Are you tired of throwing out perfectly good ground beef just because the “freeze by” date has passed?
It’s time to dispel the confusion surrounding expiration dates and learn the truth about how long ground beef can actually last.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require an expiration date label on most food products, including ground beef, there are guidelines to follow for optimal safety and quality.
In this article, we’ll explore how long ground beef can last in the fridge and freezer, as well as tips for proper storage and signs of spoilage.
Say goodbye to unnecessary waste and hello to delicious meals with our ultimate guide to ground beef storage.
How Long Is Ground Beef Good After Freeze By Date?
The “freeze by” date on ground beef packaging can be confusing, but it’s important to understand what it means. This date is a guideline for when the product is likely to start going bad, and it’s recommended that you consume ground beef before this date for optimal quality and taste.
However, if you’ve missed the “freeze by” date, don’t worry. Ground beef can still be safe to eat if it has been properly stored. According to the FDA, ground beef can be refrigerated and safely eaten up to 2 days past the sell-by date. If you’ve frozen the ground beef on or before the “freeze by” date, it can last up to 4 months in the freezer.
It’s important to note that these guidelines are for optimal safety and quality. If the ground beef shows signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell, dull color, or slimy texture, do not eat it. Toss it in the trash.
Understanding Ground Beef Expiration Dates
Ground beef is highly perishable, which is why it comes with an expiration date. The expiration date, also known as the “best before” date, indicates when the product is likely to start going bad. It’s important to consume ground beef before this date for optimal quality and taste.
It’s also important to pay attention to the sell-by date on the packaging, which tells retailers how long a product can be displayed for sale. Ground beef can be refrigerated and safely eaten up to 2 days past the sell-by date. However, if it has been frozen on or before the sell-by date, it can last up to 4 months in the freezer.
It’s crucial to handle ground beef properly to avoid foodborne illnesses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends following four guidelines: clean, separate, cook, and chill. This means washing hands thoroughly and surfaces frequently, keeping raw meat apart from other foods when cooking and storing, cooking all foods thoroughly at the correct temperature for the correct amount of time, and refrigerating or freezing food promptly and at the right temperature.
Ground beef is usually sold in 1-pound packages and is divided into packages within 3 days after the steer was killed. However, how long ground beef lasts after the sell-by date depends on how it was handled once it left the grocery store. If it’s allowed to sit in a car for a few hours, it may not last until the sell-by date. On average, ground beef will last 2-3 days after the sell-by day if stored at or below 33°F.
How Long Can Ground Beef Last In The Fridge?
Raw ground beef has a very short shelf life in the fridge. According to FoodSafety.gov, it can only last one to two days in the refrigerator. However, there are a few extra measures you can take to try and extend the shelf life of your ground beef. First, make sure to purchase high-quality ground beef for the longest shelf life. Pay attention to how you store it, too. Keep unopened, store-bought ground beef in its original packaging, and store it in the bottom shelf of the refrigerator towards the back.
Sell-by and expiration dates are additional guidelines for determining whether your ground beef is still good. A sell-by date tells the retailer how long a product can be displayed for sale. Ground beef can be refrigerated and safely eaten up to 2 days past this date, according to FoodSafety.gov. Meanwhile, the expiration date, also labeled as “best before,” tells you when the product is likely to start going bad. You shouldn’t eat ground beef past its expiration date unless it’s been frozen, in which case it can last up to 4 months.
When storing ground beef in the fridge, make sure the temperature is appropriate. Fridges should be kept at a temperature of 40°F or below, according to the USDA. To check the temperature in your fridge, use an appliance thermometer. The fridge temperature is important for keeping food fresh and slowing bacterial growth. Also, where a package of ground beef is stored matters, too. Store ground beef on the bottom shelf of the fridge (the same advice applies for other raw meat, poultry and seafood). Ground beef often has juices that contain bacteria, and if it comes into contact with other raw or cooked foods, it could lead to cross-contamination. Ground beef can be stored in its original packaging. Keeping ground beef on the bottom shelf minimizes this risk and makes cleanup easier if the juices spill.
How Long Can Ground Beef Last In The Freezer?
Ground beef can technically be frozen indefinitely, but its quality will start to deteriorate over time. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends using frozen ground beef within 4 months for the best flavor and texture. It’s also important to note that frozen ground beef should be cooked and eaten within this time frame.
To ensure that your ground beef stays fresh in the freezer, it’s important to store it properly. While you can freeze meat in its original packaging, it’s not ideal as the plastic wrap is permeable enough for air to get in. Instead, wrap the container with a layer or two of heavy-duty aluminum foil and date it so you know how long it’s been in the freezer.
If your ground beef was sold wrapped in butcher paper or in a plastic bag, you need to create a barrier to protect it from the air. Wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or put it in a ziplock freezer bag and push out as much air as possible. Then, cover it with a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil and date the package.
It’s also recommended to freeze ground beef as soon as possible after purchase, as this preserves freshness and slows the growth of bacteria. The faster you freeze raw beef, the better. Placing it in the freezer as soon as you get home from the grocery store will produce fresher meat when defrosted than if it is frozen closer to its expiration date or has already been cooked.
Tips For Properly Storing Ground Beef
Properly storing ground beef is crucial to ensure its freshness and safety. Here are some tips for storing ground beef:
1. Keep it below 40 degrees Fahrenheit: Ground beef should be kept at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent bacterial growth. If you plan to use the meat soon, it can be refrigerated in its original packaging. However, if you want to store it for longer periods, transfer it to a heavy-duty freezer bag and store it in the freezer.
2. Use or freeze within two days: It’s recommended that you use or freeze ground beef within two days of purchasing it. This will ensure that the meat is fresh and safe to eat.
3. Keep it in its original packaging: If you’re refrigerating ground beef for quick use, keep it in its original packaging. The packaging is designed to maximize the shelf life of the meat and keep it fresh.
4. Wrap it in Glad® Press’n Seal® before freezing: If you’re freezing ground beef, be sure to remove it from the store packaging and wrap it in Glad® Press’n Seal® to keep air out and freshness in. This step is important for preserving the quality of the meat.
5. Buy it last and head home directly from the store: To minimize the time that ground beef is left unrefrigerated, buy it last and head home directly from the store. This will help ensure that the meat stays fresh and safe to eat.
By following these tips for properly storing ground beef, you can help ensure that your meat stays fresh, safe, and delicious for longer periods.
Signs Of Spoiled Ground Beef
Spoiled ground beef can be dangerous to eat and may contain harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses. It’s important to know the signs of spoiled ground beef to avoid getting sick. Here are some signs to look out for:
1. Slimy texture: Fresh ground beef should be firm and crumble apart easily when squeezed. If the meat feels slimy, sticky, or gooey, it is starting to go bad. The slime on the surface is caused by the buildup of bacterial cells.
2. Off odor: If the ground beef smells funky or off, it’s spoiled. The smell is caused by the gases produced by the bacteria.
3. Discoloration: Ground beef can change color when it spoils, going from a bright red-pinkish color to a flat gray color. This color change occurs as the bacteria break down the iron compounds in the meat. If your ground beef is gray or brown, it’s spoiled.
It’s important to note that these signs may not always be obvious, and some may not appear until after cooking. To reduce your risk of getting sick, always cook ground beef thoroughly and use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you’re unsure whether your ground beef is safe to eat, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!
Using Ground Beef Safely And Deliciously
Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from meat sauce to tacos to casseroles. However, it’s important to use ground beef safely to avoid foodborne illness. Here are some tips for using ground beef safely and deliciously:
1. Choose lean ground beef: Ground beef that is 93% lean or leaner is an excellent choice for those trying to choose lean meats. It works well in dishes that require crumbles, and draining fat might be difficult in some recipes.
2. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that ground beef is cooked to a safe temperature, use a meat thermometer. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
3. Store ground beef properly: If you’re not going to use ground beef right away, store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Ground beef can be refrigerated and safely eaten up to 2 days past the sell-by date. If you’ve frozen the ground beef on or before the “freeze by” date, it can last up to 4 months in the freezer.
4. Add flavor with seasonings: To make your ground beef dishes more delicious, add seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, and burger seasoning. Mix these ingredients with the raw ground beef before cooking for optimal flavor.
By following these tips, you can use ground beef safely and deliciously in your favorite recipes. Remember to always check the “freeze by” date on your packaging and properly store your ground beef to ensure optimal safety and quality.