How Long Can Meat REALLY Last in the Freezer?

So you bought too much meat on your last grocery run and you decide to save it and put it in the freezer.

Totally normal response. This is why I have a deep freezer myself! BUT, we then forget about it- until months later. We find those chicken breasts, the burgers, and even steaks that have migrated down to the bottom of the freezer. The essential point of no return. 

As you see the frozen tundra of meat you probably ask yourself, "How long DOES meat last in the freezer?" WELL, here is the GOOD news, according to the USDA, you can keep your meat frozen indefinitely and it will be safe to eat.

 BUUUUUUT, There is Some Bad News.

Just because the meat is frozen and "good" for all eternity in the forgotten frozen wilderness that is the back of your freezer, it doesn't mean that it is going to TASTE good. According to the USDA (the same article referenced above) the quality of the frozen food decreases over time.

However, your lovable GRILLIONAIRE is here to help! I, along with ANOTHER article from the FDA, am going to share with you the ideal amount of time to store every type of meat! 

How Long Does it REALLY Last in the Freezer?

Poultry



Are you prepping in advance for Thanksgiving? (check out my 3 part series on YouTube!) Raw chicken and turkey can be store in the freezer for up to one year. Parts of the poultry can last up to nine months.

Beef, Veal, and Lamb

You can keep raw steaks, chops, and roasts in the freezer for anywhere up to four to twelve months. 

Pork

Raw pork is similar to beef, lamb, and veal. Varieties of chops and roasts can be store for four to twelve month in the freezer. HOWEVER, process pork products such as hotdogs, sausage, bacon, or deli ham, should be kept in the freezer for only two months. 

Leftovers and Cooked Meats

Like a lot of people these days, you might be a meal prepare who batch cooks everything and then freezes it. Well, you're in luck! You can store soups and strews containing meat for two to three months in the freezer. Cooked poultry and other meats will be good for six months. Chicken patties and nuggets will only be good for one to three months.