Madeline Adams
Whether pasta Bolognese, burgers, or ground pork: minced beef or pork is a popular choice and often on our plates. There is only one question you should be familiar with when it comes to minced meat: How long does it keep? From fresh to fried – these are the answers.
The hack consists – as the name suggests – of minced meat or ground meat, mostly beef or pork. Since the meat fibers are severely chopped up and mince has a large surface area, it offers germs an ideal target. That’s why you should know how long minced meat will keep.
Shelf life of ground beef: the health hazards
The hack is very susceptible to microorganisms. According to the Federal Center for Nutrition, spoiled ground beef is one of the most common causes of foodborne illnesses. Salmonella or listeria is a major health hazard. Poor hygiene during preparation, but also errors in cooling or frying too quickly can lead to the spread of germs. Gastrointestinal problems and even severe food poisoning can be the result.
Fresh minced meat – how long does it keep?
The freshly prepared mince should be eaten on the same day. But even then it must be refrigerated so that it does not spoil. To make the meat last longer, it is often offered pre-packaged. Experts recommend consuming this meat within two days – at the latest when the expiry date is reached.
How long does ground beef keep in the fridge?
The cold chain should be kept as uninterrupted as possible. The Federal Center for Nutrition advises taking a cool bag with you when you go shopping. Especially in summer, because then the microorganisms multiply particularly quickly: the hack could spoil on the way home.
At home, it should be packed well and placed directly in the fridge, preferably at the bottom above the vegetable drawer. The following rules apply to the storage and shelf life of raw minced meat:
- Store at 2 to 4°C.
- Store in the coolest part of the refrigerator.
- Use after a maximum of 24 hours – even better after 6 to 8 hours.
If you want to keep the fresh mincemeat longer, you can freeze it. It can be kept for up to three months at a minimum of minus 18 °C.
Fried ground beef: how long does it keep?
Before roasting, the meat should be checked – if it smells sour or is dark in color, it, unfortunately, has to go in the garbage. When roasting, the mince should be fried well and completely. this kills the germs. If there is any leftover from the fried mince, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days at most. Or you freeze it, then it can be kept for up to three months like raw minced meat.
More precautions with ground beef
Mett, meaning minced meat in its raw form, is also popular with many. Freshness and hygiene are even more important here. It is best freshly prepared in front of your eyes at the butcher’s and eaten soon. Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and people with the weak immune systems should not eat raw ground beef as the risk of infection is even greater for them. And not just through salmonella or listeria: eating them can also result in infection with toxoplasmosis, an animal disease.
This is not a problem for healthy people – but the infectious disease caused by parasites can have serious consequences for people with a weakened immune system. Toxoplasmosis can be particularly dangerous for the unborn baby and can cause serious damage or even lead to a miscarriage.
