How Long Does Ground Beef (Raw) Last?
Ground Beef (Raw): 1–2 days in the refrigerator and 3–4 months in the freezer. These are listed storage intervals; check each card for exact evidence and conditions. Freezer intervals describe quality.
- 3 cited USDA/FDA/FSIS sources
- Editorial review · Editorial record: June 2026
US guidance; fridge ≤4°C / 40°F, freezer continuously ≤−18°C / 0°F. Freezer intervals concern quality.
Source checked:US guidance; fridge ≤4°C / 40°F, freezer continuously ≤−18°C / 0°F. Freezer intervals concern quality.
Source checked:After thawing: use within 2 days in the fridge
- Each card identifies whether its interval has an exact source or is still under review. A missing card means no interval is available for that state.
- An absent after-opening entry must not be replaced with an unopened interval.
Based on USDA/FSIS guidance:
Ground beef (raw): the interval is mapped to “Hamburger, ground meats and ground poultry / Refrigerator”. Use this guidance only for the preparation state named in that row and on this page.
Cook ground beef to 71°C (160°F) throughout — ground meat needs a higher target than whole cuts because surface bacteria are mixed all the way through.
How to tell if it's gone bad
Normal appearance and smell do not prove food is safe. Disease-causing bacteria may be present without visible spoilage. Never taste food to test its safety; follow time, temperature and recall guidance. FDA — Storage Basics
- Look:Brown-grey throughout, not just the surface
- Smell:Sour, tangy, or ammonia smell
- Texture:Slimy or tacky texture
When in doubt, throw it out. If Ground Beef (Raw) smells, looks, or feels off — discard it. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.
Can you freeze Ground Beef (Raw)?
Listed quality estimate: Ground Beef (Raw) keeps 3–4 monthsat continuously 0°F (−18°C) or below, if safe when frozen. Check the source status on the storage card; this is not a discard deadline.
The freezer interval is for quality. Freeze portions before the refrigerated interval ends and protect them from air. A thawed product needs a separate assessment of where and how it thawed; the freezer interval does not establish a refrigerated deadline.
How to store Ground Beef (Raw)
- Keep Ground Beef (Raw) covered in the refrigerator. Use the refrigerator duration shown above for this food state.
- Package Ground Beef (Raw) tightly for the freezer and label the stored date. Use the freezer duration shown above for this food state.
- Keep raw Ground Beef (Raw) sealed below ready-to-eat foods so leaks cannot drip onto them.
Storage tips
Store raw ground beef on the bottom shelf in a leak-proof container. Freeze it flat in a bag so it thaws quickly and stacks neatly.
Check your storage dates
Compare the elapsed time with the storage guidance. This cannot certify that food is safe.
Common questions
- How long can Ground beef (raw) sit out before it goes bad?
- Ground beef (raw) should not be left out more than 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F / 32°C). Refrigerate promptly.
- How long is thawed Ground beef (raw) good in the fridge?
- Ground beef (raw) — refrigerator (after thawing): 1–2 days. Exact evidence is still under review; follow the product label.
Related foods
Related states
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