Cooked ground beef can be safely stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days when kept at 40°F (4°C) or below. This timeframe is recommended by the USDA and widely supported by food safety experts. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth but does not stop it, so consuming cooked ground beef within this period helps minimize the risk of foodborne illness
. To maximize safety and freshness:
- Store cooked ground beef in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate it promptly after cooking and cooling.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.
If you need to keep cooked ground beef longer, freezing is recommended. Cooked ground beef can be frozen for 2 to 3 months without significant loss of quality
. Signs that cooked ground beef has gone bad include an off odor, slimy texture, or discoloration. When in doubt, it is safer to discard the meat
. In summary, plan to consume cooked ground beef within 3 to 4 days of refrigeration to ensure safety and quality.
