Ground beef is probably a frequently used food in most homes. Here is a way I have found to store it that has worked really well for me. I purchase extra lean ground beef when it goes on sale. This means buying about 10 lbs. of hamburger at a time. I then divide it into one pound portions and place each pound in a quart size Ziploc freezer bag that has the date of purchase written on it with a permanent marker. After pressing the beef to make it flat, I place the packages of beef in the freezer to freeze. Once frozen, I can stand them upright in a plastic storage container and place it in my freezer. I can store about 20 lbs. of hamburger this way. As my supply is used, it is easy to slide the older beef forward and place the new purchases at the back of the container so rotation is simple. If freezer space is limited, you can store the bags on top of each other and use very little freezer space.
An Organized Freezer
As you contemplate purchasing items your family frequently uses, consider storing ingredients for an entree that is easy to make. Shepherd's pie is a go to main dish when I have a busy day and little time to prepare a meal. It is also a food most of my grand kids will eat. All of the ingredients can be stored for at least 3 months.
Shepherd's Pie
1 lb. ground beef
1 small onion chopped (or an equivalent amt. of reconstituted freeze dried chopped onions)
1 can tomato soup
1 can green beans
Mashed potatoes - can make fresh, use leftovers from the day before, use instant potatoes
Grated cheese
Brown the hamburger and onion together.
Add the soup and green beans and mix thoroughly.
Place in an oven safe bowl.
Cover the top with mashed potatoes.
Sprinkle on grated cheese and place in a 350 degree oven.
Bake long enough to warm through and melt the cheese.
