Skip to Content
Menu

Make-Ahead Ground Beef

  • Save
  • Pin
  • Print
  • Share
  • Jump to Recipe
Betty Crocker Kitchens
Updated Mar 23, 2020
  • Save
  • Pin
  • Print
  • Share
  • Jump to Recipe
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!

Make-Ahead Ground Beef

  • Prep Time 30 min
  • Total 30 min
  • Servings 16
  • Ingredients 5
  • Save
  • Pin
  • Print
  • 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

Instructions

  • Step 
    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.
  • Step 
    2
    Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil and spoon beef onto foil.
  • Step 
    3
    Break beef apart as necessary, ensuring that it’s spread evenly on the pan.
  • Step 
    4
    Freeze about 1 hour, stirring once, until firm.
  • Step 
    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.

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.

Recipe Tips

© 2026 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved

Reviews & Questions Section