If you like to make burgers, ground beef is a good choice. But how do you know when it’s gone bad? The expiration date and changes in color, texture, and smell can help.
People often use ground beef to make savory pies, tacos, meatballs, and sausage, as well as burgers and meatballs. It accounts for about 62% of all beef sold in the United States.
But because grinding the meat makes more of its surface airy, organisms that cause food to go bad have more room to attach to it. Thus, it goes bad faster than steak or other larger cuts.
Spoilage and pathogenic bacteria may both affect ground beef. Even though these bacteria aren’t usually dangerous, they do make food less healthy and give it a bad smell and taste.
On the other hand, pathogenic bacteria are dangerous, as they can lead to food poisoning. Furthermore, spoilage makes it more likely for them to be present in your food. So, even though bacteria that cause spoilage won’t make you sick, you should always throw away spoiled ground beef to avoid eating microorganisms that do.
Ground beef may change color due to multiple factors, including temperature, light, microbial growth, and exposure to oxygen.
Because it has a lot of oxymyoglobin, which is a color made when a protein called myoglobin reacts with oxygen, fresh, raw ground beef should be red.
The interior of raw ground meat may be greyish brown due to a lack of exposure to oxygen. This doesn’t indicate spoilage.
However, ground beef that has turned brown or gray on the outside should be thrown away because it means it’s starting to go bad.
Cooked ground beef can also go bad because of mold, so throw away any leftovers if you see any fuzzy blue, gray, or green spots.
Another way to check your ground beef is by conducting a touch test. Fresh ground beef should have a relatively firm consistency that breaks apart when you squeeze it.
But a sticky or slimy texture, whether the food is raw or cooked, could mean that spoilage bacteria are present. You should toss it immediately.
To avoid spreading bacteria from one surface to another, wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat.
This test is probably the easiest and fastest way to determine whether meat has spoiled. It applies to both raw and cooked ground beef.
Though the scent of fresh ground beef is barely perceptible, rancid meat has a tangy, putrid odor. Once it goes bad, it’s no longer safe to eat.
The scent changes due to the increased growth of spoilage bacteria, such as Lactobacillus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. , which may also affect the flavor.
Still, it’s best to throw it away even if you don’t smell anything fishy but can see or feel that it’s going bad. Pathogenic bacteria can’t be smelled.
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.
The expiration date, which is sometimes written as “best before,” tells you when the food is most likely to start going bad. Food will have the best taste and quality before this date.
Any ground beef that hasn’t been frozen will go bad after a certain date, but frozen ground beef can last up to 4 months.
You shouldn’t eat spoiled ground beef because it might have pathogenic bacteria in it, which cause foodborne illnesses. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea — which may be bloody.
Microorganisms that cause disease grow quickly in food that has been left out at room temperature. This is especially true for food that has gone bad.
The most common harmful bacteria in ground beef are Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Outbreaks of infections related to these bacteria occur fairly frequently in the United States. It may take several days for symptoms to appear.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure that the internal temperature of the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C). This will kill these bacteria and lower your risk of getting food poisoning.
Proper handling and storing are key to avoiding food poisoning from ground beef. Here are a few safety tips:
Always wash your hands well after handling ground beef, and don’t forget to clean the kitchen counters and tools.
Maximizing Ground Beef’s Shelf Life: How Long it Stays Good After the Freeze By Date
Ground beef is a versatile staple that can be used in endless quick, family-friendly meals. While fresh ground beef only lasts 1-2 days beyond the sell by date, freezing it enables much longer storage. But how long exactly is previously frozen ground beef still safe and good to eat after the freeze by date?
This comprehensive guide provides science-based insight on ground beef’s freezer shelf life, how to decipher freeze by dates, signs of spoilage, and tips to maximize freshness. Read on to learn how long frozen ground beef stays good after the freeze by date so you can reduce food waste and shop and meal prep wisely.
Understanding Ground Beef Freeze By Dates
The freeze by date indicates the last day the manufacturer recommends using frozen ground beef for best quality. It is not a safety date. Ground beef that has been continuously frozen at 0°F or below should be safe indefinitely past this date, though quality slowly declines over time.
Look for a freeze by date or “best if used by” date on the packaging. If only a sell by date is shown, that applies only to fresh ground beef. For optimal freshness and flavor, use frozen ground beef by the freeze by date, but don’t panic if you’ve missed it.
General Frozen Ground Beef Shelf Life Guidelines
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Uncooked: 3-4 months for best quality, up to 4-6 months if handled properly.
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Pre-cooked: 2-3 months past the freeze by date. Quality declines faster.
Proper Handling for Maximizing Shelf Life
Freezing ground beef maintains quality longer, but proper storage is key:
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Freeze in air-tight packaging with minimal exposure to air.
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Freeze immediately after purchasing for maximum freshness.
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Store at 0°F or below – the colder the better.
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Once thawed, use within 1-2 days. Do not refreeze.
Signs Ground Beef is No Longer Good After the Freeze By Date
Rely on your senses, not just the date. Throw away ground beef that shows signs of spoilage like:
- Unpleasant gray or brown discoloration
- Slime or stickiness
- Rancid or sour odor
- Mold growth – do not taste moldy ground beef! Discard immediately.
Tips for Safely Using Ground Beef After Freeze By Date
Frozen ground beef can be safely eaten after the freeze by date, but take these precautions:
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Cook thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F.
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If spoiled sections are evident, discard those portions.
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Limit freezer storage time to 6 months or less for best quality.
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Handle frozen and thawed ground beef properly to prevent cross-contamination.
What About Visual Changes After Freezing?
Don’t worry if previously frozen ground beef turns brownish in spots or looks less vibrantly red. This is due to oxidation, not spoilage. The beaten up texture of thawed ground beef is also normal. These changes do not indicate safety issues. Still assess smell and slime formation.
Alternative Uses for Older Frozen Ground Beef
If frozen ground beef is nearing the 6-month mark but you’re unsure about safety, use it in cooked applications like:
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Chili, stew, or soup – cook thoroughly.
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Tacos or burritos – any off notes will be masked.
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Casseroles like lasagna or Shepherd’s pie where ground beef is only one ingredient.
Or freeze for later use in these dishes up to the 6-month mark for added insurance.
Freeze Today for Tomorrow’s Meals
One key strategy to maximize ground beef freshness is freezing it soon after purchasing in recipe-ready portions. This enables you to:
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Stock up when ground beef is on sale without wasting any.
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Avoid last minutetrips to the grocery store. You’ll have ground beef ready when you need it.
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Cook directly from the freezer.
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Easily thaw just what you need for upcoming meals.
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Reduce the risk of spoilage since frozen ground beef lasts so much longer.
Ground Beef Freezing Tips
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Portion ground beef into recipe-ready amounts like 1 pound packages.
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Flatten packs to freeze faster with more surface contact.
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Label with type of ground beef and date frozen.
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Use freezer bags, plastic wrap, vacuum seal bags, or freezer paper.
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Try marinating ground beef before freezing for added flavor. The acids tenderize meat too.
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Freeze extra 10-15 minutes before sealing bags or wrapping to allow air to escape.
The Takeaway on Ground Beef After the Freeze By Date
Don’t let a freeze by date stop you from enjoying previously frozen ground beef. Simply check for signs of spoilage, cook it thoroughly, and limit freezer storage time. With proper freezing and handling, frozen ground beef can retain quality and safety for up to 6 months, sometimes longer.
Use Ground Beef Confidently After Freezing
Armed with knowledge on appropriate shelf life, savvy freezing practices, and signs of spoilage, you can now freeze ground beef confidently knowing it will be good for months after the freeze by date. No more wasting perfectly safe frozen ground beef or unnecessary rushed midweek grocery store trips. Get ready to save money, eat well, and reduce food waste!
What will bad ground beef smell like?
Spoiled ground beef will have a pungent, putrid smell. Ground beef that is safe to eat typically has little to no perceptible smell.
Can ground beef smell a little but not expired?
All ground beef has a slight aroma of iron. Ground beef that is getting close to its expiration date may smell a little stronger, but it is still safe to eat. However, if a product has a noticeable, pungent smell, it is most likely spoiled and should be discarded.
How long should you keep meat in the fridge or freezer?
FAQ
Can you eat ground beef after freeze by date?
How long is beef good for after use or freeze by date?
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Type of Fresh Meat
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Refrigerator (40 0F or below)
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Freezer (0 0F or below)
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Hamburger, ground beef, turkey, veal, pork, lamb, mixtures of them & products made with any of these ingredients
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1 to 2 days
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3 to 4 months
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Steaks
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3 to 5 days
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4 to 12 months
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Chops
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3 to 5 days
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4 to 12 months
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Roasts
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3 to 5 days
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4 to 12 months
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Can I use 2 year old frozen ground beef?
Is raw ground beef good after 5 days in the fridge?
How long does ground beef last after sell-by date?
However, if you went home immediately after purchasing the ground beef, it is likely to last a few days after the sell-by date. On average, ground beef will last 2-3 days after the sell-by day. The beef should be stored at or below 33°F. If you freeze the ground beef on the day the sell-by date expires, it will last for 3-4 weeks in the freezer.
How long can you eat ground beef if refrigerated?
As long as a person correctly and safely stores their meat, they do not necessarily need to discard any products past their “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.
How long can you keep ground beef in the freezer?
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). It is important that a person never leaves ground beef out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can cause harmful bacteria to grow.
Can you freeze ground beef past the use-by date?
A: If properly refrigerated, ground beef can be safely used within 1-2 days past the use-by date. Q2: Can I freeze ground beef past the use-by date? A: Yes, you can freeze ground beef past the use-by date. However, it’s recommended to use it within 3-4 months for optimal quality.