Having an extra pound of ground beef on hand is always beneficial for quick meals like hamburgers, tacos, or this spaghetti skillet. However, ground beef must be stored in the freezer for later use after only one or two days in the refrigerator.
How long will ground beef stay good in the freezer?
You may be surprised to find that frozen meat can technically last forever in a properly cooled freezer (one that remains at 0°F) — but it does have a “best by” shelf life after which taste declines. According to the USDAs freezing and food safety guide, loss of moisture is a big reason why frozen ground beef loses flavor over long periods of time. Raw beef is best used within three to four months of freezing, per the USDA. Due to the loss of moisture in the cooking process, cooked ground beef can last two to three months in the freezer.
How to properly store ground beef in the freezer
Frozen meat can be frozen in its original store packaging for up to two months, according to U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. If you plan to keep it longer than that, you can wrap the original packaging in heavy-duty foil or place it in a freezer bag to stop air from getting in. Be sure to label the meat with the date it was frozen so theres no guessing how long its been in there.
The USDA adds that it is best to freeze raw beef as soon as possible. When defrosted, meat that was put in the freezer as soon as you got home from the grocery store will be fresher than meat that was frozen later or that had already been cooked.
The USDA suggests that cooked beef should never be left out of the refrigerator for more than two hours because it can be refrozen in three to four days.
One to two days after being taken out of the freezer, raw meat that was frozen and then thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen. However, only raw meat that has remained in the refrigerator or cooked meat that has only been out for a short while can be frozen again without risk.
How to properly defrost ground beef
You should never defrost beef out on the kitchen counter. By doing this, the meat is continuously exposed to dangerous bacteria. Instead, place the frozen beef on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator overnight to allow it to thaw gradually and keep juices from spilling onto other foods. After you remove it from the freezer, you can safely store it in the refrigerator for two days.
Putting frozen meat in a zippered plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for one to three hours, or until thawed, is the best option when you need to thaw it more quickly. The USDA recommends microwave defrosting if you’re in a hurry and need to expedite the process. After being thawed in water or the microwave, beef needs to be cooked right away.
NiKesia Pannell is a self-described Slurpee connoisseur, entrepreneur, and freelance writer who writes about news and culture for The Kitchn. She was the former Weekend Editor for Delish and writes for a variety of other publications about faith, health and wellness, travel, beauty, lifestyle, and music.
How long should you keep meat in the fridge or freezer?
FAQ
How do you know if ground beef has gone bad in the freezer?
Fresh beef, veal, lamb, and porkSteaks4 to 12 monthsChops4 to 12 monthsRoasts4 to 12 monthsHamFresh, uncured, uncooked6 monthsCold food storage chartFoodTypeFreezer (0 °F or below)
How long is frozen beef good for in the freezer?
Before this date, food will be of the highest quality and taste. Unless it has been frozen, which can keep it for up to 4 months, ground beef shouldn’t be consumed after its expiration date.
How long can you keep ground beef in the freezer after expiration date?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends keeping defrosted ground beef in the refrigerator for an additional one to two days before cooking. 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.