Meal prepping with ground beef is a great way to save time and money while eating healthy, homemade meals throughout the week. However, one question that often comes up is how long ground beef lasts in the fridge and if it’s safe to meal prep with. The answer depends on a few key factors.
How Long Does Raw Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, raw ground beef is safe to eat or freeze 1 to 2 days after the sell-by date, assuming it has been refrigerated at 40°F or below the entire time. Here are some more specific guidelines:
- Raw ground beef lasts in the fridge for 1-2 days past the sell-by date.
- It will last for an additional 3-4 days if frozen, for a total of 5-6 days from the sell-by date.
- Raw ground beef can be frozen for 3-4 months for maximum freshness.
So if you buy ground beef and the sell-by date is today, you can safely store it in the fridge for use within the next 1-2 days. Ground beef meal prepped and frozen within 1-2 days of purchase can be thawed and eaten for up to 3-4 months.
What About Cooked Ground Beef?
Once ground beef is cooked, the timeline changes a bit. Here’s how long cooked ground beef lasts in the fridge:
- Cooked ground beef lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.
- It can be frozen for 2-3 months for maximum freshness and flavor.
So cooked ground beef that is promptly refrigerated after cooking can be safely eaten for meal prep throughout the week for 3-4 days. For longer meal prep, it’s best to cook ground beef then portion and freeze it.
Tips for Meal Prepping with Ground Beef
Here are some tips for safely meal prepping with ground beef:
- Buy fresh ground beef before the sell-by date and make sure to refrigerate it right away since ground beef is more perishable.
- Cook ground beef within 1-2 days of purchasing for maximum freshness and food safety.
- Portion cooked ground beef into individual servings in containers or bags before refrigerating or freezing.
- Let cooked ground beef cool completely before refrigerating or freezing so it doesn’t raise the temperature of the fridge/freezer and compromise other foods.
- Use frozen ground beef within 2-3 months for best quality.
- When reheating, cook frozen ground beef thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F.
- Don’t refreeze previously frozen raw or cooked ground beef.
Meal Prep Ground Beef Recipes
Ground beef is very versatile for meal prepping. Here are some delicious recipes to try:
Bolognese Sauce
This classic meat sauce freezes beautifully for quick meals later. Top zucchini noodles, whole wheat pasta, or roasted spaghetti squash.
Beef and Broccoli
Make a big batch of this Chinese food favorite. Reheat with extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers.
Taco Meat
Cook up seasoned ground beef for taco night meal prep. Freeze in individual portions to top salads, nachos, stuffed peppers, or more.
Meatballs
Freeze cooked meatballs to reheat in sauces and sandwiches later in the week.
Beef Chili
Hearty beef chili is perfect for meal prepping. Top with shredded cheese, onions, and sour cream.
Sloppy Joes
Make sloppy Joe filling ahead for quick sandwiches. Freeze in individual containers.
Lasagna
Assemble individual lasagnas in loaf pans, wrapped in foil. Freeze and reheat later.
Stuffed Peppers
Fill colored bell peppers with ground beef mixes like taco meat or bolognese sauce.
Ground Beef Meal Prep Ideas
Here are more ideas for meal prepping with ground beef:
- Zucchini or sweet potato beef bowls
- Ground beef stuffed spaghetti squash
- Beef and vegetable soup
- Cheeseburger lettuce wraps
- Shepherd’s pie
- Egg roll in a bowl
- Stuffed cabbage rolls
- Bunless bacon cheeseburger
How to Freeze and Reheat Ground Beef
Freezing cooked ground beef helps make meal prepping efficient. Here are some tips:
Freezing
- Portion ground beef into single servings in freezer bags, containers, or muffin tins.
- Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label bags with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 3-4 months.
Thawing and Reheating
- Thaw frozen ground beef overnight in the fridge or in cold water changed every 30 mins.
- Cook thawed ground beef to 165°F until steaming hot.
- For soup or chili, you can add thawed ground beef directly to the simmering pot to reheat.
- Microwave individual portions for 2-3 mins, stirring halfway.
- Saute thawed ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully hot.
Is it Safe to Refreeze Ground Beef?
It’s best not to refreeze raw or cooked ground beef if it has been thawed. Refreezing can affect the quality and create larger ice crystals that damage the texture of the meat. Refreezing also increases the risk for bacterial growth.
However, ground beef that is still partially frozen or has just begun to thaw can be safely refrozen. The USDA recommends the following for refreezing partially thawed meat:
- Refreeze while still cold, with ice crystals still present.
- Refreeze within 1-2 days of thawing in the fridge.
- Cook immediately if thawed for more than 1-2 days.
Signs Ground Beef Has Gone Bad
Always rely on your senses, not just the date, to tell if ground beef has spoiled. Look for these signs:
- Change in color from red to brown or grey
- Slimy or sticky texture
- Strong, unpleasant odor
If in doubt, throw it out. Frozen ground beef with freezer burn or ice crystals should also be discarded.
Storing Cooked Ground Beef Safely
To get the most out of meal prepped ground beef, proper storage is key. Follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerate in shallow covered containers to allow rapid cooling.
- Use cooked ground beef within 3-4 days.
- Freeze for 2-3 months at 0°F or below.
- Always thaw in the fridge, not at room temperature.
- Reheat fully to 165°F until hot and steaming.
Conclusion
Meal prepping with ground beef can help you eat healthy all week long. Raw ground beef maintains quality for 1-2 days refrigerated or 3-4 months frozen. Cooked ground beef lasts 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Portion into individual servings before freezing. Thaw frozen ground beef in the fridge before reheating fully to 165°F. Follow these tips for safe ground beef meal prep.