Defrosting Beef
Here are some tips from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
- Do not defrost frozen beef at room temperature. Defrost frozen beef in the refrigerator, to prevent bacterial growth. Place package on a tray to catch any drippings and place in refrigerator the day before it is needed.
- Allow about 24 hours to defrost a 1 to 1-½-inch thick package of ground beef or beef pieces.
- Allow 12 hours to defrost½ to¾-inch thick patties.
- Allow 12 to 24 hours to defrost steaks, depending on thickness.
- Allow 4 to 7 hours per pound to defrost large oven roasts or thick compact pot roasts.
- Allow 3 to 5 hours per pound to defrost small oven roasts or thin pot roasts.
- Cook ground beef as soon as possible after defrosting.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly after serving, within 2 hours after cooking. To speed up the chilling, divide large quantities into smaller portions or spread food out in shallow container.
