Defrosting meat in a microwave can be a quick way to begin your meal prep as it can take about 8 to 10 minutes per pound to thaw. However, the ground beef may begin to cook in the microwave and also risk bacterial growth if it sits too long, so you’ll want to make your recipe immediately after defrosting it.
You also have the option of defrosting frozen meat in cold water and changing the water every 30 minutes until it’s thawed or putting it in the refrigerator to thaw. If you thaw it in your refrigerator, make sure to cook or refreeze it within 1 to 2 days. Avoid thawing ground beef on your kitchen counter to prevent bacterial growth.