Can you freeze cooked ground beef? Yes, for 3 months
Cooked ground beef freezes for up to 3 months, and keeps 4 days in the fridge. Cool it fast, freeze it in flat portions and thaw it in the fridge.
By Zain Nazeer, founder and editor
Photo by Zulfugar Karimov on Unsplash
Yes, you can freeze cooked ground beef. The USDA FoodKeeper data gives 3 months in the freezer for leftovers with meat, and 4 days in the fridge. Cook the beef to 160°F (71°C) first, the safe minimum temperature for ground beef. The freezer time is for best quality. Food kept frozen at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe for longer, but the flavour and texture start to fade after 3 months.
How long does cooked ground beef last?
In the fridge, 4 days from the day it was cooked. In the freezer, up to 3 months. Freezing does not make bad beef good, so freeze it on the day it is cooked or the day after, not after it has sat in the fridge for a while. If the fridge has been warmer than 40°F (4°C), use the beef sooner. For the uncooked meat, see how long ground beef lasts.
How do you freeze cooked ground beef?
- Cool it quickly. Spread it on a tray in a thin layer, or divide it into shallow containers, so it is not left out for more than 2 hours.
- Portion it. Freeze meal-sized amounts so you only thaw what you need.
- Flatten freezer bags. A flat bag freezes and thaws faster, and it takes less space.
- Remove as much air as you can, and label the bag with the date. See how to prevent freezer burn and how to label meal prep.
How do you thaw cooked ground beef?
Move it to the fridge the day before you need it. Thawing on the counter is not safe, because the outside warms up while the middle is still frozen. Use thawed beef within a day or two. More on safe thawing is in how to thaw meal prep safely.
How do you reheat it?
Reheat until steaming hot all the way through, 165°F (74°C). Stir halfway if you use a microwave. A bowl or a pan with a splash of water works well for chilli, tacos and pasta sauce. The beef burrito bowls and beef and broccoli rice recipes both keep well this way. For more reheating tips, see how to reheat meal prep.
What not to freeze
Frozen cooked beef in a dish with a lot of dairy, such as a cream sauce, can separate when it thaws. Freeze the beef and the sauce in separate portions if you can. For a list of foods that freeze poorly, see foods that do not freeze well.
Related questions
- How long does chili last in the fridge
- Can you freeze lasagna
- Freezer mistakes to avoid
- Printable fridge and freezer storage chart
Sources
More freezer guides
See all
Can you freeze bread? Yes, for up to 3 months
Sliced bread freezes for up to 3 months. Freeze it in its bag, take out one slice at a time, and toast it from frozen.
Can you freeze lasagna? Yes, for 2 to 3 months
Baked lasagna keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge and 2 to 3 months in the freezer. How to freeze it whole or in portions and reheat it safely from frozen.
Can you freeze cooked pasta? Yes, for 1 to 2 months
Cooked pasta freezes for 1 to 2 months and keeps 3 to 5 days in the fridge. How to freeze it so it is not mushy, and which pasta dishes freeze best.