After fridge thawing, cook ground meat, poultry and seafood within 1-2 days, and beef, pork or lamb roasts, chops and steaks within 3-5 days. Fridge-thawed meat can be refrozen without cooking.
Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked .
How long does thawed meat last in the fridge?
1–5 days at 40°F (4°C) or below. ground meat, stew meat, poultry and seafood 1-2 days; beef, pork or lamb roasts, chops and steaks 3-5 days
Can you freeze thawed meat?
can be refrozen without cooking if thawed in the fridge, with some quality loss; best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F
- Refreeze only food thawed in the fridge; cook cold-water or microwave-thawed food first.
- Expect some moisture loss after refreezing.
After thawing: Cook ground meat, poultry and seafood within 1-2 days and red meat cuts within 3-5 days, or refreeze them.
How long can thawed meat 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 thawed meat has gone bad
- Sour or off odor
- Slimy or sticky surface
- Gray or greenish color
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
Can you refreeze meat after thawing it?
Yes, if it was thawed in the refrigerator, though quality may drop. Meat thawed in cold water or the microwave should be cooked before refreezing.
Can I thaw meat on the counter?
No. Use the fridge, cold water changed every 30 minutes, or the microwave, then cook promptly.