Bulk Prep for Busy Nights: The Essential 4-Pint Base for Tacos, Mexican Casseroles, and Taco Salad
Are you ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine? This incredible Ground Beef Prep Mix recipe is a game-changer! It’s perfectly seasoned, versatile, and—best of all—designed to be made in a big batch and frozen. Say goodbye to last-minute chopping and seasoning when you’re rushing to get dinner on the table.
This mix is ideal for everything from a lightning-fast Taco Salad, classic Tacos, or a comforting Mexican Casserole. Prep once, and enjoy four easy meals later!
Quick Stats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes (includes cooling)
- Yield: 4 Pints
Ground Beef Prep Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs Lean Ground Beef
- 1 Large Onion, chopped
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon Oregano
- 1/4 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a heavy skillet, brown the 4 lbs of Lean Ground Beef. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure an even texture.
- Drain: Once fully browned, drain the excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped Onion to the beef. Cook over medium-low heat until the onion is golden and clear.
- Season: Stir in the Salt, Pepper, Oregano, and Garlic Salt. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly.
- Cool: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before packaging.
- Package for Freezing: Divide the mixture into 4 one-pint freezer containers, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top for expansion.
- Seal and Label: Seal the containers tightly and label with the date.
- Store: Freeze and use within 3 months for peak freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Time Saver: Drastically cuts down on cooking time on busy nights.
- Versatile: The basic seasoning blend works with a variety of dishes.
- Economical: Perfect for when you buy ground beef in bulk.
- Freezer Ready: Designed specifically for easy thawing and portion control.
Freezer-Friendly Ground Beef Prep Mix: Your Weeknight Dinner Savior!
This versatile, freezer-ready Ground Beef Prep Mix takes the stress out of weeknight cooking. Brown 4 lbs of lean ground beef, sauté it with fresh onion, and season it perfectly with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic salt. Divide the mixture into four pint containers and freeze! You'll have four portions of seasoned meat ready to be transformed into quick and delicious tacos, a hearty taco salad, or any Mexican-inspired casserole in minutes. Prep once, enjoy four times!
Ingredients
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
-
In a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven, brown the 4 lbs of Lean Ground Beef. Break up the meat as it cooks.
Drain Excess Fat:
-
Once fully browned, carefully drain off any excess fat. This step is important, especially for freezer storage.
Sauté Onion:
-
Add the chopped Onion to the skillet with the cooked and drained beef. Cook over medium-low heat until the onion is tender, translucent, and just starting to turn golden (about 5-8 minutes).
Season the Mix:
-
Stir in the Salt, Pepper, Oregano, and Garlic Salt. Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat and onion mixture.
Cool Slightly:
-
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This prevents condensation from forming and aids in proper freezing.
Package for Freezing:
-
Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly into 4 one-pint freezer-safe containers. Ensure you leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each container to allow for expansion during freezing.
Seal and Label:
-
Seal the containers tightly. Label each container with the contents ("Ground Beef Prep Mix") and the date.
Freeze:
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Place the containers in the freezer. Use the mix within 3 months for the best quality.
