We are all guilty of stocking frozen burgers since one can curate a quick yet scrumptious meal out of them! If you are wondering how long these frozen burgers last, we can help!
Frozen burgers can go bad, but if they are stored under ideal conditions, you can enjoy eating them for as long as 6 months! Since burgers are made with beef, lamb, pork, etc., which are highly nutritious, they can be a suitable growth medium for microbes. Hence, they must be handled properly to keep them stable for a long time.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the various factors that can impact the shelf life of frozen burgers. We have also cumulated a guideline to help you inspect the burgers before consuming them to prevent unwanted health hazards.
How long do frozen burgers last?
Let us address the central question in this section! Frozen burgers can last for a long time without changing their flavor and texture if stored correctly. Like any other food item, frozen burgers also have a limited period. Even though frozen burgers are spiked with preservatives to improve their shelf life, careful attention must be taken to keep them away from excessive sunlight and moisture.
Room Temperature
As per the USDA, it is not safe to leave uncooked meat on the counter for more than 2 hours. Room temperatures between 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for the growth and multiplication of microbes that can facilitate spoilage.
Hence, it is best to keep them in the fridge or the freezer as soon as you get home to limit the interaction of microbes with the burgers.
Fridge
It is best to store frozen burgers in the fridge rather than at room temperature. In the fridge, you can keep it for about 4 days without noticing any signs of spoilage.
While storing it in the fridge, keep it at the back of the shelf to reduce temperature fluctuations.
Freezer
Frozen burgers are made using seasoned lamb, beef, pork, etc. As per the USDA, frozen beef can last in the freezer indefinitely. However, to enjoy the authentic taste and peak quality, it is advised to consume frozen burgers within 4 to 6 months.
However, while storing them in the freezer, ensure that the burger is packed ideally to prevent the formation of ice crystals.
What is the correct way to thaw frozen burgers?
It is essential to freeze the burgers properly to ensure they remain stable for a long time; however, it is equally important to thaw them correctly.
While thawing frozen burgers, never place them in the open at room temperature. Since thawing may take time, placing them on the counter may invite microbes to inhabit these burgers and facilitate deterioration.
Always thaw them in the fridge without disturbing their packaging. If you are running out of time, you can use the USDA-approved hack. You can place the burger in the microwave on defrost settings and speed up the thawing process.
How to know if the frozen burger has gone bad
The numerous elements required to analyze whether the sauce is fit for use or has been spoiled are listed in depth in this section.
Freezer Burns
White patches are one of the most typical signs of deterioration on frozen beef patties. These patterns are the result of ice crystal formation. If the packaging were compromised, these ice crystals would likely start forming on the ground beef.
Formation of these patches may not always indicate spoilage, but it will significantly impact the overall quality and texture of the beef. Since frozen burgers are pre-seasoned, the taste and flavor of the burger will be diluted due to the ice crystals.
Mold
If the burger was stored at the correct temperature in the ideal packaging medium, it is less likely to get contaminated by mold. However, mold can start proliferating if the burger is left at room temperature for a long time or if the packaging is tampered with.
Generally, molds are green, black, and brown in appearance; hence, they should be easy to spot once you have removed the burger from the fridge.
Color
Frozen burgers can have varying shades of brown or red if it is fit for consumption. However, if you notice that the color of the patties has become grey, white, or black, it may be because the beef was not getting enough oxygen. Hence, it is spoilt and not fit for consumption.
Texture
Frozen burgers should look like ground beef. Hence, it should be firm to touch yet, easy to fall apart. If you notice that the frozen patties have become hard or have a slimy fat layer, it may be because the burger is spoilt, so the fat content is also released.
Smell
Although frozen burgers don’t have a pleasant smell, they should not smell rotten. Hence, always give your burgers a sniff once it is thawed to determine the safety of consuming these burgers.
If you notice any random smell, it may be because microbes are degrading it. In such a case, discard the burger without attempting to use it.
Best way to freeze burger patties
If you are looking for the best method to freeze these burgers to ensure that they are safe to eat when you deice to thaw them, here are 4 tips that can help!
Tip 1: Before storing the burger in the freezer, wrap it in heavy-duty foil or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent the interaction of the burger with ice crystals that are usually formed during freezing.
Tip 2: Thaw the burger in the fridge rather than at room temperature to prevent the growth of microbes.
Tip 3: Avoid storing raw and cooked beef to prevent cross-contamination.
Tip 4: While storing the burger in the refrigerator, make sure that it is placed on the inner shelf of the fridge and not on the doors to reduce temperature fluctuations.
Health hazards of consuming spoilt or rancid frozen burgers
Consuming spoilt hamburgers can have serious health hazards; hence, it is imperative to closely check the condition of the frozen burger before deciding to eat it. The bacterias that bring about spoilage are relatively less harmful and can cause the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Heat strokes
If the beef is contaminated with dangerous microbes like Salmonella, E.coli, etc., it can result in detrimental health issues, including blood in stools.
Hence, refrain from using meat once you notice the signs of spoilage.
FAQs about frozen burgers going bad
In this section, we will answer some commonly asked questions.
Can we refrigerate already-cooked burgers?
Answer: Once the meat has been cooked, it should not be stored at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Although cooking at such high temperatures can kill most microbes, it may soon be a breeding ground for microbes due to its highly nutritious nature. Hence, even though you decide not to finish your burger, it’s best to refrigerate it. However, try to eat it within 3 days since the taste and quality will begin deteriorating after that.
How to dispose of burger patties once it is spoilt?
Answer: The smell released once the beef burger spoils becomes intense and unbearable. Hence, it will be best to discard it before the stench gets absorbed by other food items in the kitchen. To safely dispose of it, wrap the spoilt patties in a zip lock bag and seal it tight. Now place the ziplock bag in an opaque bag and put it in the trash outside the house to prevent bugs and mites from wandering inside your house.
Can I thaw ground beef in water?
Answer: Ground beef should not be thawed at room temperature; however, it is safe to thaw them in water. However, while doing so, ensure that the beef is wrapped in a ziplock bag or any other air-tight plastic bag. It will prevent the interaction of the beef with the surrounding microbes. At room temperature, if the beef is left exposed for more than 2 hours, it can be contaminated by bacteria and fungi.
Takeaway
Frozen burgers can last for about 6 months if stored in air-tight bags or containers in the freezer. In the fridge, they can last for about 4 to 5 days without showing any sign of degradation. However, they should never be left unattended on the kitchen counter since room temperature can expedite spoilage.
Before cooking the burger, closely inspect and check the burger for any spoilage based on the factors mentioned in the article. Once satisfied with your evaluation, you can consume the burger.
I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any other questions regarding ranch sauces, feel free to reach us in the comment section below.
