Beef is one of the most popular meats around the world. A hearty steak or burger can really satisfy. However like any perishable food beef has a limited shelf life. Knowing how long beef stays fresh can help prevent foodborne illness and reduce food waste. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about beef freshness.
How Long Does Raw Beef Last in the Fridge?
The fridge temperature is key for raw beef storage. Properly stored at 40°F or below, ground beef and stew meat will last 1-2 days and steaks, roasts and chops will last 3-5 days. Once passed these timeframes, raw beef is more prone to bacterial growth like salmonella and E. coli.
Pay attention to the use-by date on packaged raw beef. This is the manufacturer’s recommendation for when the beef will be freshest and safest. However don’t rely solely on this date as improper storage can result in spoilage before the use-by date.
Maximizing Raw Beef Fridge Life
Proper storage is essential for extending the shelf life of raw beef:
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Store beef on the bottom shelf: The back of the bottom fridge shelf is the coldest area so store raw beef there.
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Separate beef from other foods: Use a dedicated meat drawer or shelf to prevent cross-contamination.
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Wrap beef tightly: Re-wrap opened packages or butcher paper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to block air exposure. Air causes beef to oxidize and spoil faster.
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Portion beef for the freezer: For bulk beef purchases, divide into meal-sized portions and freeze for 3-4 months max. Ensure airtight freezer bags or wrapping.
How to Tell if Raw Beef is Bad
Rely on your senses to determine if raw beef has spoiled:
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Sight: Raw beef should be bright pink to deep red. Grey, green or brown spots indicate spoilage.
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Smell: Raw beef has a neutral or metallic smell. If it smells sour or offensive, it has spoiled.
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Texture: Fresh raw beef feels moist and slightly sticky. Sliminess or stickiness means spoilage.
When in doubt, remember the old adage “When in doubt, throw it out!” It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to raw meat freshness.
Cooked Beef Shelf Life
Cooking beef to a safe internal temperature of 145°F kills any harmful bacteria present. However, leftovers and pre-cooked beef still have a limited fridge life:
- Cooked ground beef: 3-4 days
- Cooked beef roasts, steaks: 3-4 days
- Cooked beef stew, soup: 3-4 days
- Pre-cooked sliced deli beef: 3-5 days
- Pre-cooked pot roast: 3-4 days
For maximum leftovers freshness, store cooked beef in airtight containers. You can also safely freeze cooked beef for 2-3 months. Remember the sniff test applies to cooked beef too. Discard at the first whiff of spoilage.
What Influences Beef Shelf Life?
Many different factors affect how long beef stays fresh:
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Storage temperature: Temperature is the main driver of bacteria growth. Refrigerate beef immediately after purchase or butchering.
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Exposure to air: Oxygen causes oxidation which leads to faster spoilage. Limit air exposure through proper sealing.
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Surface area: Ground meats spoil faster than whole cuts due to more surface area exposed to air.
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Fat content: Higher fat beef like ground beef spoils faster than leaner cuts.
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Packaging date: For packaged beef, the use-by date indicates estimated freshness.
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Handling: Proper hygienic handling prevents bacterial contamination extending shelf life.
Freezing Beef for Maximum Freshness
Freezing is the best way to extend the shelf life of raw and cooked beef. Below are some freezing tips:
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Raw beef: Freeze unopened raw beef packages. After opening, rewrap tightly in freezer wrap and freeze.
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Cooked beef: Let cooked beef cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals. Portion beef into meal sizes then freeze in airtight containers.
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Maximum freezer times: Raw beef lasts 3-4 months, cooked beef 2-3 months. Mark freezer bags with date.
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Thawing: Always thaw beef in the fridge, never at room temp. This prevents bacteria growth.
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Quality: Freezing can compromise beef texture slightly but it will remain safe to eat if stored correctly.
Keeping Beef Safe When Defrosting and Cooking
Proper handling when defrosting and cooking beef is also vital for safety:
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Defrost in the fridge: Give beef 1-2 days to thaw in the fridge at 40°F or below. Never defrost on the counter.
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Marinate in the fridge: Marinate beef in the fridge, not on the counter. Discard used marinade to avoid bacteria.
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Cook thoroughly: Cook beef to an internal temperature of 145°F. Ground beef should reach 160°F.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly: Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours, 1 hour if outdoor temps are above 90°F.
Following these simple practices will keep beef safe while defrosting and cooking. Use a food thermometer to eliminate any guessing on doneness.
Key Takeaways on Beef Freshness
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Raw beef only lasts 1-5 days in the fridge. Use by “sell-by” or “use-by” date for best quality.
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Signs of spoiled raw beef: foul smell, slimy texture, discoloration. When in doubt, throw it out!
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Cooked beef lasts 3-5 days in the fridge. Freeze for longer storage.
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Monitor fridge temperature. Keep at 40°F or below. Freezer should stay at 0°F.
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Handle raw beef carefully to avoid cross-contamination. Cook thoroughly and refrigerate leftovers ASAP.
Knowing how long beef stays fresh enables you to optimize storage and catch spoilage before eating. With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy delicious beef safely. Use this beef freshness guide as a helpful reference tool in your kitchen.
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
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
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
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.
How long does raw beef last in the fridge?
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Ask USDA (.gov)https://ask.usda.govWhat are suggested storage times for beef? – Ask USDAAt home, immediately place beef in a refrigerator set at 40 °F (4.4 °C); use within 3 to 5 days (1 or 2 days for ground beef and variety meats such as liver, ki…
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fraziesmeatandmarket.comhttps://fraziesmeatandmarket.comHow To Store Meat Properly – Frazie’s Meat & MarketAug 11, 2024 — Beef and Pork: Raw beef and pork can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. If you plan to cook the meat within this time frame, keep it in …
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KP’s Fine Meatshttps://kpsfinemeats.comI just bought meat but I don’t think I can eat it this week. How should I …Mar 21, 2025 — Generally, raw beef, pork, and lamb can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Ground meat, such as beef or turkey, should be used within two …
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Home & Garden Information Centerhttps://hgic.clemson.eduSafe Handling of Beef – [email protected]Jun 6, 2011 — NEVER leave beef in a hot car or sitting out at room temperature. Packaged whole cuts of fresh beef may be refrigerated in their original wrappings i…
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.
At what point does beef go bad?
Fresh ground beef should have a relatively firm consistency that breaks apart when you squeeze it. However, a sticky or slimy texture — either when cooked or raw — may indicate the presence of spoilage bacteria. You should toss it immediately.