Freezing cottage pie

brummiebabe

I know that I should know this...but not very confident re: freezing/reheating meat!!

I have a huge pkt of mince (delivered in error to me by Tesco on-line:D ) and want to make a double batch of cottage pie (so I can freeze one.) The mince is currently in freezer (raw) so when I come to make 2 cottage pies, do I cook them both for the full time & then freeze one of them, or do I start the mince off, mix with veg etc, then freeze - ready to put in oven for 1/2 hour to finish off cooking later????

As I said, it probably sounds loke a daft question to you cooking experts - but I don't normally freeze meals so am unclear whather they must be fully cooked before freezing!!

Thanks in advance!!!!

squeaky

The basic rules is freeze once as raw.

Once it defrosted it should not be refrozen unless it has been cooked.

After it has been cooked you can then freeze it.

Partway down the page in the link below is information on storing and freezing meat.

http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/keepingfoodsafe/storing/


HTH

apple_mint

I did Shepherd's Pies a couple of weeks ago. Cooked the mince base and placed in foil dishes. Cooked the potatoes and mashed them, then put on top of the meat mix. Placed lids on them, allowed them to cool and then froze them. On the day of eating - took the pies out of the freezer in the morning - then when I got home put them in a hot oven (having taken the lids off) for about 30 mins (the potato topping goes golden). They were absolutely delicious. We are having the last one this week, then I'll make another batch of three.

arkonite_babe

I never have enough cottage pie left to freeze!!

Alleycat

I usually buy just over two pounds of mince from the butchers. Cook it all up with onion, put in a foil container that I have made using a tupperware dish, add the mash, chill then bung wrapped in foil in the freezer. This usually makes three portions (enough for two adults and a baby), so we eat one and freeze the other two.

When its time to eat the frozen shepherds/cottage pies, I defrost, take off foil from top and shove in the oven.

brummiebabe

Does it make a difference though, that the mince has already been frozen once (when raw)?

Pink.

It makes absolutely no difference as long as you have cooked it before freezing.
You can freeze meat raw and then defrost, cook and refreeze safely.

Pink

Alleycat

I wouldn't have thought there would be any noticeable difference in taste or anything. As long as its not that horrid frozen mince in packets. I tried it once and it was really grainy, yuk!

Just make sure you defrost it thoroughly before cooking. I'd let it thaw on its own rather than zapping in the microwave as I always seem to end up half cooking the stuff!