How Long Will Vegetable Beef Soup Keep in the Refrigerator?

A hearty vegetable beef soup can really hit the spot on a chilly day Making a big batch allows you to enjoy multiple bowls throughout the week But how long will homemade vegetable beef soup last in the fridge?

The shelf life of vegetable beef soup depends on several factors

• Ingredients used
• Storage container
• Refrigerator temperature
• Preparation and handling

Follow proper cooling, storage, and reheating guidelines and your soup should last 3-5 days refrigerated. Here’s everything you need to know about safely storing and enjoying your homemade vegetable beef soup all week long.

Ingredients That Impact Shelf Life

What’s actually in your vegetable beef soup will affect how long it will keep refrigerated Here are some key factors

• Meat – Beef contains bacteria that can multiply faster than veggies. Use freshly cooked beef or freshly cooked then frozen beef.

• Vegetables – Hearty veggies like carrots, celery, potatoes last longer than delicate greens.

• Acidity – Ingredients like tomatoes help preserve the soup. Their acidity inhibits bacterial growth.

• Fat – Broths with more fat tend to spoil faster. Use lean beef and skim fat before refrigerating.

• Thickeners – Starches like flour shorten shelf life. Save thickening until reheating.

Proper Storage

How you store your vegetable beef soup also determines how long it will keep. Follow these storage tips:

• Let soup completely cool before refrigerating. Divide into shallow containers to speed cooling.

• Refrigerate in airtight containers. Glass and plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best.

• Leave space at the top of containers for soup to expand as it freezes.

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

• Label containers with date cooked or use oldest first.

• Maintain refrigerator temp at 40°F or below. Use a thermometer to monitor.

Following strict storage guidelines minimizes bacterial growth, keeping your soup fresher longer.

Refrigerator Shelf Life

When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade vegetable beef soup should safely last:

• 3-4 days for soups with beef or other meats

• 5-7 days for vegetable-only soups

The beef and starch ingredients shorten the shelf life compared to vegetable broth based soups.

As you approach the 3-5 day mark, be sure to check the soup. Give it a good sniff and taste before reheating. If it smells or tastes off, it’s best to discard.

Maximizing Freshness

Here are some extra tips to maximize the shelf life and freshness of your homemade soup:

• Use freshly cooked beef or freshly cooked then frozen beef. Avoid pre-cooked beef sitting in the fridge for days already.

• Cook beef thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature to kill any bacteria present.

• Chill soup rapidly after cooking, within 2 hours maximum.

• Skim fat before refrigerating to prevent rancidity.

• Add pasta/rice just before eating, not before storing.

• Avoid adding cream or milk, which can curdle during storage.

• Stir before refrigerating to distribute ingredients evenly.

• Keep refrigerator organized and thoroughly cleaned.

With proper handling and storage methods, vegetable beef soup keeps well for 3-5 days refrigerated. But always rely on your senses. Give it a sniff and taste test before reheating leftovers past the 3 day mark to ensure it hasn’t spoiled.

When in doubt, remember the old adage – “When it smells funky, it’s no longer chunky.” Trust your nose and tastebuds! With a few simple preparation and storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade soup all week long.