We shared how to cook frozen ground beef not too long ago and that was a hit. So much so that I had to also talk about all the different ways to cook frozen beef. Just in case you’re forgetful like me.
We will talk about all different cuts of frozen beef and how to cook them. Then below there is a new with vegetables and gravy sorta’ like a stew. I hope this helps you cook frozen meat to tender quick meals for your family when you’re forgetful. (affiliate links present).
Weeknight dinners just got easier With a stash of frozen diced beef in the freezer, you can whip up quick and delicious meals without waiting for meat to thaw But is it safe to cook frozen diced beef straight from the freezer? Let’s find out.
In this complete guide learn if and how you can cook frozen diced beef to make flavorful stir-fries stews, pasta dishes, and more, even when you forgot to thaw the beef first.
Overview of Cooking Diced Beef from Frozen
Diced beef, sometimes labeled stew meat, refers to beef that has been cut into 1-inch cubes or smaller. When frozen, the cubed beef becomes solid blocks that require thawing before cooking.
However with the right techniques, you can safely cook diced beef straight from frozen. While it may take extra time, the beef will cook through and become fork-tender.
Cooking diced beef from frozen works well in:
- Slow cooker stews and chilis
- Oven or stovetop braises
- Stir fries and skillet meals
The key is using moist heat cooking methods along with extra cooking time. Follow the instructions below for delicious results with frozen diced beef.
Is It Safe to Cook Frozen Diced Beef?
Cooking beef directly from frozen is completely safe. As with fresh meat, safety lies in ensuring the beef reaches the proper internal temperature to destroy bacteria.
According to USDA guidelines, beef should cook to 145°F internally. Frozen beef may just need more time in the pan, oven, or slow cooker to reach this safe temperature.
It’s also important to handle and store frozen beef properly:
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Store frozen beef at 0°F or below.
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Thaw in the refrigerator, never at room temperature.
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Cook immediately after thawing and don’t refreeze thawed beef.
With these precautions and thoroughly cooking to 145°F, frozen diced beef poses no greater safety risks than fresh.
How to Cook Frozen Diced Beef on the Stovetop
A stovetop braise is a great hands-on way to cook frozen diced beef into a delicious meal. Follow these tips:
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Choose an ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven. You’ll want to start the beef on the stovetop then transfer to the oven.
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Pat beef dry before adding to the hot pan. Excess ice crystals can cause splattering.
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Brown the beef over high heat for 1-2 minutes per side. This adds flavor.
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Add sauce or braising liquid, like beef broth, tomatoes, or wine. Make sure beef is half submerged.
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Bring to a boil then transfer to a 325°F oven. Braise for 40-50 minutes until fork tender.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving braised beef for juicy results.
The browning followed by gentle oven braising gives you tender diced beef with rich flavor.
Slow Cooker Frozen Diced Beef
For an ultra hands-off method, the slow cooker is ideal for cooking frozen diced beef.
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Grease the slow cooker so beef doesn’t stick.
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Add 2 cups broth or sauce for every 1 pound of frozen beef.
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Add diced beef and any aromatics like onion, garlic, or herbs.
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Cook on Low for 7-8 hours or High for 4-5 until beef is fall-apart tender.
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Let rest 5 minutes, then serve beef stew or chili.
The slow cooker’s low gentle heat thaws and tenderizes the beef over time, with no monitoring needed.
How to Stir Fry with Frozen Diced Beef
Contrary to belief, frozen beef can work in fast stir fries too. Here’s how:
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Partially thaw beef in the microwave for 3-5 minutes before cooking.
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Cut into smaller pieces no more than 1/2-inch max.
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Cook over high heat in batches. Don’t crowd the pan.
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Move beef constantly until mostly cooked through, about 1-2 minutes per batch.
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Add back to pan with sauce and vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes more until hot.
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Serve immediately over hot rice or noodles.
With just a quick microwave defrost, partially cooked frozen beef finishes fast in a hot wok or skillet.
Cooking Frozen Ground Beef
While this guide focuses on diced beef, the same methods apply to frozen ground beef. Quick skillet and slow cooker meals can be made with frozen ground beef.
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In a skillet: Thaw slightly in microwave then cook over medium high, breaking up beef as it cooks until browned and 160°F. Finish in spaghetti sauce, tacos, etc.
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Slow cooker: Add frozen ground beef and sauce/liquid to slow cooker. Cook on Low 8-10 hours until beef is fully cooked to 160°F and tender.
Handling Cooked Frozen Diced Beef
Once your frozen diced beef is cooked, follow these guidelines:
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Let stews, chilis, etc. cool completely before refrigerating.
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Refrigerate cooked beef in a shallow container within 2 hours of cooking.
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Use within 3-4 days for peak freshness and quality.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Proper storage keeps cooked frozen beef safe and delicious all week long.
Tips for Success Cooking Frozen Diced Beef
Follow these tips to ensure your frozen diced beef turns out tender and flavorful:
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Use well-sealed beef with no freezer burn or ice crystals for best results. Discard if beef is not frozen solid.
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Cook low and slow: Slow cooker or Dutch oven braising work best. Avoid high heat alone.
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Add plenty of liquid: Beef releases juices as it cooks and needs moisture to braise properly.
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Cut beef into smaller pieces if stir-frying for faster, more even cooking.
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Cook until fork-tender and up to temp. Frozen beef needs extra time to become tender.
Delicious Recipes for Frozen Diced Beef
With the right techniques, frozen diced beef can star in all your family favorite dishes. Try these tasty recipes:
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Beef stew: Brown frozen beef then braise in red wine, broth, potatoes, and carrots for a comforting classic.
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Beef chili: Cook frozen beef with chili powder, peppers, beans, and tomatoes for an easy crowd-pleaser.
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Beef stir fry: Quickly sear marinated frozen beef then stir fry with veggies and sauce over rice.
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Beef stroganoff: Saute thawed beef with mushrooms and onion then finish in a creamy sauce over egg noodles.
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Beef with broccoli: Transform frozen beef and broccoli into a quick skillet meal with soy, garlic, and ginger.
The possibilities are endless for making delicious meals with frozen diced beef when you use the right techniques.
Never Wait for Defrosted Beef Again
Now there’s no need to plan ahead or wait when inspiration for beef dinner strikes. With the handy tips in this guide, you can cook flavorful stews, skillet meals, and more using frozen diced beef.
While additional cooking time is needed, the results are well worth it for tender, juicy homemade meals with your freezer beef stash. Follow the recommended oven braising, slow cooking, and stir frying methods for safely cooked beef that tastes like you spent all day tending to it.
So grab that frozen bag of diced beef and start cooking up some simple weeknight dinners and easy crowd-pleasing meals.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Frozen Beef
OH let me count the ways, no but really we will show you all of them. I’ve cooked all of these things on the stove, in the oven, in a pressure cooker, and in a slow cooker. Click on the link you want to try, and have fun! The only thing I wouldn’t suggest is beef liver. You really want to soak that beforehand and that can’t be done without it being thawed.
So that covers the big hunks of meat you may have on hand. Three ways of making it fork tender and easy to shred. That does come in handy if you want to make sliders. I love it for that.
- No matter which way you cook it, it gets very tender. Cover it in a sauce and serve it in little buns.
How long does beef take to cook from frozen
30-45 min. per pound of frozen beef in the oven is about right, but you can keep that in mind. It takes much less time to pressure cook frozen beef: 2 pounds takes 80 minutes, 3 pounds takes 90 minutes, and 4 pounds takes 100 minutes. Slow cooked you’re at about 6 hours.
It doesn’t make a big difference in the crockpot whether it was frozen or rock hard, which I find strange. Same goes for frozen chicken in slow cooker. Timing doesn’t really change, but turns out great for sure. Shredded beef from frozen roast in a dutch oven, on the stove, took a little over 3 hours.
How to Cook Diced Beef
FAQ
Can you cook diced meat from frozen?
Is it unsafe to cook frozen beef without defrosting it?
Can you cook frozen stewing beef?
Can you cook meat from frozen?
Can you cook beef from frozen?
According to The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), beef can be cooked from frozen. However, cooking beef from frozen should take about 50% longer than the initial cooking time, to prepare. It is important to make sure that the beef has been cooked through before serving it. Larger cuts of beef may need to be defrosted before cooking.
How do you thaw frozen beef?
Here are two effective methods: Refrigerator Thawing: Place the frozen beef in the refrigerator on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Allow 24 hours per 5 pounds of meat. This method is safe and preserves the beef’s quality. Cold Water Thawing: Submerge the frozen beef in a leak-proof plastic bag in a sink or large bowl filled with cold water.
Is it safe to cook frozen meat?
By and large, there should be no problems cooking frozen meat. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) states that it is perfectly safe to cook beef straight from the freezer. The only problem, as mentioned earlier, can occur when cooking larger cuts of meat from the freezer.
How to cook diced beef?
Another option for cooking diced beef is to stir-fry it. This quick and high-heat cooking method is perfect for creating tender yet slightly crispy beef. By quickly cooking the beef in a hot pan with vegetables and a savory sauce, you can lock in the juices and create a delicious, tender result in a short amount of time.