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How long does raw beef (steaks/roasts) last?
Updated 2026-05-13 · USDA FoodKeeper & FDA guidelines
Refrigerator
4 days
3–5 days for whole cuts; ground beef only 1–2
Freezer
1 year
12 months for whole cuts
The short answer
Raw Beef (steaks/roasts) lasts as long as you store it correctly — which can mean anywhere from a few days on the counter to a year in the freezer. The numbers above represent best quality per USDA and FDA guidelines, not absolute safety limits.
Why these numbers vary
Fresh uncooked beef cuts. Storage life depends on temperature consistency, humidity, packaging, and how fresh it was when you got it. Refrigerators that swing between 38°F and 45°F shave days off these numbers; vacuum-sealing or freezing extends them.
How to tell if raw beef (steaks/roasts) is bad
- Brown color isn't necessarily bad (oxidation)
- Slimy surface = bad
- Sour or rotten smell
- Sticky tackiness
Storage tips
- Brown color from oxidation = okay; smell test confirms
- Vacuum packed lasts longer
- Whole cuts last longer than ground
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Frequently asked questions
How long does raw beef (steaks/roasts) last in the refrigerator?
Raw Beef (steaks/roasts) lasts 4 days in the refrigerator. 3–5 days for whole cuts; ground beef only 1–2
How long does raw beef (steaks/roasts) last in the freezer?
Raw Beef (steaks/roasts) lasts 1 year in the freezer. 12 months for whole cuts
How can you tell if raw beef (steaks/roasts) is bad?
Watch for: Brown color isn't necessarily bad (oxidation); Slimy surface = bad; Sour or rotten smell.