Expiration & Storage Tips
When does ground sirloin expire?
Purchased from a grocery store, unopened ground sirloin can last up to 1-2 days past its printed sell-by date kept in the refrigerator. Once the package is opened, ensure to use the ground sirloin within 1-2 days. If you freeze this meat at 0°F, it's safe to eat indefinitely, but for the sake of quality, aim to use within 3-4 months.
How do you tell if ground sirloin is bad?
Determining if your ground sirloin has spoiled comes down to touch, smell, and color. Fresh meat should always be touch dry and should not feel slimy. If it feels tacky or sticky, this a signal that it may be starting to degrade. The smell is another significant hint - the ground sirloin should never have a strong, unpleasant odor or smell sour. It's also very important to take note of the color. While fresh ground beef has a bright red color, it may still be fine to eat if it starts turning gray or brown. However, if you see dark brown, green, or black patches, it's definitely time to throw it away.
Tips for storing ground sirloin to extend shelf life
• Store your ground sirloin in the coldest part of the refrigerator, usually at the back, as soon as you bring it home.
• If you're not planning on using fresh ground sirloin within a couple of days, freeze it. Just ensure it's tightly wrapped or stored in airtight containers to avoid freezer burn.
• If freezing for more than a few weeks, double wrap in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep the cold air from drying out the meat.
• To defrost frozen ground sirloin, move it to the refrigerator 24 hours before you plan to cook it. This allows for safe, slow defrosting. If you're in a rush, you can defrost it in your microwave’s defrost setting, but make sure to cook it immediately afterwards to prevent bacterial growth.