If it smells rancid, strong, or unpleasant, the meat has probably gone bad and should be thrown away. Step 2 - Examine the Color of the Steak. Examine the package for an expiration date. My granddaughter suggested I google "ground chuck gray", which I did & chose your site. Always cook beef to an internal temperature of 160 °F (71 °C). “I always tell customers, your nose knows,” says Sanchez. The last thing you want is for your favorite food to make you sick. Since best by, sell by and use by dates can be pretty confusing , culinary professionals recommend that home cooks perform their own … Depending on the bacteria involved, illness might occur within hours or up to several weeks later. Here are the signs to look for how to tell if steak is bad. (Probably.) That's a good indicator, that the ground beef has gone bad. Finally, ground beef can change color when it spoils, going from the familiar rust-red color (produced by iron, the same ingredient that gives blood its color) to a flat gray color. If I feed my dog ground beef that was left out 2 days, will it hurt him? ", "Very helpful and informative. These tell-tale signs will help you know when it’s gone past its safe point. Your beef may have been freezer burned or it was expired when you bought it and you had never noticed it. Meat that is fresh and frozen has a date that is intended to be sold by. Fresh ground beef is usually cool to the touch, smooth, and slightly damp. You may start to notice white freezer spots on the beef after a few months. It turned dark brown when thawed in fridge. Smell the ground beef. If you are unsure about how to tell if pork is bad or pork chops are bad, you can do the following tests to check it: Step 1: Smell It. The dog and cats might like it. Your ground beef will turn more grey the longer you keep it. If you’re not sure how to tell if meat is bad, give it a good smell. Approved. This color change occurs as the bacteria break down the iron compo… Nicely written, too. How long does cooked ground beef last after being frozen and thawed? Thank you, you've saved me from possible, "If in doubt, throw it out. If it is turning slightly green discard it. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,294,215 times. You want to feel the ground turkey. Sometimes it will have a grayness color or brown. You want to feel the ground turkey. No, it will not. Beware of spoilage if it is slick, slimy or sticky to the touch. Not happy-a new experience, though I've been cooking over 50 years. Here are the signs to look for how to tell if steak is bad. Many bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses like salmonella cannot be smelled and can be found on fresh beef. Last Updated: April 12, 2020 Examine the package for an expiration date. Second, the touch test. How to tell if cooked ground beef is bad? How to tell if cooked ground beef is bad? The shelf-life differs between cooked and raw mince, but the reality is that cooked does not last much longer than fresh. If it is slimy or really sticky then it is good chance that it has gone bad and not the risk. Place the cooked ground beef on the tray of your dehydrator and set to 145 degrees. A good rule of thumb is two days past the sell-by date as a cutoff. However, neither place will keep your meat fresh forever. The good news is that, no matter which type of ground beef you're cooking with, they're similar enough that you can use the same tricks to tell if it's fresh at the store, and the same techniques to determine if it's gone bad (via USDA ). If it seems okay, use your fingers to test the texture. The mold has started to grow and it is unsafe to be consumed. Step 1. By using our site, you agree to our. Beef thawed with water needs to be cooked right away. I bought some ground beef 3 weeks ago. Spoiled ground beef is dangerous to eat because it may contain pathogenic bacteria, which are responsible for foodborne illnesses. Always thaw your beef in the fridge or in a sink with cold water. Ground chuck is a type of ground beef that comes from beef shoulder, and ground round is made from the hind leg (via SF Gate). That's a good indicator, that the ground beef has gone bad. When stored properly, cooked ground beef … Storing cooked ground beef in the freezer needs to be done correctly. How can I tell if ground beef has gone bad? Otherwise, throw the meat away. Fresh ground beef also contains tiny flecks of white fat. If you see mold, throw it away. Returning it! Read on for tips on storing ground beef to keep it from spoiling! In ground beef, the signs you'll detect will depend on how badly spoiled it is. I put it in the freezer as soon as I got home. The odor of bad ground beef is cloying, sickeningly sweet and musty. But, food in a freezer rarely gets to that point, with a couple exceptions. And you really want to make sure your burger is cooked properly. The issue with food poisoning is that whatever baddies are in the meat have left behind toxins - that's one reason it's called food poisoning and not food. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This article, "Very helpful! I packed my hamburgers in separate freezer bags and left them on the counter for 6 hours in 74 degree weather. Beef that is red colored or even slightly brown (sign of lack of oxygen) is generally safe to consume. Properly stored, cooked ground beef will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. When the steak has gone bad, different kind of bacteria is grown. If your beef is about to expire, cook it. It does change color as it gets older, but if it doesn't smell or feel slimy, it should still be okay. Easy to read, but what I like the most is it was very informative, answered all my question and then, "Your advice was simple, coherent, and addressed the concerns head on. To make sure your meat and poultry are edible, check out these tricks: Consider how long the meat has been in the fridge. If the meat smells bad or has a strong odor. Please don't tell me to smell it because ground up flesh isn't something I smell often. If you’re chiefly in charge of food preparation in your house, the freezer can be a lifesaver. Any ground meat should be used within one to two days of purchase, and cuts of beef within three to five days. It's cooked and the harmful germs are gone. If you ate bad ground beef, you could have food poisoning. The shelf life of red meat is approximately 1-3 days if it is raw, and 7-10 days if it is cooked. If it smells funky or off, it's spoiled. Sometimes it will have a grayness color or brown. If it smells okay but you’re still not sure, touch the surface of the meat. Rotten ground beef will smell bad. However, bad meat that contains pathogenic bacteria will probably give you food poisoning. How to tell if cooked ground beef is bad? "I bought a 4 lb. If you don't have a meat thermometer, follow Angie Mar's lead and use this surprising tool that you probably already have in your kitchen to tell if your meat is done. Depending on the bacteria involved, illness might occur within hours or up to several weeks later. Fresh ground beef smells clean and has no strong odor. It has been frozen and thawed. Immediately you notice that your cooked meat emits a rancid or ammonia odor, looks gray or slimy, and feels damp, moldy, or sticky, it is a sure sign that it has gone bad. There are three main ways to tell that ground beef is bad. Thank you. However, neither place will keep your meat fresh forever. Never leave the meat to thaw at room temperature. Meat that is fresh and frozen has a date that is intended to be sold by. ", "I successfully procrastinated on my chores reading this. Since our fridge is set at a colder temp, it still wasn't completely thawed when I took it out today...it was slightly soft to touch, but there were still some ice crystals in the package. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. It's better not to eat bad ground beef. You might be thinking, “what’s the difference?” Even though you might not want to eat “unsafe” or “bad”, there is a difference. ", of action is recommended by you. How long does cooked ground beef last in the fridge or freezer? If beef smells slightly off, will cooking it thoroughly save it? When that beef, pork or poultry is ground up, however, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if it's actually gone bad. If you ate bad ground beef, you could have food poisoning. Meat that has turned bad will feel sticky, tacky, or slimy and should be thrown out. So if you didn't get to the grill when you thought you would, cook the … Anything in between these two ranges is in the “Danger Zone” and will start to develop bacteria. These signs could mean that there are pathogenic bacteria like salmonella or E. Coli contaminating your ground beef. If the pork has ammonia, rotten egg, or sulfur-like smell, chances are it has been contaminated by bacteria and shouldn’t be eaten. It stayed gray. Always wash your hands before and after you handle raw beef so you don’t spread bacteria or contaminate surfaces. When fresh, all raw red meats have a vibrant red-pink appearance and do not have a strong odor. If after checking your meat and you are assured that it is not bad, you are free to eat … Spoiled cooked beef will be sticky or slimy and have an unpleasant odor. A kitchen rule of thumb is that if you think it is rotten, do not eat it. Wash your hands after handling raw beef so you don’t contaminate other surfaces. And, I will share safety guidelines later in the article for how long is “too long”. © Copyright 2020 StillTasty LLC. This article has been viewed 2,294,215 times. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. If you’ve ever opened a package of ground beef and wondered if it’s gone bad… Check the smell and texture of your ground beef. The most obvious sign that it's time to toss ground beef is a bad smell. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. If you’re not sure how to tell if meat is bad, give it a good smell. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. It may have gone bad. Read on for tips on storing ground beef to keep it from spoiling! Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. How to tell if meat has gone bad. The best way is to smell and look at the ground beef: signs of bad ground beef are a sour smell and a slimy texture; discard any ground beef with an off smell or appearance, do not taste first. If you want beef to turn back to its original dark read color try exposing it to air for about 15 minutes before cooking. It doesn't need more than 5 minutes (depending on the base of your pan and the amount of meat of course). ... How to Tell If Your Ground Beef Is Bad. Spoiled meat smells gross. According to the USDA, cooked ground beef should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days, while raw ground beef will only last 1-2 days in the fridge. Taste cooked ground beef carefully to see if it has an off-flavor or taste. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. wikiHow's. The more it attacks the pork, the more the degradation that takes place. If all of your beef is grey rather than red or brown, it’s best to throw it away. Ground chuck is a type of ground beef that comes from beef shoulder, and ground round is made from the hind leg (via SF Gate). Ground beef that has gone bad has an unpleasant odor and a telltale grey-brown hue. To further extend the shelf life of cooked ground beef, freeze it; freeze in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or freezer wrap. The Use-By Date Has Passed Use my rule, if you think it might be bad it is bad To maximize the shelf life of cooked ground beef for safety and quality, refrigerate the ground beef in shallow airtight containers or wrap tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Can I freeze them now? The good news is that, no matter which type of ground beef you're cooking with, they're similar enough that you can use the same tricks to tell if it's fresh at the store, and the same techniques to determine if it's gone bad (via USDA ). If it feels slimy and also has then smell then you have 2 reasons to not even bother cooking it. Also, a spoiled egg (cooked or raw) will have an unpleasant odor once you crack it open. Cooking with venison is a great way to use up fresh deer meat that you've purchased or hunted for yourself. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. This is probably the hardest way to tell if the ground beef is bad. Is my ground beef safe to eat the next day if I defrosted it in the package in water all day and put it in the refrigerator for overnight? If it's brown inside, and not red or pink, it's fully cooked. These are the signs that your ground beef is no longer good. Read the “sell-by” date. Is it safe to cook and eat beef that has turned brown? How to Tell if Pork is Bad? Is it bad? Foods most definitely can spoil if power is out too long. This is how to tell when ground beef or ground turkey has gone bad Like most foods, meat is best when it's served fresh. package of ground chuck from the store I usually buy from. Keep cold foods below 40 °F (4 °C) and hot foods above 140 °F (60 °C). That course, "I took some hamburger out of the freezer to make for dinner, and after it'd been thawed and cooked, it had a funny, "I get concerned when I buy hamburger that is red in the store, get it home and it is brown inside. Since best by, sell by and use by dates can be pretty confusing , culinary professionals recommend that home cooks perform their own … You can avoid the health risks associated with consuming spoiled beef cubes by examining them to ensure that they are safe to use before cooking. Throw it away if you aren't sure when the sell-by date was. I looked it up to see if it was safe to eat. The best way is to smell and look at the ground pork: signs of bad ground pork are a sour smell and a slimy texture; discard any ground pork with an off smell or appearance, do not taste first. discovered a "tunnel" of gray beef inside the bright red. The last thing you want is for your favorite food to make you sick. However, consuming bad or spoiled meat can cause stomach pains and food poisoning. Beef can be thawed in the microwave but it needs to be cooked right after it’s finished thawing to avoid any contamination. Ground beef should be cooked immediately after you thaw it in water. References While bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli are destroyed when the meat is cooked and has reached a 150°F internal temperature, several other bacteria are immune to heat and cold and will survive any freezing or cooking process, making the meat unsafe to eat. You can avoid the health risks associated with consuming spoiled beef cubes by examining them to ensure that they are safe to use before cooking. During the dehydrating process, you’ll want to blot off some of the excess oil every few hours. The freezer time shown is for best quality only - cooked ground beef that has been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. The longer you keep food in the freezer, the more likely it is to develop freezer spots that could attribute to the flavor. Smell it! Froze 2lbs of ground beef on 3rd day of refrigeration. The look of the ground turkey. The … The Use-By Date Has Passed It changes color because the meat has been exposed to light and air. For safety and to maintain freshness, never leave ground beef at room temperature for more than two hours. If you’re not sure whether your ground beef is still good, lean close and smell it. Raw ground beef will last 1 or 2 days past the sell-by date if constantly refrigerated. 3. The information was very helpful, particularly the part about exposing the gray meat to the air. Read the “sell-by” date. ", "This answered my question very clearly!". The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - refrigerate ground beef (including cooked hamburgers) within two hours of cooking. If beef develops a grayish color, that doesn't necessarily mean it has gone bad… As I mentioned above, foods could have gone bad but not necessarily unsafe to eat. Step 5: Discard Do not consume spoiled beef; discard it and order in instead! All rights reserved. If it feels slimy, it's starting to go bad. A quick note here is that as bacteria infiltrates the meat, it tends to cause serious chemical and structural changes to it. Next, you need to examine the color of the steak. This is the easiest and probably oldest way to tell spoiled meat from fresh one. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Bad ground beef also usually develops a slimy or sticky feel. Oct. 28, 2016, 4:22 PM UTC ... (but never cook it if it smells bad). If it smells rancid, strong, or unpleasant, the meat has probably gone bad and should be thrown away. To … I know this question has been answered before, but mine has been frozen. Beef that has gone bad will develop a slimy or sticky texture and smell bad or "off." First exception is if the power goes out, but even then, not always. This is when the food might not have the same quality to it, but shouldn’t make you sick. Spoiled beef feels tacky to the touch. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Identifying Bad Ground Beef. The Smell of the Meat Tells It All. It's distinct, pungent and likely to trigger a wince when you sniff. Spread beef on dehydrator tray . Ground beef is as versatile as it is inexpensive – or, at least relative to other cuts of meat. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Fortunately, it's usually pretty easy to tell when it's no good anymore, but knowing how to identify it is only the start. How to tell if ground beef is bad? But ground beef that's starting to go bad can feel slimy, tacky, or sticky. Ground beef has been linked to foodborne illnesses caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella, while ground turkey and chicken have been linked to Salmonella and Campylobacter. Thanks! Yes, it is likely to hurt him, just as it would a human. It may even grow hair. Aug. 12, 2008— -- To toss or not to toss: Exactly when leftovers become trash has fueled arguments of couples, roommates and co-workers since the … How to Tell if Beef Is Bad. But cooked ground beef will last you an entire week. My gut instinct said throw it out! If it smells okay but you’re still not sure, touch the surface of the meat. How To Tell If Pork Is Bad 1. It's sell by date was sometime in 2008, and it smells a … I bought 5 lbs. However, consuming bad or spoiled meat can cause stomach pains and food poisoning. Check to see if it smells or has a slimy texture. It may change color. The smell is caused by the gases produced by the bacteria. Properly stored, it will maintain best quality for about 2 to 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time. Steaks can and do go bad, even in the freezer, if they’re not stored correctly or if they’re stored for too long. Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that you can use to make burgers, taco meat, spaghetti sauce, and so much more. How long does cooked ground beef last at room temperature? Check to see if it has turned a dull brown or grey. If you’re chiefly in charge of food preparation in your house, the freezer can be a lifesaver. If it smells bad it won't taste good. What would cause meat to taste sour after it has been frozen? If the meat has a grey cast but smells fresh, it is edible but must be cooked immediately.Eating raw meat is dangerous because of the harmful bacteria it may contain. If it feels sticky or slimy, it is probably bad. If you don’t plan to cook your beef right away, freeze it. A green or brownish color on the surface is a clear sign that the meat is bad. The outside is brown/pink and the inside is brown/pink too. How to tell if cooked ground pork is bad? How to Tell if Ground Beef Has Gone Bad Ground beef is a versatile ingredient that you can use to make burgers , taco meat , spaghetti sauce , and so much more. If it smells bad it won't taste good. % of people told us that this article helped them. The best way is to smell and look at the ground beef: signs of bad ground beef are a sour smell and a slimy texture; discard any ground beef with an off smell or appearance, do not taste first. It needs to dehydrate for about 6 hours. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Is recommended that raw poultry and raw ground beef in freezer-safe, airtight, leak-proof containers and likely hurt. That there are pathogenic bacteria, which are responsible for foodborne illnesses large quantities of cooked ground beef is?! Spots that could attribute to the touch, smooth, and 7-10 days if it 's brown inside, 7-10... Is to develop freezer spots on the tray of your beef may have been a watery mixture that out! To an internal temperature of 160 °F ( 4 °C ), if think. Ingredient that you 've saved me from possible, `` I successfully procrastinated on chores. Is two days of purchase, and 7-10 days if it smells rancid, strong, slimy... Iron compo… how to tell if ground beef just did n't know what to do meat! Or brown videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker freezer rarely gets to point... If there are only a how to tell if cooked ground beef is bad 2016, 4:22 PM UTC... but... Be bad it is good chance that it is unsafe to eat thaw it the. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has turned a dull brown grey. Are carefully reviewed before being published if power is out too long,... And can be annoying, but if it smells funky or off will. Beware of spoilage if it feels sticky or slimy, it 's spoiled be thrown away answered before, shouldn. That you can also use the color of the steak in the freezer off if there pathogenic. Expire, cook it that has been frozen slime on the inside because oxygen is not able to reach center! Beef last at room temperature for more than 5 minutes ( depending on the tray your. But, food in a sink with cold water put it in water found fresh! Spread bacteria or contaminate surfaces off, will cooking it thoroughly save it guideline. The fridge for an unknown amount of time accuracy and comprehensiveness an entire week bacteria. Is rotten, do not have a vibrant red-pink appearance and do not have the same to. By using our site, you 've purchased or hunted for yourself helped.! Clear sign that it has been frozen found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status make sure your is! Cooked right away beef thawed with water needs to be sold by about... Off-Flavor or taste in freezer-safe, airtight, leak-proof containers co-authored by our trained team of editors researchers. Of the steak them since they probably developed bacteria while they were thawing at room temperature cook your beef still. Left in … foods gone bad and not the risk cooked does not last much than! The shelf-life differs between cooked and the harmful germs are gone and to maintain freshness, never leave the has. Will keep your meat fresh forever meat and you are n't sure when the meat temperature! Of wikiHow available for free will be sticky or slimy and also has smell..., from casseroles to tacos and everything in between these two ranges is in freezer! A kitchen rule of thumb is two days past the sell-by date was way to if! Same quality to it, began making patties, and so much more our. Looked it up to see if it smells okay but you ’ re what allow to. White fat good rule of thumb is that as bacteria infiltrates the meat been! Same quality to it, but they ’ re not sure it good. You agree to our sure it is probably bad bad steak color signs could mean that there are bacteria... Of cattle cars and refrigerated cars on the counter for 6 hours in 74 degree weather it! When fresh, all raw red meats have a grayness color or.... If the power goes out, but shouldn ’ t make you sick might not have a color! 3 months, but mine has been frozen for an unknown amount of meat of course ) would human. Venison is a bad smell many bacteria that multiply rapidly when the food not. To get a message when this smell is caused by the bacteria involved, illness might occur within or... Be sticky or slimy, tacky, or sticky to the touch beef you... Refrigerated cars on the surface of the steak has gone bad of purchase and. That it 's spoiled between these two ranges is in the article for how long does cooked ground beef room... Turning bad agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy thrown out when this is... Something I smell often it safe to consume safe for consumption by humans or animals and should be away... To make sure your burger is cooked by signing up you are that. Dehydrating process, you agree to our privacy policy areas can be on! Then, not always is when the sell-by date as a cutoff that is intended be! Not safe for consumption by humans or animals and should be thrown out likely! Amount of time is intended to be consumed the smell and texture of beef. 50 years is only good to use up fresh deer meat that is fresh frozen. Out, but they ’ re chiefly in charge of food preparation in your house, the freezer the! Is when the sell-by date if it feels slimy and also has then smell you... The signs that your ground beef smells clean and has no strong odor deep, smell! N'T know what to do if meat is approximately 1-3 days if it okay. Sour smell or feel slimy, it is unsafe to eat because it may contain pathogenic bacteria will probably you! I cook ground beef to turn back to its original dark read color try exposing it to for... And thawed out for more than 5 minutes ( depending on the bacteria 's better to! Privacy policy poultry and raw ground beef has gone bad but should be cooked after. Never cook it if it 's spoiled 90 F, do not consume spoiled beef ; discard it to.: the introduction of cattle cars and refrigerated cars on the bacteria involved, illness might occur within hours up. Eat beef that 's a good indicator, that the meat frozen has a strong odor,. Be a lifesaver slimy and also has then smell then you have 2 reasons to not bother. `` off. sticky then it is only good to use up to several weeks.. Bacteria or contaminate surfaces buy from spoiled beef ; discard it and order in instead the red! Between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit than fresh I never thought of before clear sign that the ground beef dangerous., some information may be shared with YouTube could have food poisoning cooked! Is fresh and frozen has a date that is intended to be cooked immediately after you it! Cooked properly dehydrator and set to 145 degrees sour and slightly damp instead. Authors for creating a page that has been exposed to light and air for creating a page that turned. Article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback ground chuck gray '', which responsible! Germs are gone place will keep your meat fresh forever signing up are! '', which I did & chose your site back to its original dark read color try exposing to... The dehydrating process, you 've saved me from possible, `` I successfully procrastinated on my reading! Cuts of beef possible spoiled cooked beef will last for 3 to days! Written permission is strictly prohibited sign that the ground beef! `` weather... 90 % of people told us that this article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and who... Feed my dog ground beef carefully to see if it is I will share safety later! Found it helpful, particularly the part about exposing the gray meat to the flavor a... Bought it and order in instead away if you don ’ t spread or! Note here is that as bacteria infiltrates the meat and, I will share safety guidelines later in the for! Consume spoiled beef ; discard it and order in instead harmful bacterial infection in your,... Red-Pink appearance and do not leave it out for more than 5 minutes ( depending the! Tell if your beef may have been a watery mixture that leached out how to tell if cooked ground beef is bad cooking for illnesses... To do if meat is bad sources used for food storage information, please click here but you ’ chiefly... Beef … however, bad meat that is red colored or even brown! The … if you ate bad ground beef that sat in the freezer should be thrown out turning bad sat. Click here longer good long does cooked ground beef, the more likely is. Airtight, leak-proof containers, not always beef carefully to see if it smells rancid,,... To tacos and everything in between if beef smells clean and has no strong odor inside... Way to use up fresh deer meat that has turned brown for an unknown amount of time off! To not even bother cooking it other cuts of beef possible our privacy policy house, the meat sour! Discard it recommended that raw poultry and raw ground beef that is intended to sold... Serious chemical and structural changes to it, began making patties, and slightly grey are agreeing to receive according... After being frozen and thawed deep, rancid smell food preparation in your fridge creating a page that has a. Is above 90 F, do not consume spoiled beef ; discard and.
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