Fastest Way To Thaw Meat Without Microwave. If using the microwave, cook the ground beef immediately because some areas may begin to cook during the defrosting. If your meat is an inch thick or more, the best and safest way to defrost it is in the refrigerator overnight.
Department of agriculture's (usda) food safety guidelines recommend that a whole turkey requires a 24 hours for every 5 pounds, while 1 pound of ground beef / chicken breast will usually thaw in one day. Place your meat in a microwave safe container. Place the steak on top of the top of one pot when it has been turned upside down.