Meat, and particularly beef, is one of the most beloved foodstuffs around the world. Although people eat billions of kilograms of meat every year, shocking numbers reveal that approximately 2020% of all the meat that is produced is never eaten. This article will show you the right way to store your beef in the fridge so you can enjoy it for longer, waste less food, and live in a more environmentally friendly way.
Knowing the fridge life of fresh beef helps you avoid wasting food and keep your family safe. Raw beef is perishable and has a shorter shelf life than many other proteins. Following proper storage methods and using beef within the recommended timelines is key
In this article we’ll cover how long fresh beef lasts in the refrigerator and freezer. You’ll also learn how to tell if raw beef has gone bad plus tips for maximizing its shelf life.
Overview of Raw Beef Storage Times
The shelf life of raw beef depends on the cut. Here are the general guidelines:
- Steaks – 3 to 5 days
- Roasts – 3 to 5 days
- Ground beef – 1 to 2 days
- Organ meats like liver – 1 to 2 days
These timelines are for beef stored at 40°F or below, the optimum temperature for your fridge. Freezing can extend the shelf life of raw beef for 6-12 months.
For food safety, it’s important to use fresh beef within the recommended time, even if frozen previously. Don’t rely on color or smell alone to determine if raw beef has gone bad. When in doubt, throw it out.
Raw Whole Cuts of Beef Storage Times
These are the approximate maximum fridge life for raw beef cuts:
- Steaks (T-bone, sirloin, ribeye, etc.) – 3 to 5 days
- Roasts (chuck, rump, etc.) – 3 to 5 days
- Tenderloin – 3 to 5 days
- Short ribs – 3 to 5 days
- Oxtails – 3 to 5 days
- Cubes for stew or kabobs – 1 to 2 days
Once opened from its airtight packaging, use refrigerated beef within 1 to 2 days for optimum freshness and flavor.
Always place beef in the coldest section of your fridge, which is at the back of the bottom shelf. Store in its original wrap or an airtight container if repackaging.
Raw Ground Beef Shelf Life
Because processing exposes more surface area to bacteria, ground beef has a shorter fridge life. Use within:
- 1 to 2 days for hamburger, meatloaf mix, etc.
- 1 day for patties shaped into portion sizes
For safety, frozen ground beef should also be used within 1 to 2 days after thawing in the fridge.
Reshape ground beef portions and rewrap in airtight plastic prior to freezing for longer storage. Ground meat is very prone to freezer burn.
How Long Does Cooked Beef Last?
Cooked beef lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Roasts, steaks, stews, and other beef dishes should be stored in shallow containers. Divide larger cuts into smaller portions to allow faster chilling.
For longer shelf life, freeze cooked beef for 2 to 3 months. Portion into airtight freezer bags or containers prior to freezing.
Reheat beef thoroughly to 165°F. Cooked beef should never be refrozen after thawing.
Storing Other Types of Beef
Here are the fridge life guidelines for a few other common types of beef:
- Corned beef – 5 to 7 days
- Pastrami – 7 to 10 days
- Beef bacon or jerky – 2 weeks
- Deli-sliced beef – 3 to 5 days
- Marinated beef – 1 day
Discard used marinade instead of basting cooked beef to avoid contamination. Salt, sugar, and spices don’t kill bacteria.
Tips for Extending Fresh Beef’s Fridge Life
Follow these guidelines for safe raw beef storage and maximum freshness:
- Use fresh beef within 1 to 2 days of purchase for best flavor, texture, and juiciness.
- Always refrigerate raw beef right away, within an hour of buying or preparing.
- Keep beef in the coldest part of the fridge, away from the door.
- Separate beef from other food to prevent cross-contamination.
- Wrap beef tightly in plastic wrap, wax paper, or foil to retain moisture.
- Place ground beef in sealed containers or bags, removing excess air.
- Use frozen beef within 1 to 2 days after thawing in the fridge.
- When freezing, double wrap beef in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn.
Following proper temperature control, storage methods, timelines, and hygiene practices ensures beef stays fresh longer and safer to eat.
How to Tell When Raw Beef Has Gone Bad
It’s important to recognize when raw beef has spoiled and should be discarded. Here are key signs of bad beef:
- Slimy texture – Fresh raw beef feels slightly sticky but shouldn’t be overtly slimy. Discard overly glossy, slick beef.
- Dull, faded color – Good raw beef is bright purplish-red. Brown, gray or greenish tints indicate spoilage.
- Off odors – Raw beef has a fresh, meaty smell. Rancid, rotten, ammonia or vinegar odors mean it’s gone bad.
- Mold or slime – Discard beef at the first sign of fuzzy mold or bacterial slime on the surface.
Ground beef and stew cubes spoil faster than whole cuts. Examine all surfaces for any foul odors, textures, or discoloration. When unsure if raw beef is still fresh, it’s best to be cautious and throw it away.
How Should I Freeze Fresh Beef for Later Use?
Freezing is an easy way to extend the shelf life of fresh beef up to 6-12 months past the sell-by date. Here are some freezing tips:
- Freeze beef as soon as possible after bringing it home.
- Separate beef into meal-size portions before freezing if large packages.
- Wrap beef very tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Remove all air pockets prior to sealing beef in freezer bags.
- Label with contents, quantity, and freeze date.
- Freeze raw beef immediately at 0°F or below.
- Once thawed, use refrigerated beef within 1-2 days.
With proper freezing and thawing methods, fresh beef retains its flavor, juiciness, and texture very well. It can be safely refrozen if still partially frozen or icy, but should be cooked immediately if fully defrosted.
Safe Handling of Raw Beef
It’s essential to follow food safety guidelines when storing and preparing raw beef:
- Refrigerate beef immediately after purchase.
- Keep raw beef separate from cooked foods and produce.
- Avoid cross-contamination by using different cutting boards and utensils.
- Defrost frozen beef safely in the fridge, cold water, or microwave.
- Marinate beef in the fridge in a sealed bag or covered dish.
- Cook beef thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F.
- Refrigerate cooked leftovers in shallow containers within 2 hours.
Following safe handling practices reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses from bacteria in raw meats.
Making the Most of Your Fresh Beef
Knowing how long fresh beef lasts provides peace of mind that your family is protected from foodborne bacteria and illnesses. Refer to this guide for recommended fridge and freezer times, storage methods, and techniques for identifying spoiled raw beef.
With proper handling and care, you can enjoy the great taste, nutrition, and versatility of beef for use in healthy family meals.
Extra tips on how to properly defrost frozen beef
You can defrost frozen beef in three different ways, depending on how fast you need it: in the fridge, in cold water, or in the microwave. Please keep in mind that letting frozen beef thaw at room temperature may raise the risk of contamination.
Don’t put beef back after you’ve removed it
This is another rule that is especially important for frozen meat, but as we already said, bacteria can grow when the temperature changes a lot. That’s why this rule should also be followed for cold meat that has been warmed up the same way. When you thaw meat and then put it back in the freezer, bacteria can grow quickly, ruining the quality of the meat. So, only take meat out of the fridge or freezer if you’re going to cook it.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
Is raw beef ok for 5 days in the fridge?
Is raw ground beef good after 7 days in the fridge?
How long can an uncooked steak stay in the fridge?
How long should beef be refrigerated?
The USDA emphasizes the importance of keeping beef refrigerated at 40°F (4.4°C) or below to slow down the growth of bacteria. Ground beef and variety meats such as liver, kidneys, tripe, sweetbreads, or tongue should be used within 1 to 2 days from refrigeration, whereas steaks and roasts can be safely stored for 3 to 5 days.
How long can ham be without refrigeration and still be safe?
Most food experts recommend that ham, should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that time, you should discard it.
How long does meat last in the fridge?
For example, raw poultry and ground meats should be used within 1-2 days, while steaks, chops, and roasts can last 3-5 days. To ensure the freshness of poultry and ground meats, it’s best to keep them in the coldest part of the fridge, which is usually the bottom shelf.
How long can cooked ground beef stay in the fridge?
Cooked ground beef can stay in the fridge for three to four days. Cooked ground beef can be stored in the freezer for two to three months. Be sure to store cooked ground beef in an air-tight container and label it with the date and contents. Related Links: