I'm down to 2 packages of beef short ribs from our beef deliveries. I had nothing thawed for tonight's dinner.
Rummaging through the meat freezer, I came across an old package of hamburger patties that no one knows when they were purchased. One daughter thought she might have bought them a couple of years ago. She said she would be thrilled if we used them up.
There was about 1/2 cup of loose frost in the bag, and the patties themselves were covered with frost. I could just imagine the burgers would be freezer tasting, and the texture might not be great.
I wasn't sure how to use them, but thought perhaps I could turn them into a meatloaf or meatballs.
After thawing 3 of the patties in the microwave, I ran them through the food processor along with bread, onions, celery leaves, and lots and lots of seasonings. Hiding any off flavors was my mission.
I baked the seasoned meat as a loaf, topped with ketchup. After baking, I added pickle and tomato slices and drizzled 1000 Island dressing over all. Surprise, surprise -- this tasted good!
I have 2 remaining long-in-the-tooth beef patties from this bag that I will turn into meatballs next week, using this same technique of running the patties through the food processor with bread and lots of seasonings.
The rest of our meal tonight also had that bottom of the barrel feeling. I used the last 2 potatoes (1 wrinkly, the other okay) as oven fries, mixed the last of the applesauce with some home-canned spiced figs in the blender for fig-applesauce, and stirred a small container of mayonnaise (from a picnic a few weeks ago) with the last of the sweet relish and some ketchup to make 1000 Island dressing. Man, I need to go grocery shopping soon!
Have you used preformed burger patties not cooked as patties before? What type of dish did you use them in?
Hi Lili, Yes, using patties in other ways is common for me. I buy meat from a ranch and often they substitute patties in place of packages of regular ground beef. Just like you, I make meatloaf, chili, or taco meat with them. I'm sure you made them taste delicious!
ReplyDeleteHi friend,
DeleteThe meatloaf tasted much better than I thought it might, as the meat was frosted over.
Taco meat and chili sound like good options for the next couple of patties. Thank you for sharing.
That was a lot of toppings on that meatloaf! Glad it turned out well. We'll buy a sleeve of patties like that sometimes when we're having a big cookout, and I just thaw any leftovers and use them like I would any other ground meat.
ReplyDeleteHi Live and Learn,
DeleteYep, a lot of toppings. I didn't want to take any chances of tasting something off. In the end, it tasted good.
I don't normally buy preformed patties as I don't like the texture. But I can understand how they would be great for a big cook-out. Forming a whole bunch of patties would be more work than it might be worth.
I'm glad to hear that they cook up just like other ground beef. Thanks!
I love "bottom of the barrel" cooking. I find it fun and satisfying to make a decent meal out of just a few things.
ReplyDeleteAwhile back, I was able to buy grass fed beef patties at Grocery Outlet for less than the price of regular ground beef at the normal grocery store. I used them for any ground beef purpose. For meat that's been in the freezer for a long time, I think it generally tastes fine if you add a bunch of seasonings and/or add it to a flavorful sauce.
Great job on the meatloaf!
Hi Tina,
DeleteI agree. It is fun to create a meal out of what looks like next to nothing. All of the seasonings really masked any old freezer taste. Adding it to a sauce would also be good.
I don't check Grocery Outlets meat section very often, but it sounds like I should! Thanks for the heads up.
I don't buy pre-formed beef patties, but when I've had freezer burned meat, I do what you do--add lots of seasonings and sauces and/or turn it into soup. I can't stand to waste food. I bet most of us fall into the category of "let's figure out a way to make it palatable".
ReplyDeleteHi Kris,
DeleteI think that you're right about our sensibilities here. It's not just saving money for many of us, but so many of us can't stand to waste, food and other items. For me, as long as it's still safe to eat, i'll work to find a way for us to eat it.
Good suggestion with the soup idea for freezer burned meat. Thanks for sharing.
We don't usually buy preformed patties. But in the past we removed s hamburger from a double burger takeout sandwich to freeze until we had enough to make a pot of chili. The sandwich was a dollar with purchase so already a good deal. I like the idea of using a food processor to finely ground the meat so seasonings could reach every last bit. I'll keep this in mind when meat may have lost some flavor and texture.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day,
Laura
Hi Laura,
DeleteThis made me smile. How perfectly frugal. I will remember this tip if ever I come across a great double burger deal. One thing we've done with double burgers is brought 2 slices of bread. My husband would take one patty and the bun for himself and I'd take the other patty and put between our homemade bread slices. I chuckle to think about that. Thank you for sharing, Laura. Enjoy the rest of your evening.