Meat & poultry
How long does ground beef last?
Ground beef lasts 1–2 days in the fridge, 3–4 months in the freezer. Store ground beef in the fridge for the best results.
FridgeBest
1–2 days
Cupboard / room temp
Not recommended
Freezer
3–4 months
How to store ground beef
- Brown it within two days or freeze it flat in a bag.
- Thaw in the fridge, not on the counter.
Signs ground beef has gone bad
Gray-brown all the way through, a sour smell or slime. When in doubt, throw it out. These are typical home-storage times; always check the package date.
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Scan your grocery receipt and Pantry Buddy dates every item, ground beef included, and tells you what to eat first.
Questions about ground beef
- How long does ground beef last in the fridge?
- Ground beef: 1–2 days in the fridge.
- Can you freeze ground beef?
- Yes. Ground beef keeps 3–4 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Where should you store ground beef?
- In the fridge. Brown it within two days or freeze it flat in a bag.
- How can you tell if ground beef has gone bad?
- Gray-brown all the way through, a sour smell or slime. When in doubt, throw it out.