How Long Does Cooked Ground Beef Last In The Fridge? Safety

Don’t you just love the smell of freshly cooked ground beef? Whether it’s for burgers, meatballs, or tacos, there’s something about its savory aroma that entices all senses. But with all that deliciousness comes an important question: how long does cooked ground beef last in the fridge? If you don’t store your cooked and uneaten ground beef properly, you could end up with a nasty bout of food poisoning on one hand or wasting precious resources on the other. Read on to find out more.

How Long Does Raw Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?

If you cook your ground beef and then put it in the refrigerator, how long will it keep? Ground beef is generally safe to keep in the fridge for up to two days from purchase, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Any ground beef that needs to be kept longer should be frozen for long-term storage, as it can last several months in the freezer. The “Use-By” date on packages of ground beef may allow for additional leeway beyond the two days before needing to cook or freeze it. To ensure safe consumption, check the color, smell and texture of ground beef that has been stored too long to determine if it is still usable.

How Long Does Cooked Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?

Now, let’s exploring how long does cooked ground beef last in the fridge? Cooked ground beef lasts much longer than raw ground beef. It can be kept safely in the refrigerator for three to four days. If you plan on keeping it for longer, freeze it immediately and make sure that the meat is fully cooked through before you do so.

How Long Is Ground Beef Good Once Cooked?

Cooked ground beef will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. After cooking, ground beef should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days for food safety.

How to Freeze Ground Beef?

Refrigerate or freeze ground beef or hamburger as soon as possible after purchase. Use within one or two days when refrigerated, and up to four months when frozen. Wrap in heavy-duty plastic wrap, aluminum foil, freezer paper, or plastic bags made for freezing. For further information please see the Ground Beef and Food Safety fact sheet.

How to Defrost Cooked Beef?

Defrost cooked beef in the fridge set at 5°C or below, if that’s not possible use a microwave on the defrost setting directly before cooking. Follow food packaging guidance and allow enough time for food to defrost properly.

How to Heat Leftover Cooked Beef?

Option 1: Oven

To reheat cooked beef in the oven, set oven to 250°F (120°C). Place steak on a wire rack inside a baking tray. Cook for 20-30 minutes, checking regularly depending on thickness. Reheat until the center is warm (100–110°F or 37–43°C), but not piping hot. Serve with gravy or steak sauce or sear in a pan for a crispy texture.

Option 2: Microwave

Heat leftover cooked beef by microwaving: set the steak in a microwavable dish, drizzle some steak sauce or meat gravy over the top and add a few drops of oil or butter, cover the dish, and cook on medium heat, turning every 30 seconds until warm. Quick process taking no longer than 2 minutes.

Option 3: Pan

Reheat steak quickly and deliciously by using a pan. Heat beef broth or gravy in a deep pan until it simmers. Add the cooked meat to the heated liquid and let warm until through.

Option 4: Resealable Plastic Bag

Reheating cooked beef in a sealed plastic bag is an ideal way to keep it moist and delicious. Place the steak in the chosen bag with additional seasonings, expel air from the bag, and seal tightly. Simmer the sealed bag of steak in saucepan water until heated (typically 4–8 min). Optionally sear the steak after reheating for a further flavorful touch.

Which Type of Ground Beef is Best?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best type of ground beef for you will depend on your personal preferences and cooking needs. Some people prefer leaner varieties of ground beef, while others enjoy a fattier product.

70/30: Ground Beef and Ground Hamburger

70/30 Ground Beef and Ground Hamburger are made from a combination of tougher or less popular cuts, trimmings from nicer cuts, and/or added fat. This blend is the highest fat ratio of grinds, making it moist and flavorful; it is also typically the least expensive. Ground beef is great for dishes cooked for long periods; ground hamburger is best for burgers that can shrink due to fat loss during cooking.

80/20: Ground Chuck

80/20 Ground Chuck is the highest lean-to-fat ratio of the specialty grinds, making it quite tender and juicy. Ground chuck comes from the shoulder of the cow and provides rich, tender flavor. Referred to as “lean ground beef,” it is ideal for hamburgers and meatballs due to its juiciness while grilling and its ability to stay together.

85/15: Ground Round

Ground round is an “extra-lean” grind with 85-90% lean (10-15% fat). It is cut from the back of the cow and lacks flavor and moisture. Use for recipes that mix it with other ingredients, but not for burgers. Great for soups, stews, sauces, and tacos.

90/10 Ground Sirloin

Ground Sirloin is the leanest type of ground beef and is 90-92% lean (8-10% fat). It is a healthier choice as compared to other types of ground beef. It comes from the middle of the cow. Not suitable for hamburgers, but good for casseroles, sauces, chili, and stuffed peppers.

How to Know if Ground Beef Is Spoiled?

Ground beef that is fresh should break apart when squeezed and have a firm consistency. Sticky or slimy texture can indicate presence of spoilage bacteria – discard immediately. Wash hands thoroughly after touching raw meat to avoid spreading bacteria.

Tips for Storing Your Ground Beef

Purchase ground beef towards the end of grocery trips and take precautions to keep it at a cool temperature during transportation. Store ground beef in the coldest area of the refrigerator, on the lowest shelf, for one to two days. Avoid storing ground beef in the door due to fluctuating temperatures. Follow these tips for maximum flavor and freshness up to 4 days.

Use a Clean Container

Don’t take any chances with your cooked ground beef – make sure the container it’s stored in is squeaky clean and dry. Bacteria breeding inside a dirty storage container can quickly multiply, putting you at risk of having spoiled meat on your hands.

Refrigerator Temperature

Your fridge is essential to keeping your food safe and at the optimal temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4°C). Even a short stay open could raise temperatures, wasting electricity while bacteria flourish. For top-notch preservation, keep that door shut.

Separate Foods

To ensure food safety, it is essential to practice proper refrigerator hygiene by keeping raw items and ready-to-eat foods separated. Doing so will help prevent the spread of potentially harmful bacteria from uncooked foods onto other eatables that do not require cooking prior to consumption.

Freeze Properly

Ensure your cooked meats won’t suffer from freezer burn by diligently wrapping and storing them in airtight containers. Keep those proteins fresh.

Only Defrost When Reheating

Enjoying your favorite recipes just got easier. If you want to whip up something tasty with defrosted meat, make sure it spends the least amount of time possible between frozen and cooked. Leaving thawed food out too long can cause bacteria growth, so safer storage choices are in the fridge.

Choose USDA- Certified Meats

When you want quality ground beef, USDA certification is an excellent place to start. But even with the most rigorous standards of meat production, it’s possible that bacteria like E. Coli and salmonella can still lurk in your food undetected – resulting in a case of food poisoning if not properly cooked. So get those burgers sizzling on the grill for peace-of-mind eating.

Conclusion: how long does cooked ground beef last in the fridge

Ground beef is a versatile, delicious ingredient in many recipes. To ensure that it remains fresh and safe to eat, be sure to select cuts with a bright-red color, check for firmness when squeezed, and smell for any off odors. Store raw ground beef in the refrigerator at temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4°C) or below, and wrap tightly in plastic to prevent freezer burn. If you find that your ground beef has gone bad, be sure to discard it immediately for safety reasons. Thanks for reading how long does cooked ground beef last in the fridge?

FAQs: cooked ground beef 

Is it safe to eat cooked ground beef after 5 days?

USDA recommends consuming cooked ground beef within 3 to 4 days when kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Bacterial growth is slowed, but not stopped, by refrigeration. Cooked leftovers should be consumed within 3 to 4 days as well.

Is ground beef good after 7 days?

Ground beef can be stored in the refrigerator for 1–2 days. Any leftovers should be eaten within 4 days of storage. Ground beef can also be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Is cooked ground beef good after 5 days in fridge?

Ground beef can be safely stored in the refrigerator for about 3 or 4 days if it is placed there after cooking (within 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 °F). It should remain in good condition if frozen for around four months.

How can you tell if cooked ground beef is bad?

Cooked ground beef should have a similar texture and smell as the day it was cooked. Throw out leftover cooked beef if it smells or looks off. Signs of spoilt meat include a slimy or mushy feel, a green tint, or a sour or rotten-egg smell.

Can I eat ground beef that has been in the fridge for a week?

Ground beef can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and leftovers should be eaten within 4 days. Ground beef can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. The minimum internal temperature to cook ground beef is 160°F (71°C).

Is ground beef good after 2 weeks in fridge?

Ground beef can be stored in the fridge up to two days after purchase. It’s advised to cook or freeze ground beef after two days in the refrigerator. Freezing ground beef is a long-term storage solution and it can last months.

Can I eat cooked ground beef after 10 days?

Cooked ground beef should be consumed within 3 to 4 days when stored in the refrigerator (40°F or less). Bacterial growth is slowed but not stopped by refrigeration. USDA recommends consuming cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

How long is cooked ground beef good for meal prep?

Cooked ground beef should be used within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator (40°F or less). Bacterial growth can still occur even when refrigerated. USDA recommends discarding cooked leftovers after 3-4 days.

Can I eat cooked ground beef after 5 days?

When stored chilled (at 40°F or less), the USDA advises consuming cooked beef within 3 to 4 days. The development of bacteria is slowed but not stopped by refrigeration. The USDA advises consuming cooked leftovers within three to four days.

Can you eat 7 day old cooked ground beef?

Consumption of 7-day old cooked ground beef is not recommended, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Bacteria in food can be divided into two categories: pathogenic bacteria, which cause foodborne illness, and spoilage bacteria, which cause the deterioration of food.