May 2023: Simple Kitchen Hacks You’ll Actually Use

May brought two handy how‑tos to the blog. One shows the quickest trick to freeze ground beef so it’s ready whenever you need it. The other swaps beef for turkey in Swedish meatballs, giving you a lighter yet flavorful version. Both are perfect for busy cooks who want good food without extra work.

Freezing Ground Beef Made Easy

First up, the ground beef freeze method. Instead of packing a big block of meat in a bag, spread the beef thinly inside a freezer zip‑lock. Lay the bag flat on a baking sheet and press the meat into an even layer about a quarter‑inch thick. This thin sheet freezes fast, so you avoid big ice crystals that can make the meat gritty.

Once the meat is solid, break it into smaller squares that fit your typical portion size. Toss the pieces back into the bag, squeeze out the air, label with the date, and store. When you need it, just pop a piece into a pan—no thawing required for most recipes.

Why does this work? Thin layers lose heat quickly, so the meat spends less time in the danger zone where bacteria grow. Also, you can pull exactly the amount you need, which saves money and cuts waste.

Swedish Meatballs with Ground Turkey – A Light Twist

Next, let’s talk turkey meatballs. Traditional Swedish meatballs mix beef and pork, but swapping in ground turkey cuts the fat while keeping the tender feel. Start with one pound of ground turkey, add a half cup of breadcrumbs, a splash of milk, and a beaten egg. Season with salt, pepper, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of allspice.

Mix everything gently—over‑mixing makes the balls tough. Form 1‑inch balls and roll them in flour. Brown them in a skillet with a little butter or oil; they’ll get a nice crust in just a few minutes.

While the meatballs rest, whisk together beef broth, heavy cream, and a spoonful of Dijon mustard for the sauce. Let it simmer, then stir the meatballs back in to finish cooking. The sauce turns creamy and slightly tangy, balancing the mild turkey flavor.

Serve the turkey meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a comforting dish that’s lighter than the classic version. It’s great for family meals or meal‑prep—make a big batch, cool, and freeze for later.

Both posts from May 2023 focus on making everyday cooking faster and healthier. Freeze ground beef in thin layers to keep it fresh and ready, and try turkey instead of beef for Swedish meatballs to cut down on fat without losing taste. Give them a try, and you’ll see how small tweaks can make a big difference in your kitchen routine.