How Long Will Beef Bourguignon Keep in the Fridge? The Complete Storage Guide

Beef bourguignon is a classic French stew that takes time and care to prepare properly. With its slow-cooked, tender beef and rich flavorful sauce, it’s a meal worth savoring again as leftovers. But how long will beef bourguignon last in the fridge after cooking?

Knowing the fridge life of leftovers is key to reducing food waste and safely enjoying dishes again later. In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about storing and reheating beef bourguignon, including

• Benefits of preparing beef bourguignon ahead
• Proper storage methods and fridge life
• Step-by-step reheating instructions
• Signs of spoilage to watch for
• Creative ways to use up leftovers

With these beef bourguignon storage tips you can confidently cook a batch to enjoy now and later while minimizing waste. Let’s dive in!

The Benefits of Making Beef Bourguignon Ahead

Preparing beef bourguignon in advance offers several advantages:

• Saves time – You can prep and cook it ahead rather than rushing day-of

• Allows flavors to develop – The stew improves as the ingredients marinate together

• Leftovers for later – You can store and reheat extra portions

• More budget-friendly – Buying larger packs of meat and prepping a big batch costs less per serving

• Reduces stress for events – Having the main dish done ahead lets you relax and enjoy the occasion

How Long Does Beef Bourguignon Last in the Fridge?

When properly stored, cooked beef bourguignon will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

The beef and vegetables may start to dry out or lose quality after that time. I don’t recommend keeping leftovers longer than 5 days maximum.

For longer term storage, beef bourguignon can be frozen for 2 to 3 months without compromising taste or texture.

Storing Beef Bourguignon for Fridge Life

Follow these steps to safely store leftovers and achieve the full fridge life:

• Allow the stew to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers.

• Make sure the beef and sauce are fully submerged to prevent air exposure.

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Don’t leave at room temp.

• Use shallow containers to allow rapid chilling.

• Keep fridge at 40°F or below.

• Place leftovers toward the back of the fridge where it’s coldest.

Proper, prompt refrigeration prevents bacterial growth and retains the quality.

How to Reheat Beef Bourguignon

Here are a few safe methods for reheating refrigerated beef bourguignon:

On the Stovetop

• Transfer the stew to a saucepan and heat on medium-low, stirring regularly until warmed through.

• Add a splash of beef broth or water if the stew seems dry.

• Simmer for 5-10 minutes to enhance the flavors.

In the Oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Put stew in a baking dish.

• Cover with foil and bake 20-30 minutes until hot, stirring halfway.

In the Microwave

• Transfer stew to a microwave-safe container.

• Microwave in 2-3 minute intervals until heated through, stirring between sessions.

• Take care not to overheat or dry out the meat.

Always reheat to 165°F internally before eating for food safety.

What Are the Signs of Spoiled Beef Bourguignon?

Watch for these warning signs that beef bourguignon has gone bad:

• Mold or fuzzy growth – should be discarded

• Sour smell – stew has likely spoiled

• Off-color or mushy meat/veg – indicates bacterial growth

• Extremely dry or cracked sauce – dried out from improper storage

• Rancid odor – fats in stew have oxidized

When in doubt, throw it out. Don’t risk eating spoiled leftovers.

Creative Ways to Use Up Leftover Beef Bourguignon

Rather than wasting extra portions, try these tasty ways to repurpose beef bourguignon:

• Stuff into a baked potato or sweet potato

• Toss with pasta for a beefy sauce

• Fill a pie shell for hand pies

• Layer into a baked rice casserole

• Mix with eggs for hearty breakfast skillets

• Fold into puff pastry for appetizer pockets

• Top pizza dough for a meaty flatbread

• Fill crepes or tacos for fun handheld meals

With a little creativity, you can invent exciting new dishes!

Handy Tips for Hassle-Free Fridge Storage

Here are my top food safety tips for storing beef bourguignon:

• Portion into shallow, airtight containers for fast cooling.

• Make sure all the meat is fully submerged in sauce to prevent air exposure.

• Let cool for 1-2 hours before refrigerating. Don’t overload a still-warm fridge.

• Label containers with the prep/use-by date so you know when to toss.

• Place older leftovers toward the front and new toward the back.

• If reheating multiple times, allow to fully cool again before returning to the fridge.

Proper chilling and storage will help maximize the fridge life of your leftovers.

Get Creative with Leftover Beef Bourguignon

Now that you know how long beef bourguignon lasts in the fridge, you can confidently cook up a big batch for enjoying now and later without waste.

Follow the storage guidelines to maintain top quality and use the reheating methods to safely enjoy leftovers. Keep an eye out for any signs of spoilage.

And if you have leftover beef bourguignon lingering at the end of its fridge life, put those creative juices flowing to invent tasty new dishes! With proper care in chilling, storing, and repurposing, you can get the most from every ounce of this classic French cuisine.