Correctly storing your beef for the right amount of time ensures a safe and delicious result.

Step-by-step guide

Remove beef from plastic packaging

If you're planning to store beef beyond the day you bought it, transfer it to a dish and cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil. This allows airflow and ensures your beef doesn't sweat. It's fine to use a plastic container if air can circulate the meat.

Place beef on bottom shelf of fridge

Avoid any drip onto other foods and separate raw and cooked meat into different compartments. 

Always check use-by dates

Your beef may still look and smell fine after its use-by date, but we recommend eating it within the suggested time.

Freezing, thawing and reheating beef

If you buy beef for the freezer, pop it into the freezer as soon as you get home. Check out our freeze, defrost and reheat guides to ensure your beef always retains its greatness.

Quick guide: fridge storage 

Fridge

Ideal temperature

4°C to 5°C

Beef cut

Recommended

length of storage

Sausages

2 days

Mince

2 days

Beef strips

2 days

Diced beef

2 days

Minute (thin) steaks

2 days

Steaks

2-3 days

Roasts (boned and rolled)

2-3 days

Roasts (bone in)

3-4 days

Corned beef (fresh)

1 week

Vacuum-packed beef (unopened)

4–6 weeks