Raw ground beef keeps for 1 to 2 days in the fridge and 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
Storage times
| Beef | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef and other ground meat, raw | 1 to 2 days | 3 to 4 months |
| Steaks, chops and roasts, raw | 3 to 5 days | 4 to 12 months |
| Cooked meat (leftovers) | 3 to 4 days | 2 to 6 months |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below, freezer at 0°F (−18°C) or below. Freezer times are for best quality only: food kept frozen at 0°F (−18°C) or below stays safe indefinitely. A dash means the source gives no time.
Storage tips
- If you won't cook it within 2 days, freeze it.
- Cook ground beef to 160°F (71°C), measured with a food thermometer.
- Refrigerate cooked beef within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C).
Signs it's gone off
- A sour smell or a sticky, slimy feel means it has spoiled. Throw it out.
- Past 2 days in the fridge, throw it out even if it looks and smells fine.
Common questions
How long does ground beef last in the fridge?
Raw ground beef keeps for 1 to 2 days in the fridge, according to FoodSafety.gov.
How long does ground beef last in the freezer?
Raw ground beef keeps its best quality for 3 to 4 months in the freezer.
What temperature should ground beef be cooked to?
160°F (71°C), measured with a food thermometer.
Sources
Guidance, not a guarantee. These times come from US government food safety sources and assume food was handled and stored safely. Always follow the date and instructions on the package, check food before you eat it, and when in doubt, throw it out. This page isn't medical advice.
