Ground Beef
The answer
Raw ground beef lasts 1–2 days in the fridge and 3–4 months in the freezer.
Caution Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable doneness check.
How long it keeps
Fridge (40°F) 1–2 days safe window
Freezer (0°F) 3–4 months best quality
Room temp 2 hours max then discard
Discard Discard if held above 40°F for more than 2 hours, or above 90°F for more than 1 hour.
The answer
Cooked ground beef lasts 3–4 days in the fridge and 2–3 months in the freezer.
How long it keeps
Fridge (40°F) 3–4 days safe window
Freezer (0°F) 2–3 months best quality
Room temp 2 hours max then discard
Discard Discard after 4 days in the fridge. Do not taste it to check.
By state & packaging
State Fridge Freezer
Raw (beef, turkey, pork, lamb, mixtures) 1–2 days 3–4 months
Cooked (browned, in sauce, burgers) 3–4 days 2–3 months
Signs it has gone bad
✕ Sour or tangy smell
✕ Slimy or sticky texture
✕ Dull gray-brown color on all surfaces
FAQ
Is ground beef still good if it turned brown?
Interior browning alone is normal — it comes from lack of oxygen. But if the meat is brown or gray on the outside, smells sour, or feels slimy, discard it.
How long can raw ground beef sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour above 90°F. After that, discard it.