Why does my minced meat smell like eggs?

Ground beef is one of the most popular meats eaten in America, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile and tastes great.

You can use it to make burgers, meatballs, tacos, spaghetti sauce, lasagna, meatloaf, and other delicious foods.

Sometimes we buy a package of ground beef with the best intention of cooking it into something delicious, like tacos or burgers.

But then life gets busy and before we know it a week or more has passed and now the minced meat smells sulfurously like rotten eggs.

You may be wondering why beef smells like that, what it means, and whether you can still eat it.

When you buy fresh beef it should have almost no smell, so anything beyond this could be cause for concern and an indicator that it’s time to throw it away.

So why does your beef smell like eggs?  Beef can end up smelling like eggs because beef contains sulfur-producing chemicals, which can give it a rotten egg smell when the meat starts to go bad. Usually, when beef smells like eggs, it’s time to throw it away to avoid illness or food poisoning. 

To find out more about this smell and what to do about it, keep reading!

What makes ground beef smell like eggs?

When beef is ground, it provides more surface area for air and pathogenic and spoilage bacteria to find themselves. The shredding process and increased surface area cause this type of beef to go bad more quickly than a steak or roast. 

These types of bacteria can cause beef to spoil and potentially cause food poisoning if there are enough pathogenic bacteria in the meat.

If beef is past its expiration date, is sticky or slimy in texture, hasn’t been stored properly, and smells like eggs, it’s best to throw it away.

Certain types of bacteria can interact with blood and proteins to release a sulfurous and eggy odor. Spoiled minced meat can also smell like ammonia . In either case, it’s best to throw away the minced meat rather than risk getting sick.

Why does my vacuum-sealed minced meat have a strange smell?

Sometimes when you buy beef at the grocery store, it comes in a vacuum-sealed package to keep it fresh for longer.

Vacuum sealing removes all air from the container, reducing the chance of spoilage. However, it can also trap all the natural odors of ground meat. 

In most cases, as long as the color, texture, and expiration date are OK, the smell shouldn’t be a concern.  Often it’s just the initial release of the natural beef odors and juices. 

If it’s past the expiration date or the smell lingers long after opening the bag and is rancid or eggy, the meat may have gone bad and you should throw it away to be sure. 

Look for meat that is red or pink on the outside, although it may be more gray or brown in the center, since it isn’t exposed to oxygen, which is what gives meat its bright color.

You also want the ground meat to have a firmer texture that will fall apart when you gently squeeze it.

If the meat has a slimy or sticky texture, it probably has gone bad and, again, you should take the precaution of throwing it away.

How to store minced meat safely

To prevent the meat from spoiling, I suggest that you divide it into portions when you get home and freeze it.

Freezing prevents the growth of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, and does not affect flavor or texture, as long as you use it within 6-12 months for best quality.

• If you buy the large packages, divide them into family or individual servings. 
• Put the meat in freezer bags and press out the excess air before sealing them. 
• Write the date and contents on a piece of masking tape and stick it to the bag. This step will ensure that you are not using old meat.
• Put it in the freezer and use it within 6 to 12 months. 

You can also freeze smaller packages of beef immediately after you get home from the grocery store.

If you’re not sure when you’re going to use it or you know you have a busy week, put it in the freezer and take it out the night before you expect to use it. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight.