Beef stew is a classic comfort food. You can serve it as either a main dish or a side dish. It’s usually made with beef, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. The meat is cooked until tender then simmered in a flavorful broth until the vegetables are done. If you have any leftovers, you’ll need to store them in the fridge, but how long will it last?
How Long Does Beef Stew Last In The Fridge?
Beef stew can last for three to five days after it’s been cooked. Make sure to keep the beef stew sealed in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If you plan to store it for longer than that, you’ll need to freeze it.
Does Beef Stew Go Bad In The Fridge?
Beef stew is a type of food that can go bad in the refrigerator if it’s not stored properly. When you cook beef stew, the meat and vegetables are sitting out on your countertop until you put them in a pot or slow cooker to simmer for hours. If you let bacteria get into your beef stew, then it could have gone bad before you even store them in the refrigerator.
How To Tell If Beef Stew Has Gone Bad
Beef stew is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for fall and winter. But it can also be tricky to store since it’s a combination of meat and vegetables. If not properly stored in the fridge, beef stew can go bad quickly.
Here’s how to tell if your beef stew has gone bad:
Look at the color. If your beef stew has turned brownish in color, it may have gone bad. The same is true if it looks slimy or if there are white spots on top of the gravy. These are signs that spoilage has occurred and that you should toss out the food immediately.
Smell the dish. If your beef stew smells sour or spoiled, throw it away immediately. If there’s no odor at all, but you think something might be wrong with it, cut off a little piece of meat and taste it first before deciding whether or not to continue eating.
Check the texture. The texture of meat changes as it spoils; it starts to get mushy and soft instead of firm and tender when left in the fridge for too long.
How To Store Beef Stew In The Fridge
Beef stew is a hearty meal that can be prepared at home or in large batches. If you have any leftovers and want to enjoy them later, you’ll need to know how to properly store them in the fridge.
Step 1: Allow Beef Stew To Cool Down
After it’s cooked, allow the stew to cool down to room temperature. However, don’t let them sit at room temperature for longer than 4 hours as it could cause bacteria to start growing in the stew.
Step 2: Store the Beef Stew in an Airtight Container
When storing beef stew in the fridge, use an airtight container with no room for air to get in. This helps prevent bacteria from growing. If you don’t have an airtight container handy, transfer your beef stew into a clean Ziploc bag and seal it tightly.
Step 3: Keep your Beef Stew at 40 Degrees Fahrenheit or Below
The ideal temperature to store beef stew is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. If you keep your refrigerator at this temperature all year long, there’s no reason why your beef stew will spoil before you’re ready to eat it again!
How To Keep Beef Stew Fresh Longer In The Fridge
There are ways to keep beef stew fresh longer in the refrigerator. Here are some tips:
Tip 1: Cover the pot of beef stew with a lid or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge immediately after cooking.
Tip 2: If you have leftovers, cool them quickly by placing them in an ice water bath, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge.
Tip 3: If you know you won’t be able to finish the leftover beef stew in the fridge within 4 days, it’s best to freeze them. Freezing your beef stew, it will help keep them fresh for another 3 months.
Can You Freeze Beef Stew?
You can freeze beef stew. The freezing process will not affect the taste, texture, or appearance of the beef stew. You can freeze beef stew for up to 3 months.
To freeze your beef stew, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure there are no air pockets in the container and that it is tightly sealed. Label with a date of packaging as well so you know how long your stew has been frozen.
When you want to use frozen beef stew again: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on low heat in a saucepan until warm throughout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the beef stew will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge with proper storage. Make sure to store the stew in an airtight container to keep air and moisture from causing the beef stew to go bad.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
