Salisbury steak is a popular frozen dinner item that can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored properly. Knowing how long Salisbury steak stays fresh can help prevent foodborne illness and make meal planning easier.
What is Salisbury Steak?
Salisbury steak is made of ground beef and seasonings shaped into patties or logs and cooked. It is similar to a hamburger patty but often contains filler ingredients like bread crumbs or egg. Salisbury steak is commonly served with gravy or sauce and mashed potatoes or pasta.
Pre-made and frozen Salisbury steak dinners can be purchased in grocery stores. These contain the Salisbury steak patty plus side dishes like mashed potatoes and vegetables. Frozen Salisbury steak meals are fully cooked but need to be reheated before eating.
How Long Does Cooked Salisbury Steak Last in the Fridge?
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), cooked Salisbury steaks or ground beef patties will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Here are some general guidelines for Salisbury steak fridge life:
- Freshly cooked Salisbury steak: 3-4 days
- Cooked Salisbury steak from frozen: 3-4 days
- Leftover Salisbury steak: 3-4 days
- Pre-made frozen Salisbury steak dinner: 3-4 days after reheating
The exact shelf life depends on how it was handled and stored. Properly storing leftovers in airtight containers and at a food safe refrigerator temperature (40°F or below) prevents bacteria growth and extends fridge life.
How to Tell if Salisbury Steak Has Gone Bad
Although properly stored Salisbury steak can last 3-4 days in the fridge, it’s important to watch for signs of spoilage. Here are some ways to tell if Salisbury steak has gone bad:
- Unpleasant sour or ammonia-like smell
- Slimy texture and sticky or tacky feel
- Discoloration (significantly duller, grayish or greenish patty)
- Mold growth on the surface
If your Salisbury steak shows these signs of spoilage, it should be discarded. Consuming spoiled cooked ground beef can potentially cause food poisoning.
How to Store Salisbury Steak to Maximize Freshness
Follow these tips for storing Salisbury steak to help it last longer:
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store cooked Salisbury steak in airtight containers or resealable bags.
- Don’t overfill containers, which could damage the steak.
- Ensure your fridge temperature is 40°F or below.
- Place leftovers on a plate on a fridge shelf rather than the door.
- Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.
- Label containers with the date it was cooked or reheated.
- Freeze for longer storage. Salisbury steak lasts 4-6 months in the freezer.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Salisbury Steak?
Previously frozen Salisbury steak can be safely refrozen if it was thawed properly. Follow these guidelines for refreezing thawed ground beef or Salisbury steak:
- Only refreeze meat that was thawed in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Refreeze while the meat is still cold, before the 3-4 day use-by date.
- When in doubt, don’t refreeze.
Once thawed Salisbury steak is cooked or reheated, it should not be refrozen. Cooked meats have a shorter shelf life and degrade in quality when refrozen.
How to Reheat Leftover Salisbury Steak
You can safely reheat fully cooked Salisbury steak that has been stored in the fridge. Follow these reheating methods:
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place Salisbury steak in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until 165°F internal temperature, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Microwave individual portions for 60-90 seconds until hot, checking temperature with a food thermometer.
- Skillet: Heat patties on the stove over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Slow cooker: Add Salisbury steak and gravy or sauce and cook on low for 3-4 hours until heated through.
Only reheat leftovers once. Discard any Salisbury steak that did not reach 165°F upon reheating.
How Long Does an Unopened Frozen Salisbury Steak Dinner Last?
Frozen pre-made Salisbury steak dinners have a long shelf life when kept continuously frozen. Follow the “best by” date printed on the packaging, but you can typically store an unopened frozen dinner for:
- 6-12 months in the freezer (at 0°F or below)
- 1-3 weeks in the refrigerator section of your fridge (at 40°F)
Look for signs of freezer burn, such as icy crystals or discoloration, before cooking the frozen meal. An unopened Salisbury steak TV dinner will last for 3-4 days in the fridge after reheating.
Does Refrigerating Salisbury Steak Affect Quality?
Refrigerating cooked Salisbury steak can slightly affect the taste and texture over time. Here’s what may happen:
- Moisture loss, causing meat to dry out
- Development of a dense, rubbery texture
- Off flavors from oxidation
- Discoloration and dulled appearance
While refrigerating Salisbury steak won’t make it unsafe if stored properly, the quality will deteriorate. For best results, eat leftovers within 3-4 days.
What’s the Best Way to Freeze Salisbury Steak?
Freezing helps Salisbury steak last longer by stopping bacteria growth. Here are some tips for freezing:
- Allow cooked Salisbury steak to cool completely, then place in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Exclude as much air as possible.
- Label with contents and freeze-by date (4-6 months).
- For premade frozen meals, leave in original packaging.
- Freeze cooked patties separately or in gravy so they don’t stick together.
- Put packages in coldest part of freezer, like the back.
For best quality, eat Salisbury steak within 4-6 months of freezing. Portioning into smaller servings can help prevent waste.
Is it Safe to Cook Salisbury Steak from Frozen?
Cooking frozen Salisbury steak and frozen dinners directly from the freezer is completely safe, although it will take longer. Here are some tips:
- Oven:Bake frozen patties at 350°F for 30-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Skillet: Cook frozen Salisbury steak over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Microwave: Microwave single frozen patties for 4-5 minutes each, flipping halfway.
- Slow cooker: Add frozen Salisbury steak and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Do not thaw before cooking unless recipe specifies.
Always check temperature with a food thermometer to verify Salisbury steak reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Summary
Following proper storage methods can extend the shelf life of cooked Salisbury steak in the refrigerator or freezer. Refrigerating leftovers for 3-4 days and freezing for 4-6 months provides the best freshness and food safety. Check for signs of spoilage before reheating. With careful storage and handling, you can enjoy Salisbury steak again and again.