Ground beef is likely to go bad faster than other cuts of meat. People should pay close attention to the color, texture, smell, and expiration date of ground beef. It is safe to store ground beef in the refrigerator for 1–2 days.
People in the United States may eat ground beef every day because it is so popular and can be used in many different ways. Research estimates that around 62% of all beef sold in the U. S. is ground. But the process of grinding meat exposes a larger surface area of ground beef to potentially harmful bacteria. This means it is likely to go bad faster than other cuts of beef.
Two examples of bacteria that may affect ground beef are spoilage bacteria and pathogenic bacteria. Spoilage bacteria are not generally harmful, but will cause food to lose quality. This may cause unpleasant odors or taste. Pathogenic bacteria are more dangerous. They may contaminate food and cause a foodborne illness, which can result in food poisoning.
This article will talk about how to handle and store ground beef safely, as well as tell you how to tell if ground beef is bad.
Eating spoiled or undercooked beef can make people sick, so people should be careful about how they store, handle, and cook beef to avoid getting sick. There are signs people can be aware of that may warn them that ground beef is now bad.
The color of the ground beef is a quick way to tell if it has gone bad or is still good to eat. Good quality, unspoiled ground beef bought from the supermarket should be bright red on the outside.
Oxygen from the air reacts with oxymyoglobin pigments in meat to make a bright red color on the meat’s surface. Oxymyoglobin is typically the red liquid that leaks out of meat that many people may mistake for blood.
Since oxygen probably hasn’t reached the inside of the meat yet, it may be a grayish brown color. It’s still safe to eat, though.
That being said, people should throw away ground beef that is gray or brown on the outside. This discoloration suggests that it has started to go bad.
If someone sees mold on the outside of their ground beef, they should throw it away right away, whether it’s raw or cooked.
People can also check the texture to see if meat is bad. Ground beef that is safe to eat should be fairly firm and fall apart when pressed.
But a sticky or slimy texture may indicate the presence of spoilage bacteria. This may be the result of ropy slime-forming bacteria. This bacteria can release volatile compounds that may cause slime to form on the surface of the meat.
Individuals should wash their hands well after handling raw meat in order to stop the spread of bacteria.
Another way to tell if ground beef has gone bad is by simply smelling it. Normal, safe, fresh ground beef should not have a noticeable or unpleasant smell. Multiplying spoilage bacteria can cause a strong odor to occur.
But it is important to remember that pathogenic bacteria may not cause a bad smell. Even if the ground beef doesn’t smell bad, it’s still best to throw it away because it has other signs that it has gone bad.
Foods other than infant formula don’t have to have an expiration date labeled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Most food items do have dates on them, though, because different places have different rules about these dates.
Many products have a label that says “best before,” but the FDA wants to clear things up by using the phrase “best if used by.” Labels like “best before” only tell you how long the food will probably stay fresh and tasty, not how safe it is.
As long as someone stores their meat safely and correctly, they may not need to throw away meat that is past its “best before” date. It is safe for people to consume refrigerated ground beef up to 2 days past this date. If freezing, it is advisable to eat ground beef within 4 months.
But if someone hasn’t stored meat properly, it’s not a good idea to eat it after the “best before” date. It’s possible for bacteria to get into ground beef if it was stored at too high of a temperature or if the packaging is torn or leaks.
People should be cautious if they suspect that ground beef may be bad. By consuming potentially spoiled meat, people run the risk of developing food poisoning.
Outbreaks of food poisoning linked to ground beef are relatively common in the U.S.
Bacteria that may cause these outbreaks include Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), or Campylobacter. While many infections resulting from these bacteria can be mild, in some cases they can be life threatening.
In order to avoid foodborne illnesses, people should follow the four guidelines laid out by the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service:
People should ensure that their refrigerator and freezer are the correct temperature to keep their food safe. The refrigerator should be at or below 40°F (4°C) and the freezer at or below 0°F (-17°C).
For one to two days, ground beef can be kept in the fridge safely. After four days, leftovers should be eaten. A person can store ground beef in the freezer for up to 4 months.
When cooking ground beef, the minimum internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer is 160°F (71°C). People should never leave ground beef out at room temperature for more than two hours, because that’s when bad bacteria can start to grow.
By correctly and safely handling and storing ground beef, people should be able to avoid spoilage. It’s important for people to know the color, smell, texture, and problems with the packaging or storage that could mean food has gone bad.
People should not only handle and store ground beef safely, but they should also make sure to cook it all the way through to the right internal temperature to kill bacteria.
Minced beef also known as ground beef is a versatile meat that’s great to have on hand for quick weeknight meals. Its convenient form makes it easy to portion and defrost just what you need. But exactly how long does minced beef last in the freezer before the quality suffers?
Can Minced Beef Be Frozen Indefinitely?
Technically, ground beef can be frozen indefinitely if stored at 0°F or below, according to the US. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The extremely cold temperature prevents bacteria from growing and food from spoiling
However, freezing minced beef for long periods can negatively impact texture and flavor. To be safe, it may be safe to eat, but over time, the taste and feel may become unpleasant.
For best quality, the USDA recommends using fresh ground beef within 4 months of freezing. Ground meat kept constantly frozen past 4 months is still safe, but the quality may start to lessen
Signs of Freezer Burn on Minced Beef
Freezer burn is one of the main reasons frozen ground beef declines in quality. It occurs when air reaches the meat surface and causes oxidation. Signs of freezer burn on minced beef include:
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Dry, shriveled texture
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Discoloration -typically brownish or grayish patches
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Changes in flavor such as cardboard, sour, or metallic taste
Minced beef with severe freezer burn may not be unsafe, but it will likely have an unappealing taste and texture. You’re better off tossing severely freezer burned meat.
Preventing Freezer Burn on Ground Beef
To help prevent freezer burn on minced beef:
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Wrap ground beef air-tight before freezing using plastic wrap, foil, or freezer bags. Ensure no air pockets.
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Portion ground beef into usable amounts like 1 pound packages.
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Avoid overcrowding the freezer, as this slows air circulation.
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Use ground beef within recommended time frames.
Proper storage and handling helps maintain quality and minimize freezer burn on frozen minced beef.
How to Thaw Frozen Minced Beef Safely
Always thaw ground beef stored in the freezer using one of these safe methods:
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In the refrigerator – Place frozen ground beef in the fridge in a container to thaw. Allow 1-2 days for a 1 pound package.
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In cold water – Seal minced beef in a plastic bag then submerge in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 1 hour thaw time per 1 pound.
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In the microwave – Follow microwave-safe thawing directions, cooking ground beef immediately after thawing.
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As part of cooking – Minced beef can be cooked directly from frozen. Just allow extra time in the cooking process.
Avoid thawing ground beef on the counter or in hot water. Refreeze thawed ground beef only if it was kept correctly chilled below 40°F.
How Long Does Minced Beef Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA, fresh ground beef will maintain best quality for 1-2 days when stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.
For food safety, use fresh ground beef within 1-2 days of purchase. If you won’t use it within that timeframe, freeze minced beef for longer storage.
Watch for signs of spoilage on refrigerated ground beef like graying color, slimy texture, or unpleasant odor and discard if detected. Don’t taste questionable minced meat.
Safe Handling Tips for Minced Beef
Follow these food safety guidelines when dealing with ground beef:
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Refrigerate ground beef at 40°F as soon as possible after purchase.
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Freeze in 1-2 day portions for easier thawing.
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Defrost in the refrigerator, not on the counter or in hot water.
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Cook or refreeze properly thawed ground beef within 1-2 days.
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Cook minced beef thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F.
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Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods.
Proper chilling, freezing, thawing, and cooking destroys potentially harmful bacteria and keeps minced beef safe to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can thawed minced beef stay in the fridge?
Thawed ground beef can be refrigerated 1-2 days. Cook or refreeze within that timeframe.
Can you refreeze thawed ground beef?
Previously frozen ground beef can be safely refrozen if it was properly thawed in the fridge at 40°F or below. Refreeze as soon as possible.
Is freezer burned ground beef safe to eat?
Freezer burned minced meat is still safe to eat, but the quality may be lower. Trim any dried out portions after thawing.
Does ground beef expire in the freezer?
Ground beef stored continuously at 0°F does not technically expire, but it’s best quality when consumed within 4 months.
How can you tell if frozen ground beef is spoiled?
Signs of spoiled frozen minced beef include mold, severely dried or shriveled texture, and foul odors. Discard if any signs of spoilage.
The Bottom Line
For optimal taste and texture, use frozen minced beef within 4 months. Handle ground meat safely by thawing in the fridge and cooking thoroughly. With proper freezing, storage, and handling, you can enjoy fresh, high-quality ground beef for months after purchase.
