Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Beef Stew expire?
If you've prepared homemade beef stew, it can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you've bought commercial canned beef stew, your pantry can be its home until the best-before date - usually around 2-5 years. Now, once opened, the contents should be eaten within 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. As for freezing, beef stew can happily last up to 2-3 months in the freezer without losing its quality. When ready to eat, make sure to properly defrost it in the refrigerator for over 24 hours.
How do you tell if Beef Stew is bad?
For beef stew, the telltale signs of spoilage are similar to most other foods. First, check for any changes in color - if it looks grayer or browner than how you remember it, be suspicious. Smell comes next. If beef stew gives off a pungent, sour, or rancid odor, that's a sure signal that it’s spoiled. Finally, if any mold appears or if the stew has a slimy texture, throw it away immediately as it's definitely past its prime and unsafe to eat.
Tips for storing Beef Stew to extend shelf life
• Beef stew, like other cooked foods, should be cooled and stored in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
• To chill faster, divide the stew into smaller, shallower containers before refrigerating.
• For longer storage, consider freezing beef stew. Freezing doesn't kill bacteria, but it does stop their growth, which can really extend the life of your beef stew. Use airtight containers and label them with the date.
• When freezing, leave some headspace in the container as stew expands when frozen.
• If you’ve frozen the stew, thaw it safely in the refrigerator for about 24-48 hours before reheating to the proper temperature.