I like stocking up on Beef, Chicken, and Pork when it’s on sale. It saves money and allows me to have it on hand for dinners. Freezing the meat is the best to preserve it. Knowing How to Freeze Meat properly is important. These 3 easy techniques let you stock up on meat and keep those proteins protected from freezer burn.
When freezing meat, the goal is to get it frozen quickly and keep as much air out of the package as possible. Packaged meat that is vacuum sealed can be put in the freezer as is, but the meat in trays from the grocery store needs to be repackaged.
There are three ways I like to freeze beef, chicken and pork. Each way is easy and the cost varies allowing you to pick which way works best for you and your family.
- Using Freezer Bags – Good
- Using Freezer or Butcher Paper – Better
- Using a Vacuum Food Sealer – Best
Here are instructions each.
How to Freeze Meat Using Freezer Bags
Using freezer bags for meat is inexpensive and the quickest way to get the job done.
Freezer bags are similar to the every day zip top bags you already use with one big difference. They are thicker than the basic zip top storage bags. This makes them more durable and tear resistant. The extra thickness also keeps meat fresh longer and helps slow down freezer burn.
Freezer bags are slightly more expensive than basic food storage bags but worth the extra cost when keeping your food fresh.
Instructions for Freezing Meat Using Freezer Bags
1. Grab the appropriately sized bag for the meat you are freezing. Quart sized freezer bags work well for a pound of meat. Gallon sized bags work for larger amounts of meat.
2. Write the following information on the freezer bag before adding the meat. The type of meat, the weight, and the date.
3. Arrange the meat in the freezer bag as flat as possible. This helps it both freeze and thaw more quickly.
4. Seal the bag while removing as much air as possible from the inside of the bag.
5. Place the meat in the freezer.
Freezer Bags Pros and Cons
Pros – Easy to use, Quick, Inexpensive option, Bags are clear
Cons – Bags can rip, Air can seep into bags
Where to Find Freezer Bags
Find Freezer Bags in stores where other zip top storage bags are kept. You can also find them online by clicking on the links below.
How to Freeze Meat Using Freezer Paper
Another inexpensive way of freezing meat is by using freezer or butcher paper.
Freezer paper is a two sided paper that is wrapped tightly around the meat and then taped shut.
The paper is two sided. One side is plastic coated to keep moisture in the meat while helping to keep out air. The other side has a matte finish that allows the tape to stick and makes labeling easy.
Instructions for Freezing Meat Using Freezer Bags
1. Tear off a piece of Freezer Paper large enough to wrap the piece(s) of meat in an even layer.
2. Place the paper on the counter so the coated side is face up.
3. Place the meat on the coated side of the paper in an even layer.
4. Bring the two long sides of the paper up together and fold down about an inch.
5. Continue making small ½-1 inch folds until the final fold lays flat on the meat and tape down.
6. Fold each short side of paper in ½-1 inch folds until the folds reach the meat and tape shut.
Once the meat is sealed, label the package with the type of meat, weight and date.
Place the meat in the freezer.
Freezer Paper Pros and Cons
Pros – Easy to use, Inexpensive option, Better option than freezer bags
Cons – More time consuming than freezer bags, Paper may tear over time, Tape may loosen, Finding the product may be difficult, Can’t see through the paper
Where to Find Freezer Paper
Find Freezer paper in stores near plastic wrap and aluminum foil. You can also find it online by clicking on the links below.
How to Freeze Meat Using a Vacuum Food Sealer
Using a Vacuum Food Sealer is my favorite way to freeze meat.
The Food Sealer removes most of the air out of the heavyweight bags and heat seals the bag shut. The bags are durable are great at preventing freezer burn.
Instructions for Freezing Meat Using a Vacuum Food Sealer
1. Create a food storage bag large enough for the meat to be in a single layer.
2. Label the bag with the type of meat, weight and date before adding the meat to the bag.
3. Place the meat in the bag in a single layer.
4. Vacuum seal the bag.
5. Place the meat in the freezer.
Vacuum Food Sealer Pros and Cons
Pros – Easy to use, Bags stay sealed, Bags are clear
Cons – Initial cost is more expensive than freezer bags or paper, Machine takes up space
Where to Find Vacuum Food Sealers
Vacuum Food Sealers are available at large retailers and online. They are usually kept with small kitchen appliances. The sealer bags are usually there as well. While I recommend getting the machine itself in-store or online, I always buy my replacement bags online. They are much more affordable online. Here are links to both a machine and replacement bags.
Vacuum Sealer – This is similar to the one I use.
Vacuum Sealer Bags – So much more affordable than buying the rolls or premade food sealer bags in the store.
Now that you know how to freeze meat, here are the main things to remember, regardless of which method you use.
- Always repackage the meat from the grocery store unless it is already in a vacuum sealed package.
- Always label your package with the type of meat, date, and weight.
- Get as much air out of the package as possible
I hope you found this post helpful. Now get out there and find a good sale on beef, chicken, or pork and put this new skill to the test!
Other How-To Posts
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- How to Cut a Pineapple – Stop buying the canned stuff and learn how easy it is to prep a fresh one.
- Fresh Herbs and How to Get the Most Out of Them – How to preserve herbs.
- How to Boil Water – Hey, some people are beginners at cooking and need this!
- How to Make Butter – Use your stand mixer for this fun and easy recipe.
