Ready to use Ground Beef

By EdieK

Cook up a batch of ready to use ground beef and freeze it in family size portions. For quick meal ideas, thaw the seasoned meat and use it as suggested below, or create your own quick meal ideas.

Ingredients

• 3 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onions(2medium)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Details

Servings 8
Cooking time 30mins

Preparation

Step 1

In 5-quart Dutch oven or 12 inch skillet, cook ground beef, onions and garlic over medium-heat, stirring frequently, until beef is thoroughly cooked;drain.
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool 5 minutes.
Line 15X10X1 inch pan with foil. Spoon beef onto foil, breaking apart as necessary. Freeze about 1 hour, stirring 1 hour until firm.
Divide mixture into quart-sized resealable freezer plastic bags with about 2 cups in each. Seal bags; label. Freeze up to 2 months.

For Italian-flavoured ground beef mix, add 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning to each 2 cup portion. For Mexican flavour, use 2 packages of Old El Paso low sodium taco seasoning mix and omit salt & pepper. Label freezer bags accordingly.

Quick meal ideas:
Nachos:
Layer tortilla chips on microwave-safe plate. top chips with ground beef mix and shredded cheese. Microwave on Medium power 2-4 minutes or until cheese is melted, top with chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream and /or guacamole.

Chili:
In medium saucepan, stir together ground beef mix, undrained chili beans, canned diced tomatoes with chilies, and drained canned kidney beans. Heat thoroughly and top with shredded cheese.

Sloppy Sandwiches:
Combine ground beef mix and your favorite sloppy Joe sauce or equal parts of barbecue sauce and ketchup and heat through. Serve on onion buns or hamburger buns. Serve with pickle slices.

Home-style Hash:
Cook refrigerated or frozen hash brown potatoes, chopped bell pepper and chopped onion in a large skillet until potatoes are brown. Add ground beef mix. Heat thoroughly.