How Long Does Creamed Chipped Beef Last in the Fridge?

Creamed chipped beef, also known as dried beef, is a classic American comfort food The shredded dried beef is cooked in a creamy white sauce and served over toast, biscuits, baked potatoes, or noodles. It’s quick, easy, and makes a satisfying breakfast or lunch

But if you don’t polish off the whole batch right away, you may be wondering – how long does creamed chipped beef last in the fridge after opening? Read on for everything you need to know about storing and freezing this tasty dish

Overview of Creamed Chipped Beef Fridge Life

Creamed chipped beef will maintain best quality for 3-5 days stored in the refrigerator. It’s important to store it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. The creamy sauce may need some thinning with milk after a few days.

Freezing is the best way to preserve creamed chipped beef long term. It will keep for 2-3 months in airtight freezer containers. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Now let’s look in more detail at maximizing both fridge and freezer storage.

Refrigerating Creamed Chipped Beef

When storing creamed chipped beef in the fridge:

Let it cool completely before refrigerating. Divide into shallow containers.
Use airtight containers and cover surfaces with plastic wrap. Metal cans also work well.
Refrigerate promptly, within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave at room temp.
Check after 3 days – stir in milk or cream if sauce seems dry.
Discard leftovers if they develop an off odor, flavor, or appearance.

The creamy sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge but remains safe to eat for 3-5 days if stored properly.

Freezing and Thawing Creamed Chipped Beef

For enjoying your homemade creamed chipped beef for months, freezing is recommended:

Let cool completely, then portion into freezer bags, containers, or ice cube trays.
Exclude as much air as possible and seal tightly.
Label bags and containers with contents and date.
Freeze immediately, within 2 hours of cooking.
Once frozen, store at 0°F or below.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Freezing prevents bacterial growth for long term storage. Thaw safely in the fridge before use.

Tips for Serving Leftover Creamed Chipped Beef

Leftover creamed chipped beef is delicious, but it does require a little special handling:

If the sauce seems dry, stir in a bit of milk or cream before serving.
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop while stirring frequently.
Microwave reheating works too – use 30 second bursts and stir between.
Don’t boil or overheat or the sauce can curdle or separate.
Add extra seasoning if needed – salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, etc.
Serve immediately once hot – don’t let it sit or dry out.

With proper storage and reheating, leftovers taste freshly made. The creamy sauce benefits from a little revival but provides comforting flavor.

Food Safety Tips for Creamed Chipped Beef

To keep creamed chipped beef safe and prevent bacteria growth:

Never leave sitting out more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
Divide into shallow containers for quick cooling in the fridge.
Check for signs of spoilage like mold, off smells, or curdling.
When reheating, heat thoroughly until steaming hot, at least 165°F.
Don’t mix fresh creamed chipped beef with old leftovers.
Discard if you notice any odd textures, colors, or smells.

Following basic food safety guidelines prevents illness and keeps leftovers edible longer.

The Takeaway on Storing Creamed Chipped Beef

With its comforting cream sauce and savory dried beef, creamed chipped beef makes a quick and hearty meal any time of day. Refrigerating for up to 5 days and freezing for several months allows you to safely enjoy every last tasty morsel. With proper storage, thawing, and reheating, homemade creamed chipped beef stays delicious for days. Just be sure to revive the sauce before serving leftovers!

A Meal That Cost Less Than a Gallon of Gas? | Chipped Beef Gravy | Low-Cost Comfort Food | SOS Gravy

FAQ

How long can you keep chipped beef in the fridge?

Any remaining creamed chipped beef sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. You’ll also want to store the toast or biscuits separately from the gravy to prevent it from turning into soggy mush.

Are chipped beef and dried beef the same thing?

Dried beef, also called chipped beef, is beef that has been partially dried, salt-cured and thinly sliced. You can easily enjoy this cured meat as an appetizer, snack or meal. Dried beef has a rich past but is a relatively obscure meat product in most parts of the country today.

Can you eat dried beef after the expiration date?

As long as it has been stored properly, unopened jerky is safe to consume after the best-by date. But it won’t taste as good as fresh jerky. As a general rule of thumb, commercial beef jerky is best enjoyed within 1 year.

Why is creamed chipped beef called SOS?

Chipped beef even found its way into the white gravy mixture with the future doughboys right before World War I. Soldiers and sailors eventually dubbed it “SOS” (“Save Our Souls” or “Same Old Slop” being the PG-rated translations) when served on a piece of toast.

How long does creamed chipped beef last?

Creamed chipped beef will last in the refrigerator for up to five days in a sealed container. You might need to add more milk to the sauce to bring the sauce back together. It might have thickened. You can keep it in the freezer for several months. If freezing this recipe, be sure to store it in an airtight freezer bag.

How do you store creamed chipped beef?

To store creamed chipped beef, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-4 days. To reheat creamed chipped beef, you have a couple of options: Stovetop method: Transfer the creamed chipped beef to a saucepan or skillet.

How do you eat creamed chipped beef?

Creamed chipped beef is a classic meal of dried beef cooked in a roux of flour, butter, milk, salt, and pepper. It is generally served over toast. Rinse the dried beef in cold water and pat it dry. (Skip this step if using deli lunchmeat.) Roughly chop the beef into bite-size pieces. Set aside. Add the butter to a skillet over medium-high heat.

Can you use dried beef in creamed chipped beef?

Dried beef: The key ingredient to creamed chipped beef on toast is, of course, beef. While you can use any dried beef, even the canned varieties, we recommend Buddig beef—it’s cooked, comes chopped, and is not as salty as other brands of dried beef. Seasonings: Freshly ground black pepper is the only seasoning used in this recipe.