can you cook minced beef from frozen?

Answer 1

Probably, but it would cook a lot better if you just thaw it in the microwave first, then cook it.

Answer 2

It depends on what you intend to use it for, when it's cooked. If you intend to turn it into burger patties or meatloaf---anything which will need to hold together---you'll have to let the beef thaw completely before you use it. The most time-consuming way is to put it in the fridge (still in it's packaging or wrapping) for several hours, or overnight, depending on the amount of beef you have.
Or, if the beef is in an airtight plastic bag, you can put it in a bowl in your kitchen sink, and allow cool water to run over it. This will thaw it much faster than the fridge method.
I DON'T recommend using a microwave to thaw beef, or anything else for that matter; it will result in some small, cooked areas. It's better to be patient.

Finally, if you're preparing something where the beef doesn't need to hold together---such as taco filling---you can simply put the beef in a pan or skillet, and add anywhere from 1/2 cup to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat, put the lid on the pan, and allow it to cook the beef through (which may take up to an hour, depending on the amount of beef). After it's cooked through, you can drain off the water, and brown the beef (and add spices, etc).

Answer 3

Yes, however there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. The outer surface of the meat will cook faster than the internal parts. For this reason it is best to keep an eye on it while it cooks and use a spoon to scrape the defrosted parts off as it cooks.
2. Usually when cooking defrosted meat it is best to start with a high heat to seal the juices in. As you will be cooking something that is frozen this is not going to be possible so you will end up with a lot of water and flavor in your pan instead of in the actual meat. You can counter act this by taking the meat out of the pan when it is cooked and then reduce the water in the pan. Once the water is almost gone add your meat back to the pan and mix it around.

Answer 4

You need a heavy skillet like a cast iron, then low temperature so you don't burn the meat as you cook and scrape it off the frozen block. Most of the time I space out until time to think up a menu for lunch or dinner. Therefore I cook a lot of ground or minced beef in frozen form to use in sloppy joe, SOS, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, etc. It just requires you stand there in front of the cook top and stir and turn and scrape until it is all cooked uniformly.

Answer 5

Not recommended.....cooking from frozen melts whatever frost there might be on it and waters down whatever you are cooking as it defrosts. Much better and safer to defrost in the fridge if you have time. I bought a special defrosting "plate" made out of metal. You put the frozen meat on it and within an hour, it is completely defrosted! You can get it in some kitchen stores.

Answer 6

Yes you can but what happens in the process is the stages that the meat goes through till it completely gets up to temp is the moisture from the outside meat depletes and dries out by the time the inside is at temp