How Long Can Grilled Burgers Sit Out

How Long Can Cooked Hamburger Meat Sit Out

Grilled Burgers that are left outside too long will spoil faster than if stored inside, according to a study published in Scientific Reports and the USDA.

Further, the study reported that cooked burgers exposed to direct sunlight will lose flavor and nutrients and start the growth of bacteria or pathogens far quicker than those kept in cool, dark places. See about a Big Mac – can it stay out for how long?

How Long Can Grilled Burgers Sit Out

Keeping food away from heat sources such as fireplaces, ovens and hot cars will extend shelf life even further. 

If unsure, always check your food with a good food thermometer to prevent food poisoning.

How long can cooked hamburger meat sit out
How Long Can Cooked Hamburger Meat Sit Out

How Long Is It Safe to Leave Grilled Burgers Out?

The Hotter the Room Temperature, the less time you can leave grilled burger meat out

  • Hotter than 95 F for about 45 mins
  • Hotter than 90 F, not more than 60 minutes
  • Hotter than 75 F, leave grilled burgers no longer than 90 minutes
  • Below 74 F for a maximum of 2 hours

Put Simply Cooked Burgers Have a Two-Hour Window

  • Raw burger meats shouldn’t sit out for more than two hours before cooking.
  • Cooked chicken burgers do not leave out for more than 2 hours; if the temperatures are hot, then the chicken is very susceptible to the growth of bacteria.
  • Cooked steak burgers can not be left out for more than 120 minutes

Other food safety questions like how long can grilled steak sit out are answered here.

Other Tips in Leaving Grilled Burgers out In 2024

  • Don’t let the sun beat down on your burgers, cooked or raw.
  • Keep veggies separate from raw burgers.  Food Cross contamination if never good.
  • Also, separate any cheese, bread, and fruit away from raw burgers or grilled burgers that have been left sitting out.
  • A grilled or smoked burger will keep its freshness for about two hours after cooking.

Are Burger Condiments Foods that Are Safe Longer

  • Most condiments are safe at warm temperatures but keep them away from direct sunlight.
    • Ketchup
    • Mayonaise
    • Mustard
  • Pickles can be safely kept in the fridge, but avoid the sun
  • Butter melts easily in the heat, so keep it out of the sun
How Long can Cajun Burgers Sit Out
How Long can Cajun Burgers Sit Out

How Long Grilled Burgers Last in the Fridge

How Long will Grilled Burgers keep in the Fridge

  • Don’t keep grilled hamburgers in the refrigerator for more than 4 days.
  • Store cooled burgers in a sealed container in the fridge.
  • Leftover grilled burgers should be thrown out if they’ve been sitting in the fridge for more than 4 days.
  • If you’re worried about bacteria growth, throw out any leftover food after three days

How Long Grilled Burgers Stay Good Frozen

How Long Grilled Burgers Stay Good in the Freezer 

  • Frozen Grilled Burgers will last for 4-6 months
  • Freezing stops the growth of harmful bacteria, making frozen foods safer to eat.
  • To freeze grilled burgers, put them in an airtight container
  • Reheat frozen grilled burgers inside the oven or microwave or on the grill again – make sure the center is also reheated to a safe temperature.

Can You Eat a Hamburger That’s Been Left Out Overnight?

A burger that’s been left out overnight becomes dangerous to eat.

There are three main types of hamburgers: ground beef, patties, and sliced meat, and all will go bad overnight if left out.

You Can’t Save Hamburger Left Out All Night

No, throw it out – it is not worth the risk of a trip to the ED with food poisoning.

  • Perishable food items like hamburgers must be refrigerated or frozen within two hours of preparation.
  • Food safety experts say that you shouldn’t leave any perishable food outside for more than 2 hours.
  • There are many things that can go wrong when you’re storing food improperly.

What Should You Do If Cooked Hamburger Is Left Out Too Long?

Do not reheat it; discard it.

What Happens If Cooked Hamburger Sits Out Too Long?

  • A burger should be eaten within 2 hours after cooking.
  • If the burgers sit out for too long, they will turn bad.

Does Cooked Hamburger Go Bad If Not Refrigerated?

Does Cooked Hamburger Go Bad If Not Refrigerated, yes within 2 hours, it will spoil

Cooked hamburgers should always be refrigerated after cooking.

The best way to preserve the burger is to put it into an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap.

Do not leave the cooked hamburgers out in hot weather. They will spoil very quickly.

In conclusion, if you’re planning on not eating your burger within 2 hours (or if left if hot weather outside), store it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Burgers go bad quickly when exposed to air and warm temperature which means that they won’t last nearly as long as you’d like them to.