Ground beef is a kitchen staple for many home cooks. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and easy to cook with. However, raw ground beef is highly perishable and has a relatively short shelf life compared to other meats. Knowing how to store ground beef properly and how long it lasts in the fridge is crucial to avoid spoilage and waste.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping raw ground beef fresh, including:
- Recommended fridge life for ground beef
- Tips for maximizing shelf life
- Signs of spoiled ground beef
- Freezer storage times
- Safe thawing methods
Plus plenty of other useful info to help you get the most out of this handy protein!
How Long Does Raw Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, raw ground beef will maintain best quality when kept refrigerated for 1-2 days after purchase. After this timeframe, there is an increased risk of spoilage and bacterial growth.
Ground beef consists of meat from various parts of the cow that are finely chopped and mixed together. This mixing process exposes more surface area to air and potential contaminants. Plus, ground beef tends to contain more fat and moisture than whole cuts of beef. These factors allow bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella to multiply quickly if the meat is not handled properly.
To maximize the shelf life of ground beef and keep it as safe as possible:
- Follow the “use-by” date on the package
- Use raw ground beef within 1-2 days of purchasing, or freeze for longer storage
- Monitor fridge temperature and keep below 40°F
- Place on bottom shelf of fridge to prevent leaks from contaminating other foods
The use-by date on store-bought ground beef offers a good guideline for maximum freshness. If you freeze ground beef prior to this date, it can be safely kept frozen for 4-12 months depending on fat content.
What Happens If You Leave Ground Beef in the Fridge Too Long?
Consuming ground beef that has been kept refrigerated too long can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Bacteria multiply rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. Storing ground beef for longer than the recommended 1-2 days allows these bacteria to potentially reach unsafe levels.
Signs that ground beef has been in the fridge for too long and may be spoiled include:
- Grayish or greenish tint to the meat
- Slimy texture and sticky surface
- Unpleasant sour or rancid odor
Discard ground beef displaying these qualities. The changing color, smell, and texture indicate the growth of spoilage microorganisms and likelihood of pathogens. Cooking the meat thoroughly may kill bacteria, but cannot reverse the chemical breakdown of the beef itself.
If there is any doubt about the freshness of refrigerated ground beef, it is safest to throw it away. Ground beef is not worth the risk of food poisoning.
Storing Ground Beef in the Freezer
For longer term storage, raw ground beef can be frozen. According to USDA guidelines:
- Ground beef with low fat content (90% lean) can be frozen for 3-4 months
- Ground beef with higher fat content (80-85% lean) keeps for 2-3 months
- Ground beef patties last 1-3 months in the freezer
Ground beef should be frozen in air-tight packaging before the use-by date. You can rewrap store packaging in aluminum foil or plastic wrap if needed to prevent freezer burn. Portion ground beef into quantities you will use at one time so you
How Long Does Raw Ground Beef Last In the Fridge?
FAQ
Is raw ground beef good after 7 days in the fridge?
Is ground beef good after 3 days in fridge?
How long can sealed ground beef stay in the fridge?
Can ground beef last 4 days?