How long is hamburger good for?

Question

i bought this huge thing of hamburger the other day, and its been in the fridge since i bought it. i forgot it was in there and i am wondering if it is still good...it says on the package "sell by Aug. 5" if i use it will it be okay? can i freeze it?

Answer 1

well, the date on the package is normally correct. The burger should be good unless it is a few days past aug 5th. Yes, you can freeze the meat. don't listen to "kidcantlose" they don't know much...

Answer 2

sell by august 5th doesnt mean you have to eat it by that date. but you have to use common sense and your senses to decide whether its good or not. did it lose its color and turn brownish or greenish? does is smell off? is it watery and slimy?   you can freeze it but i would much rather freeze a very fresh product to save it for later than to freeze a product thats going bad to prolong its life.  

Answer 3

Give it a sniff. Beef is notorious for it's stink.If it smells a bit, unfrozen, then it's OK, but if it stinks put extra bar'b'q' sauce on before you throw it on the fire  

Answer 4

If it still smells fresh and is pink, it is ok.  If you don't like the way it smells or looks, just crumble it and brown it and freeze it for future browned ground beef recipes like chili, taco salad, casseroles, etc. and freeze in individual containers.   I do this all the time because the price drops for the larger quantities.