Beef is one of the most popular proteins that families cook and enjoy on a regular basis. From juicy burgers to savory roasts beef adds delicious flavor and nutrition to many meals. However improper storage can lead to beef spoiling and potentially make you sick. So how long can you safely keep beef in the fridge before it goes bad?
Overview of Beef Storage Time in the Fridge
According to the USDA. raw beef if stored properly in the fridge will maintain quality for
- Ground beef: 1-2 days
- Steaks, roasts, chops: 3-5 days
Cooked beef will last 3-4 days refrigerated.
Freezing extends storage time of raw beef cuts to 4-12 months and cooked beef for 2-3 months. Proper freezing prevents quality loss so beef can be thawed and consumed or cooked after freezing.
So the fridge gives you fairly limited time before beef will degrade. But with the right storage tactics you can maximize the shelf life and determine when your beef has crossed the line from safe to spoiled.
7 Signs Your Fridge Beef Has Gone Bad
Beef can show both visual and olfactory signs indicating it is past its prime and potentially unsafe. Watch for these cues:
-
Change in color: From dark red or pink to brown or grey shades.
-
Dull, slimy texture: The cut feels sticky/tacky.
-
Strong, unpleasant odor: Smell is sour, spoiled, or rancid.
-
Mold growth: Hair-like fuzzy mold anywhere on the cut.
-
Discolored fat: Instead of white, fat appears yellow or greenish.
-
Dry, cracked edges: Indicates freezer burn if frozen.
-
Expired date: Surpasses use-by date on label.
Trust your senses. If anything seems amiss with how the raw beef looks, smells, or feels it is safest to discard it. With cooked beef also watch for an unnatural sheen or dry texture.
Proper Storage for Maximizing Beef Shelf Life
Proper storage is key to getting the most mileage from your beef purchases. Follow these fridge and freezer strategies:
-
Set fridge at 40°F or below. The colder the temperature, the slower bacteria multiplies.
-
Separate raw beef from other foods to prevent cross-contamination. Place on bottom shelf.
-
Leave in original packaging or rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to block air exposure.
-
Freeze extra ground beef in recipe-sized portions to use later.
-
Divide large cuts like roasts into smaller sections to freeze.
-
Use freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Remove excess air before sealing.
-
Don’t crowd the fridge or freezer. Air needs to circulate efficiently.
-
Organize by date and use oldest items first.
Proper cold storage is key to maximizing how long you can safely keep beef.
Handling Raw Beef to Avoid Contamination
Unsafe handling of raw beef can allow bacteria to spread and cause foodborne illness. Follow these practices:
-
Refrigerate beef within 2 hours of purchasing.
-
Defrost frozen beef in the fridge, not at room temperature.
-
Don’t rinse raw beef, which can spread germs.
-
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw beef.
-
Wash hands, surfaces, tools that touch raw beef with hot soapy water.
-
Cook ground beef to 160°F internal temperature.
-
Cook steaks/roasts to 145°F, allowing 3 minutes rest time.
-
When reheating fully cooked beef, ensure 165°F internal temperature.
Safely Thawing Frozen Beef
To safely defrost frozen beef:
-
Place sealed beef in a bowl or pan to catch drips.
-
Thaw in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for smaller cuts and up to 5 days for big roasts.
-
Thaw in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed.
-
Use the defrost setting on a microwave, then immediately cook.
-
Never thaw at room temperature or in hot water, as this causes bacteria growth.
Proper thawing ensures maximum quality and safety.
Identifying When to Toss Out Beef
At the first sign of spoilage, promptly discard uneaten beef. Don’t taste test beef that appears questionable. Meat that looks or smells off should also be tossed, even within the fridge shelf life suggested by the USDA.
It is especially critical to discard ground beef when you see or smell signs of spoilage. Because any bacteria present spreads through the meat during grinding, ground beef has a high risk of causing foodborne illness if contaminated.
Likewise, cooked beef that is mishandled can allow bacteria like salmonella to regrow. So leftovers also need to be discarded at the first indications of spoilage after refrigeration.
Erring on the side of caution protects you and your family. Don’t take risks with suspect beef.
The Takeaway
Knowing the recommended fridge life can give you a starting point for maximizing how long your fresh beef keeps. But also rely on visual and aromatic cues to know when your beef has crossed the line into unsafe territory. And be meticulous about safe handling and storage to get the most mileage from the beef you purchase.
Follow these best practices, and you can confidently store beef in your fridge without ending up with spoiled, dangerous meat at the back of the shelf. Instead, you’ll have delicious beef ready to enjoy in your favorite recipes for days to come.
How long will cooked beef last in the fridge?
Leftovers are one of lifeâs greatest gifts â your past self, making sure future you has something good to eat when you donât feel like cooking. However, when it comes to beef, youâve got a short window of time to make sure what youâre eating is still fresh-tasting and safe to eat. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), that window of time is three to four days.Â
After three to four days, beef is more likely to become susceptible to spoilage bacteria, which can grow at cold temperatures. Spoilage bacteria causes beef to develop bad tastes and smells, but it will most likely not make you sick. Still, it will make beef unpleasant to eat, so itâs best to toss it after four days.Â
How to store cooked beef in the fridge
Whether itâs sous vide or grilled, the best way to store cooked beef in the fridge is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or to store it in an airtight container. This helps leftovers stay moist, keeps bacteria out, and prevents them from picking up odors or flavors from other things in the fridge.Â
The USDA recommends storing cooked beef in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. This is to keep cooked beef out of the âdanger zone.â The danger zone is a temperature range of 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit, where bacteria can grow quickly. So, although it may be tempting to plop down on the couch after eating a steak dinner, make sure to get leftovers in the fridge first (that said, youâre free to leave the dishes for tomorrow).Â
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
Is raw beef ok for 5 days in the fridge?
Beef, veal, lamb and pork roasts, steaks and chops may be kept 3 to 5 days.
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.
Can meat last 10 days in the fridge?
Larger cuts — like roasts, steaks, and chops — can be stored a bit longer, but should be used within five days. If you don’t have time to cook the meat at the end of these time periods, just freeze it, as freezing will halt any bacteria growth.
Can ground beef last 7 days in the fridge?
A package of ground beef can stay in the fridge for up to two days from the date of purchase, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. By day two, it’s best to either cook the ground beef or freeze it. Freezing ground beef is a great long-term solution, as it can last in the freezer for months.
How long does cooked beef last in the refrigerator?
Cooked beef can last in the refrigerator for approximately 3 to 4 days. It’s important to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap to maintain its moisture and flavor. Ensuring that your refrigerator maintains a consistent temperature of 40°F (4°C) or lower can also help in prolonging its freshness.
How long can you keep ground beef in the fridge?
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. Understanding spoilage is crucial for safe food handling.
How long does a raw beef roast last in the fridge?
The exact shelf life of a raw beef roast in the fridge depends on several factors, such as the type and quality of the beef, as well as the storage temperature. In general, a raw beef roast should last for several days to a week in the fridge if it’s properly stored. 3. Can you freeze a raw beef roast?
How do you store cooked beef in the fridge?
Whether it’s sous vide or grilled, the best way to store cooked beef in the fridge is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or to store it in an airtight container. This helps leftovers stay moist, keeps bacteria out, and prevents them from picking up odors or flavors from other things in the fridge.
Does cooked beef need to be refrigerated?
This helps leftovers stay moist, keeps bacteria out, and prevents them from picking up odors or flavors from other things in the fridge. The USDA recommends storing cooked beef in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. This is to keep cooked beef out of the “danger zone.”
Can raw beef be stored in the fridge?
Whether ground or in whole pieces, raw beef is safe to be stored in the packaging it was purchased in. However, it’s 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 won’t contaminate other items in the fridge.