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How Long Can Raw Ground Beef Be Left Out?

HowLongFresh ExpertJul 24, 2025

Key Points

  • You can safely leave raw ground beef out at room temperature for two hours — or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit — says the United States Department of Agriculture
  • The reason is that bacteria grow rapidly when raw ground beef is kept at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F
  • Is it Safe to Eat a Burger That’s Still Pink Inside

Overview

The burgers were probably fine. You can safely leave raw ground beef out at room temperature for two hours — or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit — says the United States Department of Agriculture. The reason is that bacteria grow rapidly when raw ground beef is kept at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F. If ground beef has been left out of the fridge for longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour above 90° F), harmful bacteria can multiply to the point where the ground beef is no longer safe to eat and should be discarded.Is Raw Ground Beef OK If It’s Turning Brown? Is it Safe to Eat a Burger That’s Still Pink Inside? How Long Does Raw Ground Beef Last in the Fridge?Long-Lasting Produce Stock up and enjoy Your Questions Answered Steak that's changed color

Key Points

  • You can safely leave raw ground beef out at room temperature for two hours — or one hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit — says the United States Department of Agriculture
  • The reason is that bacteria grow rapidly when raw ground beef is kept at temperatures between 40° F and 140° F
  • Is it Safe to Eat a Burger That’s Still Pink Inside

This information applies to: beef, chicken, cranberry, eggs, ground beef, hamburger, pie, potatoes, salad, shrimp, steak, stuffing, turkey

Tags

cooking expiration freezing leftovers refrigeration safety storage thawing

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