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Original poster

Can I re-freeze chilli that was frozen?

24 replies

LifeInAHamsterWheel · 07/07/2023 22:48

Made chilli (with fresh minced beef) a couple of weeks ago. Once cooled I put it in the freezer. Defrosted it overnight as I thought we'd have more for dinner tonight but ended up just being 3 of us so lots left over. It won't be eaten again within the next couple of days and I really don't want it to go to waste. Can I freeze it again?

OP posts:
TeaKitten · 07/07/2023 22:50

No

Zoraflora · 07/07/2023 22:51

No, once defrosted it cant be frozen again.

Buzzer3555 · 07/07/2023 22:52

Yes

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Yarnorama · 07/07/2023 22:52

No.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 07/07/2023 22:52

No

Original poster
LifeInAHamsterWheel · 07/07/2023 22:54

Majority is No. Ah crap! I might have nachos for lunch tomorrow!

OP posts:
FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 07/07/2023 22:54

No but could you add it to your planned meals for tomorrow or a Sunday?

I'm thinking

  • chilli and scrambled egg breakfast burritos or chilli quesadillas
  • lunch - nachos or jacket spuds with chilli
  • dinner - chilli pasta bake
LauraNicolaides · 07/07/2023 22:54

Yes, the crucial thing is to reheat it thoroughly before you eat it.

CharityJane · 07/07/2023 22:55

If you heated it through until it was piping hot, you can refreeze it. I’ve done this for years.

IronCandle · 07/07/2023 23:02

No.

Tilllly · 07/07/2023 23:08

I do it all the time
Not made me I'll yet

Buzzer3555 · 07/07/2023 23:12

Restaurants do it all the time

Oblomov23 · 07/07/2023 23:13

No. I'm the most lax, easy going food person, but even I don't do this.

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 07/07/2023 23:14

I would. I don’t see the risk as long as it’s been covered and chilled quickly.

Original poster
LifeInAHamsterWheel · 08/07/2023 10:21

Hmm it's not as clear cut now!

Right, I'm going to put it back in the freezer and I'll have it some evening when it's just me (I won't eat all of it but better than binning it all now) So if I end up sick it'll be my own fault and nobody else will be ill. Fingers crossed!!

OP posts:
Peony654 · 08/07/2023 10:25

Yes I do this all the time, it’s fine as it’s cooked. And I’ve never had food poisoning

MakeADecision · 08/07/2023 10:28

No

LauraNicolaides · 08/07/2023 10:33

LifeInAHamsterWheel · 08/07/2023 10:21

Hmm it's not as clear cut now!

Right, I'm going to put it back in the freezer and I'll have it some evening when it's just me (I won't eat all of it but better than binning it all now) So if I end up sick it'll be my own fault and nobody else will be ill. Fingers crossed!!

Just heat it through thoroughly. Refreezing does not introduce any bacteria that weren't already there. And the crucial thing to remove any bacteria that were already there is to heat it properly.

(Although why you would take advice based on a random poll of unqualified people on Mumsnet and cross your fingers is another question Grin)

Aaron95 · 08/07/2023 10:33

I do it all the time. As long as you are heating it after the next defrost it should be fine. Do you need to though? I find chilli and spag bol will keep in the fridge for a week without any problems.

Ovinnik · 08/07/2023 10:40

Re-freezing might impact the texture, that is why it isn't advised. If it has been treated properly (not kept out, cooled quickly etc etc) then there's little risk to your health.

LauraNicolaides · 08/07/2023 10:41

Aaron95 · 08/07/2023 10:33

I do it all the time. As long as you are heating it after the next defrost it should be fine. Do you need to though? I find chilli and spag bol will keep in the fridge for a week without any problems.

Good example - why do you think keeping it in the fridge for a week at 8° is better than keeping it in the freezer at -10°!

Coastalcreeksider · 08/07/2023 10:44

CharityJane · 07/07/2023 22:55

If you heated it through until it was piping hot, you can refreeze it. I’ve done this for years.

I always refreeze defrosted items but only if I have cooked it really well so it's piping hot.

Any left over, I refreeze it. Not had any problems so far.

ChristmasKraken · 08/07/2023 10:47

Ovinnik · 08/07/2023 10:40

Re-freezing might impact the texture, that is why it isn't advised. If it has been treated properly (not kept out, cooled quickly etc etc) then there's little risk to your health.

This. The advice around refreezing meat is to do with texture/moisture and nothing to do with safety.

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 08/07/2023 13:19

ChristmasKraken · 08/07/2023 10:47

This. The advice around refreezing meat is to do with texture/moisture and nothing to do with safety.

Show quote history

Exactly. I think freezing actually improves the texture of some stews etc. but I might be weird. Not aubergines though. They turn to soup. Still tasty though…

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