How long does ground beef last in the fridge?
Raw ground beef (mince) lasts only 1–2 days in the fridge. Once cooked, it keeps for 3–4 days. Frozen raw ground beef is best within 3–4 months.
Day by day in the fridge
- Day 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Storage times by type
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Raw ground beef | 1–2 days | 3–4 months |
| Cooked ground beef | 3–4 days | 2–3 months |
| Thawed in the fridge (raw) | 1–2 more days | Can be refrozen |
Signs it has gone bad
- Sour or rancid smell
- Sticky or slimy texture
- Brown or grey all the way through, together with a bad smell. Grey inside on its own is normal and comes from lack of oxygen.
No signs doesn't mean safe. Food-poisoning bacteria usually don't change smell or look, so go by time.
How to store it
- Use or freeze raw ground beef within 2 days of buying it, whatever the "sell-by" date says.
- Thaw in the fridge, in cold water, or in the microwave. Never on the counter.
- Cook to 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
Check yours
Questions people ask
Is ground beef good after 3 days in the fridge?
Raw ground beef should be cooked or frozen within 1–2 days. After 3 days raw it is past the recommended window. Cooked ground beef, however, is fine for 3–4 days.
Why is my ground beef grey inside?
The inside of packaged ground beef often turns grey because it is not exposed to oxygen. That alone is not a sign of spoilage. Throw it out if it is also sticky, slimy or smells bad.
How long does thawed ground beef last in the fridge?
Ground beef thawed in the fridge can stay there for 1–2 more days before cooking. If you thawed it in cold water or the microwave, cook it immediately.
Sources
General food safety information, not medical advice. Times assume a fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below and a freezer at 0°F (-18°C). If you're pregnant, older, very young or immunocompromised, follow stricter limits.