Freezer cooking is when you prepare several meals – even a month’s worth – at one time. Cooking in advance and freezing the meal for reheating later can save time, especially for a busy mom. The majority of meals that are safe for the freezer call for cooked ground beef. The normal method of browning ground beef in a skillet is very time-consuming, especially when you are looking at cooking several pounds of ground beef at one time. Therefore, you can save time by cooking the ground beef in water.
Stovetop Method
Step 1.
Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stove.
Step 2.
Turn the stove on “Medium-High.”
Step 3.
Crumble the ground beef into the pot of water, and break up any large clumps.
Step 4.
Allow the pot of water and meat to boil. Stir the meat occasionally to help the meat cook evenly.
Step 5.
Check the meat often. When the meat is brown, it is done.
Step 6.
Drain the cooked ground beef using a strainer and dispose of the water and grease. Season to taste.
Step 7.
Store the cooked ground beef in storage bags for freezing, or use immediately in a recipe.
Crockpot Method
Step 1.
Turn your crockpot on low.
Step 2.
Add your ground beef to the crockpot.
Step 3.
Pour one cup of water over the beef.
Step 4.
Place the lid on the top of the crockpot. Check to ensure the lid is secure and fits well; otherwise the heat will escape and the meat will take longer to cook.
Step 5.
Cook for six to eight hours. Drain the water from the browned meat, and season it to taste. Use the meat in a recipe or freeze it by storing in freezer bags.
Things You Will Need
Large stockpot
Water
Ground Beef
Crockpot
Storage Bags
Seasonings
Writer Bio
Tocarra McBride began her professional writing career in 2000 when she began working for her local newspaper, the "Times Daily." Since then, she has written for various fitness and lifestyle websites and been promoted to managing editor at the "Times Daily." McBride holds a Master of Science in nursing as well as a Master of Science in nutrition.