I just did a google search and found a thread from here dated 2010. Many said they have successfully frozen corned beef in the package it came in. I purchased 4 last week. My sister was supposed to come visit on Friday, but she didn’t. I had planned to cook extras for her, but she didn’t. I am going to try and freeze 3 of them and cook one tomorrow. I thought I would post this, if anyone else was wondering.
Corned beef is a savory, salty deli meat that’s often served around St. Patrick’s Day But its robust flavor makes it perfect for sandwiches, hash and other dishes year-round Freezing corned beef allows you to stock up when it’s on sale or save leftovers from that holiday feast. But how long does corned beef actually last in the freezer?
In this complete guide, you’ll learn all about freezing corned beef and maximizing its shelf life. Get tips for safe storage, thawing and more. With proper freezing methods, you can keep corned beef for months and enjoy it anytime!
Overview of Freezing Corned Beef
Corned beef gets its signature flavor from a dry rub or brine of spices like coriander, peppercorns, mustard and salt. This cures the beef brisket or round for 7-10 days. The cured, cooked meat slices easily and has a distinct pink color.
Freezing helps preserve the quality of corned beef’s texture for future use. It stops bacteria growth and moisture loss. With airtight packaging, you can freeze both raw, cured corned beef and leftovers after cooking.
Proper freezing procedures are important, as is tracking freezer times. But with the right techniques, frozen corned beef stays fresh for months.
How Long Does Corned Beef Last Frozen?
Frozen correctly at 0°F, corned beef will last:
- Raw corned beef – 1 month for best quality
- Cooked corned beef – 2-3 months for optimal freshness
These timelines ensure the best flavor, moisture and sliceability. Freezing longer than these recommendations isn’t dangerous, but the taste and texture quality declines over time.
Always freeze corned beef as soon as possible after purchase or cooking. Quick freezing preserves freshness. Carefully follow guidelines for storage temperatures packaging and thawing as well.
Tips for Freezing Corned Beef
Follow these best practices when freezing corned beef:
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Allow cooked corned beef to cool completely before freezing, about 2 hours.
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Portion into freezer-safe packaging in desired meal sizes. Smaller portions thaw faster.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal bags tightly. Use a vacuum sealer if possible.
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Wrap raw corned beef tightly in plastic wrap before bagging to protect shape.
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Use heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer paper for cooked slices to prevent sticking.
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Label packages with contents and freeze date. Track shelf life.
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Freeze corned beef within 1-2 days of purchasing or cooking.
Proper prep is key to delicious corned beef, even from the freezer!
Thawing Frozen Corned Beef
Never thaw corned beef at room temperature, as bacteria can grow rapidly above 40°F. Instead, use one of these safe methods:
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator – 24 hours for a 3 lb package.
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Submerge sealed bag in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 1 hour per pound.
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Thaw in microwave on defrost setting if cooking immediately after.
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Cook from frozen in oven, slow cooker or simmering liquid. Add 50% more cook time.
Avoid refreezing raw corned beef after thawing. Cooked corned beef can be refrozen but the texture may change.
Cooking and Storing Thawed Corned Beef
Once thawed, corned beef is ready to enjoy! Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F.
Store leftovers for 3-4 days refrigerated in air-tight containers. You can also freeze cooked corned beef for 2-3 months.
Use corned beef in sandwiches, hash, soups, casseroles and more! The bold salty flavor pairs well in many dishes.
Freezing Corned Beef Hash and Cabbage
Beyond the meat alone, you can also freeze:
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Corned beef hash – Fully cook hash browns and corned beef mixture before freezing. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
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Corned beef and cabbage – Blanche chopped cabbage before combining with corned beef to freeze. Thaw in fridge then reheat gently on stove.
Portion cooked hash or cabbage mixtures into single servings before freezing.
FAQs About Freezing Corned Beef
Get answers to some top questions about handling and freezing corned beef:
Can you freeze deli corned beef?
Yes, you can freeze sliced deli corned beef for up to 2-3 months by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
How do you maintain freezer freshness?
Use air-tight vacuum sealed bags, wrap meats well, freeze quickly at 0°F, and avoid temperature fluctuations for best quality.
Is it safe to refreeze thawed corned beef?
Refreezing raw thawed corned beef is not recommended, but cooked corned beef can be safely refrozen.
Can you freeze the broth too?
Yes, you can freeze corned beef packaged with broth or cooking liquid to help keep it moist and flavorful.
How do you thaw frozen corned beef?
Thaw frozen corned beef overnight in the refrigerator. You can also submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
Can you freeze homemade corned beef?
Yes, you can freeze homemade corned beef after it has fully cured and cooled. Slice it before freezing for easier use.
Enjoy the Convenience of Frozen Corned Beef
Freezing gives you the ability to enjoy corned beef anytime and prevents waste of leftovers. With proper storage at 0°F, raw corned beef keeps for 1 month frozen while cooked corned beef lasts 2-3 months. Thaw using safe methods and use in sandwiches, hash and many favorite Irish dishes!
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Re: Can you freeze corned beef in the package?
Here is info from USDA website:
Corning is a form of curing; it has nothing to do with corn. The name comes from Anglo-Saxon times before refrigeration. In those days, the meat was dry-cured in coarse “corns” of salt. Some of the salt pellets were about the size of corn kernels and were rubbed into the beef to keep it from going bad and to keep it fresh. Some people use brining instead of dry salt to cure meat these days, but the name “corned beef” is still used instead of “brined” or “pickled” beef. Commonly used spices that give corned beef its distinctive flavor are peppercorns and bay leaf. Of course, these spices may vary regionally. Pickled corned beef in a pouch with a “sell-by” date or no date can be kept in the fridge (40 °F or less) for 5 to 7 days if it has not been opened. Products with a “use-by” date can be stored unopened in the refrigerator until that date. Drained and well wrapped, an uncooked corned beef brisket may be frozen for 1 month for best quality. It’s recommended to drain the brine because salt encourages rancidity and texture changes. The flavor and texture will diminish with prolonged freezing, but the product is still safe. To keep it at its best, corned beef should be kept in the fridge for three to four days after cooking and frozen for two to three months. Corned beef is made from cuts of beef that aren’t as tender, like the round, rump, or brisket. Therefore, it requires long, moist cooking. Keep food safety in mind when preparing corned beef. It can be cooked on top of the stove or in the oven, microwave, or slow cooker. Corned beef may still be pink in color after cooking. This does not mean it is not done. Nitrite is used in the curing process. This fixes pigment in the meat and affects the color. Allow the brisket to stand for about 20 minutes after removing from the heat. The best way to cut it is diagonally across the grain of the meat. This will make it easier to slice. The USDA does not recommend one particular cooking method as best. Following are methods from various sources. The cooking times are based on corned beef that is not frozen at the time of cooking. “Fork-tender” is a good indication of doneness, but use a food thermometer to be sure. Use a food thermometer to make sure that all raw corned beef is cooked to at least 145°F inside before taking it off the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook meat to higher temperatures.
eta. The “use by” date on the packages are pretty generous. I usually just leave mine in the frig. I think the “use by” date can be a month or more. I made corned beef tonite for my Aunt & Uncle. She said she freezes her corned beef all the time. but I havent tried it .