Can you eat a cooked burger after 5 days?

Do you have leftover cooked hamburgers and wondering where to put them? You’ve come to the right place. 

It is sometimes difficult to determine how long a cooked meal will stay fresh, especially if it’s something you don’t often prepare—like delicious burger recipes.

We’ll tell you how long cooked hamburgers last in the fridge and how to make them last longer for your next meal. 

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How Long Will Cooked Hamburgers Last In The Fridge?

Cooked burgers can last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Cooked ground beef does not spoil as quickly as raw meat, so it’s safe to keep burgers in the refrigerator for a few days before eating.

Shelf life also differs on how you store them and at what temperature. Cooked burgers should be left in the pantry for longer than two hours on a hot day as the bacteria might build up.

If you’re not planning to eat leftover cooked ground beef within four days, it is better to freeze them. Burgers could last in the fridge for up to 3 months if stored correctly.

Factors to Consider 

Storage

Proper storage is essential for delicious burgers. When storing cooked burgers, they should be separated from the raw burgers and other foods stored in the refrigerator.

This is because the possible bacteria from raw ground beef can contaminate the cooked ground beef, which can lead to poisoning if burgers are not cooked again thoroughly. [1] 

Temperature

The internal temperature should be below 40° F. Bacteria multiply quickly in the “Danger Zone” temperature range of 40°F to 140°F.

“Eat clean to stay fit, and have a burger to stay sane.”

– Gigi Hadid, American Model

Store leftover cooked beef burgers at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower to prevent contamination. Then use them within two days, or freeze them. 

Cook ground beef to a safe minimum temperature level of 160°F to defeat bacteria growth. [2] 

Ingredients 

• Pork

Cooked ground pork will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days if stored properly.

Refrigerate the cooked burger patty in a shallow airtight container or wrap it tightly without excess air to extend the lifespan for maximum freshness. 

• Beef

Cooked beef burgers should be consumed within three to four days of being refrigerated. High-quality ground beef could also last longer than low-quality.

Freeze ground beef for a longer storage span. If meat is left at a hot temperature for more than two hours, bad bacteria can multiply quickly.[3] 

• Chicken

Refrigerate cooked ground chicken after cooling. Chicken burgers can last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if correctly stored.

Cooked ground chicken can be frozen to extend its life span. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags, or wrap tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

How To Tell If It has Gone Bad

Texture

If cooked hamburger has gone bad, the texture will change to a slimy or mushy feel. If the meat develops a green tint and is different from the day it was cooked, toss it immediately.

Odor

Spoiled beef has gone bad if it has a rotten egg or a sour smell. If you notice an off or disgusting smell from your cooked ground beef, throw them away.  

Will Cooked Hamburger Last In The Fridge When Properly Stored? 

Yes, a cooked hamburger will last longer when stored correctly. Proper storage preserves the quality and nutrients while also making the most of your budget by preventing spoilage.

Furthermore, the proper food storage of a hamburger can aid in the prevention of foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria. [4] 

If you store cooked meats in the fridge, they could last up to 4 days and even up to 4 months when frozen properly and have followed the steps.

How To Properly Store It

Let It Cool

Allowing cooked burgers to cool is critical for food safety. Putting a hot burger in the fridge causes it to sweat and produce more moisture. 

This extra moisture will reduce the flavor of the beef burger, causing it to degrade faster. 

It will also raise the temperature of the burger in the fridge, putting it in the danger zone for bacterial contamination of the burger.

Wrap Individually

We recommend wrapping the cooked beef burger individually or keeping it in its original packaging to prevent them from sticking together and retain its best quality.

For best results, wrap each burger in plastic or a freezer bag with a zip lock to prevent freezer burn and stay fresh.

Label The Bags

Make a note of the date the burgers were cooked on each bag. This allows you to track how long they’ve been in the fridge and avoid eating outdated ones.

Place On A Tray or Container

Arrange the wrapped cooked burgers on a plate or tray in a single layer. This will prevent them from squishing together and becoming deformed.

Can You Store Cooked Hamburgers In The Freezer?

Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked hamburgers. We recommend freezing hamburger patties on a baking sheet or plate in a single layer, then distributing them to a freezer bag once frozen.

This will aid in preventing burgers from sticking together. Label the bag with the date, which will last up to three months. 

When ready to eat, defrost cooked beef overnight in the fridge or cold water and cook thoroughly in the oven or pan. You can spray vegetable oil on the burgers while cooking.

FAQs

Can you eat a cooked burger after a week?

No, you can’t eat a cooked burger after a week unless it is frozen and reheated well. Cooked burgers can only be consumed within a few hours after cooking and for four days when refrigerated.

What will happen if you consume a week-old cooked hamburger?

You might get stomach issues or food poisoning if you consume a week-old hamburger. After 3 to 4 days, bacteria may develop in a refrigerated hamburger. 

In Summary 

Generally, cooked hamburgers can only stay fresh in the fridge within 3 to 4 days when properly stored. The shelf-life of leftover beef also depends on how it is cooked and stored.

You can freeze cooked burgers properly if you want to extend the shelf span. It could stay in the fridge for up to 4months if you follow the steps in freezing patties.

When you’re ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight or soak them in cold water and reheat them in the oven for 20-30 minutes.

References:

1. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-safety-and-storage
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/temperature-danger-zone
3. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/cold-food-storage-charts
4. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/nutrition-food-safety-health/food-storage-for-safety-and-quality