We Tried 7 Mind-Blowing Ground Beef Hacks | Fastest Way to Thaw Ground Beef and More Hacks

[@myrecipes]

Thanks for watching! For more on ground beef hacks, check out this article: www.myrecipes.com/community/7-ground-beef-hacks-with-nicole

[@applepie4462]

Nicole, You make these videos fun to watch! I just love your personality!

[@felixvega5890]

Ground beef being the most commonly used type of meat for burgers, tacos, burritos, etc., knowing these hacks is very helpful. You’re a rock star Nicole! Thank you!👌

[@joejeanneturner6143]

Apple Pie baked egg

[@joejeanneturner6143]

Baked eggplant

[@notmyname559]

I thaw the tube cut 1 seal off and poke a hole in the other side and it slides right out

[@LavndrBlu2]

I freeze my ground beef in ziplock bags in pound and half-pound quanties. Flatten and freeze. Take out of the freezer, put bag under water for about 10 minutes and it's thawed..ready to use. No fuss, no mess. Water doesn't need to be hot.

[@myrecipes]

Great tip!

[@kateslippers8289]

Me too.

[@coffeebean41]

Same! I buy in bulk (I have kids that "shop at moms") so I store them flat in Ip bags and store in the freezer in stacks. Just take out what I need. Total space saver. I've cooked hamburger from frozen many times and it thaws easier.

[@joytoyouandme4593]

I am making an effort to decrease my use of plastic bags. My meat is divided into reusable containers and frozen. I am very good at remembering to take the meat out the night before and allowing to thaw in the fridge.

[@katydidiy]

@@joytoyouandme4593 works only if it's "cat proof"...ask me how I know this😎

[@mum2jka]

instead of mushrooms, add lentils (red will mush to virtually nothing, brown will look like ground beef and takes on the taste of the ground beef). They're full of protein, last a long time in your cupboard, are cheap, and very filling.

[@0Mayweed0]

I was also going to suggest this

[@The.Branch.Ranch5]

Canned or dry lentils?

[@mum2jka]

@@The.Branch.Ranch5 I always use dried (never tried canned). I just give them a quick rinse to get any sandy bits off and to look for tiny pebbles (only ever found one once a long time ago) and then dump them straight into anything I'm cooking with ground beef as long as there is an hour or so of cooking time. If not, I just cook the lentils first, then add. And if you've got fussy kids, the red are the best because they virtually disappear to nothing. :)

[@joytoyouandme4593]

Great tip. I am going to try this when making my dogs food. I often mix meat with veggies for him, why not add some lentils?

[@tammysummerfield183]

Oooo great idea. I...will....use!!!! I always try to put vegies etc in my husbands dinner since he doesn’t like “green “ vegies” or heaven forbid, healthy food. Lol

[@barbg6494]

When my beef isn't thawed and I want to use it for something like chili, I just saute it some, flip it, scrape off what I can and allow it to cook as I repeat the process until it's all crumbles. Proceed to cook completely.

[@cynthiastauffer8012]

The fork trick is awesome! OMG 😲 the foil in the drain is brilliant!!

[@terrim9900]

Combine the fork and foil😲

[@Tess1984]

I live on septic ... And you should never put any grease, oils, etc. down the drain. The foil in the drain is a super idea !! Thanx

[@candycorn9976]

YES!!!

[@conniedoan6917]

I put a few layers of paper towels on a plate , and set my strainer on top. You don't have to wait until it solidifies , since it absorbs into the paper towels. It also cools off much more quickly. Also , it frees up your sink while cooking. Then just take the paper towels , wad them up , and put into a bag and pitch. I also do this with liquid leftovers that have gone bad , and stink. Place the paper towels in a used zip lock storage bag , pour liquid inside and seal.....pitch. No mess! Also , paper towels are cheaper than alluminum foil. 👍

[@chrissylibertyk9]

The foil in the drain is the best yet

[@amandadowell3191]

Well that idea for freezing hamburger patties was awesome!! I will be doing that from now on too!! Thanks🤪. I about fell in the floor when you said winner winner beefs for dinner. Love your channel. Not sure how I landed on it but I am glad that it happened.🤣😂🤪🤣😂

[@marshakirby9978]

I’ll be buying those reduced priced packages of fresh mushrooms from now on. I had no idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@fmih]

I liked the hack with the foil in the sink to drain the fat. I am going to try that next time I cook ground beef.

[@lisachapman6492]

I like the idea of the mushrooms with the ground beef. I imagine it make the beef taste beefier.

[@susanfudge1737]

I didn't realize it would be cost efficient. I have always added shrooms and other items for more nutrition.

[@pamwebb6606]

Mind blown with burger freezing hack!!!ty

[@myrecipes]

You're welcome!

[@diannemaloney5501]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the draining with a fork hack. That will be a lifesaver for me.

[@makeapositivedifference]

I pour grease onto paper towels and reuse it as fire starters for my backyard fire pit. Waste not, want not.

[@nomadtravelphotos]

The fork!! Draining into the foil!! OMG - life (in the kitchen) changing! Like the portioning too.

[@loissouthard5619]

You had a lot of good tips. I especially like the mushrooms in the ground beef.Also freezing ground beef into square sections is a great idea.

[@myrecipes]

Thanks for the comment!

[@ladyk3050]

Love this and I tried your hack with the fork to drain the ground beef it is my go to now I have tried it for the first time today

[@MMM-vv7ov]

Drain your ground beef fat into a cup, then when it cools...pour into a #5 yogurt container. The container can’t be recycled in most towns. Now it’s been used twice and no foil is wasted.

[@karenowens510]

I am 76 old and absolutely love you and your tips!!! It is hard at this age to change BUT you inspire me. My thanks to you 👳😉

[@annette2687]

The foil in the sink hack is awesome!!! 👍😎❤️️

[@CJ-tx5hg]

I love your videos because they are always right to the point. Well demonstrated and edited! Great job!

[@myrecipes]

Glad you like them!

[@theresalee9392]

Oh, one more thing...I also think the foil in the sink is fantastic!!! Oh my goodness!!! Sooo much easier than other methods.No fats down the drain, or coffee grounds for that matter😉Thanks again, very nice video.

[@kyokocasey4695]

LOL! I LOVE the bloopers at the end! I was taught, to freeze ground beef in Ziploc bags a pound at a time, flattened out the way you showed. However, instead of the instant pot, you place the frozen meat into a large skillet w/a small amount of water to keep it from sticking to the bottom. Then, place it on the burner, med-high heat w/the lid on. After a few minutes, (this WILL sound gross), but remove the lid, scrape the semi-cooked meat off the frozen brick chopping it up into little pieces. Carefully, turn the frozen meat brick over, & repeat the scraping & chopping. Return the lid. Keep doing this until ALL the ground beef is cooked. Next, drain your meat, return it to the pan, & season as desired. If using meat for CheeseburgerMac, start water boiling for noodles at the same time as the meat, & they should both finish at the same time.

[@fadedglory1045]

This has always been my method. Old school huh lol

[@kyokocasey4695]

@Faded Glory, I learned this method as a teenager in the 80s. Had to help cook for our entire family. (of 16) & if we forgot to pull out meat for dinner, we were sure to hear about it! LOL!

[@KAM66300]

When the mince (or meat) is in a vacuum sealed bag just put warm water in the sink and place the package in the water. It defrosts very quickly.

[@dianethequilter]

Just found your videos. Love your approach. Easy to follow directions. I even made a playlist just for your tips and recipes. One tip. After I cook my ground beef on the stove top and it's drained, I put it in the food processor and pulse until it is the consistency I like. This method is great for tacos.

[@sherryfalgoust9405]

Love the deal with foil keeping it from clogging up your sink really smart thinking

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋dear, how are you doing?

[@debio1135]

For those with a microwave... I have found when thawing 1 lb hamburger... 1 minute, then wait about a minute for it to sort of firm up again from what's still frozen... flip it on the plate you put it on, then microwave 1 more minute. Voila, thawed meat with very little cooked parts.

[@ebmoore9192]

Wow girl, this is one of the best cooking hacks videos I have seen. I will certainly be using some of them. Really liked the biscuit video as well . Of course will be caking out your other clever ideas. Tanks 👏👏👏👏👏🌹

[@tinadiggs7456]

Thank you for all these smart and wise ideas for ground beef!!! TFS!!!

[@myrecipes]

You are so welcome!

[@deniserivera6157]

Love the burger hack with the zip lock. Will try most of these. Thank you.

[@thenerdleys100]

I loved your little commentary about the instant pot and when you first poked it :P "I'm glad i got that on camera" LOL love it! I hit the subscribe!

[@elsemorris906]

OMG - you have just changed my life. These are wonderful ideas.

[@myrecipes]

Glad you like them!

[@joycegreene5589]

Mine too.! I am always looking for shortcuts in the kitchen. Thanks a lot.!!!

[@letyp.9950]

In Mexico we call the potato masher the bean masher.. 😂😂

[@jerrythomas608]

Arriba la raza

[@mattiewoods2755]

😊😊😊😊​@@jerrythomas608

[@51Saffron]

I love mushrooms, I eat them raw, andd they have tons of flavor. I have always used a potato masher Love your videos, straight to the point.

[@neddevine4681]

Used to work at a breakfast place and we used the potato masher for crumbled sausage

[@tammypoppino1657]

Enjoyed both your presentation and the tips, especially the way to save freezer bags and freezer space.

[@WeAreStrongwithJesus]

Love the foil in the sink hack. I froze my avocados 🥑 in a ziplock bag and used my hand like you did here to predetermine size and quantity when taking out of freezer for 1 or more smoothies. That’s another item that is hard to break into portions once frozen! Cool video. Thanks for the ideas.

[@amuula99]

Yay so awesome easy ways to make meals and especially when I’m always cooking with ground beef 💚 thanks so much stay blessed always 🍁🍂

[@debiterry1940]

Great ideas, especially sectioning the grd. beef and freeze. I'm alone so it's a very good idea. Thanks❤️🙏😃

[@myrecipes]

You are so welcome!

[@tanzanite8908]

Another great way to extend your browned ground beef is to add a can of retried beans.

[@a.a.3555]

That is so good that way too!

[@frankiebutler2894]

A grated carrot & grated onion are also good. I use I cup grated carrot to 1 pound meat.

[@ruthvolk8340]

Great ideas!! Thanks for sharing.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello👋dear, how are you doing?

[@Lynnie501]

Potato masher is a great idea, I have been doing that for years! I also like the mushroom addition to ground beef, a great idea!

[@myrecipes]

Thanks for watching!

[@ejhickey]

Thumbs up on everything but the instapot hack. The draining hack was brilliant.

[@carolp8243]

I'm so glad I found your channel. You have many great hacks. Thank you.

[@pennyvecchio6239]

Freezing in portions is a great idea, love your hacks, thank you.

[@marilynb8136]

Thank you for all of the super practical ideas!!! I'm going to use all of them!!!

[@Mimichellee]

Excellent hacks I've never thought of any of them

[@tracydiller9378]

Just Subscribed to your channel.I am a single man and and the tips you give is a big help.Thank you so much and keep them tips coming have a Blessed Day.

[@myrecipes]

Welcome! Thanks for the sub!

[@pamelaprescott6408]

Thanks so much great ideas .I use the one of flattening hamburger in bag so much easier. Loved your fork idea for draining awesome. For people who use Tube hamburger use the ends of the tube to drain the grease from hamburger.❤

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋dear, how are you doing?

[@callen5713]

The fork hack is the bomb

[@folkhero2046]

I love the fast forward feature where you know what you're scrolling to. Thanks!

[@janeayers6628]

I just found your site and I’m learning all of your hacks! Thank you from this old gal❤️

[@myrecipes]

So glad!

[@mariebibeau1699]

Love your ideas. I brown all my ground beef / onions, etc. then portion it out for different amounts I'll need.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello👋 dear, how are you doing?

[@19THESIS69]

FANTASTIC! 👍

[@whateverwithceecee48]

I enjoy watching I'm new to your channel and I'm learning new things that's so cool thank you

[@msladykathryn313]

Another hack is to cook your hamburger into crumbles and then freeze it. Cook at once and then just take out what you need defrosted and there you go

[@myrecipes]

Nice tip

[@msladykathryn313]

MyRecipes Thank you

[@ms.krueger2660]

I cook hamburger meat and chicken for casseroles or dumplings ahead and freeze. Saves time. 🤗👍🏼

[@jhenniceamorrow5936]

@@ms.krueger2660 I often cook the meat and add basics like onions, peppers, then freeze.

[@debio1135]

Just a note on the flat portioned pieces of ground meat... it also freezes much quicker than the rolls or big packages do.

[@cjw2661]

After straining the grease off the burger, I mix the grease into my dogs food. They LOVE IT !!! Helps with their dry skin and helps make their coat shiny ! Yes, I asked my Vet. Yes, he said it was ok. As long as it's NOT all the time.

[@joycegreene5589]

Gives my pup the poops. But he would eat beef grease if I would give it to him, and think he had died and gone to heaven!!! 😂😂😂😂

[@numbernine3436]

Me too!

[@cjw2661]

@@joycegreene5589 awww poor baby. How old is he ? If he is still a pup you start off with just a tablespoon. Or you could try a little bit of olive oil or coconut oil. About a tablespoon start with

[@Tess1984]

CJw... I agree 💯% .. Very much a nice treat for your dogs...

[@un2ctdawmain267]

I liked the slider burger hack the most and the fork for draining. Most of the ideas were great. 👍

[@valerieschluger]

Love to use the pie pan for roasting too. Wonderful cookware . 😀

[@dorimoore3617]

I drain burger by folding up clean paper towels and letting them absorb the grease straight out of the pan... No pouring, too hard for my hands. It works! Put them on a paper plate til they cool, then toss the whole mess in a plastic grocery bag and dispose😊

[@navymom8398]

I do this too, but a turned over lid works well also to cool & toss

[@owatagi]

I think she is the coolest person alive. Great recipe tips too.

[@myrecipes]

Wow, thank you!

[@marinalida]

You are simply awesome! Thanks for sharing this

[@darthbenevolent1733]

Great video! My Dad showed me how to use the potato masher as a kid... I'm 52 now. 😉😁

[@maryk6384]

When i thaw in n the IP I go ahead and season my beef on the top of it... I like your hacks. Thanks!

[@ruthiler4151]

I use my pastry blends for ground beef. It work awesome

[@Joizefnf]

For the frozen ground beef tube hack. The reason you had a little difficulty....suction. Pop a hole next to the metal clamps on each end. Voila.....the halves slide off with ease.

[@jimwolf264]

Good ground beef hacks. Always, yes Always enjoy your videos and great sense of humor. Thanks!

[@tammysummerfield183]

With straining the beef, I put the used grease into an old coffee container. (We use Maxwell House coffee and the blue heavy plastic container is great for used grease (cooled))

[@elainecrise1999]

Thank you for sharing!! Great tips!!

[@myrecipes]

You are so welcome!

[@jefff6167]

I really enjoy your voice and you clever sense of humor. 👍🇺🇸

[@chelsabailey1018]

Great ground beef hacks!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@leslielloyd7939]

WOW! Im’ new to this channel but it’s great. I will for sure visit it again SOON!

[@janetscarfe4798]

Just seen this. I make alot of beef mince (ground beef to you) and the fork draining/foil draining are brilliant and the making into burger portions was so useful as I am elderly and sometimes just need a couple of small amounts. So thank you x

[@theresalee9392]

😃Very good! I can relate to all of this! Thank you!

[@sassytoonsball-ruck58]

You are my new favorite utube kitchen/cooking help

[@karensims9566]

Love the hamburger frozen idea I live by myself and it s great idea for me for hamburger or spaghetti 🍝😋

[@mckenziepickett188]

Such great tips for me as a beginner cook! Honestly, stirring/pressing with a metal spoon did the trick for me when I fixed taco meat for the first time. I was concerned because I thought it crumbled up too much ,but I guess that's ideal for meals like taco salad. Now, I have more tips for the next time I fix brown beef. Thanks so much!

[@Mona.555]

Just an FYI, for those defrosting or cooking in plastic, I don’t cook or defrost ANYTHING in plastic. Even if the container says Microwave Safe. Especially since I saw a show explaining how a microwave actually works. When you select a lower Power, it doesn’t cook at a lower power. It’s always at the same Power Level, 100%. If you select 80%, it’s On more than when you enter 40%. If you listen, you will hear the microwave turn off and on.

[@lastgameplay]

I LIKE that square hand freezer method!

[@patriciaburch6471]

Love the foil in sink idea

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 Patricia, how are you doing?

[@hannabanana592]

I tried the instapot method but only did 5 minutes on high pressure with natural release and it did a great job defrosting a block of frozen ground beef without rubbery parts. I added my seasonings and dried onion to it and and it smelled great while cooking/releasing too.

[@wandaclapper724]

I do that one with the foil all the time, my husband loves that he says it makes getting rid of the grease really easy. I learned how to do that a long time ago and it really does work. I separate mine into perfect portions in the package I buy it in and just wrap it again in freezer bags or foil.

[@outandabout1767]

The tin foil and sink hack is AWESOME! I pour in a bowl to solidify then wipe out into the trash but definitely going to try this instead. Thanks for these.

[@sandrasealy7411]

Awesome 🤩🤩🤩

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 Sandra, how are you doing?

[@lenalyles2712]

I have fried it hile frozen. Just turn over frequently, low burner, and tight lid. I only do this when making something like chili, spaghetti sauce or a casserole.

[@joytoyouandme4593]

Indeed, I cook frozen meet for these items all the time. Anything that requires crumbled beef or sausage can be done this way.

[@terrim9900]

Medium heat in frying pan flip and crumble and scrape...so you cook it as it thaws or if frozen into premade burgers, just ninja grill it up or broil in oven Defrost button on micro is perfect if you have it and it does meat by the pound.

[@cinza766]

LOCE. LOVE. LOVE freezer storing Awesome I will be doing this. Thanks for sharing♥️🧡❤️💚💙🖤💜💛🤎

[@chefbetsy7680]

Put the foil in the drain, also covering more of the sink and then you can peel apples, potatoes, carrots anything you peel and when you're done just pick up two corners and bring them into meet in the middle. Do the same for the other two corners pick it up fold the ends a bit and toss or better yet start a compost pile thank makes rich soil for planting flowers.

[@angelous7774]

Great recipes I have not use ground beef in years, instead ground turkey, you can also discard oils from meat in a glass jar of used pasta sauce it resist hot oils, once is cold cover it with lid keep using til full then take it with other oils to the proper recycling process.

[@Lit1jess3342]

Cool, I like the fork one cool. I'll try that one. Ty hagd

[@joanwalford1959]

Love these hacks.

[@juliebergacker5680]

Good to know! Thanks for sharing👍💕

[@viningx21]

Thank you for all your great ideas. You’re fun to watch so you make it easy to learn!🤗💕

[@TheSuzette1]

I wasnt impressed by the slicing the tube of hamburger frozen but I found a lot that I will be trying. Thanks.

[@mkllove]

With the beef in tube form, you can cut defrosted meat with plain dental floss, wrapped around once and pulled tight it will cut off a cleaner patty shape than with the knife.

[@elizabethjohnston8193]

When I have frozen ground beef, I put it in the skillet, with a small bit of water. Put the lid on and put it on low. Check it often to break it up and flip it. I got that hack from my hubby

[@stuartmorris7699]

I like this video...I will do some of them when I need to...Good job...1st time watching you...I will watch you more...

[@guitardzan5641]

Another handy hack......To evacuate the air from your sandwich bag, slowly submerge it in water with the open top above water, seal it...... I've been cooking for myself for most of 50 years....I never heard of these really useful tips...... *THANKS!*

[@songbirdnls]

If you have a Sous Vide defrost your meat right in the package at 100 degrees (110 if I’m in a rush). Note, that’s just the temperature of a hot day outside, so you don’t have to worry about the chemicals in the plastic. If you don’t have a sous vide, any pot of water on a “less than a simmer” setting on the stovetop, again keep meat in the plastic. You can also use hot tap water, but you’ll have to refresh it several times. I hardly ever defrost any meat in the fridge. I get the meat out of the freezer and defrost it in hot water while I do the prep work.

[@katydidiy]

I warm leftover steak that way😎

[@MichelleCworkfromhome]

Loved your video and bloopers ❤️♥️😄

[@kimpy1971]

Love the foil hack!!!! Will do that.

[@Theartloyalist]

I love your videos! I always learn something new

[@MzAngie]

Just subscribed to your channel today! You have some amazing content 👍🏾

[@cnoles5641]

Great hacks! Thank you! 2 things I do is cook the ground beef in a crock pot. It makes it very tender and I just use the potato masher a couple times while its cooking. Freeze it in portions. Another hacks is draining off grease, put in a colander and running hot water over it to get extra grease out. I do squirt some dawn down the sink first but its usually not much grease after draining it first.