on yourself and freeze in meal-sized portions of 2-cups, which is the equivalent to 1 pound of cooked ground beef. Once you master this recipe, you’ll always have a backup dinner plan that doesn’t involve calling for take-out. Here’s how to do it!
Updated Mar 23, 2020
  • Save
  • Shop
  • Share
  • Keep Screen On

Ingredients

  • 3 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped onions (2 medium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps

  • 1
    In a 12-inch skillet, cook beef, onions and garlic over medium-high heat, stirring frequently; drain. Reduce heat, cook 5 more minutes. Cool for 5 minutes.
  • 2
    Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil and spoon beef onto foil.
  • 3
    Break beef apart as necessary, ensuring that it’s spread evenly on the pan.
  • 4
    Freeze about 1 hour, stirring once, until firm.
  • 5
    Divide mixture into quart-sized resealable freezer plastic bags or containers with about 2 cups in each. Label and freeze up to 2 months.

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens

  • tip 1
    For Italian-flavored ground beef mix, add 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning to each 2-cup portion of the mix, and stir to combine. Label the package "Italian" and add a "use by" date 2 months from the packaging date.
  • tip 2
    Now that you’re stocked, put that beef to work in one of these fan-favorite recipes. We highly recommend Slow-Cooker Family Favorite Chili, Creamy Ground Beef and Noodle Casserole and Impossibly Easy Cheeseburger Pie has been pleasing families for generations now!
  • tip 3
    Some of our favorite dinners start with ground beef—it’s easy, family-pleasing and budget-friendly. Don’t hesitate, pick up a pound or two and make one of Our Greatest Ground Beef Recipes of All Time.
  • tip 4
    Kick your meal-prep up a notch with this Make-Ahead Mexican Ground Beef. It’s everything you love about the classic recipe but with a Tex-Mex twist. Next time your family requests impromptu tacos, you won’t even have to think twice!

Nutrition

150 Calories, 10g Total Fat, 15g Protein, 1g Total Carbohydrate, 0g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
150
Calories from Fat
90
Total Fat
10g
15%
Saturated Fat
3 1/2g
18%
Trans Fat
1/2g
Cholesterol
55mg
18%
Sodium
260mg
11%
Potassium
180mg
5%
Total Carbohydrate
1g
0%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Sugars
0g
Protein
15g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
0%
0%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
0%
0%
Iron
8%
8%
Exchanges:
0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 0 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
0
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
© 2024 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved