Can You Refreeze Meat?
Updated: Aug. 11, 2022
It happens to the best of us: You thaw more meat than is needed, and don't want it to go to waste. Then you start to wonder, can you refreeze meat?
To help meal plan, we’re turning to our freezers for help. You can stash meat in a chest freezer to stock up when there’s a sale, or simply to keep a variety of chicken, beef and pork on hand.
But what happens when you thaw too much meat? Can you refreeze meat safely?
Is It Safe to Refreeze Thawed Meat?
That depends.
You can safely refreeze meat as long as you thawed it in your refrigerator or any place with temperatures below 42°F. Make sure to refreeze it as soon as possible, within 2-4 days depending on the type of meat. Before putting it back into the freezer, check to see if there are any strange odors or colors, though.
When Can’t You Refreeze Meat?
If you thawed the meat on your countertop or microwave, it can’t be refrozen. You can cook the meat and safely freeze it after it’s cool. Meat left outside of the fridge for more than 1 to 2 hours should also be tossed.
Can You Refreeze Meat Twice?
Bear in mind that refreezing meat can change its taste and quality. Your best bet is to limit refreezing food if you can help it. This is how long food lasts after you pull it out of the freezer.
What Happens When You Refreeze Meat?
For starters, there will be a loss of moisture (think back to the liquid at the bottom of the package when you thaw meat—all that is lost moisture). The refreezing process also causes ice crystals to form, which dries the meat out. The more times meat is refrozen, the less juicy and tender it will be. It will be safe to eat, but it may not be as tasty as it would have been originally. However, you can easily fix tough meat in the slow cooker.
How to Refreeze Meat
Chicken
You need to refreeze chicken quickly. Return it to the freezer within 1 to 2 days to preserve maximum quality, and place it in a shallow container to help speed up the freezing process. Refrozen chicken can last in the freezer between 9 and 12 months.
Since refrozen chicken’s texture and taste may be impacted, it thrives best in a dish where it isn’t the star. Use it to make saucy chicken enchiladas or a flavorful chicken casserole.
Pork
Though pork will be a little dry if you refreeze it, it will still be tasty (we’re big fans of using frozen meat to make pork fajitas). When prepping pork to return it to the freezer, place it in a freezer bag and make sure all the air is pressed out to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Beef
Don’t throw away expensive beef steaks and roasts, even after you’ve thawed them! They can be refrozen, and a homemade marinade will mask any change in flavor that occurs during refreezing. Your roasts will last for up to a year in the freezer. Use these freezer organization products to keep things tidy.
Ground Meat
Ground meat can be refrozen if it’s been in the fridge for three days or less. When thawed again, it’s best suited for a ground beef casserole—save burger night for meat that’s freshly purchased. Ground meat will last between 3 and 4 months in the freezer.
Meals to Make and Stash in the Freezer
Lasagna CasseroleWhile growing up, I always wanted this meal on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but now I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Zucchini Pizza CasseroleMy husband has a hearty appetite, our two kids never tire of pizza and I grow lots of zucchini, so this tasty tomato casserole is absolutely tops with us throughout the entire year. Once you've tried the recipe, you may even decide to grow more zucchini in your own garden next summer! —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Forgotten JambalayaDuring chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Check out more of our delicious and budget-friendly slow cooker recipes.
Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken CasseroleThis delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois. Freezer Meal Prep Tip: Good cooks like to keep some go-to meals on hand that don’t require a special trip to the store. Keep chicken breasts in the freezer and you’ll always be ready. New to meal prepping? Stock up on these ingenious meal prep products you'll actually use.
Stamp-of-Approval Spaghetti SauceMy father is very opinionated, especially about food. This recipe received his almost unreachable stamp of approval. I have yet to hear a disagreement from anyone who has tried it! —Melissa Taylor, Higley, Arizona
Skillet Shepherd's PieThis is the best shepherd's pie recipe I've ever tasted. It's very quick to make, and I usually have most—if not all—of the ingredients already on hand. —Tirzah Sandt, San Diego, California
Slow-Cooker Beef BarbacoaI love this beef barbacoa because the meat is fall-apart tender and the sauce is smoky, slightly spicy and so flavorful. You can have a soft taco bar and let people make their own—or offer mouthwatering Mexican pizzas or rice bowls. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida. Freezer Meal Prep Tips: Make things a little easier on yourself and follow these wonderful big-batch meal prep tips from one of our writers.
Sweet-and-Sour Meat LoafMy husband and I like basic, hearty meat-and-potatoes meals. The sweet-and-sour flavor adds a deliciously different twist to this longtime standby. —Debbie Haneke, Stafford, Kansas
Southwestern Pork ChopsThis recipe came out of necessity! I love to cook but hate to grocery shop, and one day I found myself with nothing but some pork chops, canned black beans and canned tomatoes. This is the dish I came up with, and my husband loved it.—Vicki L. Blaine, Plymouth, Michigan. Freezer Meal Prep Tips: Make sure your food is protected with these tips for keeping freezer burn at bay.
Tasty BurritosMy cousin is of Mexican heritage, and I’ve watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. They’re even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. —Debi Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Pepperoni Pan PizzaI've spent years trying to come up with the perfect pizza crust and sauce, and they're paired up in this recipe. I fix this crispy, savory pizza for my family often, and it really satisfies my husband and sons. —Susan Lindahl, Alford, Florida. Freezer Meal Prep Tip: You'll definitely want to read up on these meal prep tips from The Pioneer Woman.
Stuffed Chicken RollsJust thinking about this dish sparks my appetite. The ham and cheese rolled inside are a tasty surprise. Leftovers reheat well and make a perfect lunch with a green salad. —Jean Sherwood, Kenneth City, Florida
Five-Cheese Ziti al FornoAfter having the five-cheese ziti at Olive Garden, I tried to make my own homemade version—and I think I got pretty close. I always double this and freeze the second one for another meal. —Keri Whitney, Castro Valley, California
Chicken Cordon Bleu BakeI got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
Slow-Cooker MinestroneThere's nothing quite like the comfort of warm homemade soup, and it's even better when your slow cooker does most of the work for you! This slow-cooker minestrone is easy to put together but has all the flavor of a high-effort dish. —Erin Raatjes, New Lenox, Illinois
Slow-Cooker Chuck RoastMy husband and I like chuck roast recipes, so this slow-cooker chuck roast recipe is terrific. You'll also love how flavorful and tender this comforting beef chuck roast turns out. —Bette McCumber, Schenectady, New York
Chicken Noodle CasseroleEveryone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas
Bavarian Pot RoastSince all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio
Luau Pork Lettuce WrapsI first made this recipe when our family took a trip to a beach house in Florida. On my night to cook, I did a luau theme and used this recipe as the appetizer. These are still a favorite today! —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Best LasagnaWant to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Pizza Pasta CasseroleKids will line up for this zippy pizza-flavored dish. The recipe makes two casseroles, so you can serve one to your family right away and keep the other in the freezer for another night. —Nancy Scarlett, Graham, North Carolina
Spicy Bean and Beef PieMy daughter helped me come up with this recipe when we wanted a one-dish meal that was different than a casserole. This pie slices nicely and is a fun and filling dish. —Debra Dohy, Massillon, Ohio
Chicken Tortilla BakeMother frequently made this comforting chicken tortilla casserole when I was growing up. Our family would scrape the pan clean. Chicken, cheese and zippy green chiles are a mouthwatering mix. —Jerri Moror, Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Sausage & Kale Lentil StewI made a pot of this awesome soup when visiting my sister and her family. Now, I'll bring it along when I stop by or pack up a few frozen containers for my nephew, who appreciates a home-cooked meal while he's off at college. —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Here's everything you should know when freezing soup!
Potluck Taco CasseroleThis is the dish I most often take to potlucks, and the pan comes home empty every time. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio
Southwest Turkey BurgersI made these turkey burgers with corn, green chiles and taco spice for my parents. They originally weren't sold on a nontraditional burger, but they absolutely loved them! People gobble up these burgers every time. —Katie Ring, Menasha, WI
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing BakeI love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Korean Beef and RiceA friend raved about Korean bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Make-Ahead Spinach ManicottiWhen I invite people to dinner, many have started requesting this pasta bake ahead of time because it's that good. Plus, the manicotti is stuffed before it's cooked, making it even more convenient. —Christy Freeman, Central Point, Oregon
Chicken Florentine MeatballsServed over squash and a chunky, mushroom-tomato sauce, these tender meatballs are tops when it comes to great flavor. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
Orange-Chipotle ChickenBig on flavor and easy on the cook's time, this orange-chipotle chicken recipe is appealing. The sweet-yet-hot sauce gets its heat from the chipotle pepper. I serve this dish with a side of rice. —Cittie, Tasteofhome.com Community
Chicken ManicottiWhen one of my friends came home from the hospital with her newborn, I sent over this freezer casserole. She and her family raved over how good it was. Try substituting olives for mushrooms or using veal instead of chicken. —Jamie Valocchi, Mesa, Arizona
Chili Sauce ChickenChili sauce, garlic and basil add flavor to these moist chicken thighs. We enjoy the tender grilled chicken not just in summertime, but throughout the year. —Marilyn Waltz, Idyllwild, California
Baja Pork TacosThis delicious pork tacos recipe is my copycat version of the most excellent Mexican food we ever had, when we were visiting Flagstaff, Arizona. The original recipe used beef instead of pork, but this comes mighty close to the same taste. —Ariella Winn, Mesquite, Texas
Parmesan Chicken NuggetsMy 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Skillet Beef TamalesI found something similar to this years ago and have recently added my own spin. Here’s the outcome: an easy, cheesy meal your family can't get enough of. We don't have to tell them it's healthy. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Sunday Pork RoastMom would prepare pork roast for our family, friends and customers at the three restaurants she and Dad owned. The herb rub and vegetables give it a remarkable flavor. It's one of my favorite pork roast recipes. —Sandi Pichon, Memphis, Tennessee
Chicken & Cheese Noodle BakeThis is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
Great Northern Bean StewThis thick and hearty stew with great northern beans is sure to chase the winter chills away. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Lone Star Pot RoastPot roast becomes especially delicious with the addition of chopped green chiles and taco seasoning. —Helen Carpenter, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bacon-Colby LasagnaMy grandmother added bacon to her cheesy lasagna—something she borrowed from carbonara-style pasta. I learned so much by her side. —Cathy McCartney, Davenport, Iowa
Fall Vegetable Sloppy JoesI make this dish in the fall and sneak grated vegetables into the sloppy joe mixture, which is especially good for children who don’t like to eat their vegetables! Just walk away and let the slow cooker do all the work. Top the filling with a little shredded cheese before serving. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
BBQ Country RibsI created this country ribs recipe many years ago when I adapted a sauce I saw in a magazine. The original called for much more oil. I usually triple the sauce and keep some in my freezer to use on chicken, beef or pork. —Barbara Gerriets, Topeka, Kansas
Herbed Pork Roast with GravyThe classic mix of herbs topping this roast add a flavor to the pork that my husband just loves. It’s his favorite dish! —Jean Harris, Central Point, Oregon
Super Easy Country-Style RibsI'm a die-hard rib fan. When we were growing up, our mom made these for us all the time, and we still can’t get enough of them. —Stephanie Loaiza, Layton, Utah
Ham & Swiss Chicken Roll-UpsWhite wine dresses up cream of chicken soup to make a lovely sauce for chicken, ham and Swiss cheese roll-ups. The tried-and-true recipe comes from my mother. —Carol McCollough, Missoula, Montana
Artichoke Beef StewThe recipe for this special stew was given to me by a dear friend before she moved to another state. She served it with dumplings, but my husband prefers noodles. —Janell Schmidt, Athelstane, Wisconsin
Classic Crab CakesOur region is known for good seafood, and crab cakes are a traditional favorite. I learned to make them from a chef in a restaurant where they were a bestseller. The crabmeat's sweet and mild flavor is sparked by the blend of other ingredients. —Debbie Terenzini, Lusby, Maryland
Chicken BurritosThis mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Meat Loaf MuffinsServe these tangy meat loaf muffins for dinner or slice them up for a take-along sandwich lunch. They're just as flavorful after freezing. —Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia
Carrot Ginger SoupThis light, flavorful carrot ginger soup is vegan. It's made with pantry staples and comes together in a hurry, yet it always seems to impress. Fresh ginger makes a big difference—and what isn't used can be wrapped tightly and tossed in the freezer for later use. —Jenna Olson, Manchester, Missouri
Macaroni and Cheese with ChickenPrep once and feed the family twice when you double this chicken mac and cheese and freeze half of it. I created it for the people I love most, using ingredients they love most. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Mini Shepherd's PiesI’m as confident serving these little pies to company as to family. If I have enough time, I’ll use homemade biscuits and mashed potatoes. —Ellen Osborne, Clarksville, Tennessee
Saucy Indian-Style Chicken & VegetablesThis Indian-style dish seems to develop a devoted following. Prepared sauce makes
it easy to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your family. Feel free to use more or less tikka masala sauce according to your personal taste. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
German MeatballsThis is one of our favorite main dishes. Because we raise our own pork and beef, the meat we use is always freshly ground. For variety, these meatballs can be cooked with a sweet cream gravy or steamed with tomatoes. But we prefer them with homemade sauerkraut. —Iona Redemer, Calumet, Oklahoma
Slow-Cooker SpareribsEven my three little ones love these easy-to-make and delicious-to-eat slow-cooker spareribs. The succulent meat falls right off the bone! —Julie Czmer, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Pork BurritosAs a working mother, I depend on my slow cooker to help feed my family. We all love the spicy but slightly sweet flavor of these tender burritos. —Kelly Gengler, Theresa, Wisconsin
Taco SpaghettiI came up with this kid-friendly taco spaghetti recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I'm lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas
Fontina Chicken & Pasta BakeEat it tonight, or freeze it for later. This cheesy casserole is still awesome months after you make it. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Braised Herb Pork ChopsThese herb-packed braised pork chops are perfect for entertaining because they come together quickly and bake for up to 2 hours. While visiting, my guests and I can enjoy the wonderful aroma. —Darci Truax, Billings, Montana
Meat Loaf MuffinsServe these tangy meat loaf muffins for dinner or slice them up for a take-along sandwich lunch. They're just as flavorful after freezing. —Cheryl Norwood, Canton, Georgia
Red Clam SauceThis recipe tastes like an Italian restaurant specialty and cooks while you take care of other things. What a marvelous way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Meat Loaf Cordon BleuI'm a school counselor and a mother of one young child. Even with my busy schedule, I can make this in the morning and pop it into the oven when I get home. —Barb Jacobsen, Campbell, Nebraska
Muffin-Cup Cheddar Beef PiesMy kids love these beef rolls so much. I always make extra since they heat up so quickly. I give the kids their choice of dipping sauces—spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing are the top picks. —Kimberly Farmer, Wichita, Kansas
Chorizo & Chipotle Stuffed Cabbage CupsOur family and friends enjoy Polish recipes, and my hubby loves Mexican, too. I created delicious cabbage rolls that highlight the warm and inviting flavors of both cultures. —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina
Porcini Mac & CheeseThis recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Sausage & Kale Lentil StewI made a pot of this awesome soup when visiting my sister and her family. Now, I'll bring it along when I stop by or pack up a few containers for my nephew, who appreciates a home-cooked meal while he's off at college. —Tiffany Ihle, Bronx, New York
Moroccan Apple Beef StewI love the mix of sweet and savory flavors in this hearty stew. It's the perfect blend of adventurous and comforting, and makes a fun dish to share with guests. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Hacienda Hash BrownsI use a clear glass dish to show off my hash brown bake. The bold pepper, cilantro, cumin and garlic make this potato-egg casserole extraordinary. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Veggie Chicken CreoleI ladle this vegetable-packed chicken dish over jasmine rice. It’s a long-grain rice that’s not as sticky as most, but any cooked rice, including brown, works here.—Virginia Crowell, Lyons, Oregon
Roasted Vegetable StrataWith the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Chicken Spinach Dip Bread BowlsMy family loves artichoke spinach dip, so I thought I could turn this popular appetizer into a chicken entree. The sourdough bowl makes a fun presentation. I love that with this recipe I can make one for dinner and wrap one for the freezer! —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Shrimp & Broccoli Brown Rice PaellaYears ago my husband and I were vacationing in France and came across an open market where a man from Spain was making paella in a skillet; we've been hooked ever since. I love to whip this up for a large group, but if the gathering is small, I know I can easily freeze leftovers for another time. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Originally Published: June 25, 2020
