Ground beef already formed into patties or separated into smaller quantities take less time and defrost quicker. For instance, 1/2-inch (1.25-cm) ground beef patties that were frozen separately usually take about 10 hours to defrost.
Gelatin is a protein substance used to thicken liquids. It does not have a color, smell, or taste. It comes from boiling animal tissues such as beef bones, cartilage, tendons, and pig skin. Gelatin is used in many kinds of food products and drug and supplement products.
Yes, it is still used. There are also gelling agents sometimes called vegetable gelatins, such as pectin, derived from plants, although these are carbohydrate-based and not chemically related to animal gelatins. Kosher gelatin just has to come from the right animals.