If you’ve ever wondered how long ground beef is good for in the fridge, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and one that has a bit of a complicated answer. The truth is, it depends on a few factors, including how the ground beef was packaged and how it was stored.
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your ground beef fresh.
Ground beef is typically sold in two different types of packages: Cryovac and tray packs. Cryovac packages are sealed tightly and do not allow oxygen to enter or escape.
This type of packaging can extend the shelf life of ground beef by up to two weeks. Tray packs, on the other hand, are not as airtight and typically only last for one week in the fridge.
Ground beef is a staple in many households, but how long does it last in the fridge? According to the USDA, ground beef should be used within 2 days of purchase, or frozen for up to 3 months. However, there are some factors that can affect the shelf life of ground beef, such as how it was stored before purchase.
For example, if ground beef was stored next to raw chicken in the grocery store cooler, it may only be good for 1 day in your fridge. So, when in doubt, throw it out!
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
How Long is Raw Ground Beef Good in the Fridge?
Assuming you’re talking about store-bought ground beef, it should be fine for 1-2 days in the fridge. If you’ve ground the beef yourself, it will last a bit longer, up to 3-4 days. Beyond that, you’ll need to freeze it.
Raw ground beef can start to develop bacteria growth after just a couple of hours at room temperature, so it’s important to keep it chilled if you’re not going to cook it right away. Once cooked, ground beef will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
Is Ground Beef Good After 3 Days in Fridge?
If you’re wondering whether ground beef is still good after three days in the fridge, the answer is maybe. It all depends on how it was stored and how long ago it was purchased.
Ground beef that has been properly refrigerated immediately after purchase can be safely eaten up to three days after purchase.
However, if the ground beef was not properly refrigerated or if it was purchased more than three days ago, it’s best to play it safe and throw it out.
To ensure that your ground beef stays fresh for as long as possible, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a resealable bag before placing it in the fridge. And always make sure to cook ground beef thoroughly before eating; even if it’s within the three-day window, bacteria can still grow and cause food poisoning if the meat isn’t cooked properly.
How Long is Ground Beef Good in the Fridge Cooked?
Cooked ground beef can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-6 months.
Raw Ground Beef in Fridge for 7 Days
You can keep raw ground beef in the fridge for up to 7 days. After that, it should be frozen. Raw ground beef can last in the freezer for 3-4 months.
How Long is Cooked Ground Beef Good in the Fridge
Cooked ground beef is a versatile and convenient ingredient to have on hand in the fridge. But how long does it last before it goes bad?
The answer depends on a few factors, including how the beef was cooked and how well it was wrapped or covered.
In general, cooked ground beef will be safe to eat 3-4 days after cooking, as long as it has been properly stored. Ground beef that has been cooked with moist heat (like in a stew or soup) will retain its quality for longer than dry-heat cooked beef (like pan-fried burgers).
If your cooked ground beef has started to turn brown or grey, this is a sign that it is starting to spoil and should be thrown out.
You should also discard any cooked ground beef that has an off odor.
To extend the shelf life of your cooked ground beef, make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. And when reheating, always make sure the meat is piping hot all the way through before eating.
Raw Ground Beef in Fridge for 5 Days
Raw ground beef can last in the fridge for up to 5 days. Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different dishes, from burgers and tacos to meatballs and pasta sauce. When storing ground beef, be sure to place it in a airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Always cook ground beef thoroughly before eating, as raw meat can harbor harmful bacteria.
Conclusion
If you’re like most people, you probably have some ground beef in your fridge right now. But how long is it good for? The answer may surprise you.
Most experts say that ground beef can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. However, if you’re not sure how long it’s been in there, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
Ground beef can also be frozen for up to four months.
So if you’ve got a lot of ground beef that you’re not planning on using right away, pop it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook with it.
