Can previously frozen ground beef be cooked and again?

No, it's not safe to freeze ground beef, thaw it, cook it, and then freeze it again. Here's why:

* Safety: Freezing and thawing meat causes ice crystals to form, which damages the cell structure. This makes the meat more susceptible to bacterial growth, especially during the thawing and cooking process. Refreezing after cooking increases the risk of foodborne illness.

* Quality: Each freeze-thaw cycle degrades the quality of the meat. It becomes tougher and drier, with a less desirable texture and flavor.

Here's what you can do instead:

* Cook and store in smaller portions: Cook the ground beef and divide it into portions that you'll use within a few days. Store these in the refrigerator.

* Use for other recipes: You can use cooked ground beef in recipes like chili, spaghetti sauce, or tacos.

Remember: Always follow safe food handling practices. This includes thawing meat properly in the refrigerator, cooking it to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), and storing leftovers within two hours of cooking.