Change your mind about using that thawed package of ground beef?
Find out if it can be refrozen.
The last thing you want is to throw out a perfectly good protein.
Photo: Adobe Stock / Coprid
So, can you refreeze thawed ground beef?
Read on to find out.
Plus, learn how to freeze ground beef properly.
Can You Refreeze Ground Beef?
Short answer: Yes and no.
Long answer: you could refreeze ground beef,but it depends on how it was thawed.
Ground beef that has been thawed in the fridgeis safe to refreeze as is.
The raw meat should be refrozen within two days of it being thawed.
Be sure to label and date the package so you’re able to keep track of the contents.
If you’ve already opened the package, place the ground beef in an airtight, freezer-safe bag.
Cook ground beef to a temperature of 160F.
Similarly, ground beef that has been thawed in cold water alsomust be cooked first before it is refrozen.
Fully cooking the meat will thoroughly kill any bacteria likeE.
Once the meat has been fully cooked, it can be refrozen.
Transfer the cooked meat to an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag, and label and date before freezing.
Plan to use the meat withintwo to three monthsfor the best quality.
