What is Beef Chub? Your Guide to This Popular Ground Beef Packaging

Take a stroll down the meat aisle at any grocery store and you’ll likely spot some cylindrical packages of ground beef called “chubs” But what exactly is a beef chub?

As a hardcore carnivore and ground beef enthusiast, I decided to dig into everything there is to know about this popular meat packaging.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover how beef chub is made, why it’s used, the different types available, and how to store and cook this versatile ground meat. Let’s get rolling!

What is Beef Chub?

Beef chub refers to ground beef packaged into a cylindrical, sausage-like shape. It’s made by pumping ground beef into a plastic tube called a chub casing. The tubes are then sealed at both ends with metal clips to create the finished chub package.

Chubs are commonly sold in sizes ranging from 1 to 10 pounds. You’ll find them wrapped in plastic casing on meat counters and in freezer sections at grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and meat markets.

How is Beef Chub Made?

Beef chubs go through an automated process to form and fill the packages:

• Lean beef trimmings are ground and blended with fat trimmings to reach the desired lean-to-fat ratio. This creates a homogeneous ground beef mixture.

• The ground beef is pumped into a vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine. This creates a long tube-like casing from rolled plastic film.

• As the tube moves down, ground beef fills the casing and seals are crimped at set intervals to form individual beef chubs.

• The filled chubs are cut from the tube and typically vacuum packaged to remove oxygen and maximize shelf life.

• Finally, the finished chubs are labeled, packed, and shipped out for retail sale.

Why Use Beef Chub Packaging?

There are some great advantages to packaging ground beef in chubs rather than traditional trays:

• Cost-effective – Uses less material and requires no secondary packaging, lowering costs.

• Better protection – Specialty barrier films protect against oxygen and moisture.

• Longer shelf life – Vacuum packaging preserves freshness longer than trays.

• Easy to portion – Just slice off what you need and re-wrap the rest.

• Merchandising benefits – Compact shape is easy to stack and display in meat cases.

For retailers and consumers alike, beef chub offers convenience, freshness, and versatility in a budget-friendly package.

Types of Beef Chub Packaging

While all beef chubs have the same cylindrical shape, there are some variations in packaging:

Vacuum packaging – Most common type where air is removed to extend shelf life.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) – Uses a protective gas blend instead of vacuum.

EZ Peel packaging – Special easy-open feature to prevent touching raw meat.

Clear or opaque films – Clear shows off color but allows light in. Opaque prevents light exposure.

Pre-printed or labeled – Some have eye-catching graphics while others just use a simple sticker.

Plastic or cellulose casing – Plastic is most common but cellulose from plants is an eco-friendly alternative.

Regardless of the exact packaging, beef chubs provide the same convenience and quality.

How to Store Beef Chub

Since chubs are vacuum sealed, they allow for some flexible storage options:

• Unopened chubs can be frozen for up to 6 months without repackaging. Super convenient!

• Once opened, re-wrap extra tightly in plastic wrap or foil and use within 3-4 days in the fridge.

• For longer freezer storage, repackage in heavy duty plastic, foil, or freezer bags. It will last 4-6 months in the freezer.

• When thawing, keep refrigerated and use within a couple days for best quality.

Proper storage keeps ground beef fresh and safe to use in all your favorite recipes.

Creative Ways to Use Beef Chub

The convenient chub shape makes it easy to whip up meals:

• Burgers – Form patties of any size right from the chub.

• Meatballs – Simply scoop and roll into bite-sized portions.

• Meatloaf – Mix and shape directly in a loaf pan.

• Tacos – Brown for the perfect taco meat filling.

• Chili – Crumble and brown right in the pot.

• Lasagna – Cook and layer it up with cheese and noodles.

• Pasta sauce – Sauté and simmer in your favorite tomato sauce.

With a beef chub in the freezer, dinner is never more than 30 minutes away!

Tips for Buying Beef Chub

When shopping for beef chub, keep these tips in mind:

• Look for chubs packed in vacuum or MAP packaging for freshness.

• Choose chubs free of tears, holes, frost, and foul odors.

• For the best value, buy larger 4-10 pound chubs and portion them yourself.

• Consider specialty chubs like bison, angus, or organic if you want more premium options.

• Calculate how much you’ll use based on recipes and household needs.

• See if your store runs sales or bulk discounts on chubs for the best deals.

With the right selection and storage, beef chubs can be an economical and tasty staple for everyday cooking.

Satisfy Your Hunger with Beef Chubs

There you have it – everything you need to know about the humble yet mighty beef chub! With their longer shelf life, lower costs, and serious versatility, ground beef chubs deserve a spot in home kitchens and grocery store meat cases alike.

So next time you’re craving burgers, meatloaf, or any ground beef dish, consider picking up a chub or two. Portion out what you need, then pop the rest in the freezer until inspiration for another beefy meal strikes. Dig in!