Don’t Toss That Beef Roast Yet! How Long It Stays Fresh After The Sell By

You picked up a nice beef roast on sale at the grocery store. But once you get it home you notice the sell by date has passed or is quickly approaching. Should you toss it or can you still safely cook that roast?

As an avid cook and meat lover, I’ve often wondered just how long beef roast keeps after that pesky sell by date. After thorough research, I have answers!

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain exactly how many days past the sell by you have to cook beef roast. You’ll learn how to store it to maximize freshness, spot signs of spoilage, and use tips for cooking roast after its sell by.

Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently enjoy delicious roasted beef without having to waste good meat or risk eating spoiled food.

An Overview Of Beef Roasting Cuts

Let’s first familiarize ourselves with the different cuts used for roasted beef:

• Chuck roast – From the shoulder/neck region. Well-marbled for tenderness.

• Rib roast – Cut from the rib section. The classic “prime rib” roast.

• Rump roast – Taken from the round/hindquarter. A leaner roast.

• Sirloin tip roast – From the sirloin primal cut near the hips.

• Tenderloin roast – From the short loin primal. Extremely tender.

These cuts excel at roasting and braising since the meat turns succulent, fall-apart tender when cooked low and slow with moisture. The abundant marbling also provides great flavor.

What Does The Sell By Date Mean?

The sell by date is not an expiration date, but rather the last day a store is supposed to display the product for sale. It allows them sufficient time to sell the roast while it’s at peak quality.

It’s crucial to note the sell by date is not saying the beef is bad or unsafe to eat after that date. As long as its been handled properly, beef roast will stay fresh for a period of time beyond the displayed sell by.

How Long After Sell By Can You Cook Beef Roast?

Provided proper storage temperatures are maintained, beef roast remains fresh:

• Unopened, refrigerated: 5-7 days past sell by

• Opened, refrigerated: 3-5 days past sell by

• Frozen: 6-12 months past sell by

The key is keeping the roast chilled at 40°F or below. If the roast looks and smells fine, it should still be perfectly cookable for a few days after the displayed date. Discard only if you see obvious spoilage.

Maximizing Freshness Of Beef Roast After Purchase

To extend the usable life of beef roast after buying it:

• Refrigerate promptly in 40°F or less temperatures.

• Store raw roast on the bottom shelf away from other food.

• Avoid refreezing previously frozen roast.

• Re-wrap opened roast tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags.

• Marinate in the refrigerator, not on the counter.

• Cook within 3-5 days of the sell by date, or freeze extra for later use.

• Inspect closely and rely on your senses – not just the date alone.

Proper temperatures and limiting air exposure prevents premature spoilage.

Can You Cook Beef Roast After The Use By Date?

The use by date is the last day recommended for cooking or freezing. However, roast stored continuously in the fridge could still be fine 3-5 days past the use by, provided its free of spoilage indicators like:

• Bad odor
• Slime
• Discoloration
• Dry spots

When unsure, remember: “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t take risks with meat that seems off.

Storing Beef Roast In The Freezer

For storing beef roast longer term, freeze it 1-2 weeks before the sell by date. Frozen and properly wrapped, roast will keep 6-12+ months past the printed date.

Thaw frozen roasts 1-2 days in the fridge before cooking. Do not refreeze previously frozen meat.

Tips For Cooking Frozen Beef Roast

Cooking frozen roast is doable with a few adjustments:

• Add 30-50% more cooking time for frozen.

• Roast at the same oven temp, 250°F – 325°F.

• Check temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness.

• Tent foil over the roast to prevent drying out.

• Allow 20 minutes rest time before slicing into the roast.

• Expect some loss of surface moisture from thawing/cooking.

• Use pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy or sauce.

Just be prepared for very extended roasting times if starting from fully frozen meat.

How To Tell If Thawed Beef Roast Has Spoiled

Inspect thawed roasts closely before cooking. Signs of spoilage include:

• Foul, sour odor

• Grayish brown color

• Slick, sticky texture

• Weird fuzziness

• Rancid smell when cooked

• Persistent off tastes

Meat that appears or smells questionable should be discarded. Don’t risk tasting spoiled roast.

Safe Handling Of Beef Roast

Always practice food safety when handling raw beef:

• Wash hands before and after prep.

• Avoid cross-contamination of surfaces, utensils, etc.

• Defrost only in the fridge, not at room temperature.

• Marinate in the refrigerator.

• Don’t reuse marinade without boiling it first.

• Cook roast to a safe minimum internal temperature (145°F).

Final Tips For Enjoying Beef Roast Past Its Date

With proper refrigeration, beef roast keeps well 3-5 days beyond the sell by date, sometimes longer if it still looks, smells and feels normal. For maximum shelf life, freeze roast 6-12 months.

Monitor closely for signs of spoilage and adhere to safe handling guidelines. Cooking frozen roast just requires some additional care and time.

Now you can relax knowing that sell by date doesn’t mean your beef roast must be thrown out. As long as you use smart storage and cooking practices, you can confidently enjoy delicious roast beef even after its sell by date has passed.