How Long Does Homemade Chili Last In The Fridge?
Chili is a classic American comfort food perfect for when the weather turns a little “chilly.” A favorite for lazy nights in as well as cook-offs and fundraisers, it can be made in a variety of ways with a combination of different ingredients.
Most people prepare chili in large batches, so you need to make sure you properly store your leftover chili so that it remains safe to eat later on.
Keeping it in the fridge is one way to make sure it doesn’t go bad, but how long can you keep it there? Let’s find out!
So, how long does homemade chili last in the fridge? If stored properly, homemade chili can stay good in the fridge for 3–4 days. Meatless chili can last even longer and can be kept refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Read on to find out more about how long homemade chili lasts in the fridge, the best way to store it in the fridge so it lasts the longest, how to tell if it has gone bad, and much more!
Storing Homemade Chili In The Fridge
Chili is a type of spicy stew made with a variety of ingredients including beans, meat, vegetables, herbs, spices, and seasonings.
There are several regional recipes for the dish and it can be made both with or without meat.
Chili is one of those foods that taste better the day after they are made when the ingredients and flavors have had time to meld — a huge part of being able to enjoy leftover chili is to store it properly so that it is safe to eat!
One of the best ways to store leftover homemade chili is to keep it in the fridge so that it stays fresh and free of contaminants for as long as possible.
The low temperature in the refrigerator prevents bacteria and microorganisms from attacking food and making it inedible.
In comparison, if you leave your chili at room temperature on your kitchen countertop overnight, you would most definitely walk in on a bacteria-infested chili in the morning.
Although the fridge is a great place to store your leftover chili, it does not last indefinitely. It loses its freshness after 3–4 days and must not be consumed after that.
Factors Affecting How Long Homemade Chili Lasts In The Fridge
There are a few factors that affect how long homemade chili lasts in the fridge. Let’s take a look!
1. Ingredients
Chili can be made in several ways with a wide variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and diets. While many people like to make a three-bean, meat-free chili, some people love to use ground meat as their chili protein source.
Chili made with meat, also called chili con carne, lasts for a shorter time as compared to chili made without meat. This is mainly due to the nature of the meat, making it more vulnerable to spoilage at a faster rate.
Chili with meat can last for 3–4 days in the fridge without undergoing any substantial changes to its flavor and quality, while meatless chili is expected to last up to 1 week if kept properly refrigerated.
2. Total Time It Was Left Out
Another factor, apart from the ingredients used, is the time that the chili is left at room temperature before being kept in the fridge.
2 hours is the maximum time you can leave your chili out, regardless of the ingredients used — after this window of time it is more susceptible to bacterial contamination.
The longer the chili is left out at room temperature, the faster it will spoil — even if it is properly stored in the fridge, and will no longer retain its freshness.
Tips For Storing Homemade Chili In The Fridge
When storing homemade chili in the fridge, there are a few best practices that you can follow to slow down bacterial growth and keeps your chili fresh for as long as possible.
Here are some of the best things you can do when you’re ready to store your homemade chili!
1. Reduce Moisture
Since bacteria thrive in moisture, the more water your chili has, the higher the chances of bacterial contamination and spoilage.
Chili is a type of stew with high water content. The best way to store it in the fridge is to reduce its water content by thickening it. Cook it for a while longer so that the excess moisture evaporates and it lasts longer in the fridge.
2. Store In Airtight, Shallow Containers
The container that you store your chili in has an effect on how long it lasts. It is best to use airtight containers to prevent air and moisture from getting inside.
In addition to that, make sure that the containers are shallow so that they have a larger surface area that will allow the chili to cool rapidly and not give bacteria enough time to grow.
3. Set The Fridge At The Right Temperature
Temperature is crucial when it comes to storing chili, or any perishable food item for that matter. Bacteria multiply at temperatures between 40°F–140°F, which is why your fridge must maintain a temperature below 40°F.
4. Add Meat Later
If you are explicitly preparing chili to store for later use, it is best to not add the meat while making your chili — instead, add it later on when you are ready to eat the chili.
Since meatless chili lasts longer than chili with meat, this is a good way to store leftover chili for longer!
How To Tell If Chili Has Gone Bad
Chili can go bad over time depending on the storage conditions and how well it has been handled.
Leaving it out at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, as well as not using the best practices when storing it in the fridge, can all lead to spoilage.
Regardless of how well you store it, chili is a perishable item and will only retain its freshness for a limited time, even in the refrigerator — after a while, it will most definitely go bad and must be discarded.
Here are some common signs to look for that indicate your chili has gone bad.
Smell
The smell of rotten food is very distinct and can indicate whether or not your chili is edible. Give your leftover chili a good whiff — if it smells pungent, rancid, or just a little off, discard it immediately.
Consistency
The presence of mold and bacteria will alter the consistency of the chili and make it slimy. You may also notice fused bits and fuzzy growth on it, in which case you must toss it in the trash before it contaminates other food items stored nearby.
Color
Chili is predominantly red and brown with bits of greens, whites, and other colors depending on the ingredients used and how they are prepared.
Spoiled chili will develop a darker shade which, with enough time, may change into greenish or whitish spots, both of which denote mold infestation.
Make sure to check the sides of the container and the underside of the lid as mold spores can fly and land at relatively distant locations from the chili itself.
Storage Duration
Homemade chili made with meat lasts around 3–4 days in the fridge, whereas meatless chili may last for up to 1 week.
If your chili has been in the fridge for longer than the above-mentioned time, you don’t even have to check for signs of spoilage — simply throw it away.
How To Extend The Shelf Life Of Homemade Chili
Homemade chili can last at room temperature for a maximum of 2 hours and in the fridge for 3–4 days. But what if you have a bigger batch and want it to last longer? You can freeze it!
Freezing homemade chili will make it last anywhere between 4–6 months if stored properly. Freezing temperatures can kill or stop bacterial growth, making sure your leftover chili is safe to use later.
Allow the chili to cool completely, making sure not to exceed the 2-hour mark, and transfer it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.
To make it easier to thaw only as much as you need at a time, portion the chili accordingly and freeze it in separate freezer-safe containers or bags.
Related Questions
Now that you know all about storing homemade chili in the fridge and how long it lasts there, here are a few additional questions we thought you might have!
How long does canned chili last in the fridge?
Unopened canned chili can last for 3–5 years since it undergoes steaming to prevent bacterial growth. Once opened, it should be stored in the fridge and consumed within a few days.
Is canned chili safe to eat after the “best-by” date?
Yes, provided that it has been stored properly and there are no signs of spoilage, commercially packaged chili can be used past its “best-by” date as it is merely an indicator of how long it will remain at peak quality.
How to reheat chili?
You can reheat your leftover chili on the stove or microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also place it in a slow cooker on low heat to keep it nice and warm during serving.
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