Costco is a well-known one-stop shop for savings. There are so many cheap options for home cooks, from everyday items like olive oil and soy sauce to quick meals that can be heated in the microwave. Since the prices of chicken, beef, and other meats are going up, you might think that meat is an exception. But Addison Jarman, a mom of four and money-saving expert, shared the best Costco hack to save a ton of money on ground beef.
As a beef enthusiast and home cook, I’m always on the lookout for the best ways to buy, store, and cook ground beef. During my explorations of the meat section, I’ve often come across an intriguing item – the ground beef chub. This cylindrical wrapped tube of fresh ground beef stands out from the typical Styrofoam packaged beef. Despite its popularity among home cooks and retailers, confusion still remains about exactly what a chub is. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll answer all your burning questions about this unique beef cut.
What is a Ground Beef Chub?
A ground beef chub refers to a log or tube of fresh ground beef ranging from 1 to 10 pounds in weight. It’s created by placing ground beef into a cylindrical casing and then sealing both ends with metal clips or plastic ties. The chub is then vacuum packed to remove air and maximize freshness. Unlike the red-hued beef in foam trays, beef chubs reveal the natural light pink ground beef inside thanks to the clear packaging.
Chubs provide several advantages:
- Longer shelf life due to vacuum sealing
- Lower cost per pound
- Minimal exposure to light or air
- Easy to stack and store
- Customizable sizing
The term “chub” simply refers to the tubular shape and has nothing to do with quality or composition The ground beef inside meets the same standards as other fresh ground beef.
Where to Find Ground Beef Chubs
Since they provide cost savings, chubs are very popular among large retailers like grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and restaurant suppliers Here are some places you can find ground beef chubs
- Warehouse stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Restaurant food supply stores
- Large grocery store chains like Kroger, Safeway, etc.
- Local butcher shops or meat markets
- Online mail order steak companies
Not all stores readily display chubs in the meat section. Ask the butcher counter if they have ground beef chubs available. It’s best to call ahead to verify availability and pricing.
Benefits of Buying Ground Beef Chubs
There are many good reasons to purchase ground beef in chub form:
Price – Buying a chub usually costs 10-20% less per pound compared to Styrofoam packaged ground beef This adds up to big savings on a bulk purchase
Leaner Meat – Chubs often contain 90-95% lean meat, while normal ground beef is 80-85% lean. Less fat equals healthier meals.
Freshness – Vacuum sealing preserves freshness and quality for 2-3 weeks in the fridge. Exposure to air causes quicker spoilage.
Freezing – Chubs make it easy to separate and freeze bulk ground beef for longer storage.
Versatility – Larger volumes of lean ground beef are great for big cookouts, meal prepping recipes, etc.
For budget-friendly quality and convenience, grab a ground beef chub on your next meat run!
How to Cook Ground Beef from a Chub
Wondering how to go about cooking ground beef from a chub? Here are some simple tips:
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Thaw completely – For food safety, thaw large frozen chubs for 1-2 days in the fridge before cooking.
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Separate – Cut open packaging and divide into smaller 1-2 pound portions for easier cooking and freezing.
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Brown – Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up meat with a spoon, until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
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Season – Flavor the crumbled beef with spices, herbs, sauces, etc. based on your recipe needs.
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Finish Dish – Add cooked ground beef to tacos, chili, pasta sauce, casseroles, and more!
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Store properly – Refrigerate cooked beef for 3-4 days. Freeze meal-sized portions in airtight bags for longer storage.
Buying ground beef chubs allows you to always have tasty cooked beef ready for any meal!
Storing Ground Beef Chubs Properly
To get the most out of your ground beef chub, proper storage is key:
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Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below immediately after purchasing.
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Leave chub in original vacuum packaging to prevent exposure to air and bacteria.
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Place chubs on bottom shelf of refrigerator furthest from door.
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Use within 2-3 weeks for peak freshness and quality.
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Freeze for longer storage. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags.
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Label frozen chubs with date and weight. Use within 3-4 months.
Following safe refrigeration and freezing guidelines prevents spoilage and foodborne illness from improperly stored meat.
Ground Beef Chub vs. Regular Packaging
How does the cylindrical chub differ from the usual Styrofoam tray package of ground beef we’re used to? Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
Packaging – Chub: Clear plastic casing. Tray: Opaque foam tray covered in plastic wrap.
Shape – Chub: Cylindrical log or tube. Tray: Flat with wider surface area.
Volume – Chub: 1 to 10+ lbs. Tray: Typically 1-2 lbs.
Exposure – Chub: Vacuum sealed. Tray: Exposed to air.
Cost – Chub: Lower per pound. Tray: Higher per pound.
Fat Content – Chub: 90-95% lean. Tray: 80-85% lean usually.
While both work for everyday cooking, the chub offers some clear advantages for those looking for budget-friendly lean ground beef in larger quantities.
Pick Up a Chub of Ground Beef to Save Money
Addison revealed her money-saving hack on social media. Instead of buying individual packages of ground beef, which are typically pre-packed in one-pound portions, opt for a 10-pound chub of ground beef. Chubs are sold in long cylindrical tubes and are generally cheaper price per pound than the smaller packages.
At a Central Virginia Costco, ground beef chubs were sold for $3. 29 per pound in early June. A Costco near Miami sold them for $4. 39 per pound. The price will fluctuate and depend on your location.
Should you say that you’ve never seen chubs at your local Costco, that’s because you have to ask the butcher for one.
It’s important to note that the chubs of ground beef at Costco are 92% to 95% lean. Because it has so little fat, this ground beef is great for chili, sloppy joes, and saucy pasta dishes, where the meat is cooked in liquid to keep it moist. However, it might be a bit too lean for burgers, where an 80% lean-to-fat ratio (80% lean meat and 20% fat) is best for the juiciest results.
For one more thing, Addison said that the ground beef chubs are not grass-fed or organic, so if you want to buy organic, stick with the individual packages. However, if you typically buy conventional ground beef, a chub is a budget-friendly choice when shopping at Costco.
There will be ground beef ready for an easy dinner whenever you need it when you get home. Just put the ground beef into zip-top bags and freeze them.
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UltraSource Ground Beef Meat/Chub Bag, NFS Labeled, 1lb, 2lb, 5 lb, 6″ W x 18″ L
FAQ
What is the difference between ground beef and ground beef chub?
What is a chub of meat?
What is a 10 lb chub of ground beef?
What is chub meat at Costco?
How is ground beef chub made?
Ground beef chub is made by combining leaner meat with trimmings from portioning steaks and roasts. The meat is then ground and formed into cylindrical shapes before being vacuum-sealed and tied at each end with metal twists.
What is chub ground beef?
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of chub ground beef. What Is A Chub Of Ground Beef? A chub of ground beef is a cylindrical package of lean ground beef that is sold in various weights, typically ranging from one to ten pounds.
How do you use ground beef chub?
Here are some tips on how to use ground beef chub in your recipes: 1. Tacos: Brown the ground beef chub in a skillet with taco seasoning, and serve with tortillas, shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. 2. Spaghetti sauce: Brown the ground beef chub in a skillet with onions and garlic, and add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
Is ground beef chub a good choice?
Look no further than the ground beef chub! This cylindrical package of ground meat is not only cheaper than traditional ground beef, but it’s also leaner. With options ranging from 92-95% lean, the ground beef chub is a great choice for those looking to save money without sacrificing quality.