Ground beef is one of the most common meats purchased at the local grocery stores. The average person consumes about 221 pounds each year, which means that we are eating a huge quantity of meat. Some of the most popular dishes for ground beef are obviously burgers and tacos, but there are many more dishes that can be made. When ground beef goes on sale, I always stock up on it, because I love being able to stretch a dollar for my family.

I thought I would provide some guidelines for you,

Tips For Purchasing Ground Beef:

1. There are actually a number of different cuts of meat that are sold as “ground beef.” The cuts include chuck, roast or sirloin. The label may or may not reflect this. the most common cut that is used in the United States supermarkets is chuck steak.
2. Also look for bright red meat, when you purchase it, anything that is brown or gray is old, and past the sell date (or close to).
3. The package should be free of any tears or cuts since exposure to the air will reduce the quality of the meat.
4. Use a freezer or refrigerated bags or better yet a cooler, to transport your meat home, especially during the summer or hot months.

How to Store Ground Beef:

The best way to store ground beef is in y our refrigerator or meat drawer, whichever one is colder.  It is best to use ground beef up within two days, once the meat turns from bright red to gray or brown, it is not safe to eat and should be disposed of. Cooked ground beef can be stored between 3 to 4 days.

Frozen ground beef can be safely stored for about 3-4 months, if uncooked. Cooked frozen ground beef can be

How to Defrost Ground Beef:

The best way to defrost ground meat is to take it from the freezer and place it directly into the refrigerator. Depending on how big the package is, the meat should be defrosted within a day. Be careful as the meat defrosts, some of the juices will come out, so it’s best to place it in either another dish or a ziplock freezer bag, as it defrosts. Use the defrosted meat and any ground beef between 1 to 2 days.

What Do The Differences of Leanness Mean?

If you enter a meat department, you are suddenly faced with a number of choices and numbers, the price that you pay for ground meat will depend on the leanness of the meat that you purchase. The higher the percentage of leanest, the healthier the meat is, but at the same time, the less fat content has the less flavor it has as well since they both go hand in hand. Here is a quick reference chart, which will help you decipher those numbers.

73% Lean, means that the meat is really good for burgers, chili, soups, sloppy joes, etc. Since those dishes really do better with the extra juice that the fat provides.

80-85% Lean: this meat is really ideal for meatballs, meatloaf, and hamburgers. It has a nice flavor, without having a lot of extra fat.

93% Lean: This ground beef works especially well in ground beef dishes that require crumbling, such as tacos, stuffed peppers, casserole, and other low-fat dishes.

 

Ground Beef Safely Cooked:

Ground beef should be tested with a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should be at LEAST 160 degrees F. To test for temperature, simply stick your thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.

 

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Kitchen Items Used: (Note: I include affiliate links in this post)

Instant Pot, Omni, Air Fryer

J. A. Henckels 6-Inch High Carbon Stainless Steel Chef’s Kitchen Knife

 Stainless Steel Measuring Cups, 5 Piece Set

Hudson Essentials Stainless Steel Measuring Cups Set-6 Piece Stackable Set with Spout

Anchor Glass Measuring Set–This is one of the handiest tools in the Kitchen 

Italian Olive Wood Spatula

OXO Good Grips 12 Inch Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs

EVOO Air Fryer, Best Friend

Today, I used these as I picked them up in a lighting deal with Amazon Prime, on Amazon Prime Day, they were so awesome, hardly any clean up (my worst part of cooking). So, if you are looking for a set, that will decrease your time in the kitchen, I found them here.

 

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