Ground beef can go bad very quickly if it’s not stored properly. Here are the quick answers on how long ground beef lasts and how to tell if it has gone bad:
Quick Answers
- In the refrigerator – 1 to 3 days
- In the freezer – 3 to 4 months
- The signs of spoiled ground beef are a bad odor, slimy texture, and a change in color from red to grey or brown.
How Long Does Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?
Fresh ground beef will only last 1 to 3 days in the refrigerator before going bad. Here are some general guidelines for refrigerator storage times:
Raw Ground Beef
- 1 to 2 days – Store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
- 3 to 4 days – If you bought extra ground beef, freeze it right away for longer storage.
Cooked Ground Beef
- 3 to 4 days – Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
- 2 to 3 months – Freeze for longer storage.
The exact shelf life depends on a few factors:
- Freshness when purchased – Fresh ground beef will last longer than meat that is already a few days old when bought.
- Proper storage – Keep refrigerated at 40°F or less and tightly wrapped to prevent contamination.
- Fat content – Lower fat ground beef may spoil faster than higher fat blends.
How to tell if Ground Beef is Bad in the Fridge
Check for these signs that indicate your ground beef has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Grey or brown color – Fresh meat is red, turning brown, grey or green is a sign of spoilage.
- Slimy texture – Bad ground beef will be sticky or tacky.
- Off odor – Smells rancid or rotten.
How Long Does Ground Beef Last in the Freezer?
Ground beef that is frozen properly at 0°F can last 3 to 4 months. Here are some freezer storage guidelines:
Raw Ground Beef
- 3 to 4 months – Use freezer bags or wrap tightly with freezer paper.
- 6 to 12 months – For longer storage, overwrap with foil or plastic wrap.
Cooked Ground Beef
- 2 to 3 months – Freeze leftovers in airtight containers or bags.
- 3 to 4 months – If casseroles or soups, keep frozen up to 4 months.
Proper freezing is important for lasting quality:
- Freeze immediately – Don’t let sit in the refrigerator.
- Protect from freezer burn – Use airtight packaging.
- Freeze in portions – Freeze measured recipes or single servings.
How to tell if Frozen Ground Beef is Bad
Check for these signs of spoiled frozen ground beef:
- Ice crystals or freezer burn – Dry, fuzzy meat patches indicate freezer burn.
- Off odor – Unpleasant, rotten or ammonia-like smell when thawed.
- Change in color – Grey, green or brown thawing meat.
Does Ground Beef Go Bad if Left Out?
Raw ground beef should never be left out at room temperature. Bacteria grows rapidly between 40°F and 140°F. Here’s what to expect:
- 2 hours – The USDA recommends discarding ground beef left out more than 2 hours (1 hour if temperatures exceed 90°F).
- 3 to 4 hours – Bacteria begins multiplying and producing toxins that can cause food poisoning.
- 6 hours – Ground beef can become unsafe to eat.
The warmer the temperature, the faster bacteria multiplies. Discard ground beef if the temperature is unknown or exceeds 90°F for over an hour.
How to Store Ground Beef Safely
Follow these safe storage methods to help ground beef stay fresh longer and avoid foodborne illness:
Refrigeration
- Keep at 40°F or below.
- Place in refrigerator within 2 hours of purchasing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, foil or plastic bags.
- Store raw meat on bottom shelf to prevent juices from dripping on other foods.
Freezing
- Freeze at 0°F or lower.
- Portion into recipe sizes before freezing.
- Use freezer bags, plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Press out air and seal tightly.
Thawing
- Thaw in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- Submerge sealed packages in cold water if thawing quickly.
- Cook immediately after thawing.
Handling
- Store raw beef separately from cooked foods.
- Wash hands, utensils and surfaces after touching raw meat.
- Marinate in the refrigerator.
- Discard if left at room temperature more than 2 hours.
How Long Does Ground Beef Last After the Sell-By and Use-By Date?
The sell-by and use-by dates on ground beef are indicators of peak freshness, not safety. Here’s how long ground beef lasts after the date on the package:
| Date Type | What it Means | How Long After Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Sell-By Date | Recommended last sale date for stores | 3 to 5 days |
| Use-By Date | Last date for peak quality | 1 to 2 days |
| Freeze-By Date | Last date to freeze | 3 to 4 months in freezer |
The total storage time depends on how fresh the meat was when purchased and how it was handled. Use your eyes and nose to determine if ground beef is spoiled after the date, not the calendar.
How to Tell When Ground Beef Has Gone Bad
Here are the signs that indicate ground beef has spoiled and should be thrown out:
Smell
- Unpleasant, rotten, rancid or ammonia-like odor.
Texture
- Slimy, sticky or tacky.
Color
- In the fridge – Turns grey, green or brown.
- Frozen – Dark or dull, not bright red when thawed.
- Cooked – Greenish tint.
Mold
- Hard, dry, fuzz or spotty white, yellow, blue-green or black growth.
If ground beef exhibits any signs of spoilage, it’s best to play it safe and throw it out. Don’t taste questionable ground beef.
What Happens if You Eat Bad Ground Beef?
Eating spoiled ground beef can cause food poisoning with symptoms like:
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps.
- Diarrhea that may be bloody.
- Fever, headache, body aches.
- In severe cases – paralysis, meningitis, respiratory issues.
At-risk groups like pregnant women, children, elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to illness from bad ground beef. See a doctor if moderate to severe symptoms develop.
How to Prevent Ground Beef from Going Bad
You can extend the shelf life of fresh ground beef with proper storage methods:
Buy Fresh
- Select bright red meat that is cold to the touch.
- Check use-by date and pick package with latest date.
- Avoid pre-ground beef, grind it fresh in the store.
Store at Proper Temperature
- Refrigerate below 40°F.
- Freeze at 0°F or below.
- Monitor fridge and freezer temperatures.
Handle Properly
- Freeze extra ground beef if not using in 1-2 days.
- Thaw in fridge, not at room temperature.
- Marinate in the refrigerator.
- Divide into small portions before freezing.
Practice Food Safety
- Cook thoroughly to safe internal temperature.
- Discard if left out over 2 hours.
- Use within 1-2 days or freeze.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you refreeze ground beef after thawing?
It’s best not to refreeze raw ground beef after thawing because the texture suffers, but cooked ground beef casseroles or soups can be safely refrozen.
Can you cook ground beef that turned brown?
No, ground beef that has turned brown or grey in the fridge should be discarded. The color change indicates spoilage.
How can you tell if cooked ground beef is bad?
Signs that cooked ground beef has spoiled include an off smell, unappealing grey color, slimy texture, or mold growth. When in doubt, throw it out.
Does ground beef smell when it goes bad?
Yes, rancid, rotten, or ammonia-like odors are a clear sign ground beef has spoiled and should be discarded. Trust your nose.
Can you get food poisoning from cooked ground beef?
Yes, food poisoning is possible from undercooked ground beef or if cooked ground beef spoils after sitting out too long. Always cook burgers and meatloaf to 160°F internally.
Summary
- Refrigerate ground beef no longer than 1 to 3 days before cooking or freezing.
- Freeze raw ground beef for 3 to 4 months and cooked for 2 to 3 months.
- Signs of spoiled beef are color changes, slimy texture, and foul odors.
- Don’t leave ground beef out for over 2 hours.
- Practice safe storage, handling, and cooking to maximize shelf life.
- When in doubt if ground beef has spoiled, play it safe and throw it out.
