Planning a barbecue involves a lot of preparation. Make sure the materials you’re grilling, such as fresh ground beef, are up to par. Having trouble preserving the freshness of your beef? We’ve got you covered.
Safely Keeping Thawed Ground Beef in the Fridge
Ground beef that’s been defrosted in the fridge can be safely kept for an additional one to two days in the refrigerator before cooking, says the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The USDA also advises that since you thawed the ground beef in the refrigerator, you can safely refreeze it within that same time frame.
On the other hand, none of this would be applicable if the ground beef had been thawed in a microwave or cold water.
The USDA recommends cooking any meat that has been thawed using one of those methods right away because it could easily reach the temperature of 40°F, where dangerous bacteria can quickly start to multiply.
See Also:
How long should you keep meat in the fridge or freezer?
FAQ
How long can defrosted ground beef stay in the fridge?
You don’t have to cook the beef right away after it has thawed in the refrigerator. Beef roasts and steaks can be kept for an additional 3 to 5 days before cooking, while ground beef can be kept for an additional 1 to 2 days.
Can you defrost ground beef and leave it in the fridge?
If you have a plan, you can thaw ground beef in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, usually overnight. It will help the meat’s bacteria not spread and prevent cross-contamination if you put it in a container that won’t come into contact with any other food.
Can I eat ground beef after 5 days in fridge?
In the refrigerator, raw ground beef can only be stored for one to two days before it spoils. Cooked ground beef keeps in the fridge for three to four days, just like any other leftover cooked ground meat.
How long can defrosted food stay in fridge?
To ensure safety, food that has been defrosted must be cooked before consumption. Once defrosted, foods should be consumed within 24 hours.