Defrost ground beef in the microwave for a quick and easy way to thaw meat fast. Make sure to cook it immediately after thawing in your favorite recipe!
Remove the ground beef from the freezer, and remove it from all packaging
1 Pound ground beef
Place the meat onto a microwave safe plate with a lip, to catch any liquid as it defrosts
Set your microwave to the ‘defrost’ setting or 30% power level for 4 minutes per pound to start
Pause and flip the meat over every minute during the defrosting process, to promote even heating and not cooking
Add additional time as needed, until you can push down on the center of the beef and it gives under pressure. Times will vary based on microwave wattage and the thickness of your ground beef
The meat should stay a pink color, as you want to defrost ground beef without cooking it. If it begins to brown, it has started to partially cook. If necessary, remove these portions and return the frozen block to the microwave
Fully cook and utilize your ground beef immediately after defrosting
Notes
Note that you can leave your ground beef in a Ziplog bag or cling wrap, but only if it is microwave safe. However, this isn’t necessary for defrosting successfully
Generally, it takes 3-5 minutes in total to defrost a pound of ground beef in the microwave. However, times will vary based on thickness of the meat and your specific microwave. Check it every minute when you flip it and add time as needed
Cook ground beef immediately after defrosting to an internal temperature of at least 160°F for food safety
For large quantities (over 2 pounds), divide into smaller portions for best results in defrosting
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and fat ratio of your beef, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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