In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleHow Long Can I Store It?Food Safety TipsHow to Store It
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
How Long Can I Store It?
Food Safety Tips
How to Store It
FromBaked Beans with Ground BeeftoAmerican Goulash, ground beef—aka hamburger meat—is a versatile, budget-friendly protein to always keep on hand. However, ground beef has a short life in the fridge, so it’s best to have a clear plan to use it up so it doesn’t go to waste. Read on to learn how long ground beef can stay in the fridge. Plus, get tips for how to store ground beef the right way.
Getty Images / Brian Hagiwara
How Long Can Ground Beef Stay in the Fridge?
Why Does Ground Beef Have a Short Life in the Fridge?
How to Store Ground Beef
When storing ground beef in the fridge, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the temperature in the refrigerator is appropriate. Fridges should be kept at a temperature of 40℉ or below,according to the USDA. To check the temp in your fridge, use an appliance thermometer. Depending on the model, your fridge may have a built-in one. The fridge temperature is important for keeping food fresh and slowing bacterial growth.
In addition to the temperature, where a package of ground beef is stored matters, too. Store ground beef on the bottom shelf of the fridge (the same advice applies for other raw meat, poultry and seafood). Ground beef often has juices, which contain bacteria, and if it comes into contact with other raw or cooked foods, it could lead to cross-contamination. Ground beef can be stored in its original packaging. Keeping ground beef on a plateon the bottom shelfminimizes the risk of cross-contamination and makes cleanup easier, if the juices spill.
When stored properly, ground beef can last in the fridge for up to two days. For a long-term solution,learn how long ground beef can be frozen for.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
