Refrigerator and Freezer Storage Guidelines

Here are recommended storage times for maximum quality, courtesy of National Cattlemen’s Beef Association:

Beef Cut        Refrigerator
35 – 40 F
       Freezer
0 F or below
Fresh Beef From Purchase Date
Steaks, Roasts 3 to 4 days 6 to 12 months
Beef for stew, kabobs or stir-fry 2 to 3 days 6 to 12 months
Ground Beef 1 to 2 days 3 to 4 months
Leftover Cooked Beef From Purchase Date
All 3 to 4 days 2 to 3 months
Cured/Smoked/Ready to Eat Beef From Purchase Date
Corned Beef, ready-to-cook 1 week 2 weeks
Frankfurters, Deli Meats 3 to 5 days 1 to 2 months
Beef Sausage, smoked 1 week Not recommended
Beef Sausage, dry and semi-dry, unsliced 2 to 3 weeks Not recommended