How Long Does Ground Beef Last in The Fridge? [Answered]

Thinking of storing ground beef in the fridge? Before you stockpile it, you need to know how long it can last before it goes bad.

You can store ground beef for two days in the fridge before it might go bad. The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) also suggests this. By day two, you should either cook it up or you need to freeze it. Freezing the beef can definitely elongate its shelf-life. Furthermore, it is an excellent long-term solution. It can last for months if you just pop it in the freezer rather than in a fridge.

USDA also suggests that you must keep the Use-By Date in your mind when storing ground beef. Use-By Date is the last date you can use the product while it is at its peak quality. So, if you purchase a package of ground beef three days before its Use-By Date, you might be able to use it two days after the date has passed. Although, sometimes, you cannot judge the usability of the beef. So here are a few ways to know when the beef has turned bad and cannot be used.

How To Tell If Beef Has Expired?

Well, there are three significant ways you can conclude if the beef has gone bad. One, it will have a sticky or slimy texture. Two, it smells putrid. Lastly, it would probably have a grayish color, although this might not be as accurate a sign as the former two. So let’s get into the details.

It’s Been In The Fridge For Longer Than Two Days

As already discussed, USDA recommends that you keep ground beef in the fridge for a maximum of two days after its use-by date. So, if the beef had been in the refrigerator for longer, it probably would have developed a slimy texture, and it doesn’t smell good.

It goes bad in the fridge so soon because the temperature is not too cold to kill all the bacteria or keep them from developing. So, if you are planning to keep the beef for more extended periods, it is better that you freeze it rather than keep it in the refrigerator.

The Texture And Smell Of The Beef Are Different

If you think the beef looks a bit too sticky or slimy and the smell is ‘funny’, the chances are it has spoiled. It would be best if you tossed it immediately. If ground beef is kept too long in the fridge, it will eventually turn rancid and have a foul odor that you might not be able to stand.

It Has Developed A Grayish/Brown Color

While color does not mean it spoils, it is worth it to inspect it before you cook it. Beef develops the gray/brown color due to the presence of metmyoglobin. It forms when the oxygen-carrying heme protein called ‘Myoglobin’ gets oxidized. Once the heme protein is oxidized, metmyoglobin develops, and it causes the brown coloration of beef.

However, even if you freeze the beef, the color might change. So, if you notice the color shift, it might not necessarily mean it has turned bad. However, it would be best to inspect it thoroughly before using it. You can check it by its texture and smell. It should be fine if it does not have a foul smell and isn’t sticky.

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Why Does Ground Beef Have A Short Life In The Fridge?

So, the question remains. Why does ground beef turn foul so quickly? Well, the reason is bacterial growth. As the USDA explains, bacteria can quickly develop and multiply once in the ‘Danger Zone’.

Danger Zone is when the temperature reaches between 40 to 140-degree Fahrenheit. Once the beef is within the danger zone, harmful bacteria such as E. Coli can multiply exponentially. Thus, it is suggested that you use ground beef or any kind of beef, meat, or chicken as soon as possible.

Although, when you cook beef or any other food, E. Coli dies. So, if you are cooking beef, cook it at a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit or above to kill all of the bacteria. On the other hand, if you plan to store it, freezing is a better option since it preserves freshness and tastes. Also, it slows down bacterial growth.

How To Store Ground Beef?

So how can you store ground beef? There is one crucial factor that you need to keep in mind while storing ground beef; the temperature. It is one of the essential aspects of keeping the food fresh, preserving its taste, and inhibiting bacterial growth.

You need to make sure that the temperature of the fridge is ‘appropriate’. So, what exactly is appropriate for ground beef? According to USDA, the temperature of your fridge or refrigerator must be below 40-degree Fahrenheit. Anything above might risk bacterial growth.

You can check the temperature using the built-in appliance thermometer most such equipment has. However, if your fridge does not have one, you can buy one and check the temperature. Although, the latter is integral if you regularly store beef or chicken in the fridge.

Where To Store Ground Beef In A Fridge?

You should store a package of ground beef on the bottom shelf of your fridge. The reason is that beef or any other type of raw meat, seafood, or poultry, releases juices that contain dangerous bacteria. If these juices come in contact with other food, they can cause cross-contamination.

Hence, keep it on the bottom-most shelf. Besides, cleaning up the fridge after you take the ground beef out would be much simpler too. All you have to do is sweep the bottom shelf, that’s all!

How To Freeze Ground Beef?

Let’s suppose that you need to store the ground beef for longer than two days. In such a case, you need to freeze it. Here is how you do it.

To freeze ground beef, you need to keep it in its original packaging. Most experts suggest that you should wrap the package with aluminum foil or any other wrap (plastic, freezer paper). Then, place it in a plastic bag to avert the risk of freezer burn, and finally, store it in the freezer.

If you have opened the packaging, just transfer the beef into a free-safe bag and then store it in the freezer. Moreover, you need to ensure that the bag is secured properly around the meat and that it does not let any juices escape.

Once you are ready to cook the beef, place it in a big bowl of cold water as soon as you take it out. Place a plate or any heavy weighing object over the beef to submerge it in the water. You need to let it thaw for five to ten minutes before using it.

Final Words

Storing ground beef can be tricky. First, you need to make sure it is in the proper packaging and that it is not in direct contact with other foods. Overall, you can only keep ground beef in the fridge for two days. Keeping it more than this is risky, and chances are the beef will turn bad.

If it has been more than two days, check the texture and smell of the beef. If the texture seems strange and the beef reeks, it has probably gone bad, and you need to toss it off immediately. Spoiled beef is detrimental to one’s health. It contains E. Coli, which can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Hence, if you suspect the beef is spoiled, do not eat it.

Keep reading: How To Smoke A Whole Chicken? From The Fridge To The Table