What should you do with leftover sliced beef from lunch?

Refrigerating leftover sliced beef immediately is the safest practice to preserve its quality and prevent foodborne illness. Beef, like many other cooked meats, can become a breeding ground for bacteria if left at room temperature for too long. The general guideline is to refrigerate perishables within two hours, or within one hour if the ambient temperature is above 90°F.

By placing the leftover beef in the refrigerator right away, it can be safely stored and consumed within two days. This method not only minimizes the risk of bacterial growth but also helps maintain the meat's flavor and texture. Serving within that timeframe ensures that the beef remains safe and palatable.

On the other hand, allowing the meat to cool at room temperature could invite bacterial contamination, while keeping it warm until dinner is not advisable either, as it prolongs the time the meat stays in the temperature danger zone where bacteria thrive. Discarding the meat is unnecessary and would result in food waste when it could have been safely preserved for later consumption.