Not sure what to make with the ground beef in your fridge? The possibilities are almost endless, but with so many options, it can be hard to pin down the right meal for the occasion. We’ve put together a few tried-and-true, family-pleasing meals that’ll make deciding dinner a little bit easier. But first, let’s take a look at the best way to freeze (and defrost!) this popular meat.

How Long Can You Freeze Ground Beef?

According to the USDA, ground beef is safe indefinitely if kept frozen, but it’s best if it’s used within four months. Since bacteria multiplies rapidly when temperatures are between 40°F and 140°F, you always want to refrigerate or freeze your meats as soon as possible after purchase. If you aren’t going to use your refrigerated meat within 2 days, transfer it to the freezer. When cooking, you want to make sure your ground beef reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F.

How Do You Defrost Ground Beef?

When defrosting your ground beef, you have three options. The best way to safely thaw frozen ground beef is by moving it to the refrigerator. Try to remember to move your meat from the freezer to the refrigerator the day before you need it. Another great option is to put the ground beef into a watertight bag and submerge it in cold water. If using this method, you’ll want to change the water every 30 minutes. The last and quickest way to defrost ground beef is to use your microwave. Most microwaves have a defrost setting that’s easy to follow. Want to learn more helpful tips? Check out our How to Defrost Meat Guide.

Remember that meat that has been defrosted in either the microwave or cold water must be cooked immediately and cannot be refrozen until it’s cooked.

Ground Beef Dinner Ideas

From easy ground beef recipes with few ingredients to fully loaded casserole ideas and beyond, we have the dinner inspiration you need. Check out our curated list of ground beef recipes to find something the whole family will love.

Now that you have some inspiration to create a few delicious and easy dinners with ground beef, you’re ready to get cooking! For more dinner ideas, check out the bonus recipes below or head over to our Easy Meal Solutions!