Burger Question

[weiv0004]

Quick question for y'all. I bought a big package of ground beef the other day and was considering seasoning and 'patty-fying' all of it and freezing it. Then whenever I felt like grilling some burgers I could just pull a few out of the freezer instead of having to thaw a huge block of ground beef each time before preparing them. Anyone out there do this? Anyone foresee a loss of flavor or anything in this method?

 

[nutcasert]

If the beef can be frozen in the first place, it shouldn't matter what shape its in. It might freeze a bit colder since they will have much increased surface area. So watch for freezer burn.

 

[Brainonska511]

Make sure you use freezer paper when you throw them into the freezer. Also, you could always make it so that you separate the big block of beef into smaller chunks before freezing.

Or, just buy smaller amounts of beef so you don't have to freeze to begin with.

 

[waggy]

hold on. you want to cook it then freeze it?

 

[weiv0004]

hold on. you want to cook it then freeze it?

No no, I just want to season and shape the raw ground beef. Then freeze it. I would then thaw out the individual patties and grill them at my leisure instead of having to try and thaw out an enormous block of beef.

Also

Make sure you use freezer paper

What does freezer paper do?

 

[waggy]

oh in that case just buy a box of pre-made 100% frozen patties. i got some really good ones from sams club. they were great grilled up

 

[nutcasert]

It's something of a non-stick insulator. It will greatly help reduce freezer burn, loss of flavors, and dehydration. Trust him on that suggestion.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: weiv0004

Make sure you use freezer paper

What does freezer paper do?

I pulled this from Reynolds Website:

Reynolds® Freezer Paper is a plastic-coated Kraft paper used for wrapping foods for freezing and for general household purposes. The paper gives the product strength and durability as well as an easy-to-write-on surface, while the plastic coating provides a barrier to air and moisture to protect the quality, flavor and nutrition of foods during freezing.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: nutcasert
It's something of a non-stick insulator. It will greatly help reduce freezer burn, loss of flavors, and dehydration. Trust him on that suggestion.

i gotta 2nd this.

we buy beef in bulk and also have venison packeged in it. i would not freeze meat without it.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: waggy
oh in that case just buy a box of pre-made 100% frozen patties. i got some really good ones from sams club. they were great grilled up

I've always had bad luck with these because even when companies claim 100% beef, the beef is such crappy quality that the burgers fall apart....only a few companies actually make a reputable product and they usually charge a premium. Just go to your butcher and ask them to make patties for you....or make your own and put wax paper or parchment paper between them. After they freeze solid, go back and put them in freezer bags....then wrap them in aluminum foil. That will help block freezer burn.

 

[iRONic]

Originally posted by: weiv0004
Quick question for y'all. I bought a big package of ground beef the other day and was considering seasoning and 'patty-fying' all of it and freezing it. Then whenever I felt like grilling some burgers I could just pull a few out of the freezer instead of having to thaw a huge block of ground beef each time before preparing them. Anyone out there do this? Anyone foresee a loss of flavor or anything in this method?

We use these:

Tupperware

 

[waggy]

hmm $13 not $16

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: waggy
oh in that case just buy a box of pre-made 100% frozen patties. i got some really good ones from sams club. they were great grilled up

I've always had bad luck with these because even when companies claim 100% beef, the beef is such crappy quality that the burgers fall apart....only a few companies actually make a reputable product and they usually charge a premium. Just go to your butcher and ask them to make patties for you....or make your own and put wax paper or parchment paper between them. After they freeze solid, go back and put them in freezer bags....then wrap them in aluminum foil. That will help block freezer burn.

i have only found ONE type that is really good all the time. I picked them up at Sams club. paid $16 for 20 of them. they were great grilled. granted they did srhink down a lot but they were very good.


edit: hmm $13 not $16

 

[FoBoT]

that is a good idea, they will taste fine

 

[Howard]

When forming the patties, be gentle with the beef.

 

[her209]

Originally posted by: nutcasert
It's something of a non-stick insulator. It will greatly help reduce freezer burn, loss of flavors, and dehydration. Trust him on that suggestion.

Where do you buy it tho? 😕

 

[msparish]

We always buy an alternator sized chunk of ground beef, and then break it up before freezing it (about 1 pound each).

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: msparish
We always buy an alternator sized chunk of ground beef, and then break it up before freezing it (about 1 pound each).

That sounds like bulk to me!