BEEF, GROUND (HAMBURGER) – FRESH, RAW
- The precise answer to the question of how long raw ground beef keeps in the refrigerator or freezer depends in large part on the storage environment; ground beef (including raw hamburgers) should always be kept in the refrigerator.
- After being purchased, raw ground beef can be kept in the fridge for one to two days. Although the “sell-by” date on the package may have passed during that time, if the meat has been properly stored, it will still be safe to use after that date.
- When storing raw ground beef in the refrigerator, the package should remain unopened and should not be opened until the meat is ready to be used.
- Because bacteria quickly multiply at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, raw ground beef should be thrown away if left out for longer than two hours at room temperature.
- When freezing ground beef, put it in the freezer before the number of days indicated for refrigerator storage has passed in order to further extend its shelf life.
- In order to avoid freezer burn, you can extend the shelf life of ground beef in the freezer by covering the original store packaging with airtight heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper, or by packing the food inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.
- When kept properly, raw ground beef will maintain its best quality for 3 to 4 months in the freezer, but it will continue to be safe after that period.
- The indicated freezer time only applies to the highest quality; ground beef that has been continuously frozen at 0°F will remain safe indefinitely.
- Ground beef that has been frozen and thawed in the refrigerator can be kept for an additional one to two days before cooking; however, ground beef that has been thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be cooked right away.
- After being cooked, ground beef typically keeps well for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator and 4 months in the freezer.
- The best way to determine whether raw ground beef is bad is to smell and examine it. Signs of bad ground beef include a sour smell, dull color, and slimy texture; discard any ground beef with an off smell or appearance.
Sources: For more information on the informational data sources used for food storage, please click here.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
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 does packaged ground beef last?
The Food Safety Inspection Services of the USDA state that ground beef has a shelf life of one to two days after purchase. When preparing, wash your hands in warm, soapy water before handling raw beef and prepared foods. Ensure that other foods are kept away from raw meat and meat juices.
Can you cook ground beef after 4 days in the fridge?
How Long Does Cooked Ground Beef Last in the Fridge? Let’s say you’ve cooked up a pound of ground beef for taco night; how long will that last you in the fridge? According to the United States Department of Agriculture, cooked meats will last in the refrigerator for three to four days.
What does ground beef look like in the fridge when bad?
The outside of raw ground beef should be bright red, while the interior should be brownish. It has gone bad and should be thrown away if the surface has completely turned brown, gray, or developed mold.