Ingredient guide
Cooking With Ground Beef
Storage, safe temperatures, and fast ways to use ground beef before it turns.
How to store ground beef
Keep sealed on the coldest shelf; freeze flat for quick thawing.
How long does ground beef last?
1–2 days raw refrigerated, 4 months frozen, 3–4 days cooked.
Signs it has gone bad
Slimy texture and a sour or ammonia smell; brown interior alone is normal.
Cooking notes
- Cook ground beef to 160°F (71°C).
- Brown in a hot, uncrowded pan for real flavor.
- Drain fat only after browning, not before.
Quick ways to use up ground beef
- Quick bolognese
- Chili
- Smash burgers
- Taco filling