how long can ground beef stay in the fridge

Sun, 03 May 2026 18:24:15 +0000

# How Long Can Ground Beef Stay in the Fridge? A Complete Guide to Food Safety When it comes to raw ground beef, one of the biggest concerns for home cooks and food safety enthusiasts alike is: how long can ground beef safely stay in the fridge? Properly storing raw ground beef is essential not only to maintain its quality but also to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. This article breaks down the ideal refrigerator storage time, best practices for keeping your ground beef fresh, and key indicators to watch for to ensure food safety. ## How Long Can Ground Beef Last in the Fridge? For refrigeration, raw ground beef should be stored in the main compartment of your refrigerator, not in the door, where temperatures fluctuate more. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and safety experts, ground beef typically stays safely refrigerated for 1 to 2 days after purchase. Some high-quality packaging may extend this slightly, but follow-by-date guidelines and internal temperature remain your best references.