How long does raw ground beef last?

Raw ground beef keeps 1-2 days in the fridge at 40°F or below. Frozen, it keeps best quality for 3-4 months and stays safe indefinitely at 0°F. Cook it to 160°F.

Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked October 12, 2026.

How long does raw ground beef last in the fridge?

1–2 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Can you freeze raw ground beef?

Yes. For best quality use it within 3–4 months. Best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F.

• Flatten in freezer bags for faster thawing.
• Overwrap store packaging with foil or a freezer bag for longer storage.

After thawing: If thawed in the fridge, cook within 1-2 days or refreeze uncooked; cook immediately after cold-water or microwave thawing.

How long can raw ground beef sit out?

No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.

How to tell if raw ground beef has gone bad

• Sour or off odor
• Slimy or sticky texture
• Gray-brown throughout with a bad smell (gray interior alone can be normal)

Bacteria that cause food poisoning don't always change the look or smell of food, so go by the storage times above. When in doubt, throw it out.

Questions people ask

Sources

• FoodSafety.gov: Cold Food Storage Chart
• FDA: Refrigerator & Freezer Storage Chart
• Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC 3520: Safety of Stored Foods