How Long Can You Leave Beef Out

Welcome to Thawing 101.

Stocked up on groceries, but not sure where to store 'em? Try the freezer. Not only does freezing your food free up in-demand real estate in your refrigerator and pantry, but it can also keep food fresh for longer. But, as the old saying goes, nothing lasts forever—and your freezer food is no exception. (See how long food lasts in the freezer.)

You'll eventually want to remove your groceries from that icebox and, you know, use 'em!

How long does your food last in the fridge once it's out of the freezer? Well, it's complicated. Every type of food has a different shelf life, plus those expiration dates are no longer valid. Note that it's safe to eat food with freezer burn, but it will have a dry and unpleasant texture.

Here's How Long Thawed Food Lasts

Sydney Watson/Taste of Home

Protein

• Bacon, Cooked:4 to 5 days
• Bacon, Uncooked:7 days
• Beef Roast, Steaks or Ribs, Uncooked:3 to 5 days
• Chicken, Cooked:3 to 4 days
• Chicken, Uncooked:1 to 2 days
• Fish, Uncooked:1 to 2 days
• Ground Beef, Cooked:3 to 4 days
• Ground Beef, Uncooked:1 to 2 days
• Hot Dogs, Opened:1 week
• Hot Dogs, Unopened:2 weeks
• Lunch Meat, Opened:3 to 5 days
• Lunch Meat, Unopened:2 weeks
• Pork Roast, Chops or Ribs, Uncooked:3 to 5 days
• Shrimp, Uncooked:1 to 2 days
• Tofu:1 week

Fruits & Vegetables

• Berries:4 to 5 days
• Broccoli:3 to 5 days
• Corn:3 to 4 days
• Green Beans:3 to 4 days
• Tomatoes:2 to 3 days

Dairy

• Butter:1 to 3 months
• Shredded Cheese, Unopened: 1 month
• Whipped Topping:1 to 2 weeks
• Yogurt:1 to 3 weeks

Prepared Foods

• Bagels: 1 to 2 weeks
• Bread:1 to 2 weeks
• Cakes: 1 to 2 days
• Leftovers:3 to 4 days
• Pies: 3 to 4 days
• Rolls:1 week

No matter what the food is—or how long it's been out of the freezer—it's best to go with your gut. While we're big proponents of making the most out of your groceries, it's a good idea to discard anything that looks (or worse, smells) strange.

To make your groceries stretch, check out these genius recipes that give a second life to last night's leftovers.

Source: USDA

Use up Your Leftovers with a Casserole!

Ham and Swiss Casserole

When I prepare this noodle casserole for church gatherings, it's always a hit. It can easily be doubled or tripled for a crowd. —Doris Barb, El Dorado, Kansas

Chicken Enchilada Bake

Your family is going to gobble up this cheesy, southwestern and easy chicken enchilada casserole…and will ask for it again and again. It's real comfort food! —Melanie Burns, Pueblo West, Colorado

Philly Beef 'n' Pepper Strata

Here's a mouthwatering entree for brunch, lunch or dinner that's quick to fix. It combines several convenient ingredients for a large casserole that's pleasing to all who try it. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania

Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake

I love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri

Chicken Zucchini Casserole

A co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio

Crescent Turkey Casserole

How do you make a dinner of turkey and vegetables appealing to kids? You turn it into a pie, of course! My version tastes classic but doesn't take any time at all. —Daniela Essman, Perham, Minnesota

Pineapple Ham Casserole

Living in Hawaii, I wanted to share this recipe which features pineapple. It's our most important fruit crop. —Marsha Fleming, Kula, Hawaii

Hearty Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This creamy, cheesy casserole is so hearty and homey that second helpings are a must! —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California

Chiles Rellenos Breakfast Bake

My family loves anything with a Southwestern flavor, so I turned classic chiles rellenos into a breakfast casserole. They became fans in an instant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Turkey Spaghetti Casserole

My mom made this creamy and comforting dish while I was growing up. Whenever I have leftover chicken or turkey, I look forward to making this simple yet tasty meal. —Casandra Hetrick, Lindsey, Ohio

Chicken Florentine Casserole

Creamy and comforting, this chicken and spinach bake is sure to be a hit at dinnertime. The toasty bread crumb topping delivers a bit of a crunch. —Dori Jackson, Gulf Breeze, Florida

Scalloped Potatoes 'n' Ham Casserole

I'm a home health nurse and got this recipe from one of my elderly clients, who had used it for years. Now, it's one of my family's favorites. It will never curdle, thanks to the secret ingredient of powdered nondairy creamer. —Kathy M Johnson, Lake City, South Dakota

Southwestern Turkey Bake

I make this turkey bake as a way to get my husband and nieces to eat their vegetables. It's also perfect if you're wondering what to do with leftover turkey. This creamy entree will fill you up fast. —Crystal Kolady, Henrietta, New York

Chicken & Egg Noodle Casserole

A friend and her family went through a really difficult time, and I felt so awful for them. Bringing over this chicken noodle casserole was the one thing I could think of to help them out in a tiny way and let them know I was thinking of them. —Lin Krankel, Oxford, Michigan

Sunday Brunch Casserole

My father was a chef, and this was one of his favorite recipes. He served it in the hotels where he worked as well as at home. Whenever it's served today in my home, it never fails to bring back fond memories of a table laden with food and encircled with family and friends enjoying the aromas, tastes and laughter. —Roy Lyon, Coupeville, Washington

Mushroom Turkey Tetrazzini

This creamy, comforting casserole makes a fantastic way to use up that leftover Thanksgiving turkey. And it's a real family-pleaser! —Linda Howe, Lisle, Illinois.

Chicken & Dumpling Casserole

This savory casserole is one of my husband's favorites. He loves the fluffy dumplings with plenty of gravy poured over them. The basil adds just the right touch of flavor and makes the whole house smell so good while this dish cooks. —Sue Mackey, Galesburg, Illinois

Creamy Noodle Casserole

My husband, Ronald, works long hours and frequently doesn't arrive home until past 7 p.m. This casserole is ideal for those late nights—it's just as tasty after it's been warmed in the microwave. —Barb Marshall, Pickerington, Ohio

Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

I got this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Everyone who tries this comforting, cheesy chicken and noodle casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel like I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas

Ham & Veggie Casserole

I've paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around some dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Chicken & Cheese Noodle Bake

This is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana

Contest-Winning Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It's quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois

Farmer's Casserole

Between family and friends, we average 375 visitors a year! This casserole is handy—you can put it together the night before, let the flavors blend, then bake it in the morning. —Nancy Schmidt, Center, Colorado

Curried Chicken and Grits Casserole

Southern-style cheesy grits meet curry and loads of vegetables to make a satisfying casserole that blankets the house with an inviting aroma. —Lori Shamszadeh, Fairhope, Alabama

Ham & Swiss Potato Casserole

No one will be able to resist the classic trio of ham, Swiss and potatoes in this comforting bake. It was the result of creative experimentation when I wanted to use up ingredients I had on hand. I sometimes replace the ham with turkey ham. —Sarah Wilham, Elkhart, Illinois

Thai Peanut Chicken Casserole

I used traditional pizza sauce and toppings in this recipe for years. After becoming a fan of Thai peanut chicken pizza, I decided to use those flavors instead. Serve with stir-fried vegetables or a salad with sesame dressing for an easy, delicious meal. —Katherine Wollgast, Troy, Missouri

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/heres-how-long-food-lasts-after-you-pull-it-out-of-the-freezer/

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