How long does beef last in the fridge?
Quick answer
- In the fridge
- Steaks & roasts: 3–5 days · Ground: 1–2 days · Cooked: 3–4 days
- In the freezer
- Steaks & roasts: 4–12 months · Ground: 3–4 months
Sources: FoodSafety.gov — Cold Food Storage Chart · Last reviewed October 1, 2026
Raw beef lasts 3–5 days in the fridge at 4°C or below — longer than chicken or fish because of its denser muscle structure. Ground beef is the exception: 1–2 days, because the surface area exposed to air and bacteria multiplies. Cooked beef keeps 3–4 days refrigerated in a sealed container. Frozen, whole cuts hold their quality for up to a year; ground beef 3–4 months. Color shifts toward brown in air-exposed parts; that's oxidation, not spoilage — smell decides.
How to store beef
Store raw beef on the bottom shelf of the fridge in a sealed container or on a plate under its tray — bottom shelf so juices can't drip onto other foods. Keep below 4°C. For longer storage, freeze the day you buy it: re-wrap in freezer paper or a freezer-safe bag and squeeze out excess air. Vacuum-sealed beef keeps quality longest. Thaw in the fridge overnight (about 24 hours for a thick steak), never on the counter. Marinate in the fridge, not at room temperature.
- Bottom shelf in a sealed container or tray on a plate
- Keep fridge below 4°C
- Freeze the day you buy if not cooking within 3–5 days
- Squeeze air out of freezer bags; vacuum is best
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, never on the counter
Signs it has gone bad
- Sour, ammonia, or sulfurous smell
- Sticky or slimy surface
- Greenish or gray-tinged color (not just surface browning)
- Slime when rinsed under water
Frequently asked questions
How long does raw beef last in the fridge?
Whole cuts of raw beef last 3–5 days at 4°C or below. Ground beef lasts only 1–2 days due to greater surface area exposed to air.
Is brown beef bad?
Not necessarily — surface browning is oxidation, not spoilage. Smell and texture are reliable signals; an off, sour, or ammonia-like smell means throw it out.
Can you freeze beef?
Yes — whole cuts last up to a year, ground beef 3–4 months. Wrap tightly or vacuum-seal, and thaw in the fridge overnight.