Find out how many days a package of ground beef can be stored in the fridge. And get tips on how to store ground beef properly.
| Channel | Publish Date | Thumbnail & View Count | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
 America's Test Kitchen | 2012-08-08 20:41:36 |  422,409 Views |
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Does Meat Keep in the Refrigerator?
From ground beef baked beans to American goulash ground beef also known as hamburger meat is a versatile budget-friendly protein to always have on hand. However ground beef has a short shelf life in the fridge so it’s best to have a clear plan for using it up so it doesn’t go to waste. Read on to learn how long ground beef can last in the fridge plus tips on how to properly store ground beef.
A package of ground beef can last up to two days in the refrigerator from the date of purchase as recommended by the United States Department of Agriculture. On day two it’s best to cook or freeze the ground beef. Freezing ground beef is a great long-term solution as it can last for months in the freezer. Learn how to freeze and safely thaw ground beef.
While the USDA recommends using refrigerated ground beef within two days there can be some leeway depending on the “Use By” date on the package. As the USDA explains the Use By date is “the last date recommended for use of the product while maintaining its optimum quality.” So for example if you buy a package of ground beef four days before the Use By date it may still be fine to use it after those two days. If you’re not sure whether your ground beef is still good to eat learn how to tell if ground beef has gone bad by checking the color odor and texture.
