Corned beef is a popular canned meat that can last a long time when unopened. But once you open a can of corned beef, how long does it really last? This is an important question for anyone who occasionally enjoys corned beef hash or sandwiches made with canned corned beef.
I looked into this a lot to get the clearest answer on how long corned beef can be kept after it’s been opened. I will tell you everything I learned about how to safely enjoy corned beef in this article.
Overview of Canned Corned Beef
Before diving into the opened shelf life, let’s start with some background on corned beef in cans.
Corned beef is beef that has been salt-cured, or “corned.” Curing helps preserve the meat and impart flavor. Commercially packaged canned corned beef is fully cooked and ready to eat right out of the can.
Popular brands of canned corned beef include Libby’s Armour Hereford, and Mary Kitchen. Canned corned beef is sold in supermarkets and warehouse stores like Costco.
The cans are typically 12 ounces in size. The only things that go into it are beef, water, salt, sodium nitrite, and sometimes sugar or spices.
Experts say that canned corned beef that hasn’t been opened can last for two to five years after the “best by” date on the can. But what’s the shelf life after opening?.
How Long Does Opened Canned Corned Beef Last in the Fridge?
Once you pop open that can of corned beef, the clock starts ticking. The shelf life becomes much shorter than an unopened can.
After thoroughly researching multiple sources, I found the consensus to be 3-5 days in the refrigerator for opened canned corned beef.
For example, sites like Eat By Date, Still Tasty, and The Spruce Eats all state 3-5 days is the standard fridge shelf life for opened canned corned beef. Some sources are even more specific:
- Chef’s Resource says 5-7 days
- Food Safety News says 3-4 days
- USDA says 3-4 days
While 3-5 days is the general guideline, the shelf life depends on several factors:
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Storage temperature – Keep corned beef stored at 40°F or below. Colder is better for maximizing freshness.
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Storage container – Store opened corned beef in an airtight container or resealed can. Limit air exposure.
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Product quality – Fresher canned corned beef will last longer. Check for dents, damage, or swelling before opening.
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Usage – Corned beef used in cooked dishes may have a shorter fridge life than keeping it sealed.
I recommend erring on the safe side and using opened canned corned beef within 3-4 days. Discard any leftover corned beef after 5 days maximum.
Follow the standard food safety guidelines like washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, separating raw meats, etc. And be sure to smell and visually inspect the corned beef before eating it. Off smells, colors, or textures can indicate spoilage.
Extending Shelf Life by Freezing
If you won’t use all your opened canned corned beef within 3-5 days, extend the shelf life by freezing the remainder.
Here are some tips for freezing corned beef:
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Transfer leftover corned beef from the can to an airtight freezer bag or freezer-safe container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
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Label package with contents and date. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
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Thaw frozen corned beef overnight in the fridge before using. Cook immediately after thawing.
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Once thawed, use corned beef within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze.
With proper freezing technique, you can store leftover canned corned beef for a few months. The freezer stops bacteria growth and slow food spoilage.
Signs of Spoilage
Always inspect canned meats before consumption. Look for these signs that corned beef has spoiled:
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Unusual odors – Discard corned beef with foul, sour, or ammonia-like smells.
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Sliminess – Slime formation on the surface indicates bacterial growth.
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Mold – Mold spots are a definite sign of spoilage. Toss immediately.
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Discoloration – Grayish hues and unappetizing colors mean don’t eat it.
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Weird textures – Soft, sticky, or mushy meat should not be consumed.
When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t risk getting sick from eating spoiled corned beef.
Tips for Proper Canned Corned Beef Storage
Storing cans correctly is the first step for maximizing shelf life. Here are some storage tips:
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Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place under 80°F. Avoid direct sunlight.
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Check cans for damage before opening. Don’t use bulging, dented, or rusty cans.
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Clean the can lid before opening to prevent bacteria entering the can.
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Refrigerate opened corned beef promptly in a sealed container.
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Use oldest cans first and don’t over-buy. Canned meats last a long time but not forever.
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Don’t freeze unopened cans as they may swell or burst. Only freeze opened corned beef.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your canned corned beef stays safe and tasty for as long as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s review some common questions about the shelf life of opened canned corned beef:
How can you tell if opened corned beef is bad?
Check for foul smells, slime, mold, unusual colors, or very soft textures. When in doubt, discard it.
Can you eat corned beef after the expiration date on the can?
Yes, if it was stored properly and the can is in good condition. But don’t eat it if more than 2-5 years past the date.
Is it safe to eat canned corned beef without cooking?
Yes, commercially canned corned beef is fully cooked during processing and safe to eat straight from the can.
How long does opened corned beef last in the freezer?
About 2-3 months in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container for best quality.
Can you refreeze thawed corned beef?
No, only freeze leftovers once. Don’t refreeze corned beef after thawing.
What if you eat spoiled corned beef?
Seek medical treatment if you experience
