I left the ground beef on the counter.. HELP?!
I left the ground beef on the counter.. HELP?
I had a package of ground beef that was completely frozen i took it out last night i'd say at 10pm and I will be home at 4:30pm i didn't mean to leave it out!! so i was wondering if its still good to cook?? or is it a lost cause at this point?
Answers:
Depending on the temperature at home. If the house is cool enough where the meat will not start to change color, your fine. Make sure the meat still is a vibrant red color and smells fresh. If the meat has changed color or has a funky smell do not use.
You are taking a chance with this meat, but if you open the package and the meat doesn't smell 'off' AND you cook it thoroughly, it should be ok.
If it even slightly smells 'off', don't eat it.
As long as its still cool it should be fine. You just don't want it to get above 70
If there are still ice crystals in the center it is usually considered safe to cook and eat as long as you cook it to at least medium well-light pink in the middle.
did you leave it in the fridge, that is ok.
if you left it on your kitchen counter, trash it.
I would throw it out. It sat to long at room temperature to be safe.
Smell it when you get home. If it has a foul smell don't cook it. More than likely, it isn't any good.