How Long Is Ground Beef Good For?

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It’s undisputable that when it comes to the preferred types of meat shoppers choose at the grocery store, ground beef holds a top spot.

But how long will your ground beef last before it goes bad?

In this article, we’ll discuss exactly how long ground beef lasts in the fridge, freezer, and even after it’s been frozen.

We’ll also give you tips on how to avoid eating spoiled ground beef.

Ground Beef

How long does ground beef last in the fridge?

Ground beef typically stays fresh for up to four days in the fridge.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

For example, ground beef that’s been stored under hot conditions (like those found in a microwave) can go rancid faster than usual.

Also, ground beef that’s been stored in an airtight container with other foods like fruits or vegetables can develop off-flavors and become stale quickly as well.

If these scenarios apply to you, you should always check out your ground beef before purchasing it.

Ground beef storage timeline

How long does ground beef last in the freezer?

Ground beef that’s been frozen can remain edible for around six months.

After that point, the quality will start to deteriorate rapidly.

You should never buy ground beef that’s older than six months because the bacteria present in the meat will grow too much to be contained by the packaging.

Ground beef storage timeline

How long does cooked ground beef last in the fridge?

If you cook ground beef until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect it to stay edible for up to seven days in the fridge.

However, we recommend cooking any ground beef to 160 degrees Fahrenheit or higher to ensure safety.

Ground beef storage timeline

How long does cooked ground beef last in the freezer?

Ground beef that’s been frozen can remain edible for up to one year.

If you want to make sure that your ground beef won’t go bad, you need to freeze it immediately after cooking it.

Ground beef storage timeline

How long does ground beef last after being frozen and thawed?

Once you’ve frozen ground beef, you should never let it thaw all the way.

Instead, you should freeze it again right away to preserve its freshness and extend its shelf life.

You can thaw ground beef in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave for about 10 minutes.

Once it’s completely thawed, you can re-freeze it again right away.

If you don’t have time to do both steps, you can just throw the ground beef into a bag, seal it tightly, and put it in the freezer.

Ground beef storage timeline

Can you freeze ground beef?

Yes, you can freeze ground beef.

Just follow these simple guidelines:

One food that is not only delicious but also has many health advantages is ground beef. The recipe below shows you how to cook Ground Beef Using Microwave brings you a fantastic dish

How do you store ground beef?

When storing ground beef, it’s important to keep it separate from other food items.

This is especially true if you have children who might get their hands on it.

Also, ground beef should be kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

This helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and prolongs its longevity.

How Long Is Ground Beef Good For? 1

How do you know when ground beef has gone bad?

There are several ways to tell whether your ground beef has gone bad.

Here are some of the signs of spoiled ground beef:

What are the signs of spoiled ground beef?

The following are some of the most common signs that ground beef has spoiled:

What should you do if you eat spoiled ground beef?

Here are some general guidelines to follow if you find yourself confronted with spoiled ground beef:

Throw it away.

Ground Beef

Use Microwave to make Ground Beef

Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes. It’s a great way to cook ground beef for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more.
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 251 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 microwave

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 15- ounce can diced tomatoes

Instructions
 

  • Place ground beef in a microwavable dish.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix well.
  • Spread the beef mixture in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Cover with a lid or plastic wrap.
  • Cook on HIGH for 2 minutes per ounce (30 seconds per 50 grams).
  • Stir ground beef and break it up into smaller pieces.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes.
  • Cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes per ounce (30 seconds per 50 grams).
  • Stir again and check the internal temperature of the beef.
  • It should be cooked to 160°F (71°C).
  • If the ground beef is not cooked to 160°F (71°C), cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes per ounce (30 seconds per 50 grams).
  • Once the ground beef is cooked, drain any fat and remove it from the microwave.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 16gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 424mgPotassium: 435mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 107IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 48mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Use Microwave to make Ground Beef
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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