Beef stew is a classic comfort food that can last for several days in the refrigerator. However, with any leftovers, it’s important to consider food safety. Here are some guidelines for determining if your beef stew is still good after 5 days.
How long does beef stew last in the fridge?
Properly stored, beef stew can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, beef stew should be safe to eat if it’s been refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking and stored at 40°F or below. However, quality starts to decline after 3-4 days due to texture changes and loss of flavor.
What happens when beef stew goes bad?
There are a few signs that indicate beef stew has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat:
- Mold growth – If you see fuzzy mold anywhere on the surface, discard the stew.
- Strange odors – Beef stew that has gone rancid will have an unpleasant sour or “off” smell.
- Change in color – The stew may darken and look less appetizing.
- Curdled look – If the broth looks curdled, lumpy, or separated, it’s time to toss.
How to tell if beef stew is still good after 5 days
After 5 days in the fridge, beef stew is entering risky territory. To evaluate if it’s still usable, check these things:
- Color – The beef should still be its original color without any graying or darkening. The broth should look rich and brown.
- Texture – Meat should not feel overly soft or slimy. Vegetables should still have some firmness and not be mushy.
- Smell – The stew should retain its savory, beefy smell. It shouldn’t have any sour, sharp, or “off” odors.
- Taste – Take a careful taste of the broth and beef. It shouldn’t taste unpleasantly sour or bitter.
If it passes these tests, the stew is likely still fine to eat or reheat. However, be aware that quality declines each day. The texture and flavor will not be as good on day 5 as day 1. Eat it soon and don’t wait longer than 5 days.
How to store beef stew properly
To get the most shelf life out of leftover beef stew:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave stew out longer than 2 hours.
- Store in a shallow airtight container so the stew cools quickly.
- Make sure stew is 165°F or cooler before refrigerating.
- Put the container on a lower shelf away from the door where temperature fluctuates.
- If reheating, boil the stew to 165°F before serving.
Can you freeze beef stew?
Freezing is the best way to preserve beef stew long-term. To freeze:
- Cool stew completely before freezing.
- Transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Label with name and date.
- Freeze for up to 3-4 months.
- Thaw in fridge before reheating.
What if beef stew shows signs of spoilage?
If your 5-day-old beef stew is showing any mold, smells bad, or feels overly mushy or slimy, it’s best to throw it out. Don’t taste questionable stew. Discard immediately and don’t risk getting sick from spoiled food.
Bottom line
Well-stored beef stew keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge. At 5 days, it’s at the limit of safety and the quality has declined. Inspect carefully and look for any signs of spoilage before eating 5-day-old stew. For maximum shelf life, freeze leftovers. With proper refrigeration methods, beef stew can last for safe consumption up to 5 days.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | 3-4 months |