Is It Safe To Cook Ground Beef That's Turned Brown?
By KALEA MARTIN
Food - Drink
While it may be off-putting to see your ground meat appear a shade other than the bright pink you purchased it in, it is still safe to eat, since color change happens due to the meat's exposure to oxygen. However, if all the meat in the package has turned gray or brown, then chances are that it is in the process of going bad.
According to Miss Vickie, freezing is the most effective way to preserve the quality and prolong the shelf life of your ground beef. Browning will still occur regardless, but it's nothing to worry about as long as you seal it properly and make sure that your freezer is operating at a sufficiently cold temperature.
Ground beef can technically keep for up to 12 months in the freezer, but if you want to avoid any flavor loss or freezer burn, three to four months is best. However, it is recommended to keep it at at least 32 degrees Fahrenheit, though the FDA recommends an even colder 0 Fahrenheit.