Freezing beef is a great way to save money and reduce waste. With the rising costs of beef buying in bulk when there are sales and freezing the extras can help stretch your grocery budget. But how long will frozen beef last before it goes bad? Here’s a complete guide to maximizing freezer life for ground beef steaks, roasts and more.
Ground Beef
Ground beef is one of the most versatile and budget-friendly cuts of beef. It’s easy to cook up a batch of burgers or tacos, and extras can be portioned out and frozen for later. According to the USDA frozen ground beef will maintain best quality for 3-4 months.
Signs that ground beef has been in the freezer too long include large ice crystals on the surface, discoloration or dryness. Make sure ground beef is tightly wrapped or sealed in an airtight bag with as much air removed as possible before freezing. Flatten it into a thin layer so it freezes quickly and evenly. Defrost frozen ground beef in the refrigerator, not the microwave or on the counter, to prevent bacterial growth.
Steaks, Roasts and Other Cuts
Fresh steaks, roasts and other beef cuts like brisket and short ribs can be frozen for 4-12 months. High-value cuts deserve extra protection, so wrap them in multiple layers such as plastic wrap, aluminum foil and freezer paper before sealing in an airtight bag. Place a layer of wax paper between each piece of meat to prevent them from freezing together.
Look for signs of freezer burn like dried out areas, change in color or foul odors. Use frozen steaks, roasts and chops within a year for best flavor and texture. Thaw large cuts slowly in the refrigerator over 24 hours. Do not thaw beef at room temperature or in hot water to prevent bacterial growth.
Cooked and Leftover Beef
Cooked beef and leftovers like pot roast or shredded beef for tacos can also be frozen, but won’t last as long as raw beef. Cooked beef only lasts 2-3 months in the freezer before quality really declines. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
For cooked ground beef, spoon it into a flat layer in a freezer bag and lay flat to freeze quickly. Defrost small amounts of cooked beef in the microwave, but keep an eye on it as the edges can cook from frozen.
Other Frozen Beef Products
Ground beef and fresh steaks aren’t the only beef that benefits from freezer storage. Here are some guidelines for other common frozen beef items:
- Hot dogs – 1-2 months
- Bacon – 1 month
- Pre-formed hamburger patties – 1-3 months
- Frozen dinners with beef – 3-4 months
Keeping Tabs on Freezer Life
To get the most out of your frozen beef, keep track of how long items have been stored. Here are some tips:
- Label packages with contents and freeze date
- Keep inventory list on fridge or freezer door
- Place older items in front to use first
- Do occasional freezer purges and use older meats
With proper freezing techniques and storage times, beef can stay fresh in the freezer for many months. Follow these freezer beef storage guidelines to reduce waste and make the most of bulk purchases and sales. Your budget and tastebuds will thank you.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/How-Long-Can-You-Keep-Ground-Beef-in-Freezer-4x3-71a1f53006eb46c8a903b0bde3dc6df8.jpg)
If a Package Says “Keep Frozen,” Can It Go In the Refrigerator Instead?
It’s always best to stick to the package instructions on your food. This is partially for food safety reasons, and partially for reheating reasons. Foods that say “keep frozen” often have cooking instructions that start from a frozen state.
If a package says to thaw before cooking, then you can thaw it in the refrigerator. (See “What Is the Best Way to Safely Thaw Frozen Meat” below.)
How Long Does Frozen Meat Last?
In general, the less a piece of meat has been processed, the longer its quality and taste will last in the freezer. All Coleman Natural products meet the highest standards of “natural” and never contain artificial ingredients or hormones. Since our start over 100 years ago, we’ve made it a top priority to keep our ingredient lists as simple as possible to minimize processing, improving overall longevity.
So how long can specific, uncooked frozen meats last without comprising taste and quality?
According to the USDA, uncooked, fresh pork can last a considerable amount of time in the freezer. For example, pork chops can last four to six months. Fresh ground pork should be used within three to four months. Other uncooked pork products like bacon, lunch meats, and sausage can last in the freezer for one to two months.
Based on the recommendations of USDA, uncooked chops, steaks, or roasts can remain in the freezer within four to 12 months, and uncooked ground beef lasts around four months.
USDA suggests a whole raw chicken can last up to a year in the freezer, while other parts, like wings, breasts, and thighs, may last nine months. Also, giblets or ground chicken can stay frozen for three to four months. Turkey can last one year in the freezer for the best quality.
According to USDA, frozen raw fish is best used within three to eight months and shellfish, such as shrimp, scallops, mussels, oysters, and clams can last three to 12 months. It’s also important to note that seafood should never be left out over two hours.
You’re not limited to only freezing raw meat! According to USDA, cooked meat can also be frozen to prolong its life.
For example, you can freeze fully cooked Polish sausage or you could cook a large roast and freeze half of it to use in a future dish. Just be aware that raw frozen meat keeps a pleasing texture for longer than cooked frozen meat since it hasn’t yet lost its moisture through the cooking process.
How long can food stay in your freezer?
FAQ
Is 2 year old frozen beef safe to eat?
Yes, you can eat meat that has been frozen for two years, but there are some important considerations: Quality: While freezing keeps meat safe indefinitely, the quality may degrade over time. After two years, the meat may suffer from freezer burn, which affects its taste and texture.
Can beef last 2 years in the freezer?
Raw steaks can be kept in the freezer for six to 12 months.
Chops last four to six months while roasts can be frozen for up to a year.
Is frozen meat from 2 years ago still good?
Realistically, forever. Meat that’s frozen for years can get freezer burn, get dry, taste stale when you cook it – but it’ll never actually go bad. I’ve eaten meat that’s been frozen for over a decade, and while it was distinctly stale, it was perfectly edible.
What happens if beef is frozen too long?
However, it is recommended to use ground beef within 3 to 4 months of freezing, as the quality of the meat will begin to deteriorate over time. Ground beef that has been frozen for too long may not be as flavorful. Plus, the texture and color of the meat may change.
How long can you keep cooked meat in the freezer?
Uncooked beef, poultry, and pork can be kept for up to a year in the freezer, while fully cooked meats like ham, sausage, and bacon can be frozen for up to two months. For roughly three to four months, raw hamburgers and ground beef should remain fresh.
How long does beef last in the freezer?
The storage duration for beef in the freezer varies by cut. For example, steaks such as ribeye and sirloin can last between 6 to 12 months. Roasts, including chuck and round cuts, also have a similar range of 4 to 12 months. Ground beef has a shorter shelf life, recommended at 3 to 4 months.
How long does frozen ground beef last?
In fact, the main issue for properly frozen food is freshness and quality. According to the FDA’s freezer storage guidelines, the optimal storage time for frozen ground beef is 3 to 4 months. The same goes for any type of ground meat, including ground turkey, pork, veal, or chicken.
Can you freeze beef if it expires?
The quality of the beef itself affects its shelf life in the deep freezer. Fresh, high-quality beef will have a longer freezer life compared to meat that is nearing its expiration date. It is always advisable to freeze beef as soon as possible after purchase to retain its optimal quality for a longer duration. 4. Deep Freezer Conditions
How long can a raw steak last in the freezer?
Raw steaks can be kept in the freezer for six to 12 months. Chops last four to six months while roasts can be frozen for up to a year. Uncooked pork has similar freezer guidelines to beef
Can you freeze ground beef?
Freeze large quantities of ground beef in half-pound or one-pound portions so you can defrost the exact amount you need. Check the temperature of your freezer periodically to ensure that it’s set to 0 degrees F or colder. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the ground beef in wax paper or freezer paper.