As a busy home cook, I know the struggle all too well – rummaging through the freezer only to find a solid block of frozen ground beef when you’re ready to start dinner. Defrosting it can take hours, and trying to break it up and cook it partially frozen leads to underdone beef. Enter the Ninja Foodi – this multi-cooker is a game changer for easily cooking frozen ground beef.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook frozen ground beef in the Ninja Foodi to savory, mouthwatering perfection. You’ll learn how long it takes what functions to use, seasoning tips, how to adapt recipes, and more. With the technique and timing down, you can skip the tedious thawing and let the Ninja Foodi work its magic for tender, flavorful ground beef ready to become tacos, chili, casseroles, and more!
Why Cook Frozen Ground Beef in the Ninja Foodi?
I love using my Ninja Foodi for frozen ground beef for several reasons
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It’s fast – No need to wait for the meat to thaw. The Ninja Foodi can take it straight from the freezer to cooked in less than 30 minutes.
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Adds moisture – Pressure cooking helps keep the meat tender and adds delicious flavorful juices.
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Well seared – The broil or air fry functions give you nice browning on the outside.
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Evenly cooked – The Ninja Foodi circulates hot air evenly around food for consistent doneness.
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Hands-free – Just toss in the beef and let the Ninja Foodi work while you do other tasks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Frozen Ground Beef
Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
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Remove any packaging – Take the frozen block of ground beef out of its retail packaging. Break it up into smaller chunks if needed.
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Choose a cooking function – The pressure cook or slow cook functions work best. Pressure cooking will be faster.
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Add 1/2 cup water or broth – This prevents scorching and adds a bit of moisture as the beef cooks.
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Season the beef – Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc. Mix the seasonings into the beef.
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Pressure cook 20-25 minutes – High pressure for full 1 lb packages. Quick release pressure after cooking.
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Air fry or broil 5-10 minutes – Gets nice browning on the outside of the cooked beef.
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Break up any large chunks – Use a potato masher or fork to break up any hunks remaining.
And your frozen beef is ready to use in tacos, chili, casseroles, and anything else calling for cooked ground beef!
Helpful Pointers and Tips
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Use lean ground beef – Higher fat content can lead to greasiness. Go for 85% or 90% lean.
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Cook in batches – For larger packages, cook 1 lb at a time to prevent undercooking.
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Add seasonings after – Salt draws out moisture, so season after cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer – Internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.
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Quick release pressure – Use quick release method for best results with ground meats.
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Drain fat if needed – Tilt Ninja Foodi to drain excess grease before air frying.
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Finish dishes in Ninja – Use Sauté or Bake/Roast to finish off casseroles or tacos.
Sample Recipes and Ideas
The cooked frozen ground beef is extremely versatile. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
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Easy beef tacos – Add taco seasoning and toppings like cheese, lettuce, salsa.
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Cheeseburger casserole – Mix with cheese, spices, potatoes or pasta, and bake.
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Classic chili – Sauté onions and peppers, add beans, tomatoes, and spices.
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Cottage pie – Top cooked ground beef with mashed potatoes and bake.
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Spaghetti Bolognese – Simmer with tomatoes, red wine, herbs and toss with pasta.
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Sloppy Joes – Sauté onions, make a sauce with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire. Serve on buns.
The options are endless! Use the pre-cooked beef as a shortcut in all your favorite recipes.
FAQs
How long should I pressure cook frozen ground beef?
For 1 lb packages, cook at high pressure for 20-25 minutes and allow for natural release. Cook in batches for larger amounts.
Can I add liquid or seasoning before cooking?
Yes, add about 1/2 cup broth or water before pressure cooking to prevent scorching. Season after cooking for best flavor.
Should I quick release or natural release pressure?
Quick release is recommended with ground meats to prevent overcooking. Allow the pressure to fully release before opening the lid.
Do I need to thaw the beef first before cooking?
Nope, you can pop that frozen block of ground beef straight into the Ninja Foodi! No tedious thawing required.
Is it necessary to air fry or broil after pressure cooking?
It’s not required, but it helps develop nice caramelized browning and texture on the outside of the cooked beef.
What is the minimum amount I can cook?
I recommend at least 1 lb of ground beef at a time. Any less may lead to scorching. Cook smaller amounts on the stove.
Get Cooking with Frozen Ground Beef
Now that you know my tips and tricks for easily cooking frozen ground beef in the Ninja Foodi, you can stop putting off meals and letting that frozen meat clutter your freezer! This multi-cooker makes fast work of frozen beef, infusing it with moisture and flavor.