The Shelf Life of Beef Tenderloin: Your Complete Guide

Hey folks! I wanted to talk about how long beef tenderloin lasts in the fridge As a mom who meal preps on Sundays, I’m always trying to stretch my grocery budget and reduce food waste Knowing how long meats last in the refrigerator helps me plan meals better.

So in my latest deep dive I researched how long you can keep beef tenderloin before it goes bad. Whether you’ve got a whole tenderloin or trimmed fillets this intel will help you store and use it right on time. Let’s dig in!

How Long Does Raw Beef Tenderloin Last in the Fridge?

According to the USDA, raw beef tenderloin will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. The sell-by date printed on the packaging is usually 3-7 days after processing.

So you can safely store tenderloin for another 3-5 days past that date, assuming it was fresh when purchased.

That gives you a total of 6-10 days, max, for raw beef tenderloin before bacteria growth becomes risky.

Now, a whole untrimmed tenderloin may potentially last a bit longer than trimmed fillets. The intact outer fat layer protects the inner meat.

But in general, plan on using or freezing beef tenderloin within 1 week of purchasing it.

Proper Storage Tips for Beef Tenderloin

To get the full shelf life out of your beef tenderloin, proper storage is a must. Here are some tips:

• Keep tenderloin in the coldest part of the fridge, below 40°F.

• Place in a shallow container so cold air can circulate freely.

• Keep tenderloin away from the door, where temps fluctuate.

• Separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

• Wrap loosely in wax/freezer paper or foil to protect surface.

• Never freeze tenderloin in its store packaging. Re-wrap properly first!

Storing tenderloin correctly prevents premature spoilage and safety issues. Now let’s talk about how to tell when it’s past its prime.

Signs Your Beef Tenderloin Has Gone Bad

Beef tenderloin, like any meat, eventually starts deteriorating and becoming unpleasant. Here are some signals it’s time to say goodbye:

• Slimy texture – If the tenderloin surface feels sticky/tacky, toss it.

• Discoloration – Grayish or brownish tints indicate spoilage.

• Dull, faded color – Tenderloin should look bright pink/red.

• “Off” odors – Trust your nose if something smells funky.

• Mold – This one is self-explanatory. Visible mold is a game over.

When inspecting beef cuts, always rely on multiple signs rather than just one. If unsure, remember it’s better to be safe than sorry!

How Long Does Cooked Beef Tenderloin Last In the Fridge?

Once you cook your tenderloin, it has a shorter shelf life. Here’s how long cooked tenderloin lasts in the fridge:

• Cooked whole tenderloin: 3-4 days

• Cooked tenderloin steaks: 3-4 days

• Leftover sliced tenderloin: 3-4 days

Cooked beef has more moisture on the surface, allowing bacteria to grow faster. So cooked tenderloin lasts around 3-4 days max.

Make sure to seal and store leftovers in shallow containers, not big pots which retain heat.

Freezing Beef Tenderloin for Later

If you scored a great deal on beef tenderloin but won’t use it in time, freezing is a great option. Here are some tenderloin freezer tips:

• Trim excess fat before freezing for optimal freshness.

• Cut tenderloin into individual portions or steaks first.

• Seal very tightly in freezer bags or plastic wrap. Squeeze out air.

• Label bags with contents and freeze-by date (3-6 months).

• Avoid refreezing previously frozen tenderloin.

With proper prep and storage, frozen tenderloin will retain quality for several months. Defrost in the refrigerator before cooking.

The Takeaway on Beef Tenderloin Storage

Alright, let’s quickly recap:

• Raw tenderloin lasts just 3-5 days in the fridge.

• Cook it within 1 week of purchasing for best freshness.

• Cooked tenderloin is only good for 3-4 days after cooking.

• Freeze raw tenderloin in portioned cuts for lasting 3-6 months.

• Check for sliminess, smells, and discoloration.

Now if you’ll excuse me, all this tenderloin talk has made me hungry. I think I’ll go defrost one of those fillets I stashed in the freezer last month!