How Long Does Raw Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?

How Long Does Cooked Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?

Say you’ve cooked up a pound of ground beef for taco night, how long will that last you in the fridge? Like all leftovers, cooked meats will last in the refrigerator for three to four days, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

How to Freeze Ground Beef

The only surefire way to make your ground beef last beyond just a couple days is to freeze it. When kept in the freezer (at 0 degrees F or below), ground beef and other ground meats will last for three to four months.

To freeze ground beef, leave it in its original packaging, and wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, freezer paper, or place it in a freezer-safe plastic bag in order to prevent freezer burn. If you’ve already opened the packaging, you can transfer the ground beef to a freezer safe bag and label it with the date.

When you’re ready to use it, place the packaged ground beef in a large bowl of cool water, using a heavy weight to keep the meat submerged. Allow it to thaw for 5 to 10 minutes. Previously frozen ground beef should be used immediately and should not be refrozen.

How to Know if Ground Beef Is Spoiled

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so stick to the two-day rule. But if you want to use the ol’ sniff and sight test, you might be able to tell that ground beef has gone bad if it has a sour smell, dull (brownish-gray) color, and a slimy texture.