1. Smell the Meat
One of the best ways to identify spoiled meat is to smell it. When a bacterium breaks down the meat, it changes the smell of it. If you notice an ammonia or sulfur smell, bacteria has multiplied and is eating the meat. A rancid smell or flavor may also be due to bacterial multiplication or may be due to improper wrapping of the meat. If you notice an onion flavor (or other odd flavors), this is probably due to storing the meat next to onions (or other foods).
2. Look at the Color
If the meat doesn't have that pinkish color, it's gone bad and inedible. You may notice gray, green or brown coloring. If this is the case, bacteria or yeast may have spoiled the meat. Gray, green or brown coloring may also be due to freezer burn, protein denaturation or mold. However, fading or darkening of the meat is normal and usually due simply to storage in the freezer. In addition, the fresher the meat is, the redder it usually is. White spots are usually due to freezer burn. Freezer burned meat is safe to eat, but it won't taste good and the consistency is odd. Many people trim freezer burned areas of meat off before cooking. When in doubt, don't eat it.
3. Other Changes in the Meat
You may notice actual mold colonies on meat stored in refrigerators or even outdoors. You may also notice slime or a slimy feel of the meat. This is also due to mold. Whiskers or lines inside the meat can also form with mold infestations of the meat. Finally, actual maggots or other insects in the meat are a great indication the meat is inedible.
4. Storage of Meat to Prevent Spoilage
The best way to prevent spoiled meat is to store it properly. Make sure you're wrapping meat properly to prevent freezer burn. Meat can last for 4 days in a refrigerator and then after that, needs freezing to prevent spoilage. Most meats won't last longer than 6 months in a freezer and some, like poultry, can only last for 4 months. You can freeze cooked meat, though it won't taste as good as it did before the freezing.
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