Streamline Dinner Prep: The Power of Precooked Ground Beef or Turkey

One of the simplest ways to streamline meal prep and make dinner time less stressful is to keep a supply of precooked, 1-pound portions of ground beef or ground turkey in your freezer.

How often have you started preparing dinner, only to realize that the frozen block of raw ground beef is going to need time to thaw and cook before you can even begin your recipe? It’s a common frustration.

But imagine opening your freezer to find a quart-sized bag of precooked ground beef. Instead of dreading the thawing and cooking process, you can simply pop it in the microwave for a quick defrost and then toss it into your dish of choice—whether it’s soup, tacos, pasta sauce, or a casserole. Dinner is ready in minutes!

The Easiest Way to Cook Ground Beef in Bulk: Steaming

While many people cook ground beef in a skillet, I prefer steaming it when I’m cooking in bulk. It’s efficient, requires little attention, and helps drain off the fat, making it a healthier option. Plus, it’s a great way to prepare large amounts of meat without all the grease. I use a spaghetti pot, which allows for up to 10 pounds of ground beef at one time.

Here’s how I do it:

1. Set up the Steamer: Pour about an inch of water into the base of your steamer or large pasta pot. Place the pasta basket inside and fill it with 5-10 pounds of ground beef or turkey.
2. Steam the Meat: Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. The steam will cook the meat in the basket, keeping it tender and lean.
3. Stir Occasionally: Stir the meat every few minutes with a wooden or metal spoon to break it up into smaller crumbles. The more you stir, the finer the ground beef will become. Continue cooking until the meat is no longer pink.
4. Drain the Fat: The fat will drain down into the boiling water, so you won’t need to worry about draining the meat afterward. It’s ready to use once it’s fully cooked. Just pull the steamer pot up, letting it drain. 
5. Cook and bag: Once the meat is cooked, let it cool. Then, scoop it into quart-sized freezer bags in 1-pound portions. (A heaping 2-cup measuring cup equals about 1 pound of cooked meat.) Label each bag and freeze for easy use in your future meals.

Meal Prep in Real-Time: Multitask for Maximum Efficiency

To make the process even easier, I schedule my freezer refill on a day when I’m already planning a simple dinner that uses ground beef. For example, if I’m making chili or tacos, I’ll steam the meat while I prepare the rest of the meal. That way, when the meat is done steaming, I can add it directly to what I’m making.

While we’re enjoying dinner, the rest of the cooked ground beef is cooling on the counter. After the meal, I scoop, seal, and freeze the meat. It usually takes no more than 10 minutes, and I’m set for another month of quick, easy dinners!

What to Make with Precooked Ground Beef

Once you have your precooked ground beef or turkey stocked up, you’ll find yourself reaching for it for a variety of meals. Some of my go-to dishes include:

• Soups & Stews
• Spaghetti Sauce & Lasagna
• Taco Salad (or any green salad with cooked ground beef)
• Casseroles
• Tacos, Chili, or Sloppy Joes
• Stir-Fries or Bowls

The possibilities are endless, and having pre cooked ground meat on hand makes meal prep a breeze. You’ll never have to worry about thawing and cooking meat last minute again!

Enjoy!

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