Recipes

[Maggie Nolia]

Thinking of browning it tonight to add to soup that I will put in crock pot in the morning. 

TIA.

[on the bay]

I wouldn't.

[scatcat]

What color is it and does it smell funky?

Was it in a vacuumed sealed pack like Costco organic ? Or a repackage by the butcher on a styrofoam tray and Saran Wrap 

[gizmogal]

If it was frozen but past the sell by date, ok. If it's "fresh" in the package but over the sell-by date, I'd toss it.  E. Coli is a huge risk with refrigerated-but-not-frozen chopped meat. 
I would not use it unless it comes out of a freezer. 

[LillyBee2]

Yes  I would certianly try and use it ASAP!   I think the sell by date should be different then the use by date and it should be good, however, use the smell test and it should still be pink pretty through and through.  If you are unsure at that point throw it out.  

[AuntG]

Yes, unless it is brown. Generally "sell by" dates take into account that time is needed to use it. 

[MezzieStarr]

According to the EatingWell website:

For sell-by dates that go past at home, you can continue to store the food for a short amount of time depending on what it is. Some common products are: ground meat and poultry (1-2 days past the date), beef (3-5 days past the date), eggs (3-5 weeks past the date).

If it has that grey look and a strong smell I'd toss it.

[LillyBee2]

@scatcat  Very good point.  I would use it  from the Costco vacuum sealed packages as they tend to last longer.  If its from the meat counter not so much.

[jannabelle1]

I absolutely would use it! My dad was a meat cutter and he used to tell me that meat was fine in the refrig for a week in most cases. Unless it smells bad, it's fine to use.

[Another new name Sue]

It might be ok, but the few times I used a questionable food item, I did not enjoy eating.  And if feeding others, we have a responsibility to be as careful as possible.