Hamburger Soup

Hamburger soup, whether homemade or canned, typically has a shelf life that varies. Canned hamburger soup, unopened, usually lasts 2-5 years past the date on the packaging, thanks to its being sealed airtight. However, once it's opened, you'll want to finish it off within a week. If you've made the soup from scratch, it will be good for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to extend the life of your hamburger soup, put it in the freezer. There it can last 4-6 months without any deterioration in quality.

You'll know your hamburger soup has gone off beyond safe consumption if it has an off smell, or if you see signs of mold. It's also likely to have spoiled if you see it separating, overly runny or excessively thick. Definitely do not consume if you are unsure or if it's been chilling in the refrigerator far beyond the suggested times.

• Always store your hamburger soup in a sealed container. This will prevent smells transferring and bacteria from contaminating it. • If your soup is homemade, allow it to cool before stowing it in the fridge. Placing hot foods into the refrigerator too soon can raise the overall temperature, which affects other foods around it. • If you don't plan on consuming the soup in the next few days, it's best to freeze it. Zip-lock bags work well and save on space, or you can use airtight containers. Just remember to leave a bit of headspace in the container to allow for expansion. • For defrosting, it's best to move the frozen hamburger soup to the fridge at least 24 hours before you plan on eating it. This will allow it to defrost safely and evenly. • Try to freeze in portion sizes. It makes defrosting easier and reduces waste as you only need to take out the quantity required.