A Step-by-Step Guide to Safely and Easily Opening Ground Beef Tubes

Ground beef tubes sometimes called “chubs” are a popular way to buy ground beef for home cooks. The cylindrical shape allows the meat to be densely packed, saving space in the freezer. But trying to get the meat out of these tightly stuffed tubes can be tricky. With the right technique though, opening ground beef tubes is easy. Follow this simple step-by-step guide for safely and cleanly getting to the beef inside.

Why Use Ground Beef Tubes?

Before diving into how to open ground beef tubes, let’s look at why cooks like using them in the first place:

• Compact – The tube shape takes up less space than traditional flat packages. They efficiently stack in the freezer.

• Economical – More meat is packed into a smaller package, reducing costs. Less plastic wrapping also makes tubes cheaper.

• Freshness – Tight packaging prevents exposure to air and free radicals that can cause spoilage, Meat stays fresher longer

• Versatile – Ground beef tubes contain versatile plain beef perfect for burgers, tacos, chili, meatballs and more.

• Portion control – Tubes come in set weights, usually 1-3 lbs, allowing easy portion control.

While the packaging offers many perks, getting the meat out requires proper technique as tubes are vacuum packed for maximum freshness.

Step 1 – Thaw the Meat

Always thaw ground beef tubes completely before attempting to open them. Trying to open a partially frozen or frozen tube risks injury from slippage and uneven portions. For food safety, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water for faster defrosting.

Thawing ground beef ensures:

• Safety – Frozen meat is rock solid. Thawed meat is soft for cleaner handling.

• Portioning – Distributing portions evenly is impossible when meat is frozen in a tube.

• Quality – Prying at frozen meat destroys texture and juices.

So for frustration-free opening, let that tube thaw thoroughly first!

Step 2 – Prepare Your Work Area

A clean and well-prepped work area makes opening ground beef tubes much easier. Follow these tips:

• Clear space on a clean cutting board or work surface.

• Have a sharp knife and clean paper towels handy. Dull blades make slicing difficult.

• Wash hands thoroughly and put on gloves to avoid bacteria spread.

• Lay down paper towels. They catch drips and make cleaning easy.

Proper preparation contains any mess and keeps your kitchen safe when handling raw meat.

Step 3 – Snip One End of the Tube

With thawed meat and prepped workspace, it’s time for the actual opening. Here’s how:

• Locate the crimped end of the tube without the metal clips.

• Using clean kitchen scissors, snip ✂️ off the very tip of the tube end. Just a 1/2 inch is enough.

• Scissors provide clean cuts without ripping plastic or puncturing deeply.

Cutting a small V-notch into the tip creates an easy pour spout for getting the meat out cleanly.

Step 4 – Open the Tube Along its Length

Now that the tube is snip-opened at one end, finish opening it up:

• Lay the tube on its side and hold firmly in place.

• Positioning the scissors at an angle, cut down the length of the tube.

• Use the initial tip notch as a guide and cut in the center along the crimp seam.

• Apply slow, firm pressure with the scissors to safely split the tube open.

Angling the cut avoids poking through both sides. Go slowly to keep meat safely inside.

Step 5 – Push Out the Meat and Break Apart

With the plastic tube cut open, the meat is ready to be portioned:

• Gently press the ground beef loaf out onto the prepared surface.

• Using clean hands or a spoon, break up and crumble the meat thoroughly.

• Portion into recipe-sized amounts using measuring cups or a kitchen scale.

• Discard any collected juices or fat from the bottom of the tube.

After opening so many tubes, your burgers and meatballs will be perfectly portioned every time!

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Opening ground beef tubes does take some practice. Steer clear of these errors:

• Attempting to open frozen meat – Thaw fully for safety and portioning.

• Cutting too deeply – This causes juices to leak and meat to be punctured.

• No glove and hand protection – Always use caution when handling raw meat.

• Tearing plastic aggressively – Neat, angled cuts prevent rips and contamination.

With the right tools and technique, ground beef tubes provide convenient, economical meat for all your cooking needs. Follow these steps and you’ll be slicing into tubes with confidence. Happy meat prepping!