Frozen beef--how old is too old?

the meat isn't bad but its dried out (freezer burn) and the flavor is stale, sorta like old jerky. 5 years it too long to keep. for flavor's sake i'd trash it.

Well you may not want to hear this but the beef council says stew meat, hamburger meat will keep 3-4 months. Roasts and steaks 6-12 months. Lunch meats 1-2 months. They also conclude their statement when in doubt throw it out. I personally think you can keep it longer than this but I am not an expert.

I throw any frozen meat away after a year or sometimes sooner if it is covered in frost.

You will have to check that it is still well sealed.

It should be alright, but if you defrost it a inspect the cuts you will see and smell if they are off or not.

The quality will have deteriorated.

If in doubt,

chuck em out.