What is a Ground Beef Chub? A Complete Guide to This Budget-Friendly Meat Option

Ground beef is a kitchen staple for many home cooks. From tacos to pasta sauce, this versatile meat can be used in endless recipes. While ground beef is readily available at most grocery stores, you may have noticed an option called a “ground beef chub” at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club.

So what exactly is a chub of ground beef? Should you buy it for your family? And how do you cook with it?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about chubs of ground beef. We’ll cover what they are, how they’re packaged, their benefits and cost savings, how to cook with them, and tips for buying and storing.

Let’s dive in!

What Is a Ground Beef Chub?

A ground beef chub is a large cylindrical tube of fresh ground beef ranging from 1 to 10 pounds in size. Chubs are vacuum-sealed tubes made of a special flexible plastic packaging material. The beef inside a chub is extra lean, usually between 92% to 96% lean.

Chubs are an efficient and cost-effective way for large warehouse stores to package and sell sizable quantities of ground beef. The name “chub” simply refers to the tubular shape of the packaging, similar to a sausage chub. Don’t let the name turn you off – it’s the same fresh, quality ground beef inside!

How Are Chubs Packaged?

The chub packaging process utilizes an automated machine that seals a long tube of flexible plastic packaging material. The machine then pumps ground beef into the tube until it reaches the desired amount, usually 1 to 10 pounds.

Once filled, the tube is compressed and sealed with metal clips at each end. This creates an airtight environment that keeps the ground beef fresh. The tube is also marked with cut points to help divide it later.

The packaging itself is made of multiple layers of plastic films that provide durability puncture resistance and oxygen barrier properties. This gives chubs a longer shelf life compared to regular styrofoam-packaged ground beef.

Benefits of Buying Ground Beef Chubs

There are several excellent reasons to buy ground beef chubs especially for large families meal preppers, and budget-conscious shoppers.

Lower Cost Per Pound

Chubs provide significant cost savings over regular ground beef. Due to their bulk size and efficient packaging, chubs cost 20-30% less per pound compared to styrofoam-packaged ground beef. For instance, regular ground beef may cost $6 per pound, while a chub costs just $3.50 or $4 per pound.

Longer Shelf Life

The airtight vacuum packaging keeps ground beef oxygen-free and fresh for longer. Chubs can last up to three weeks in the fridge compared to just four days for regular ground beef.

Freezer-Friendly

Chubs freeze exceptionally well for long-term storage. You can freeze them whole or separate into portions. Frozen chubs last up to 4 months in the freezer.

Lean and Nutritious

With 92-96% lean beef, chubs contain less fat and calories than fattier types of ground beef. The extra leanness provides a healthier nutrition profile.

Versatile Ingredient

You can use chubs of ground beef just like regular ground beef in recipes like tacos, chili, pasta sauce, burgers, meatballs, and more!

How to Cook with Ground Beef Chubs

Cooking with a chub of ground beef is easy! Here are some tips:

• Thaw the chub overnight in the fridge before cooking. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

• Cut into portions with a sharp knife. For burgers, form 4-6 oz patties.

• Because it’s lean, add a little oil to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches 160°F internal temperature.

• Drain any excess grease after cooking.

• Use in any ground beef recipe! The leanness works great in saucy dishes like chili, pasta sauce, sloppy joes, etc.

• For burgers, mix in a little butter or olive oil to keep patties moist. Or use an 80/20 blend instead.

Storing Chubs of Ground Beef

Follow these tips for safely storing chubs:

• Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below. Use within 1-2 days of opening package.

• For freezer storage, repackage into 1 lb portions using freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible.

• Label bags with type of meat and freeze-by date (3-4 months). This prevents freezer burn.

• Once thawed, use within 2 days. Do not refreeze raw ground beef.

• Cooked ground beef keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze for 2-3 months.

Ground Beef Chubs vs. Regular Packaging

Compared to the styrofoam-wrapped ground beef you’ll find in most grocery store meat cases, chubs offer some clear benefits:

Packaging

• Chubs use less packaging material overall

• No need for secondary packaging like cardboard backing

• Recyclable plastic film vs. styrofoam

Shelf Life

• 3 week shelf life for chubs vs. 4 days for regular ground beef

• Vacuum-sealed to prevent oxygen exposure

Cost

• 20-30% cheaper per pound than regular ground beef

• Bulk size equals savings

Nutrition

• 92-96% lean beef in chubs vs. 80-85% lean for regular

• Less fat and calories per serving

Freezer Storage

• Freeze chubs whole or in portions

• Lasts 4 months frozen vs. 3 months for regular ground beef

Availability

• Only at warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club

• Must special order at meat counter

Tips for Buying and Using Chubs

Follow these handy tips when purchasing and using ground beef chubs:

• Check bulk or oversized packaging sections at warehouse stores. You usually have to specially request chubs from the butcher.

• Inspect the color through the packaging – should be bright red to pink with no graying.

• Ask the fat percentage. Ideal is 90-93% lean for versatility. Too lean may cook up dry.

• Estimate 1/3 to 1⁄2 pound per person depending on recipe and appetites. A 5 lb chub can feed a family of 4 twice.

• Separate into 1 lb portions for easier thawing and cook smaller amounts as needed.

• Maximize savings by using in dishes that require slower cooking like chili, sauces, casseroles.

• For burgers or quicker cooking, supplement with added moisture like oil, broth, or binders.

• Grill well done since it’s very lean. Add richness with toppings like cheese.

• Use within 2 days of thawing. Cooked ground beef keeps 3-4 days refrigerated.

Sample Ground Beef Chub Recipes

Chubs work great in any ground beef recipe. Here are some tasty ideas:

Chili – Multiple servings freeze well. Use chili powder, beans, onions, tomatoes.

Meat Sauce – For pasta, lasagna, or pizza. Cook with tomatoes, herbs.

Meatloaf – Bind with eggs, breadcrumbs, oats. Mix in veggies.

Stuffed Peppers – Fill peppers with ground beef, rice, tomatoes, cheese.

Burritos/Tacos – Season beef with taco seasoning. Stuff into tortillas with fixings.

Sloppy Joes – Cook with tomato sauce and serve on buns.

Salisbury Steak – Form into patties, simmer in gravy. Serve over mashed potatoes.

Shepherd’s Pie – Cover mashed potatoes over ground beef, veggies, gravy. Bake.

Cabbage Rolls – Fill cabbage leaves with beef, rice, tomatoes. Simmer in tomato sauce.

Skillet Lasagna – No need to boil noodles. Layer beef, sauce, noodles right in the skillet.

The possibilities are endless for easy, budget-friendly meals using ground beef chubs!

Is a Ground Beef Chub Right for You?

Ground beef chubs offer an affordable and convenient bulk meat option for families, meal preppers, and anyone wanting to stock up and save money. Their lean profile provides a healthier nutrition profile as well.

However, chubs may not be the best choice if:

• You typically buy grass-fed or organic beef – chubs are conventional.

• You don’t have freezer space to store large quantities long-term.

• You only need small amounts of ground beef at a time.

• You prefer fattier blends like 80/20 for juicier burgers.

But for most households, a chub is a smart, budget-friendly purchase providing pounds of lean ground beef ready to be turned into easy dinners, lunches, or dishes prepped ahead and stocked in the freezer.

Give ground beef chubs a try on your next trip to Costco or Sam’s Club. With proper storage and handling, they can be a real game changer for your grocery budget and meal planning!