How Long can raw burger sit out

There's a lot of things you can do with a pound of ground beef. This versatile meat can be used so many ways (like in your Instant Pot). Not to mention, it's a relatively budget-friendly choice. There's just one problem: it has a short shelf life.

We've all purchased a pound of ground beef at some point only to have it end up all brown and slimy (and in the trash) in a matter of days. So how long does ground beef actually last in the fridge? And how can we make it last longer? Here's what you need to know.

How Long Does Raw Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but raw ground beef only lasts one to two days in the fridge, according to FoodSafety.gov. However, there are a few extra measures you can take to try and extend the shelf life of your ground beef.

First, the quality of the ground beef you buy will inevitably affect its shelf life (or the period of time for which the food can be stored before the quality deteriorates). Your best bet is to purchase high-quality ground beef for the longest shelf life.

You'll also want to pay attention to how you store it. Keep unopened, store-bought ground beef in its original packaging, and store it in the bottom shelf of the refrigerator towards the back.

How Long Does Cooked Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?

Say you've cooked up a pound of ground beef for taco night, how long will that last you in the fridge? Like all leftovers, cooked meats will last in the refrigerator for three to four days, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

How to Freeze Ground Beef

The only surefire way to make your ground beef last beyond just a couple days is to freeze it. When kept in the freezer (at 0 degrees F or below), ground beef and other ground meats will last for three to four months.

To freeze ground beef, leave it in its original packaging, and wrap it in heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, freezer paper, or place it in a freezer-safe plastic bag in order to prevent freezer burn. If you've already opened the packaging, you can transfer the ground beef to a freezer safe bag and label it with the date.

When you're ready to use it, place the packaged ground beef in a large bowl of cool water, using a heavy weight to keep the meat submerged. Allow it to thaw for 5 to 10 minutes. Previously frozen ground beef should be used immediately and should not be refrozen.

How to Know if Ground Beef Is Spoiled

It's better to be safe than sorry, so stick to the two-day rule. But if you want to use the ol' sniff and sight test, you might be able to tell that ground beef has gone bad if it has a sour smell, dull (brownish-gray) color, and a slimy texture.

Ground beef is definitely a staple ingredient to have on hand, whether you are making BBQ meatloaf, grape meatballs, BBQ burgers, or plain old spaghetti.

It is such a versatile ingredient, no matter the occasion.

The trouble is that we think we are out of danger because the cook ground beef is cook. However, that is not true.

What happens when you leave your meatloaf out on the counter all night. How long does cooked ground beef last at room temperature?

Contents

What Exactly is Room Temperature?

To understand how long ground beef lasts at room temperature, we must define room temperature.

Generally speaking, room temperature refers to a room with a temperature around 70 degrees.

However, the USDA does not suggest depending on the room’s temperature to decide whether cooked ground beef you should leave cooked ground beef out.

What Is Ground Beef?

In simple terms, ground beef is beef that has been processed through a meat grinder. 

Ground beef only contains skeletal muscles or muscle that is attached to a bone. 

Offal or variety meats such as liver cannot be added to ground beef.

The most popular cut of beef for ground beef includes round, sirloin, and chuck. Ground beef usually has a 30% ratio of fat.

The fat can only be sourced from fat meat trimmings.

Ground beef cannot have water or additives such as phosphates, binders, or extenders.

How Long Can Cooked Ground Beef Sit Out 

Unfortunately, you cannot let ground beef sit out for more than 2 hours.

I know that it sounds like a short timeline but trust me when I say you do not want to eat ground beef that has sat out for more than 2 hours.

Bacteria multiply rapidly between temperatures of 40°F and 140°F.

This is temperature range is known as the temperature danger zone.

By the time the cooked ground beef has sat out for 2 hours, it will be tainted with unhealthy amounts of bacteria rendering it unfit for consumption.

If the room’s temperature is about 90°F, this process will happen within an hour. Therefore, you should get rid of the cooked ground beef after 1 hour.

Even though the cooked ground beef may still look good, you will not be able to see the bacteria with your eyes.

It’s better to be safe and throw the ground beef away than sorry and dealing with a case of food poisoning.

How Long Can Raw Ground Beef Sit Out 

The same rules apply to raw ground beef. Remember, bacteria can still multiply on the surface of raw ground beef.

In fact, grinding the beef increases its surface area and mixes bacteria into the meat.

Therefore, you can only let ground beef sit out at room temperature for 2 hours.

If the room’s temperature is above 90°F, the raw ground beef can only sit out for 1 hour.

Is It Safe To Eat Cooked Ground Beef That Was Left Out Overnight?

Bacteria can double in size in 20 minutes.

That means if cooked ground beef is left out overnight, it will have doubled an unimaginable number of times, and there could be hundreds of bacteria on your ground beef.

Remember, any cooked ground beef that sits out for more than 2 hours.

How To Store Cooked Ground Beef

Cooked ground beef should always be stored in a refrigerator that is at or below 40°F.

This will ensure the cooked ground beef stays out of the temperature danger zone.

In addition to this, storing the ground beef at a lower temperature will ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible.

Place your cooked ground beef into an airtight container.

Label the ground beef with today’s date, so you don’t have to wonder how long the ground beef has been sitting in the fridge. 

Place the ground beef at the back of the fridge. Do not store the ground beef at the front of the fridge or in the door.

If it is stored in the door at the front of the fridge, of will spoil faster because of temperature fluctuations.

You can also freeze cooked ground beef. Depending on what type of beef you are storing, it may be best to vacuum-seal the ground beef.

For example, if you are storing cooked hamburgers, it may be best to vacuum-seal them.

Nevertheless, you can also place your cooked ground beef into a freezer-safe airtight container or a ziplock bag.

If you are storing it in a ziplock bag, make sure you press the air out of the ground beef before sealing it.

Once you are ready to eat your cooked ground beef, you must defrost it properly.

You can defrost ground beef in the fridge overnight or in the microwave.

You can reheat the cooked ground beef using the oven, microwave, or stove.

If you are reheating burgers, you can also fire up your portable offset grill to give them a smoky flavor.

How Long Does Cooked Ground Beef Last In The Fridge

Knowing how long ground beef last in the fridge will prevent you from consuming spoiled meat.

Cooked ground beef will last for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40°F.

How Long Does Cooked Ground Beef In The Freezer

As long as it is stored properly in a heavy-duty freezer-safe container or bag, ground beef will last indefinitely in the freezer.

However, you should consume 2-3 months in the freezer for quality purposes. Its quality will decline after 3 months in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes we are so exhausted after the party we spent days planning is finally over that we forget to put the ground beef in the fridge.

Instead of eating the cooked ground beef that sat out all night, throw it in the trash.

Remember, cooked ground beef only lasts at room temperature for 2 hours. If the room’s temperature is too hot, it will only last for 1 hour.

Either way, you should discard ground beef that sat at room temperature for an extended amount of time.

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