How long does lamb last?
Short answer: Lamb (leg, bone-in) keeps 3–5 days in the fridge and 4–12 months in the freezer.
Storage chart
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| leg, bone-in - small | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| leg, bone-in - large | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| leg; boneless, rolled | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| crown roast | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| shoulder roast or shank leg half | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| cubes for kabobs | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| ground | 1–2 days | 3–4 months |
| chops, ribs, or loin | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| leg steaks | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| stew meat, pieces | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| shanks | 3–5 days | 4–12 months |
| breast, rolled | 3–5 days | 4–12 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
- leg, bone-in - small, leg, bone-in - large, leg; boneless, rolled, crown roast, shoulder roast or shank leg half, cubes for kabobs, stew meat, pieces, shanks: Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F and let it rest 3 minutes.
- ground: Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 160°F. Cooking suggestions are for burgers. Cooking times are per side if grilling.
- chops, ribs, or loin: Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F and let it rest 3 minutes. Cooking times are per side.
- leg steaks: Cook to a safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F and let it rest 3 minutes. Cook 4 inches from heat.
- breast, rolled: 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.
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 lamb 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 lamb?
Yes. Frozen at 0°F (−18°C), lamb keeps best quality for 4–12 months. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; the time is for taste and texture.
How can I tell if lamb 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.