SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center:How long can ground beef stay in the fridge? Here's how to tell if the meat is still good

There’s almost nothing that a nice,SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center home-cooked meal can’t fix. In the wintertime, it can be comforting to cozy up with a warm and comforting dinner, like this 8-ingredient beef chili or a classic meatloaf.

But cooking with meat is a lot more complicated than just throwing things in a pot. You have to wipe down your surfaces, wash your hands and make sure it cooks to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. No one wants a side of foodborne illness with their meal.

Here's how to safely store ground beef.

How long does ground beef last in the fridge?

Raw ground beef lasts one to two days in the fridge, according to FoodSafety.gov. 

Refrigeration slows bacterial growth but it doesn’t stop it. Eating ground beef left in the fridge for more than two days is more likely to contain illness-causing bacteria. It also has a higher risk of spoiling, which worsens the quality of the food and gives it a bad odor and sticky feel.

Make sure your fridge is set to 40 degrees or below. Anything above that is what the USDA considers the “Danger Zone,” a temperature at which pathogenic bacteria can quickly grow. 

If you’re not going to use your ground beef in the next few days but don’t want to waste it, try storing it in the freezer. Frozen ground beef is good for three to four months. 

How long does cooked ground beef last in the fridge?

After you’ve cooked the ground beef to a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees, you have about three to four days to eat it. 

You can also store a meal with cooked ground beef in the freezer for about four months without compromising the quality, the USDA says.

How to tell if ground beef is bad

There are two ways your ground beef can go bad – bacteria or spoilage. 

Pathogenic bacteria does not change the smell, taste or appearance of meat but it can cause illness. The only way to stay safe from this type of bacteria is to cook your ground beef within the recommended one to two days after purchase.

Spoiled ground beef may have a different color, texture or smell. Ground beef should be pink on the outside and may be brown on the inside. Throw it in the trash if you see any gray, according to Cleveland Clinic. When it comes to texture, ground beef should be firm and crumbly. Sticky or wet beef is a sign of spoilage. Spoiled ground beef will also smell rancid or tangy – fresh ground beef does not usually have a noticeable scent.

What is the healthiest meat to eat?Expert tips to cook a nutrious meal

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "How long does cooked chicken last in the fridge?" to "How long should I bake a potato?" to "Can you refreeze meat?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you.