How Long Can Raw Ground Beef Be Left Out? - StillTasty

How Long Can Raw Ground Beef Be Left Out?

Question: How long can raw ground beef sit out? I went to a barbeque at a friend’s house and he left a plate of raw hamburgers sitting out for about an hour before he grilled them. I’m worried that the burgers weren’t safe.

Answer: 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.

See Also:

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?

About Our Authors

Have a question? Click here

More Questions

• How Long Can You Leave a Frozen Turkey in the Freezer?
• Is it Safe to Leave Canned Food Leftovers in the Can?
• Is it Safe to Put Hot Food In the Fridge?
• Are Eggs Still Safe After the Expiration Date?
• Should You Rinse a Raw Turkey Before Cooking It?
• Is It Safe to Cook Stuffing Inside a Turkey?
• Is it Safe to Refreeze a Thawed Turkey?
• Can You Freeze Cranberry Sauce?
• Can You Cook a Frozen Turkey Without Thawing It First?
• How Long Can You Keep a Thawed Turkey in the Fridge?
• Is Pink Turkey Meat Safe to Eat?
• How Long Can You Keep Peeled Potatoes?
• How Long Can Cooked Turkey Sit Out Before It Becomes Unsafe To Eat?
• How Long Can Raw Chicken Be Left Out Of The Fridge?
• How Long Can You Keep Thawed Shrimp in the Fridge?
• Can You Refreeze Thawed Chicken?
• How Long Can Cooked Hamburgers Be Left Out at Room Temperature?
• Do You Have to Wash Bagged Salad That's Been Prewashed?
• Is it Safe to Eat Canned Food That Has Accidentally Frozen?
• Can You Freeze Pie Crust Before Baking It?
• How Long Can Cooked Chicken Be Left Out at Room Temperature?
• How Long Can You Leave Frozen Chicken in the Freezer?
• How Long Can You Keep Thawed Ground Beef in the Fridge?
• How Long Can Cooked Steak Be Left Out at Room Temperature?
• How Long Can You Leave Marinated Chicken in the Fridge?

• <
• 1
• 2
• 3
• >

Today's Tips

Long-Lasting Produce

Stock up and enjoy

Your Questions Answered

Steak that's changed color