Cooking frozen ground beef might seem like a challenge but with the right techniques, you don’t have to sacrifice taste or texture. Even if you forgot to take the ground beef out of the freezer in time. We’ve all been there! Whether you’re using a stovetop or an Instant Pot, this guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to cook frozen ground beef to perfection, without the need to wait around while it thaws.
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Can I cook frozen ground beef without thawing it first?
Yes, you can definitely cook frozen ground beef without thawing it first. Both the stovetop and Instant Pot methods we’re about to talk about are designed to cook frozen ground beef directly. Thawing is not necessary. Skipping the thawing step can save you loads of time. Plus it means you can cook dinner without worry even if you’ve got home late or forgot to defrost the mince.
Why Cook Frozen Ground Beef?

Frozen ground beef is not only convenient but also versatile and affordable. It’s a kitchen staple that can save you time on busy days and is perfect for last-minute meal preparations. Whether you’re making tacos, pasta sauce, chili, or any other dish that calls for ground beef, knowing how to cook it straight from the freezer can be a game-changer.
Plus, we love that it helps to limit food waste, because you can leave the ground beef frozen until you need to cook it, so it won’t spoil.
So, how do you cook frozen ground beef? Here are two methods; stovetop and Instant Pot. Let’s get into it!
Stovetop Method
Cooking frozen ground beef on the stovetop is a straightforward process that can still give delicious results. You don’t need to worry that cooking mince straight from frozen will leave your dinner bland and mushy.
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked meal:
1. Preparation

Start by removing the frozen ground beef from its packaging. Place the frozen block on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to carefully cut it into smaller chunks. This will help speed up the cooking process and ensure even cooking.
2. Pan and Heat

Choose a skillet or frying pan with a flat bottom and add a small amount of oil. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
3. Sautéing

Once the oil is hot, add the chunks of frozen ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break up the beef into smaller pieces as it starts to thaw and cook. Continue stirring occasionally to stop the meat sticking and help it cook evenly.
4. Cooking Time

The cooking time will vary based on the size of the meat chunks. On average, it will take about 10-15 minutes to fully cook the ground beef. Use a meat thermometer to be safe. Ground beef needs to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
5. Seasoning

As the beef cooks, you can season it with your preferred spices and herbs to enhance the flavor. Be sure to add any liquid-based seasonings like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce early in the cooking process so they have time to evaporate.
6. Draining Excess Fat
Ground beef tends to release fat as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked, you can use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb excess fat from the dish.
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Instant Pot Method
The Instant Pot offers a quicker way to cook frozen ground beef without sacrificing flavor. If you have one of these kitchen gadgets, you might want to give this method a try!
Here’s how to do it:
1. Sauté Mode

Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” mode. Add a small amount of oil to the pot and allow it to heat up.
2. Adding Beef

Cut the frozen ground beef into smaller chunks as you would for the stovetop method. Add the beef chunks to the Instant Pot once the oil is hot.
3. Sautéing Process

Stir the beef occasionally as it cooks in the Instant Pot. The sautéing process will help break up the chunks and promote even thawing.
4. Seasoning

As the beef begins to thaw, add your desired seasonings to the pot. Remember that flavors can become more concentrated in a pressure cooker, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.
5. Pressure Cooking
Once the beef is no longer frozen and has broken apart, switch off the “Sauté” mode. Add a small amount of liquid to the pot, such as broth or water, to create steam. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual pressure cooking mode for 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of the meat chunks.
6. Release and Serve
After the pressure cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick pressure release. Once the pressure valve drops, carefully open the lid. Use a fork or spatula to break up any remaining chunks of beef. Your perfectly cooked frozen ground beef is ready to be served!
Here are some Instant Pot Ground beef recipes you can try:
- Instant Pot Ground Beef Chili
- Instant Pot Ground Beef Pasta
- Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef and Noodles
- Instant Pot Ground Beef Tacos
How to know if the meat is cooked through?
To ensure that the ground beef is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The safe internal temperature for ground beef is 160°F (71°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading. If the temperature has reached 160°F, the meat is safe to eat.
Storing and Reheating Frozen Ground Beef

Cooking your food in advance can be part of your meal planning for the week.
After cooking frozen ground beef, allow it to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Label the container with the date and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw the frozen cooked ground beef in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it on the stovetop or microwave until it’s heated through.
To reheat frozen cooked ground beef, follow these steps:
- Thaw the frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight.
- For stovetop reheating: Place the thawed meat in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the meat is heated through.
- For microwave reheating: Transfer the thawed meat to a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until the meat is heated to your desired temperature.
Here are some quick meal recipes you can do with your precooked ground beef:
- Easy Goulash Recipe
- Ground Beef and Potatoes
- Mexican Ground Beef Skillet
- Cabbage Roll Skillet
- Korean Ground Beef Stir Fry
FAQs on Frozen Ground Beef
Ground beef can be stored in the freezer for approximately 3 to 4 months. To ensure the best quality, it’s recommended to use the meat within this time frame. Proper packaging, such as using airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, helps prevent freezer burn and extends the meat’s storage life.
It’s not recommended to refreeze ground beef that has been defrosted. When meat is thawed, the process can promote bacterial growth if the meat is held at temperatures between 40°F (4.4°C) and 140°F (60°C) for an extended period. For safety and quality reasons, it’s best to cook or use the defrosted ground beef immediately.
It’s not recommended to partially cook frozen ground beef and then finish cooking it later. Partial cooking can lead to uneven cooking and potential food safety risks. It’s best to fully cook the ground beef in one go using the methods outlined in this guide.
While the stovetop and Instant Pot methods discussed in this guide are applicable to various types of ground meat, such as turkey, chicken, or pork, it’s essential to consider any differences in cooking times due to variations in fat content and meat texture. Adjust cooking times and techniques as needed to ensure thorough cooking.
Breaking Ground in the Kitchen
Cooking frozen ground beef doesn’t have to be intimidating. With both the stovetop and Instant Pot methods you can confidently transform a frozen block of ground beef into a tasty meal without worrying about food safety, texture, or taste. So, go ahead and enjoy the convenience of cooking frozen ground beef without the stress!