In the refrigerator, ground beef, stew meat, and steaks may thaw within a day. Bone-in parts and whole roasts may take 2 days or longer. Once the raw ground beef thaws, it will be safe in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. All other cuts of beef can be refrigerated safely for 3 to 5 additional days before cooking. read more
Ground meat, stew meat, poultry, and seafood will be safe in the fridge for an additional day or two after defrosting; beef, pork or lamb roasts, chops and steaks can keep for 3 to 5 days. read more
Do not attempt to defrost ground beef at room temperature. The ground beef will sit out at temperatures between 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) and 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) for too long, and this temperature range is ideal for the growth of bacteria. read more