However, to preserve the quality of corned beef and avoid foodborne illness, proper storage is essential.
We will discuss the time that corned beef can be kept fresh and edible in the refrigerator as well as safe storage techniques.
CORNED BEEF – COOKED
- The precise answer to the question of how long cooked corned beef keeps in the refrigerator depends in large part on storage conditions; corned beef should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
- Cooked corned beef should be refrigerated in shallow airtight containers or tightly wrapped in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap to extend its shelf life while maintaining quality and safety.
- Cooked corned beef can be kept in the fridge for 3 to 4 days if stored properly.
- Cooked corned beef can be frozen, then wrapped tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap, covered airtight containers, or both to further extend its shelf life.
- Cooked corned beef can be kept in the freezer for up to three months when properly stored, but it will still be safe after that period.
- Only the best quality corned beef should be frozen for the duration indicated; otherwise, corned beef that has been continuously frozen at 0°F will remain safe indefinitely.
- After being frozen and thawed, cooked corned beef can be stored for an additional three to four days in the refrigerator before cooking; however, corned beef that was thawed in the microwave or in cold water should be consumed right away.
- Bacteria grow quickly at temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F; therefore, cooked corned beef should be thrown away if left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours.
- The best way to tell if cooked corned beef is bad is to smell it and examine it: bad corned beef will have a slimy texture and a sour smell. Discard any corned beef with an off smell or appearance; do not taste it first.
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
How long does cooked corned meat last in the fridge?
Following cooking, corned beef can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days and in the freezer for two to three months.
How can you tell if corned beef is spoiled?
The best method is to smell and examine the corned beef; bad corned beef will have an unpleasant odor and a slimy texture. Do not taste any corned beef before discarding it.
How long can you keep cooked corned beef and cabbage?
How to Store Corned Beef and Cabbage. For up to three days, keep leftover corned beef and cabbage in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat the food in the oven until it is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside.
How long will deli corned beef last in the fridge?
You can store lunch meats after opening a package or purchasing sliced lunch meats at a deli for three to five days. Keep your refrigerator at 40 °F or less). For best quality, these meats can also be frozen for one to two months. Frozen foods are safe indefinitely (kept at 0 °F).