How long does beef last?
Short answer: Beef (rib roast, bone-in) keeps 3–5 days in the fridge and 4–12 months in the freezer.
Storage chart
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| rib roast, bone-in | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| rib roast; boneless, rolled | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| round or rump roast | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| tenderloin, whole | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| tenderloin, half | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| chuck roast, brisket | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| steaks | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| stew, cubes | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| short ribs | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| ground | 1–2 days | 3–4 months |
Fridge at 40°F (4°C) or colder, freezer at 0°F (−18°C). Freezer times are for best quality; food kept frozen stays safe indefinitely.
Cooking it safely
- rib roast, bone-in, rib roast; boneless, rolled, round or rump roast, tenderloin, whole, tenderloin, half, stew, cubes: Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F and let it rest 3 minutes.
- chuck roast, brisket: Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F and let it rest 3 minutes. Braising is roasting or simmering less-tender meats with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan.
- steaks: Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F and let it rest 3 minutes. Cooking times are per side. Use a food thermometer to check internal temperature, and cook longer if below safe temperature.
- short ribs: Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F. Braising is roasting or simmering less-tender meats with a small amount of liquid in a tightly covered pan.
- ground: Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F. Cooking suggestions are for burgers. Cooking times are per side if grilling.
Keep it longer
Keep raw meat on the bottom shelf in a container so juices can't drip onto other food. Freeze it if you won't cook it within the fridge time.
Common questions
How long does beef last in the fridge?
3–5 days in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, according to USDA FoodKeeper data.
Can you freeze beef?
Yes. Frozen at 0°F (−18°C), beef keeps best quality for 4–12 months. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; the time is for taste and texture.
How can I tell if beef has gone bad?
Throw it out if you see mold, a slimy texture, an off smell or an odd color. For anything perishable, go by the storage time rather than smell: bacteria that cause food poisoning don't usually change how food looks or smells.
More meat
Source: USDA FoodKeeper data (USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service). Updated 2026-10-13. General information, not medical advice. When in doubt, throw it out.