Meat
How long does ground beef last in the fridge?
Raw ground beef keeps 1–2 days in the fridge from purchase — cook it or freeze it the day after it comes home.
How long does it keep?
| Fridge, from purchase | 1–2 days |
|---|---|
| Freezer, from purchase | 3–4 months |
| Safe minimum temp | 160°F |
Can you freeze ground beef? YES, FREEZE IT →
Can it sit out?
Ground beef is perishable — the FSIS 2-hour rule applies.
Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).
How to tell if ground beef has gone bad
- A sour smell through the wrap
- A sticky or slimy surface
- Gray-brown color on the outside of the pack — an oxygen-starved gray center is normal
When in doubt, throw it out.
Cook it to 160°F — color is not the doneness test; a thermometer is.
Quick answers
How long does ground beef last in the fridge?
Raw ground beef keeps 1–2 days in the fridge from purchase — cook it or freeze it the day after it comes home.
Can you freeze ground beef?
Ground beef should go into the freezer the day you buy it — the fridge gives it 1–2 days, the freezer 3–4 months.
How long can ground beef sit out?
The FSIS 2-hour rule applies to ground beef. Perishable food left at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be thrown out — 1 hour if it’s 90°F or hotter (a picnic, a hot car, a summer kitchen).