Beef is a staple of many diets and households prized for its versatility, nutritional value and delicious flavor. However, with its limited shelf life, proper storage is key. So how long can beef be refrigerated before it spoils? This complete guide details everything you need to know about refrigerating beef to optimize safety, quality, and longevity.
Overview of Beef Storage
Fresh beef typically only lasts 1-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly at 40°F or below. Ground beef and organ meats have the shortest shelf life, lasting just 1-2 days. Whole cuts like steaks and roasts can keep for 3-5 days. Freezing beef extends its shelf life for several months.
Many factors impact beef’s lifespan, including:
- Storage temperature and method
- Type of cut
- Packaging
- Handling and preparation
Adhering to food safety guidelines and detecting signs of spoilage are vital. With the right techniques, you can maximize your beef’s freshness.
Refrigerating Different Cuts of Beef
Ground Beef
According to FoodSafety.gov, raw ground beef only lasts 1-2 days in the fridge. Its increased surface area makes it more prone to bacteria growth. Cook ground beef within 1-2 days of purchase and don’t keep leftovers beyond 3-4 days.
Steaks, Roasts and Other Large Cuts
Whole muscle cuts like steaks, roasts, and chops keep 3-5 days refrigerated. Their intact structure limits bacteria growth. Use marinades and rubs right before cooking, not during fridge storage.
Organ Meats
Heart, kidneys, liver, and tongue are highly perishable, lasting just 1-2 days refrigerated. Use organ meats soon after purchase.
Proper Refrigeration Guidelines
Follow these tips to safely store beef:
- Set refrigerator at 40°F or below. Use a fridge thermometer to monitor.
- Divide large packages into smaller portions and freeze extra beef.
- Wrap beef tightly in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers.
- Place beef on bottom shelf towards the back, the coldest area.
- Separate raw beef from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces after handling raw beef.
- Consume refrigerated beef by recommended time limits.
- Don’t overcrowd the fridge, as this reduces airflow.
Detecting Spoiled Beef
Rely on your senses to determine spoiled beef. Signs include:
- Unpleasant sour, rotten or tangy odor
- Slimy, sticky, or tacky texture
- Discoloration – gray, brown, or greenish hues
- Mold growth – fuzzy white, green, or black spots
- Weird sweet or metallic smell
When in doubt, throw it out! Consuming spoiled beef can cause foodborne illness. Frozen beef can be kept indefinitely, but may suffer quality loss after 4-12 months.
Tips for Freezing Beef
Freezing preserves beef’s quality for extended storage. Follow these guidelines:
- Freeze beef as soon as possible post-purchase.
- Divide meat into meal-sized portions.
- Use moisture-proof packaging like freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Remove excess air and seal tightly.
- Label packages with contents and date.
- Freeze at 0°F or below. Don’t overfill freezer.
- Once thawed, use beef within days and don’t refreeze.
Storing Cooked Beef
Cooked beef lasts 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze leftovers in portion-sized, airtight containers. Frozen cooked beef keeps 2-3 months. Reheat fully when serving. Discard cooked beef developing odors, color changes or sliminess.
Beef Safety and Food Handling
Improper storage and handling contributes to spoilage and foodborne illnesses. Reduce risks with these practices:
- Refrigerate beef within 2 hours of purchase.
- Marinate beef in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Don’t defrost beef at room temperature. Thaw in the fridge.
- Avoid cross-contamination by separating beef from other foods.
- Use different cutting boards and utensils for raw beef and other foods.
- Wash hands, surfaces, and tools after handling raw beef.
- Cook beef thoroughly to safe internal temperatures. Use a meat thermometer.
- Don’t keep cooked beef at room temperature over 2 hours.
Final Tips
Knowing how long beef can be refrigerated enables you to optimize freshness and avoid wasting food. Monitor temperatures, adhere to time limits, check for spoilage, and follow safe handling methods. Being an informed beef store can benefit your health and wallet. With the right refrigeration and freezing techniques, you can safely keep beef on hand for meals all week long.
How to reheat cooked beef
Reheating methods will vary based on the type of beef youâre reheating and how it was prepared. The oven is the most consistent method and will work for all preparations, although it is best suited for things like cooked ground beef casseroles, pot pies, meatloaf and braised beef. Preheat your oven to 250° Fahrenheit, place your beef in an oven-safe container, and heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°.
Leftover steaks and hamburgers can be reheated in a skillet on the stove with a little bit of neutral oil. For safety purposes, the USDA recommends reheating all beef to 165°. However, if your steak was originally cooked rare, it should be fine to reheat leftover steak to the same temperature.Â
If you are reheating cooked beef after freezing it, itâs best to let it thaw in the refrigerator until itâs fully defrosted. Once defrosted, you can reheat your protein just as you would any other leftover beef dish.Â
How long will raw beef stay in the fridge?
When meat is ground, it creates more surface area for air and bacteria to come into contact with, meaning ground meats, although budget friendly, are likely to spoil more quickly than in-tact pieces of meat like steaks, chops, or ribs. This means that while whole pieces of raw beef have a shelf life of three to five days in the refrigerator, ground beef should be used within one to two days.Â
Whether ground or in whole pieces, raw beef is safe to be stored in the packaging it was purchased in. However, itâs best practice to place it on a plate and store it on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator. This way, you can ensure that any accidental drippings wont contaminate other items in the fridge.Â
If you donât plan on using raw ground beef within one to two days or whole pieces of raw beef within three to five, consider freezing the raw beef. It can still be kept in its original packaging, but itâs best to wrap it in another layer of plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe zipper bag. Like raw poultry, raw beef will last indefinitely in the freezer. Still, for optimal quality, ground beef should be used within four months, and other cuts within four to twelve.Â
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
How long is uncooked beef good for in the fridge?
Can I eat beef after 7 days in fridge?
USDA recommends using cooked beef within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth.
Is beef good after 5 days in the fridge?
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Type of beef:Raw ground beef should be used within 1-2 days, while other cuts of beef like steaks, roasts, or chops can last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
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Storage temperature:Ensure the refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below to slow down bacterial growth.
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Packaging:If the beef is vacuum-sealed, it may last longer, but once opened, the 3-5 day clock starts ticking.
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Signs of spoilage:Look for any of the following signs: a slimy or mushy texture, a sour or rotten smell, a green tint, or visible mold or unusual growth.
How to tell if beef has gone bad in the fridge?
Smell: Fresh beef should have a mild, meaty odor. If it has a sour, rancid, or off smell, it’s likely spoiled. Color: Fresh beef is typically bright red. If it has turned a dull brown or gray, it may still be safe to eat, but it’s a sign that it’s starting to age.
How long can you keep raw beef in the fridge?
Raw beef can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To ensure the best quality and safety, it should be kept at a temperature below 40°F (4°C). Keeping raw beef in its original packaging until you’re ready to use it can help maintain its freshness and prevent cross-contamination with other foods.
How long does roast beef last in the fridge?
Roasts: Larger roasts, like chuck or brisket, can last for 4 to 7 days when kept in the refrigerator. Ground Beef: Because it is more susceptible to bacterial growth, ground beef should be consumed within 1 to 2 days of sale if kept in the refrigerator. Stew Meat: Similar to ground beef, stew meat should also be used within 2 to 3 days of purchase.
How long does ground beef last in the fridge?
Raw ground beef has a shorter fridge life of just 1 to 2 days. This is because ground beef has more surface area exposed to air and bacteria. Keep ground beef on the bottom shelf of the fridge where temperatures are coldest. Make sure to use it by 1 to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
How long does beef last in the freezer?
Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of beef. When properly wrapped and stored in the freezer, raw beef can last for about 4 to 12 months, while cooked beef can last between 2 to 6 months. Make sure to use freezer-safe packaging to prevent freezer burn, which can degrade the quality of the meat over time.
What temperature should beef be in a refrigerator?
The ideal refrigerator temperature should be at or below 40°F (4°C). Using a refrigerator thermometer can help you monitor this. When you bring home beef from the store, pay close attention to the packaging. If the beef is in its original packaging, use it within the recommended time frame.
Does ground beef need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration slows bacterial growth but it doesn’t stop it. Eating ground beef left in the fridge for more than two days is more likely to contain illness-causing bacteria. It also has a higher risk of spoiling, which worsens the quality of the food and gives it a bad odor and sticky feel. Make sure your fridge is set to 40 degrees or below.