Batch Cook Ground Meat with No Seasoning for Flexible Use

The Problem

You cook taco meat Monday but by Thursday you're sick of taco flavor in everything.

The Hack

Brown 5 lbs of ground turkey or beef in a large pan. Drain fat. Let cool completely. Portion into 1-lb freezer bags. Freeze flat.

Why It Works

Unseasoned cooked meat is a blank canvas — taco night, pasta sauce, stir-fry, chili, or sloppy joes. One cooking session, five different dinners.

Pro Tips

• Flat bags thaw faster than clumped bags
• Defrost in the fridge overnight or microwave for 3 minutes
• Turkey is leaner and cheaper; beef has more flavor
• Cook with just salt — add specific seasonings when you reheat