Y’all, I’m excited to dive into this topic – how long grass fed beef actually lasts in the fridge. I don’t know about you, but I’m guilty of letting meat languish in the back of my fridge until I’m scared to cook it. Not anymore!
In this article, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to maximize the shelf life of grass fed beef and keep it fresher longer:
- How long steaks, roasts, and ground beef keep in the fridge
- The best storage methods for beef
- Ways to tell when it’s time to toss it
- Key food safety tips when handling raw beef
Grab a snack and let’s get into it!
How Long Does Grass Fed Beef Last Refrigerated?
The fridge life of grass fed beef depends on a few factors
- The cut of beef (steaks vs ground beef, etc)
- How it’s packaged – vacuum sealed, butcher paper, styrofoam tray
- How cold your fridge is
Here’s a handy fridge life chart:
- Steaks & roasts – 4 to 5 days
- Ground beef – 1 to 2 days
- Organ meats like liver – 1 to 2 days
So those big cuts like steaks and roasts last longer, while ground beef has a shorter prime. Ground beef has more surface area exposed to air and bacteria.
Storing beef on the bottom shelf, where it’s coldest, gives you a few extra days of freshness too.
Now let’s look at some specific types of cuts.
Fridge Life of Steaks & Roasts
For steaks, roasts, and other big cuts, you’ll get 4 to 5 days in the fridge. This goes for popular cuts like:
- Sirloin
- Ribeye
- T-bone
- Tenderloin
- Chuck roast
- Rump roast
Vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life by another 1 to 2 days since no oxygen reaches the beef.
If your beef wasn’t vacuum packed, wrap it up tight in plastic wrap. This creates a similar effect.
Ground Beef Fridge Life
Ground beef is more delicate and only keeps for 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Make sure to use it ASAP for burgers or meatballs, or pop it in the freezer.
Storing ground beef on the bottom shelf of the fridge and separating it into smaller portions in airtight bags or containers can help it keep longer.
Organ Meats Shelf Life
Organ meats like liver, kidneys, and heart need to be used within 1 to 2 days. I portion mine out into freezer bags and use as needed.
You can stretch the fridge life of organs to 2 days max by sealing them in airtight containers or bags. But don’t go longer than that.
7 Tips to Extend the Freshness of Beef
Here are my top tricks for keeping grass fed beef fresher longer in the fridge:
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Store on the bottom shelf since it’s coldest there.
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Separate beef from other foods so meat juices don’t drip.
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Limit air exposure by sealing beef in plastic bags or containers.
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Portion out ground beef into amounts you’ll use in 1-2 days. Less surface area = longer lasting.
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Freeze for long term storage. Beef keeps for 4-12 months in the freezer.
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Thaw safely in the fridge, cold water, or microwave. Never on the counter.
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Marinate in the fridge, not on the counter.
These tips will ensure you get the most mileage from the good beef you bought!
Signs Your Beef Has Gone Bad
It’s crucial to know when grass fed beef has gone off so you don’t eat spoiled meat. Here are the red flags to watch for:
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Change in color – from red to brown, grey, or green
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Slimy texture – sticky or super soft
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Weird odor – smells rotten or sour
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Moldy spots – fuzzy green, white, or black mold
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Weird gasses – packaging puffed up or bubbles inside
When in doubt, throw it out! Don’t chance it with spoiled meat.
Handling Grass Fed Beef Safely
To prevent any foodborne illness when dealing with raw beef, be sure to:
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Wash hands and surfaces before/after handling raw beef
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Separate beef from other ingredients
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Cook to proper temperatures, like 145°F for steaks
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Refrigerate beef within 2 hours of buying/prepping
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Thaw frozen beef safely in the fridge, cold water, or microwave
Following basic food safety goes a long way when enjoying beef.
Your Questions on Grass Fed Beef Storage, Answered
You might still be wondering:
How long does unopened grass fed beef last in the fridge?
Beef in the original store packaging keeps 3 to 5 days refrigerated. Use ground beef by 1-2 days.
Can you freeze beef to make it last longer?
Freezing extends the shelf life to 4-12 months for beef cuts. Always thaw frozen beef safely in the fridge before using.
Is it safe to eat beef that smells a little funky?
Nope, don’t risk it! Off odors mean spoilage. Fresh beef smells mildly like iron/blood. Rancid odors mean toss it.
What are signs ground beef is bad?
Gray color, sticky texture, and sour smell indicate ground beef is spoiled. Cooked ground beef only lasts 1-2 days refrigerated before bacteria risk sets in.
Let’s Wrap This Up
The bottom line is that knowing how long beef lasts and storing it properly lets you enjoy delicious grass fed beef while minimizing food waste.
Keep this guide handy whenever you stock up on flavorful steaks, roasts, or ground beef. Feel free to hit me up with any other meat storage questions!
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
How long can ground beef be stored in the fridge?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, raw ground beef can be stored for one to two days in the fridge. * Important * Please keep in mind that the effectiveness of these general guidelines can vary based on the meat’s freshness at the time of purchase and the temperature of your refrigerator.
How long does beef last if not stored properly?
When properly stored, the shelf life of beef past its sell by date is approximately Of course, all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But remember that beef, like a lot of other proteins, usually has a sell by date and not an expiration date.
How long is raw ground beef good for?
How long is raw ground beef good for in the fridge? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, raw ground beef can be stored for one to two days in the fridge.
Does beef expire?
Of course, all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But remember that beef, like a lot of other proteins, usually has a sell by date and not an expiration date. Because of this distinction, you may safely use beef to compliment your favorite meals even after the sell by date has lapsed.