Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?

Meat stays fresh in the fridge for a few days because it’s like being inside a cozy blanket that keeps it from getting cold and sad.

Fridge is like a big, cool room where food can rest and stay happy. When meat goes in there, it slows down the bacteria, tiny bugs that make food go bad. It's like putting meat in a nap, so it doesn’t get tired or yucky too fast.

• Beef (like steak or roast) can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days.
• Poultry (like chicken or turkey) usually stays good for about 2 to 3 days.
• Ground meat (like hamburger or sausage) tends to be a bit more shy and only lasts 1 to 2 days.

Think of the fridge like a sleepy friend who helps your food stay fresh. The longer you leave it in there, the more likely those tiny bugs will wake up and start making the meat feel grumpy.

If you want to keep the meat even happier for longer, you can put it in the freezer, which is like a super-sleepy room!