Knowing how long raw roast beef lasts in the fridge is important for food safety. Eating spoiled beef can cause foodborne illness, so it’s essential to store and handle it properly. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the fridge life of raw roast beef.
Overview of Raw Roast Beef Storage
Raw roast beef can be kept refrigerated for 3-5 days from the purchase date The exact shelf life depends on a few factors
- Type of roast: Leaner roasts like eye of round last longer than fattier cuts.
- Quality: Fresh, high-quality beef keeps longer.
- Packaging: Properly sealed packaging prevents exposure to air and bacteria.
- Storage temperature: Raw beef lasts longer when stored below 40°F.
To maximize fridge life, store the roast in its original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it on a shelf or in a meat drawer, away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
Monitor the roast for signs of spoilage like sliminess stickiness, or an off smell. Discard if it develops a brown or gray color. Don’t rely on the use-by date alone since improper storage can shorten shelf life.
Detailed Fridge Life of Different Roast Types
The type of roast affects how long it lasts raw in the fridge. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ribeye roast: 3-4 days
- Sirloin tip roast: 4-5 days
- Eye of round roast: 5-6 days
- Tenderloin roast: 5-6 days
Fattier ribeye and sirloin roasts have a shorter fridge life. Lean eye of round and tenderloin roasts last a bit longer.
Portion the roast if you won’t use it all within 3-4 days. Divide it into meal-size pieces, wrap tightly, and freeze some to extend the shelf life.
Proper Raw Beef Storage Guidelines
Follow these tips for storing raw roast beef safely:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of purchasing.
- Keep the fridge temperature at or below 40°F.
- Leave roast in its original packaging or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place on a lower shelf away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Monitor for spoilage and discard if it has an off odor, stickiness, or slime.
- Cook within 3-5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Avoid temperature fluctuations and exposure to air. Don’t store raw beef on upper shelves where temps are warmer.
Freezing for Extended Shelf Life
For storage beyond 3-5 days, freeze the raw roast beef. Here are some freezing tips:
- Double wrap in plastic wrap and foil for an airtight seal.
- Portion into meal-sized amounts so you can thaw only what you need.
- Label with contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze immediately at 0°F or below.
- Once frozen, beef lasts 4-12 months in the freezer depending on type.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
With proper freezing methods, you can enjoy roast beef for months beyond the typical fridge life.
Signs Your Roast Beef Has Spoiled
Don’t risk eating spoiled roast beef. Look for these signs that it has gone bad:
- Gray or brown discoloration
- Slimy texture or sticky residue
- Strong unpleasant or sour odor
- Mold growth
- Past use-by date
If your beef exhibits any of these characteristics, play it safe and discard it. The bacteria that causes spoilage can lead to food poisoning.
Safety Tips for Handling Raw Roast Beef
Practice food safety when storing and handling raw roast beef:
- Refrigerate roast beef within 2 hours of purchasing.
- Monitor fridge temperature and keep below 40°F.
- Store roast beef on the bottom shelf or in a meat drawer.
- Keep raw beef separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Discard beef that is past its prime.
- Cook beef to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
- Refrigerate cooked roast beef within 2 hours.
Following these simple guidelines will keep your roast beef fresh and safe to eat. Know the fridge life, check for spoilage, and handle the raw meat carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if raw roast beef is bad?
Check for stickiness, sliminess, foul odor, gray/brown discoloration, or mold. If it has any of these characteristics, discard it.
What happens if you eat rotten roast beef?
Eating spoiled raw beef can cause food poisoning leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening.
Can you cook and eat roast beef that smells a little off?
No. Any odor indicates spoilage and the roast beef should be discarded. Cooking bad beef does not make it safe for consumption.
How should you thaw frozen roast beef?
Thaw frozen roast beef by placing it on a tray in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, submerge sealed beef in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid microwaving frozen beef to thaw it.
Is roast beef safe to eat medium rare?
Yes. Whole beef roasts like prime rib are safe when cooked to an internal temperature as low as 130°F which yields a medium rare doneness. Ground beef should always be cooked to 160°F minimum.
The Bottom Line
With proper refrigerated storage, a raw roast beef will stay fresh for 3-5 days maximum. Follow the storage guidelines closely, monitor for signs of spoilage, and freeze beef roasts for long-term storage. Learn the visual and aroma clues that signal it’s gone bad. Practice safe handling to serve roast beef that is delicious and safe to eat.
How long can I safely keep raw chicken or turkey in the fridge?
Raw poultry such as chicken, turkey, game hen, duck, etc can safely be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. You can store cut up or pieces of poultry in the freezer for up to 9 months, whereas whole poultry can be frozen for up to 1 year.
Always label and date your food products!
One of the easiest ways to prevent guessing as to what a product is, or when it was purchased or opened is to simply label and date the product at the time it goes into the refrigerator or freezer or whenever you open the package. You can accomplish this simply by using moisture proof food labels and a temperature resistant permanent marker.
