How do I handle and store beef after I buy it?

Download Recommended Storage Time Guideline

Like all perishable foods, beef must be handled and stored properly to avoid spoilage and food-borne illness. Follow these food-safe practices:

• Refrigerate or freeze beef as soon after purchasing as possible. (If it will take longer than 30 minutes to get it home, keep it cold in a cooler in your car.)
• If refrigerating beef, place it in the meat compartment or in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• If purchased beef is wrapped in transparent film, it can be refrigerated without re-wrapping. It can also be frozen up to 2 weeks without rewrapping. For longer freezer storage, to prevent freezer burn, repackage in heavy-duty aluminum foil, freezer paper or plastic freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Label and date frozen beef packages, including weight and/or number of servings. Practice the FIFO inventory system � first in, first out.
• Do not defrost frozen beef at room temperature. Defrost frozen beef in the refrigerator, to prevent bacterial growth. Place package on a tray to catch any drippings and place in refrigerator the day before it's needed.
  • Allow about 24 hours to defrost a 1 to 1-1/2-inch thick package of ground beef or beef pieces.
  • Allow 12 hours to defrost 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick ground beef patties.
  • Allow 12 to 24 hours to defrost steaks, depending on thickness.
  • Allow 4 to 7 hours per pound to defrost large roasts or thick compact pot roasts.
  • Allow 3 to 5 hours per pound to defrost small roasts or thin pot roasts.
• Cook ground beef as soon as possible after defrosting.
• Remember that ground beef, beef for stir-fry, beef for stew and beef for kabobs are more perishable than whole muscle cuts (roasts and steaks). During the grinding process for ground beef, any bacteria on the surface are mixed throughout. Cutting into strips or cubes exposes more surface area where bacteria can grow. Both processes result in shorter shelf life.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly after serving, within 2 hours after cooking. To speed up the chilling, divide large quantities into smaller portions or spread food out in shallow container.