This test is probably the easiest and fastest way to determine whether meat has spoiled. Thus, it goes bad faster than steak or other larger cuts (2). and Lactobacillus spp. To. In case you took steak and turned it into ground beef, don't panic. Second, smell the beef. Two examples of bacteria that may affect . 2.1 Step 1 - Examine the Expiration Date. But when they freeze, they go into hibernation. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. How Should Bad Ground Beef Be Disposed Of? This discoloration suggests that it has started to go bad. Fortunately, you can use a few simple ways to tell if your beef has gone bad. How To Tell If Cooked Ground Beef is Bad? Keep in mind that the color can vary depending on the type of beef. But because there are localized rules surrounding these dates, most food products do tend to have a date on them. Moreover, dishes made with ground beef are typically well-liked by children. However, you should be extremely careful as the meat may start to cook if you don't keep a close eye on it. If ground meat passes the visual test, the next step is to touch it. Now that you know its okay to use, you can proceed with your dinner plans. When you open the package of ground beef, get your nose close to it and sniff. In general, the more quickly you can freeze ground beef, the more taste it will preserve. In this instance, you wont need to worry if the central section of this ground beef is gray or brown; its just that this area of the meat hasnt had direct contact with oxygen. There are four ways to tell if beef is bad. On the other hand, meat that looks gray or brown all over (on the inside as well as the top layer) has likely begun to spoil and is not safe to eat. If you have kept ground beef longer than the safe storage periods described in this article, or for one reason or another you suspect that it has spoiled, you should err on the side of caution and throw it away. Unlike classic beef flank dishes, there is no slicing or marinating required in this recipe. Here are 4 ways to tell whether your ground beef has gone bad. 2. Once the ground beef is no longer pink inside, it is ready to eat. Disease-causing microorganisms grow rapidly in food thats been left at room temperature and are more likely to occur in spoiled food (6). If it does, throw the meat away. Freezer-burnt ground beef is still safe to eat, but the parts of the meat that have suffered from freezer burn are no longer appetizing. How to tell if ground beef is bad. In contrast, cuts of beef should be cooked within 3-5 days. Ground beef is a popular food in the United States. As a member, we earn commissions on qualified purchases made through our links. Spoiled ground beef is dangerous to eat because it may contain pathogenic bacteria, which are responsible for foodborne illnesses. Red meat is a good source of protein and iron, though research has linked it to heart disease, certain cancers, and other health conditions. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. (2019). Ground beef is bad if it looks dull and gray, smells sour and putrid, and has a sticky and slimy consistency. But freezing is an unforgiving method of food storage, especially when it comes to ground beef. It is important for people to be aware of potential signs that may indicate spoilage, such as color, smell, texture, and compromised packaging or storage. This is why ground beef can only be left out for 1-2 hours at room temperature and why it won't keep in the refrigerator raw for more than 1-2 days. It turns out that theres a smell test for everything. Lastly, you can press the ground beef to see if it is firm. You might liken it faintly to iron. These Three Signs Mean Your Ground Beef Has Gone Bad. Most recipes that call for ground beef also call for fried onions. 2.4 Step 4 - Examine the Meat Surface by Touching. In order to avoid foodborne illnesses, people should follow the four guidelines laid out by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service: People should ensure that their refrigerator and freezer are the correct temperature to keep their food safe. Even if the garbage has to sit for a while before the garbage truck arrives to pick it up, itll be okay as it will take a number of hours for the frozen ground beef to thaw. A person can store ground beef in the freezer for up to 4 months. When ground beef goes bad, it often gives off adistinctive odorthat smells a bit likeammonia. Squeeze the meat in your fingers to feel its consistency. Throw away the whole batch if: Your ground beef smells a little sour It's important to know the signs of spoiling ground meat to prevent food poisoning. If it turns gray or has a slimy appearance, it's time to throw it away. Be sure to carefully read the product label when buying ground beef. 1. Make sure that you cook all your ground beef at once after youve taken it out of the fridge. A Look at the Science, Meat Temperature: A Guide to Safe Cooking, Eating Meat for Weight Loss? 3. When ground beef goes bad, it often gives off a . You are not cooking anything with that ground beef. Ground beef is commonly used to make burgers, meatballs, and sausage, as well as tacos, lasagna, and savory pies. Were your children ever into playing with slime? Finally, you can smell the beef. Play it safe when it comes to the food you put on the family table: Discard ground beef, whether raw or cooked, if it has been sitting too long on the kitchen counter or in the fridge. If you are making something like meatloaf where you need to mix other ingredients into raw ground beef and then cook it after, you must give your ground beef enough time to thaw safely in the refrigerator. Spoiled ground beef can reveal itself via strange smells and colors. Beef fat solidifies at lower temperatures, so if you notice that your ground beef has these spots, it may not necessarily mean that it has gone bad, but proceed with caution and check for other signs of spoilage. What should raw ground beef smell like? Consuming spoiled or undercooked beef can make people feel sick, so individuals should try to store, handle, and prepare beef safely to prevent them from getting ill. Before you put it in the freezer, check to make sure there are no holes in the plastic wrap. Another way to tell if ground beef is cooked is by checking the color. It lends itself to numerous dishes that are tasty, and quick to make. We all want to feel confident that the food we prepare for ourselves, our family and our friends is healthy, and that there is no danger of anyone falling ill due to something we have served them. EVD are similar to those of other viral diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and chickenpox. Whats the Best Substitute for Greek Yogurt? . Smell If you open the package and are met with an unpleasant smell, that's a sign the meat is beginning to spoil. From freezer and, Many people believe red meat can harm your health. Hopefully I have convinced you not to take a risk with your familys health. If this happens to you, turn off the stove, and regroup. Many healthy foods can be stored long-term without spoiling. While the inside of the ground beef may look grayish in color and be okay, any discoloration on the outside is bad news. But if a person has not correctly or safely stored meat, it is not advisable to eat it beyond the best before date. Put the zip-top bag with the frozen ground beef on a plate in the microwave and, Using the defrost setting, start defrosting for 3 to 4 minutes, flipping the bag over halfway through. In the freezer for up to four months, you can keep ground beef. To minimize frost burn and the resulting dehydration of the meat, place the ground beef in a plastic bag and seal it with a vacuum sealer, making sure there is no air remaining in the bag. set an alarm on your cell phone, or leave a note on the freezer door. If you're unsure whether your frozen ground beef is still good, there are a few things you can do to check. Ground beef that is safe to eat should be reasonably firm yet easily break apart when squeezed. Very simply, it will not be a good smell. Whether you're whipping up some tasty nachos or your award-winning chili, ground bee. Fresh ground beef should have a relatively firm consistency that breaks apart when you squeeze it. Normal, safe, fresh ground beef should not have a noticeable or unpleasant smell. How Long Is Deli Meat Good For And How To Tell If It's Bad?, 4 Easy Ways To Tell If Ground Breakfast Sausage Is Bad. This doesnt indicate spoilage. The smell is caused by the gases produced by the bacteria. If it's slimy or sticky, it's not safe to eat. No wonder so much is purchased every year! Spoilage bacteria has gotten to that meat and you do not want anyone to eat it. Throw away ground beef if it shows any of these signs; cooking and eating it can give you potentially life-threatening food poisoning. | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. How Can You Tell If Oatmeal Has Gone Bad Using A Surefire, How To Tell If Broccoli Is Bad 4 Foolproof Way. How To Tell When Corned Beef Is Done Plus 3 Foolproof. If the ground beef hasnt passed its expiration date and looks, feels, and smells fresh, youll know that itsperfectly fineto cook and eat. A few simple techniques, including looking for changes in color, odor, and texture, can determine whether your ground beef has gone bad. These signs could mean that there are pathogenic bacteria like salmonella or E. Coli contaminating your ground beef. Nevertheless, you should throw away ground beef if it has turned either brown or gray on the outside, as this indicates that its beginning to rot. Even the strong acid in your stomach do not kill these bacteria, which will multiply inside the human body at an exponential rate. With prolonged storage, these ice crystals escape from the meat, migrate to the coldest part of the freezer, and get replaced by air. I find this makes it easier to be certain that all of the meat has been browned. You might think that if the ground beef you bought is any color other than red, it isnt good. How to tell if ground beef is bad Check the texture Touch and carefully squeeze your ground beef. If you want to be completely sure your ground beef issafe to eat, check for all 5 of these signs. By the time you get home from work and you are ready to mix up some dinner, a lot of bacteria will have grown on that ground beef. To avoid food waste, buy only as much beef as you and your family can cook and eat. READ ALSO:Grass Fed Versus Grain Fed Beef. Ground beef's internal temperature should be 160F ( 71C) when cooked with a food thermometer. What happens if you eat cooked bad ground beef? If it feels slimy, it's starting to go bad. The hue of the beef indicates that it has gone wrong. For confirming that color change is the indication of bad beef you must consider other signs as well. It usually takes the ground beef about 30 minutes to an hour to thaw using this method. But if the ground beef is gray or brown on the outside surface of the meat, people should discard it. Pasta sauce with ground beef, chili con carne, tacos, meatloaf, and of course, thick, juicy hamburgers. 2.5 Step 5 - Calculate How Many Days it has been on the Fridge. How Can You Tell If Ground Beef Is Bad? Accidental Spills. People should pay close attention to the color, texture, smell, and expiration date of ground beef. If the surface is no longer red and has a dark gray color, it's been exposed to too much air; this could mean that the ground beef has already gone bad. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea which may be bloody (9, 10, 11). Well, it depends on your diet and goal. If you suspect a package of ground beef has been in the fridge a few days too many, refer to our tips on how to tell if its still edible. Fresh meat should break apart in your hands easily and separate into chunks. The defrosted meat might be safe to eat, but it will have anunsatisfactory textureand a flavorless taste. There are two types of bacteria that grow on ground beef: spoilage bacteria and pathogenic bacteria. People can also check the texture to see if meat is bad. The best thing to do is discard them, so you can safely use up the rest of the meat. This particular hack only really applies to frozen ground beef, but its ahelpful signthat your meat might not be safe. Freezing can further extend its shelf life. Safe minimum internal temperature chart. The interior of raw ground meat may be greyish brown due to a lack of exposure to oxygen. The most commonly found harmful bacteria in ground beef are Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Pungent Smell Spoiled beef has a bad smell that can make you want to gag. If its surface has turned thoroughly brown or gray or grown mold, it has gone bad and should be discarded. We avoid using tertiary references. Make sure the fridge temperature is below 40F (4C). Does Garlic Go Bad? If you're not sure whether your ground beef is still good, lean close and smell it. Got ground beef? It would be so easy to say, If your ground beef smells weird or looks funny, dont eat it, and move on. How To Know If Ground Beef Is Bad. Learn about the benefits and risks of eating organ, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. This way, youll know how long meats been frozen when you take it out to defrost. Salmonella and STEC are the most common bacteria associated with food poisoning from ground beef. To thaw ground beef safely, remove it from the freezer, place it on a plate, and put it in the refrigerator the night before you want to use it. If a person notices mold on the surface of their ground beef, they should throw it away immediately, whether it be raw or cooked. A faintly reddish or metallic odor might be detected on freshly cut red meat.To get a good whiff of this aroma, you will often need to position your nose somewhat near to the source in order to do so.On the other hand, if your steak has gone bad, it will have a distinct odor that smells sour, or perhaps a little bit like eggs or ammonia.This . By checking for changes in the color, smell, and texture of the beef, you should be able todetect its freshness. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2d03ce532e772b4275c93af7c80e595" );document.getElementById("f991c2a919").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Home Cook Worldis a food magazine for those who like to spend time in the kitchen and eat at home. Most at risk for food poisoning are pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. How To Reheat A Frozen Baguette To Warm, Soft Perfection Using Three Ways? Dont try to have the argument with yourself that you spent good money on it, and you need to have dinner on the table in under an hour. It will feel wet, but not slimy, and it will break apart easily in your hands. Click here to learn more about freezing and storing meat. . Sometimes ground beef may still be bad,even if it smells fine. Bad ground beef that has been undercooked, contaminated with raw meat juice or left out at room temperature for several hours may become tainted with insidious bacteria. Check the Color. When in doubt, apply the three checks below. When ground beef has gone bad, it smells putrid, like rotting flesh, and sour, like cheap vinegar. Surprisingly enough, the color of ground beef isn't enough to raise the alarm. Handling and storing ground beef properly reduces your risk of foodborne illnesses. "If you leave ground beef in the refrigerator, eventually it will start to spoil after so many days," Magoulas said. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Inspect its color If this is the case with the meat in your fridge, dont cook and eat it. The Difference Between a Braise and a Pot Roast. While the ground beef is sitting on the counter, it is attracting bacteria. Contrary to what many of us think, these bacteria survive temperatures below freezing and dont die in the freezer. If youre not going to cook your ground beef within a few days of purchasing it, wrap it properly and put it in the freezer, making sure to mark thedate and type of meaton the packaging for reference later on. If you end up eating bad beef, it's important to see a doctor immediately. Meanwhile, the expiration date also labeled as best before tells you when the product is likely to start going bad. Heating it wont make it any safer to eat, nor will cooking up a new meal with it. There are a few things to look for when making this determination. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. An example of this would be cooking the beef to add to tomato sauce to serve with pasta. Due to this, some people wash meat before preparing it, but this is unsafe. Lets break this up now and look at each one by itself. Well, think slime when youre testing the health of your ground beef. Ground beef lasts good 3 to 4 months in the freezer when it is stored at 0F or colder but it will lose quality over the time. Proper handling and storing are key to avoiding food poisoning from ground beef. Ground beef that has gone bad will be a little slippery, filmy, sticky and tacky. The time it takes food poisoning symptoms to start can vary. How Do You Know When Ground Beef Has Been Cooked Long Enough? Fresh ground beef feels firm. Yes, you can overcook ground beef (heres how not to). While many infections resulting from these bacteria can be mild, in some cases they can be life threatening. A sell-by date tells the retailer how long a product can be displayed for sale. There's a good likelihood the frozen beef has gone wrong if you observe some pinkish-looking flesh juices. If you get your ground beef from the supermarket, keep it sealed in the packaging: if you buy it from the butcher, ask them towrap it upin specialist butcher or freezer paper. If youve ever wondered why food safety experts say that frozen ground beef stays safe to eat forever, this is the answer. If the meat is past its expiration date, its best to throw it away. Persistent pinkness can be caused by reducing agents, pH, nitrite contamination, and/or carbon monoxide from gas ovens. Ground beef that is fine to consume should have a relatively firm consistency that breaks apart when a person squeezes it. Food poisoning can cause unpleasant symptoms ranging from nausea to vomiting. 3 Touch the meat to see if it feels slimy. Instead, thaw your meat in the fridge for 24-48 hours. There are three main ways to tell that ground beef is bad. When the frozen beef loses these crystals, it shrinks andbecomes dehydrated. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. How to tell if ground beef is bad. 6 The growth of bacterial cells on the surface of the water is what causes the slime to appear. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Youre not having ground beef for dinner tonight. As a result, ice crystals form and tear up the muscle tissue, causing the meat to dry out and lose flavor over time. If you dont notice a funny scent but still see signs of spoilage in color or texture, its still safest to throw it away, as pathogenic bacteria cannot be smelled (6). This is probably the hardest way to tell if the ground turkey is bad. (2016). On average, ground beef will last 2-3 days after the sell-by day. This may be the result of ropy slime-forming bacteria. Frozen meat should never be thawed on the counter. How To Tell If Ground Beef Is Bad. The refrigerator should be at or below 40F (4C) and the freezer at or below 0F (-17C). Outbreaks of infections related to these bacteria occur fairly frequently in the United States (1, 3, 12, 13). If Im honest, there have been times when I have left the hamburger in the freezer longer than I should have. Read on to learn more about safely storing meat and the best practices for storing and freezing different meats. It isnt quite as simple as that. You should never thaw ground beef by leaving it on the counter. If the beef is not handled properly, or it's too old, pathogenic bacteria can grow and lead to some unpleasant food poisoning symptoms. Because ground beef has a short shelf life, it is best to have a plan in place. Copyright 2022 The Rusty Spoon | Amazon Associates Program. 3. It applies to both raw and cooked ground beef. Smell the beef. It isnt worth it! Ground beef should be brilliant red on the exterior and brownish on the interior when it's fresh from the butcher. They may contaminate food and cause a foodborne illness, which can result in food poisoning. If there are, wrap the ground beef with more plastic. (2019). Always double-checkthe expiration date of your ground beef before deciding whether to eat it. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog. Is that can of tuna still good enough for your casserole? How To Tell When Corned Beef Is Done Plus 3 Foolproof Cooking Methods? Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly so that you do not spread bacteria and contaminate other surfaces. Youre going to use some common sense here. What is the shelf life of beef?Fresh beef will keep for 1-2 days after it has passed its sell-by date, but there are additional factors to consider.The shelf life of beef is determined by a number of factors, including the sell-by date, the cooking technique, and how the beef was stored after purchase.Cattle, particularly domestic cattle, are used as sources of beef throughout the . But what if youre in a big hurry, you grab the ground beef from the fridge, toss it in the frying pan, and dont bother looking at it very closely, touching it, or even smelling it? Put the ground beef in the fridge as soon as you get home, and dont wait too long to use it up. Though the scent of fresh ground beef is barely perceptible, rancid meat has a tangy, putrid odor. These clumps indicate that the meat has suffered fromfreezer burn. If you cant find the best before date anywhere on the packaging, check for the sell-by or display until date. You must consider other visual signs as well. The indicators of ruined ground beef will vary depending on how bad the meat is rotten to begin with. To make sure your ground beef is safe to eat, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160F. People should be cautious if they suspect that ground beef may be bad. How to cut food waste and maintain food safety. How can you tell if ground beef is badif its frozen? Check the color Ground beef may change color due to multiple factors, including temperature, light, microbial growth,. If frozen, it should keep its quality for about 4 months. These bacteria give your beef a very bad smell as they act on it. Your email address will not be published. Getty Images. That way you can take it out in the morning, and add it to the rest of your garbage to be picked up. Try not to eat ground beef thats been in the freezer forlonger than 4 months. To reduce your risk of illness, you should always cook meat thoroughly and avoid eating spoiled or undercooked ground beef. However, spoiled beef will typically have a slimy texture and a sticky feeling. Fresh ground beef should be wholesome and red, with varying degrees of white marbling depending on the cut and its leanness. A steak does not go through any sort of grinding process, so it is not subjected to as much oxygen, and means that it can safely sit in your fridge or your freezer for a longer period of time than ground beef. If you notice anygreen or blue sectionsof mold anywhere on the ground beef, get rid of this meat immediately. My own kids love ground beef. There are signs people can be aware of that may warn them that ground beef is now bad. 3. In addition to safe handling and storage of ground beef, people should also ensure they thoroughly cook ground beef to the correct internal temperature to destroy bacteria. Follow these three steps. Spoilage bacteria are generally not harmful but cause food to lose quality and develop a bad odor and taste (3). Whenever you put ground beef in the freezer, mark thecurrent dayon the package. When you touch it, it leaves a dirty, sticky, repulsive feeling on your fingers. Pathogenic bacteria arent perceptible to our senses, but they can cause food poisoning. We develop recipes, share cooking tips, and write about cookware and appliances for the everyday cook, with love and care. The most important thing is to apply common sense and trust your senses: Dont leave ground beef, raw or cooked, on the kitchen counter or dining room table for more than 1-2 hours. How can you tell if ground beef is bad? Up next: Yes, you can overcook ground beef (heres how not to). (2019). Now lets get to the meat of the matter. Matching search results: A sell-by date tells the retailer how long a product can be displayed for sale. Asian-style stir fries often get a bad reputation for adding too much salt, MSG, and oil. Therefore, even though spoilage bacteria wont make you sick, you should always discard spoiled ground beef to avoid consuming disease-causing microorganisms. When this pigment is exposed to air, it turns bright red. Leaner meats have a tender texture, almost like the inside of your palm. It should also be odor and sticky, and the odor indicates that the meat contains spoilage bacteria. As long as a person correctly and safely stores their meat, they do not necessarily need to discard any products past their best before date. So if there is not a bad scent but the ground beef is displaying other signs that it has gone bad, it is still advisable to discard the meat. Ground beef is a type of meat that is typically used in burgers, meatballs, and tacos. Ground beef can spoil, or go bad, if it is not stored properly. If you reach for the ground beef you purchased 5 or 6 days ago and set in your fridge, you might see a lot of gray. If beef develops a grayish. The inside of the meat will likely not have reacted with oxygen, so may be grayish brown in color, but is still perfectly fine to eat. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If you see any signs of freezer burn, do not eat the meat. If cooked ground beef has turned a shade apart from brown, it is a sign it has gone bad. Most people have a number of health problems. If your garbage day isnt for a while, or if its summertime and the weather is hot, and you do not want the garbage to stink, put the bad meat in a sturdy bag and set it in the freezer until garbage day. If it is slimy or sticky, it is probably bad. Our ground beef and broccoli recipe preserves all the goodness of the famous Asian beef stir-fry but with a twist in the ingredients. How to Tell if Ground Beef is Bad. When I have taken it out of the freezer and thawed it, I have been able to see that the coloring is quite brown throughout, and when I smelled it, it didnt smell the way fresh ground beef does. If it has a slimy feel to it, it is beginning to go bad. How Long To Smoke A 3 lb Brisket-3 Easy Ways. This is due to oxygen from the air reacting with meat pigments called oxymyoglobin to form a bright red color on the surface of the meat. (2019). It may take several days for symptoms to appear. Play it safe when it comes to the food you put on the family table: Discard ground beef, whether raw or cooked, if it has been sitting too long on the kitchen counter or in the fridge. The interior of fresh ground beef however isn't exposed to oxygen, therefore it isn't red, but a greyish brown color. How to tell if ground beef is bad is not a challenging task. 2.3 Step 3 - Sense the Meat Smell. If the texture is slimy or sticky then the beef is not fit for eating. Even in the fridge, raw ground beef will only last at most two days or up to four days if you cook it. Keep it in a bag on the lowest shelf to prevent its juices from leaking. Symptoms start within 30 minutes to 8 hours after exposure. This results from the meats myoglobin proteins reacting with the oxygen in the surrounding air to create a rose-colored pigment. I do this any time I am wavering on whether the ground beef is okay or if its bad, and my kids always make a judgment call immediately, and with confidence. Getting that second opinion can be very helpful, and will likely convince you one way or the other. Why Does It Take Steak Longer To Go Bad Than It Does Ground Beef? It is important to always store ground beef properly in the fridge or freezer and consume within its recommended storage time for safety and optimal freshness. While many products may feature a best before label, the FDA want to dispel confusion and instead use the term best if used by. Labels such as best before simply refer to how long the product is likely to keep its quality and flavor, not safety. This odor can be described as putrid and tangy. How To Know With Certainty How Long Raw Chicken Can Sit Out? If your beef smells likebleach,its a sign that it is decomposing. It accounts for about 62% of all beef sold in the United States (1). Those other senses are smell, touch, and sight. First, take a look at the color. If freezing, it is advisable to eat ground beef within 4 months. In these instances, I have been tempted to take a chance and cook it up, but then the reasonable side of my brain kicks in, thank goodness, and I remind myself of how ill everyone could become if I went ahead and cooked it up and served it. Healthy and fresh ground beef should be abright shade of red. How can you tell if ground beef is bad? How long can you freeze meat? How To Tell If Garlic Is Bad! If it is brown or gray, it is probably bad. Fresh, raw ground beef should be red due to its levels of oxymyoglobin a pigment formed when a protein called myoglobin reacts with oxygen (3). If a person has stored the meat at too high a temperature, or the packaging is torn or leaking, it is possible that bacteria has contaminated the ground beef. How Long Will Ground Beef Stay Good When It Is Kept In The Refrigerator? If that is the case, run away, run away fast. One way is to remember what it looked like when you bought it. Meat that has turned bad will feel sticky, tacky, or slimy and should be thrown out. Pathogenic bacteria are more dangerous. Salmonella infections linked to ground beef. The meat gives off an unpleasant odor. Ground beef should be firm and break apart easily in your hands. A person can store ground beef in the freezer for up to 4 months. However, it is preferable to completely thaw the ground beef in the fridge as this will allow it to thaw evenly and cook more evenly. How long you can keep that steak in the fridge? 7 If it has a nasty or off scent, it has been spoilt. You should toss it immediately (14). Though the bacteria that cause meat to spoil arent generally harmful, other disease-causing microorganisms may proliferate when it goes bad. Two examples of bacteria that may affect ground beef are spoilage bacteria and pathogenic bacteria. Research estimates that around 62% of all beef sold in the U.S. is ground. It is safe for people to consume refrigerated ground beef up to 2 days past this date. But maybe panic a little f you have ground beef sitting in the freezer - it has more surface area and it spoils way more quickly than whole steak does. Ground beef has a short shelf life due to processing that encourages bacterial growth. Look for gray and brown blotches on the outer layer of the ground beef, as these are signs that your meat is beginning to decompose and decay. You can use it to make a delicious bolognese, shape it into patties for home cooked burgers, or fix beef tacos. How to Tell If Ground Beef Is Bad Aside from the color, there are two other factors that you can check to determine if a package of ground beef is still OK to eat. This is the date the supermarkets use toregulate their stock. Another way to check your ground beef is by conducting a touch test. To avoid potentially spreading bacteria, it is advisable for people to thoroughly wash their hands after handling raw meat. We have to get a little sciency now. Raw ground beef should be bright red on the outside and brownish on the inside. In this article, we will discuss signs to look out for to tell if ground beef is bad and provide tips on how to safely handle and store ground beef. Additionally, mold can spoil cooked ground beef, so you should toss your leftovers if you notice any fuzzy blue, grey, or green spots (5). Food will have the best taste and quality before this date. Another way to check the freshness of your ground beef is totouch it. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. The air oxidizes the parts of the meat that lost moisture, turning them white and flavorless. (2019). The beef, while it is being ground, comes into contact with oxygen, and we know from our brief science lesson earlier in the article, that when the pigment, oxymyoglobin, that is contained in ground beef, comes into contact with oxygen, a chemical reaction occurs which creates bacteria. When spoilage bacteria grow in the meat, they create a sticky and mushy slime that will stick to your fingers. "If the meat is sticky or super slimy, throw it away. By having a good look on its color and smell you can determine that. RELATED: 15 Stunning Mexican Ground Beef Recipes. If you are making a dish with ground beef that requires it to be cooked before it is mixed with other ingredients, you can cook the ground beef even if it has not thawed completely. There is no better way to tell if the ground turkey is bad! If it smells sour or rancid, it's not good. Spoilage and pathogenic bacteria may both affect ground beef. Do I Need To Worry About Only A Few Spots Of Gray Or Green On The Surface Of The Ground Beef? Signs of foodborne illness from bad ground beef include . Multiplying spoilage bacteria can cause a strong odor to occur. Its safest to never eat raw or spoiled ground beef. It is best to consume ground beef within 4 months. One quick way to determine if ground beef has spoiled or is good to eat is by looking at the color of the meat. Refrigeration Time According to the USDA, ground meats should be consumed 1-2 days after it is purchased. How To Melt Cheddar Cheese In The Microwave 2 Simple And Effective Ways, 15 Awesome Paleo Instant Pot Beef Soup Recipes. Ground beef is a totally versatile and relatively inexpensive meat. Manage Settings Allow Necessary Cookies & ContinueContinue with Recommended Cookies. Meat that smells good doesnt have a very strong scent and it isnt unpleasant to the nose. But the process of grinding meat exposes a larger surface area of ground beef to potentially harmful bacteria. Ground beef is a versatile meat. If you have put your package of ground beef in the freezer then you will need to do a little meal planning in order to have the time needed to thaw the ground beef safely. How To Beat Egg Whites To Stiff, Impressive Peaks Every Time? This condition occurs when the frozen food comes into direct contact with the surrounding air, causing the ice crystals on the beefs surface to sublimate from solid to gas form and leave the meat. How to Know if Ground Beef Is Spoiled If raw ground beef has a gray or brown tint, or if cooked ground beef is pungent or smells sour, it has likely spoiled and should be thrown out. Whether or not the sell-by date is passed, if the ground beef shows signs of spoilage, do not eat it. (2018). How Long To Bake A Delicious Ham Per Pound With Every Type? If this isnt the case, theres a good chance that the package of meat in your refrigerator may have spoiled, and is no longer edible. Here are a few safety tips (3, 12, 13): Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling ground beef, and dont forget to your clean kitchen counters and utensils. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Cook the meat thoroughly to reduce your risk of infection. Furthermore, spoilage makes it more likely for them to be present in your food. Spoiled ground beef develops a telltale rancid smell that indicates its dangerous to eat. No, reheating or cooking spoiled ground beef doesnt make it safe to eat again. After cooking, dont leave the meat at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours. Luckily, there are somesimple signsto look out for when determining whetheryour ground meatis bad. Gray, however, is not always okay. The good thing is, that you can still save everyones stomach by noticing the scent that comes wafting up from that ground beef cooking in the skillet. Check for spot clumps of ice crystals or white blemishes on your frozen meat. How do you know when ground beef goes bad? Here are some ways to tell if your beef is bad or not: 1. Ground beef gone bad looks dull and gray, like dead meat. But the process of grinding meat exposes a larger surface area of ground beef to potentially harmful bacteria. Food poisoning can be very serious, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. Is ground beef bad if it turns brown in refrigerator? Once it reaches that temperature, it should continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes. (Sorry, bad pun, but I had to do it)! Never leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The easiest way to see whether your meat has spoiled is to check its color. The answer to this question lies in the meats name. Good quality, unspoiled ground beef bought from the supermarket should be bright red on the outside. Whats the healthiest meat to buy? Here are 23 healthy foods that dont need to be refrigerated. These Are the Healthiest Cuts to Choose. How Can You Tell If Cooked Ground Beef Is Bad? You canstore the leftover meatin your fridge or freezer to eat later on. On the other hand, pathogenic bacteria are dangerous, as they can lead to food poisoning. When your guests get up the next day and end up having to see a doctor, you do not want to be the cause. This means it is likely to go bad faster than other cuts of beef. Ground beef can be refrigerated and safely eaten up to 2 days past this date (3, 6). To minimize the time that ground beef is left unrefrigerated, buy it last and head home directly from the store. How to tell if ground beef is bad Signs of spoilage: general appearance, smell, and taste General appearance: The first thing you will want to pay attention to are the visual signs. Dont freak out. A healthy kitchen depends on your knowledge of how to safely cook and store your food. When cooking ground beef, the minimum internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer is 160F (71C). By simply looking at it, smelling and using your fingers to touch and feel the texture it's easy to tell if your ground beef has gone bad. It is safe to store ground beef in the refrigerator for 12 days, and eat leftovers within 4 days. To avoid spreading bacteria from one surface to another, wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat. The number one rule with food that may be bad is, If in doubt, throw it out. This is very important with ground beef. If it feels slimy or gummy and not firm, you should toss it out. Here are 4 ways to tell whether your ground beef has gone bad. This feeling makes you raise your eyebrows and you get a strong, almost compulsive need to wash your hands. Its important to safely handle and store all types of meat. Weve got you covered. Youll know that your meat is bad if you spotsections of discolorationon its surface. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device.We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development.An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Heat exposure kills most bacteria, but it doesnt inactivate the heat-resistant toxins that they leave in the meat. The Sense Of Sight You might think that if the ground beef you bought is any color other than red, it isn't good. Per the USDA, leftovers should be cooled quickly, sealed in ziplock bags or food storage containers with the lids closed, and then stored in the fridge, where they will keep for 3 to 4 days. Ground beef is very popular but highly perishable. Leaving uncooked meat atroom temperatureallows bacteria to proliferate. Last medically reviewed on March 11, 2021. Waiting until your beef has an unpleasant odor or signs of spoilage to toss beef isn't necessarily the best option. Refrigerator & freezer storage chart. Remember to wash your hands with soapy water for at least 20 seconds after touching ground beef, no matter if its spoiled or not. 5 Signs That Are Easy To Spot. A little tip: if after smelling the ground beef you are left with some doubt in your mind as to whether it is okay or not, ask one of your kids to smell it. When cooking ground beef, the minimum internal temperature as measured with a food thermometer is 160F (71C). If you think you wont remember to take the ground beef out of the freezer the night before you want to use it (who hasnt done that?!) It is safe to eat leftover ground beef within four days after it has been refrigerated for 1-2 days. Along with the smell test, you can use your fingers to test if ground beef is off. Texture: Raw ground beef should be firm and break apart if squeezed between your fingers. Ground beef is a versatile meat that may be a staple item in many peoples diets. (2020). Learn more, Choosing the best types of meat for a diabetes diet is key to managing diabetes and living a healthful life. 5 Easy Ways To Cook Breakfast Sausages To Perfection. If you store meat in freezing conditions for longer than 5-6 months, it can develop freezer burn, leading to deterioration in quality and mouthfeel. Ground beef is a very versatile ingredient and a definite crowd pleaser. If you are unsure if ground beef is bad, there are a few things you can do to check. (Dont do this at home.). This will kill any bacteria that is present and make it safe for consumption. The look of the ground turkey. 1.4 Been in Refrigerator for a Long Time. Do not leave it sitting out on the counter during the time it takes you to put everything else away in the cupboards. Wet and juicy is OK, but you never want your meat to be slimy to the. By the time the spoilage bacteria have made it disgusting, you can no longer rule out the possibility that its not overgrown with disease-causing pathogens, too. Discoloration on the surface of ground beef means it has gone bad. These some simple and quick tests you can proceed with either cooking up your ground beef, or not. Ground beef is a popular food in the United States. You shouldnt eat ground beef past its expiration date unless its been frozen, in which case it can last up to 4 months (8). How Can You Stop Ground Beef From Going Bad in the First Place. However, a sticky or slimy texture either when cooked or raw may indicate the presence of spoilage bacteria. Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. If the beef is sticky, slimy, tacky, or smells bad, toss it. Twenty-four hours should be sufficient for thawing the ground beef completely. The key to keeping frozen meat safe is to thaw it properly. "Typically with meats, they'll be sticky, slimy, and have off or foul odors." Oxymyoglobin is typically the red liquid that leaks out of meat that many people may mistake for blood. If the ground beef shows signs of spoilage, dont eat it. This means it is likely to go bad faster than other cuts of beef. This is becausespoilage microbeslike Pseudomonas and Lactobacillus grow and fester in the meat, releasing chemicals that carry this unpleasant aroma. Learn more about what meats to eat and, Organ meats, also known as offal, are the commonly unused cuts of meats, such as tails and feet. If it's tangy or putrid then the beef is not fit for eating. There are a few ways to determine if ground beef is cooked, but the most reliable way is to use a cooking thermometer. Keep an eye on the meat; microwave wattages vary and these times are merely a guideline. How long after eating bad meat will you get sick? Hypertension: Can 15 minutes of yoga a day help control blood pressure? Why Is beef still red after cooking? Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of 160 F. Thats when it is done and is safe to eat. Another great way to tell if ground beef is bad is by . Thaw in the microwave. Here are the health effects of red meat, including possible benefits and downsides of adding it to. Always cook the beef thoroughly to kill bacteria. From that moment on, it slowly but surely loses quality till you cook and eat it. It should hold its quality for around four months if frozen. The look of the ground beef bad looking ground beef Slimy ground beef should be thrown out and never consumed. Gray, brown or green spots on the outside of the ground beef are mold. These programs provide means for websites to earn commissions by linking to products. Flimsy Texture. Check the color and expiration date of the meat. Cook all your beef at the same time, even if youre not planning on using some of it. Dont store raw ground beef in the refrigerator for more than 1-2 days and cooked ground beef in the refrigerator for more than 3-4 days. These 9 high-risk foods are the most likely to cause food poisoning. This might be caused by bacteria that produce ropy slime. How To Make Korean Corn Dogs 3 Delicious Ways? However, you must always check that your ground beef isfresh and safe to eatbefore you begin cooking. Quick Answer: How To Tell If Ground Beef Is Bad? But as those of you whove read this article know already, the answer is a little more nuanced than that. The opposite is true of ground beef that is totally fine. If youre not sure if its safe, we have something for you. Prod the surface of the beef and see if its texture feels like gunk. Or store your excess ground beef in the freezer, rotating it every few months for the best quality. You should then wrap the meatin aluminum foilbefore freezing it. If you don't feel comfortable eating the beef, throw it away. The USDA recommends that ground beef be cooked to 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). Confused by date labels on packaged foods? 2. However, if the texture is sticky or slimy, it might signify rotting bacteria. Youre going to use some other senses, too. When Jim isn't in the kitchen, he is usually spending time with family and friends, and working with the HCW editorial team to answer the questions he used to ask himself back when he was learning the ropes of cooking. Keep in mind that the danger zone for growing bacteria on meat is above 40 F. While your ground beef is in the fridge it will be below this temperature and therefore safe from bacteria growth. Another way to tell if ground beef has gone bad is by simply smelling it. How Can You Tell If Oatmeal Has Gone Bad Using A Surefire Method? Remember, its not worth it! First of all, make sure that you put the ground beef in the fridge as soon as you bring it home. The sign that your cooked ground beef is rotten is the smell. All rights reserved. This is why ground beef can only be left out for 1-2 hours at room temperature and why it wont keep in the refrigerator raw for more than 1-2 days. 2. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. If the surface has gotten completely brown or gray, or if mold has developed on it, it has gone rotten and should be thrown away. Stir it around when it is frying to ensure that all of the beef has browned and not just some of it. How can you tell if ground beef is bad? The best way to tell if frozen ground beef is bad is to look for signs of freezer burn. How can you tell if raw ground beef is bad? The opposite is true of ground beef that is totally fine. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that every year, 48 million Americans contract food poisoning, 128,000 get hospitalized, and 3,000 die. The Rusty Spoon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Second, the odor should be strong and unpleasant. Another way to tell if ground beef has gone bad is by simply smelling it. To destroy these bacteria and reduce your risk of food poisoning, cook ground beef thoroughly and use a meat thermometer to verify that its internal temperature reaches 160F (71C) (3). Ground beef is rich in protein and has a lot of moisture (according to the USDA, ground beef contains between 55% and 65% water depending on the leanness), which makes it a formidable breeding ground for bacteria. Ground beef is at its best the moment you take it out of the grocery bag or the paper the butcher wrapped it in. Learn, Meats contain bacteria that are harmful if they enter the body. If your ground beef has a sticky or slimy texture when raw or cooked, it has most likely gone bad. Research estimates that around 62% of all beef sold in the U.S. is ground. To store the ground beef for longer times, wrap in heavy duty plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or plastic bags made to freeze food. If it has turned rust-red or is otherwise slimy, you should discard it. 3 Ways to Tell If Your Ground Beef Is Bad. Food safety basics. The fastest methods are throwing in ice water and defrosting in the microwave, but you must cook the meat immediately after its thawed out and not leave it raw. First, the color of the meat should be off-white or slightly yellow. 2. Signs of foodborne illness from bad ground beef include stomach cramps or pain, vomiting, diarrhea, chills and/or fever. Ground beef may change color due to multiple factors, including temperature, light, microbial growth, and exposure to oxygen (4). Applying all three of these tests, smell, feel and look, should provide you with lots of indicators to determine if your ground beef is good or if it has turned bad. Your email address will not be published. This may cause unpleasant odors or taste. Fattier meats feel a little creamy, with a certain pastiness to them from the beef tallow. Summary: Beef that has gone bad will develop a slimy or sticky texture and smell bad or "off.". The most common symptom is a fever of 101.5F (38.6C) or higher, followed by headache, muscle aches, headache-like symptoms, sore . This bacteria can release volatile compounds that may cause slime to form on the surface of the meat. You can also use the defrost buttons on a microwave to defrost ground beef. Once it starts to grey, it's best to stay away. By correctly and safely handling and storing ground beef, people should be able to avoid spoilage. If you notice any green or blue sections of mold anywhere on the ground beef, get rid of this meat immediately. Cancer treatment shows promise against multiple sclerosis in mouse study, Alzheimer's: Blood test may detect 'toxic' protein years before symptoms emerge, Low levels of vitamin D in the brain linked to increased dementia risk. Sell-by and expiration dates tell you the best time to eat ground beef. Meat is full of a pigment called myoglobin, which is responsible for delivering iron and oxygen to muscles. When ground beef is fresh, it smells fatty, meaty, and yummy. Meat color is regulated (mostly) by a heme ring on the surface of the myoglobin . Spoilage bacteria are not generally harmful, but will cause food to lose quality. First, you can check the color of the beef. This means ground beef with a gray interior is safe to eat. Finally, touch the beef. Food waste is a bigger problem than many people realize. Symptoms can occur anywhere from one hour to 72 hours from consumption and generally last less than a week. If the beef is brown or grey, it's probably not safe to eat. Signs that ground beef has gone bad include an off odor, slimy texture, and a brownish color. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cure, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-poisoning/bacteria-and-viruses, https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/symptoms.html, https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/confused-date-labels-packaged-foods, https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/ecoli-symptoms.html, https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html, https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-poisoning, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety, https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html%20%20, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/ground-beef-and-food-safety, https://www.fda.gov/media/101389/download, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4081/ijas.2015.4011, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/steps-keep-food-safe, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/refrigeration, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart, https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html, https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dublin-11-19/index.html, https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_color_of_meat_depends_on_myoglobin_part_1, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6550395/, https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/What-are-spoilage-bacteria, https://www.fda.gov/media/125114/download. If ground beef is refrigerated promptly after cooking (within 2 hours; 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 F), it can be safely refrigerated for about 3 or 4 days. Normal, safe, fresh ground beef should not have a noticeable or unpleasant smell. It will feel wet, but not slimy, and it will break apart easily in your hands. Bad beef has a lot of bacteria such as Pseudomonas spp. The scent changes due to the increased growth of spoilage bacteria, such as Lactobacillus spp. Dont listen to that other voice that is reminding you about how hard you work to make the money that buys the groceries that feeds your family. If you are greeted with a rancid, sort of tangy scent, put it back in the freezer. Both types of bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature and more slowly in the fridge. In ground beef, the signs you'll detect will depend on how badly spoiled it is. Like, how could ground beef that has gone bad actually feel different?! Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. It should also be slightly moist. When they smell it cooking, they will always ask me for some before I put in the other ingredients. If cooked ground beef has an off odor and/or a sticky and slimy consistency, throw it away and dont eat it. I cant think of any dish that I make with ground beef that my kids dont like. If your ground beef has turned either gray or brown on the outside, it signals that the meet is beginning to rot, so your best bet is to throw it away. It is important that a person never leaves ground beef out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Dont take a chance. Ground beef should also be discarded if it is past the use-by date and if it was not stored properly. Well, it does. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. That just means that the middle part of the packaged ground beef you bought did not come into contact with oxygen. You can also check the texture of the beef. It is safe to store ground beef in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, and eat leftovers within 4 days. How To Tell If Watermelon Is Bad, Here Are 5 Foolproof Ways! Keeping a package of ground beef in the freezer will allow you to keep it for about four months. Improperly cooked meat can harbor harmful bacteria. It is safe for people to consume refrigerated ground beef up to 2 days after this date. Multiplying spoilage bacteria can. 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Made with ground beef Stay good when it goes bad, toss it foods dont... Has a nasty or off scent, put it back in the refrigerator for 1-2 days it! And unpleasant and the odor indicates that the meat that is the.... Life due to a lack of exposure to oxygen and downsides of adding to. Once it starts to grey, it is frying to ensure that all of beef... Sauce with ground beef, chili con carne, tacos, meatloaf, and has a slimy appearance, often... Serious, and of course, thick, juicy hamburgers contamination, carbon. First place shows any of these signs suspect that ground beef bad if it smells,. ; s tangy or putrid then the beef through this blog after Touching raw meat 3.... Wrapped it in up some tasty nachos or your award-winning chili, ground meats should be firm... Hue of the meat to see if it looks dull and gray, it isnt good taste it will from! Can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and by... Adistinctive odorthat smells a bit likeammonia our links chills and/or fever to degrees! This blog notice any green or blue sections of mold anywhere on the surface of the meat has cooked... Chili con carne, tacos, meatloaf, and savory pies or below 40F ( 4C ) or up 4... And tangy - Calculate how many days it has turned a shade apart brown... Compulsive need to be certain that all of the myoglobin safely cook and eat that make. Been frozen when you touch it slime that will stick to your fingers be sure to wash hands! The leftover meatin your fridge or freezer to eat off odor, slimy, depends. Smell it purchases made through our links tangy scent, put it back in the refrigerator for 1-2 after! By linking to products it slowly but surely loses quality till you cook all your ground beef Stay when... Update our articles when new information becomes available spot clumps of ice crystals white... Ready to eat, it has gone wrong are, wrap the meatin aluminum freezing! Is probably bad easiest way to see if it is not fit for eating likely gone bad refer! Beef completely meats have a relatively firm consistency that breaks apart when.!