Keeping a well stocked freezer is one of the easiest ways to make weeknight cooking simple. Buying quality meat in bulk not only saves trips to the store, it also means you always have a great starting point for dinner ready to go.
At Gartner’s Meat Market, we have plenty of options that freeze extremely well while maintaining their flavor and texture. If you are looking to stock up, here are some of the best meats to buy in bulk and keep in your freezer!
Ground Beef
Ground beef is one of the most versatile freezer staples. It works for everything from quick weeknight tacos to hearty pasta sauces and burgers on the grill.
Why ground beef freezes well:
- Easy to portion into meal sized packages
- Thaws quickly
- Maintains great flavor over time in the freezer
How long ground beef lasts in the freezer:
Ground beef is best used within 3 to 4 months of freezing
Ground beef meal ideas:
- Burgers
- Spaghetti with meat sauce
- Chili
- Taco night
Tip: Flatten ground beef packages before freezing so they stack easily and thaw quicker.
Steaks
Steaks freeze very well when properly wrapped and stored. Having a few in the freezer means you are always ready for a delicious dinner or a spontaneous grill night.
Steaks that freeze especially well include:
- Ribeye steaks
- New York strip steaks
- Top sirloin steaks
- Flat iron steaks
These cuts of steak hold their texture and flavor beautifully when frozen and thawed properly.
How long steaks last in the freezer:
Steaks maintain great quality for about 4 to 12 months when properly wrapped.
Steak meal ides:
- Grilled steaks and baked potatoes
- Steak salads
- Steak tacos
- Steak and roasted vegetables
Keeping a couple steaks in the freezer is an easy way to elevate dinner without much planning or effort!
Ribs
Ribs are another excellent freezer option because they maintain their quality and cook up beautifully after thawing.
Ribs that freeze best:
- Beef short ribs
- St. Louis style pork ribs
- Baby back ribs
- Country style pork ribs
These cuts are perfect for slow cooking, smoking, grilling, or braising. Because ribs are often sold in larger portions, they are ideal for freezing and pulling out when you are ready to cook for family or friends.
How long ribs last in the freezer:
Ribs typically keep their best quality for 4 to 6 months in the freezer.
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are a freezer essential. They are lean, versatile, and work well in countless recipes.
Why chicken breasts are great for freezing:
- Long freezer life
- Easy to cook in many different ways
- Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners
How long chicken breasts last in the freezer:
Raw chicken breasts are best used within 9 to 12 months when frozen properly.
Meal ideas:
- Grilled chicken and vegetables
- Chicken rice bowls
- Chicken salads or wraps
- Pasta dishes with chicken
People also tend to love freezing marinated chicken breasts, which makes weeknight cooking even easier since the flavor is already built in!
Sausages and Bratwurst
Sausages are one of the most convenient freezer items you can keep stocked. They cook quickly and work in a variety of meals.
Freezer friendly sausage favorites include:
- Bratwurst
- Italian sausage
- Polish sausage
- Breakfast sausage
These are great for grilling, sheet pan dinners, pasta dishes, or simple skillet meals.
How long sausages last in the freezer:
Fresh sausages and bratwurst are best used within 1 to 2 months for peak quality, though they remain safe longer if continuously frozen.
Tips for Freezing Meat Successfully
A few simple steps help keep your freezer stocked with high quality meals.
Label and date packages
This helps you rotate through older items first.
Freeze meat promptly
Place meat in the freezer as soon as possible after purchasing.
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator
This helps preserve texture and flavor.
Keep a variety on hand
A mix of ground meat, steaks, chicken, and sausages makes meal planning much easier.
Stock Your Freezer at Gartner’s Meat Market
If you are looking for high quality meats in Portland to stock up your freezer, Gartner’s Meat Market has been serving the community since 1959 with trusted quality and knowledgeable butchers.
Whether you are planning for busy weeknights, stocking up for grilling season, or simply want to keep your freezer full of great dinner options, stop by and pick up a few freezer favorites on your next visit.