How Long Does Stew Last In The Fridge? Answered

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

Stew is a beloved dish by many and can be made with various ingredients such as beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and even seafood.

It is a hearty meal that can be enjoyed during the winter months. Stews are also great for leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for several days. 

This blog post will discuss how long stew lasts in the fridge and provide some tips for storing it properly.

How Long Is Stew In The Fridge Good For?

Generally, cooked food should be kept in the fridge for no more than four days. This is especially true for stews, typically made with meat and vegetables. 

The USDA recommends throwing out any stew in the fridge for longer than four days. However, you can do a few things to help extend your stew’s shelf life. 

First, make sure to cool the stew down as quickly as possible. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. And be sure to give it a thorough reheating before eating. 

But how long will a vacuum-sealed ham last in the fridge?

How Long Does It Last In The Freezer?

Stews can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your stew remains fresh and edible. 

First, make sure that the stew is completely cooled before freezing. If it goes into the freezer while still hot, it can cause ice crystals to form, affecting the stew’s taste and texture. 

Second, use airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. 

And finally, label the containers with the date, so you know when they were frozen. Find out how long will chicken alfredo last in the fridge here.

How Long Does Stew Last At Room Temperature?

Stews can be kept at room temperature for up to four hours. After four hours, bacteria will begin to grow, and the stew will need to be refrigerated or discarded. 

When reheating stew, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria that may have formed.

Read:

• How Long Does Bok Choy Last In The Fridge?
• How Long Can Beef Stew Stay In The Fridge?
• How Long Does Gumbo Last In The Fridge?

How To Know If It Has Gone Bad

Knowing when stew has gone bad can be tricky. After all, it’s not exactly the most attractive dish, to begin with. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that your stew has spoiled. 

First, take a look at the color. If the stew is no longer a rich brown or red but has turned gray or green, it’s time to toss it. 

Second, give it a sniff. If the stew has a sour or moldy smell, it’s no longer safe to eat. 

Finally, check the texture. If the vegetables in the stew are mushy or the meat is stringy, it’s best to throw them out. 

Also Read:

• Fridge Life of Scrambled Eggs
• Fridge Life of Raw Shrimps
• Can You Use London Broil For Beef Stew?

Tips On Storing Stew To Extend Shelf Life

Storing stew [1] properly can help extend its shelf life so you can enjoy them later. When it comes to stew, the key is to cool it quickly and store it in an airtight container. 

The first step is to remove the stew from the heat and let it cool slightly. 

Read: How Long Does Cut Celery Last In The Fridge?

Then, transfer it to a container that can be sealed tightly. Be sure to leave some headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion. 

Once the stew is completely cooled, seal the container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat and serve.  

Read: How Long Can Spam Last In The Fridge?

FAQs

Is stew OK after five days?

Yes, a stew is generally OK after five days as long as it has been stored in a sealed container and kept in the fridge.

The main danger with stew after five days is that bacteria can grow, so make sure you don’t eat any stew that smells or looks spoiled.

How long does pork stew last in the fridge?

Pork stew will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

If you’re not going to eat it within that time frame, you can freeze pork stew for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

How long does tomato stew last in the fridge?

It’ll last in the fridge for about four days. However, if you’re reheating it, cook it all the way through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long.

How many times can you reheat stew?

It depends on the stew, but generally, 3-4 times is the max. After that, the flavors start to fade, and they can become a bit rubbery.

Is it OK to put the warm stew in the fridge?

It’s not ideal, but it won’t necessarily ruin your stew.

The problem with putting warm stews in the fridge is that bacteria will start to grow at warmer temperatures. 

So if you’re going to put it in the fridge, try to do so as quickly as possible and make sure it’s cooled down to below 40 degrees F before you store it. Otherwise, you might end up with a case of food poisoning.

Key Takeaways

All stews, no matter what ingredients they include, need to be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. 

If you want your stew to last longer than that, make sure it’s properly cooled before placing it in the fridge. Stews can last in the fridge for up to four days when stored properly. After that, it’s best to freeze any leftovers. 

With these tips, you can enjoy homemade stew all week long. 

Reference:

1. https://www.bettycrocker.com/how-to/tipslibrary/cooking-tips/stew-the-complete-meal