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 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.
Is beef good after 5 days in fridge?
Roasts, steaks, and chops made of beef, veal, lamb, and pork can be kept for 3 to 5 days. Meat, poultry, and seafood can be safely kept in the refrigerator for three to four days after cooking.
How long are corned beef and cabbage leftovers good for?
Leftovers. Any leftover corned beef from a meal needs to be chilled right away—within two hours of cooking. Use cooked-ahead or left-over corned beef within three to four days, or freeze it for two to three months. Reheat food to a temperature of 165 °F as determined by a food thermometer.
How long can you keep canned corned beef once opened?
The fact that corned beef keeps for such a long time is one of its best qualities. Even after being opened, corned beef can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days due to the extremely long use-by date on tins.