How Long Does Cooked Beef Stew (Homemade) Last in the Fridge or Freezer? - Chef's Resource (2024)

FAQs

How long can cooked beef stew stay in the fridge? ›

While beef stew lasts about 3–4 days in the Refrigerator, it can last up to 2–3 months in the freezer without significantly losing flavor or texture. Freezing slows down bacterial growth almost to a halt, preserving the stew for extended periods.

Beef stew can be frozen for up to three months, so choose a recipe that will be eaten within that time frame. It is also important to let the beef stew cool completely before freezing, as this will help maintain its flavor and quality.

Leftover cooked food may be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. During this time, you can reheat the leftovers to 165 °F. Be sure to return any unused portion to the refrigerator within two hours to remain safe.

Safety timeline: Generally, most stews can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Beyond this time, the risk of bacterial growth increases.

Cooked & Leftover Meat

Cooked meat doesn't maintain its quality in the freezer for as long as raw meat does: Cooked poultry and fish can be kept in the freezer for four to six months, while beef, veal, lamb and pork shouldn't be kept for longer than two to three months.

USDA recommends using cooked beef within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

Stew is an ideal make-ahead dish. Follow these guidelines to keep stew fresh and ready for reheating: Cover tightly when completely cool and refrigerate up to 3 days. Stew made with fish or shellfish should be refrigerated for no more than 1 day.

Cooked beef stew can be safely frozen. However, if the stew contains potatoes, they can change their texture a bit from being frozen. They don't become inedible when frozen in a mixture like stew but they are different after freezing. They tend to taste a bit “grainy” and they tend to fall apart.

How long do leftovers last? According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that.

Can I eat week old stew? ›

Leftovers can be kept for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning goes up. If you don't think you'll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them right away.

Can you freeze beef stew? Yes! Most slow-cooked stews, soups, and casseroles freeze quite well. The beef broth or sauce seals the beef chunks to prevent freezer burn when frozen for future use.

You can, if you have room, even refrigerate the whole pot with the soup in it. But regardless of what you store it in, soups and stews will keep in the refrigerator for around three days.

If you have leftovers that include cooked meat or poultry, those will stay good in the fridge for 3–4 days, and can be kept in the freezer for 2–6 months.

It's full of veggies and protein after all. Although traditional beef stew recipes provide more nutrition than many meals, most still plague you with far too much sodium and calories. Make some easy switches to truly have a healthy beef stew recipe you can be proud to share. Most stews use a beef broth for the base.

USDA recommends using cooked beef within 3 to 4 days, kept refrigerated (40°F or less). Refrigeration slows but does not stop bacterial growth. USDA recommends using cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days.

Beef, veal, lamb and pork roasts, steaks and chops may be kept 3 to 5 days. After cooking, meat, poultry and seafood can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days.

How long do leftovers last? According to the FDA Food Code, all perishable foods that are opened or prepared should be thrown out after 7 days, maximum. No leftovers should survive in your fridge for longer than that.