Meat
Raw (Steaks, Roasts, Chops)

BeefShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide

Sourced from
USDA FoodSafety.govFDA

Pantry

Not Recommended

Not recommended

Raw beef should not be stored at room temperature for extended periods due to rapid bacterial growth.

Refrigerator

3-5 days

Store raw beef in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally at 40°F (4°C) or below. Place on a plate or in a container to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.

Freezer

4-12 months

Wrap beef tightly in freezer paper, heavy-duty aluminum foil, or place in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date.

Signs of Spoilage

  • Off-odor (sour, putrid)
  • Slimy or sticky texture
  • Dull or discolored appearance (grayish-brown or green spots)
  • Mold growth

Room Temperature Safety

The 2-hour rule applies: Do not leave raw or cooked beef at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If the ambient temperature is above 90°F (32°C), the limit is 1 hour.

The 'Danger Zone' for bacterial growth is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C).

Refrigerate or freeze beef promptly. Discard any beef left in the danger zone for longer than the recommended time.

Expert Tips

Safe Handling

1

Cook all raw beef to a safe minimum internal temperature. For whole cuts (steaks, roasts, chops), cook to 145°F (63°C) and allow to rest for 3 minutes.

2

For ground beef, cook to 160°F (71°C).

3

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling raw beef.

4

Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw and cooked beef to prevent cross-contamination.

5

Thaw frozen beef in the refrigerator, in cold water (changing water every 30 minutes), or in the microwave. Never thaw on the counter.

Related Items

Comparisons

Raw Ground Beef
Fridge
1-2 days
Freezer
3-4 months
Cooked Beef (e.g., roasts, steaks, ground beef)
Fridge
3-4 days
Freezer
2-3 months
Raw Pork (roasts, steaks, chops)
Fridge
3-5 days
Freezer
4-12 months
Raw Lamb (roasts, steaks, chops)
Fridge
3-5 days
Freezer
6-9 months