Storing chili leftovers the right way ensures they stay fresh, safe, and delicious for as long as possible. Factors like proper containers, cooling methods, and food safety practices all play a role in preventing spoilage. Keep reading to find out how long chili lasts in the fridge and the best ways to store it!
How Long Does Chili Last In The Fridge
- Homemade chili typically lasts 4 days in the fridge under optimal conditions.
- Proper storage and food safety are essential for maintaining freshness.
- Ideal for quick meals during the week or saving leftovers from a game day party.
- Store chili in airtight or well-sealed plastic containers.
- After 4 days, the risk of foodborne illness increases due to harmful bacteria.
- Cool chili quickly after cooking to avoid prolonged exposure to the danger zone where bacteria grow.
- Use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination.
- Transfer leftovers into smaller containers to cool evenly and store efficiently.
What To Serve With Chili
Cornbread is a great option to serve alongside this comfort food. Dinner rolls and chopped salad are perfect options, as well!
How Long Does Chili Last Out Of The Fridge
Cooked chili should not be out of the fridge for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
How To Thicken Chili
If you make a delicious batch and find that you’d like for it to be thicker, there are easy ways to fix it! Read on for a list of different ways to thicken chili, including adding tomatoes or tomato paste, using a slow cooker and more.
How To Freeze Chili
Great news! Chili freezes really well. Follow the below guidelines for freezing this hearty dish. Read this post about freezing your chili recipe for general guidelines, as well as any other information you need to know.
- After cooking chili, let the cooked chili cool to room temperature for best quality.
- Transfer fresh chili to air-tight containers, glass jars or freezer-safe bags (double bag the freezer bags to avoid leakage and freezer burn).
- Freeze for up to 6 months for best results.
How To Reheat Chili
When reheating this dish, it is easiest to first allow it to thaw in the fridge if you’re removing it from the freezer. The following day, transfer the contents to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until heated through.
How To Tell If Chili Is Bad
If you find yourself inspecting a container of leftover soup while trying to decide whether or not it has been sitting in the refrigerator for too long, there are various methods you can use to determine whether you should eat it or toss it!
- Bad Smell or Sour Smell: Remove the lid and smell it. Fresh chili has a distinct, strong, saucy aroma. If you detect a sour or foul odor, the batch is most likely in the danger zone and past its prime.
- Appearance: If the color unusual or if it develops mold or has a slimy texture, these are signs that bacterial growth has taken place and it should not be eaten.
- Taste test: If steps one and two have passed the test, grab a spoonful and give it a try. You already know its familiar taste, so use common sense to determine if the taste is off. Consuming old chili and expired food in general can cause food poisoning, so if you detect a sour taste or unusual flavor err on the side of caution!
How To Extend The Shelf Life of Chili
- Freeze it for long-term storage: Once you have let the food cool, transfer to freezer-safe bags and store in the freezer to extend the shelf life. Within 6 months, thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the microwave.
- Refrigerate it for short-term storage: The best way to store chili is by first allowing it to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container, ensuring the lids are secured tightly. Store in the fridge at all times for best quality.
- Keep at the same temp: Moisture can collect inside the sealed container when temperature change occurs. It is a good idea to keep the temp of the entire container as consistent as possible to avoid early spoilage.
- Go glass: Using a covered glass storage container instead of a plastic container is a great way to keep cooked chili as fresh as possible.
- Avoid cross contamination: It is super important that you use clean utensils when scooping this soup into bowls in order to avoid cross-contamination and bacteria growth.
Tips for Food Safety
If reheating frozen chili, heat to a simmer over medium heat to restore the best taste.g!
Use a food thermometer to ensure meat-based chili reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating.
Avoid storing chili in the large pot it was cooked in. Instead, transfer to smaller containers for even cooling.
Best Chili Recipes
- Easy Canned Chili is a super comforting dish that is packed with flavor and requires only 30 minutes of your time. This can easily become a vegetarian chili or meaty version using chicken, sausage or beef.
- Learn how to make Hot Dog Chili so the consistency is just right for your next delicious dog.
- Whether you’re avoiding beans or just don’t have them on hand, chili can still be delicious! This Meat Chili Without Beans will satisfy every hungry belly at your table.
- Instant Pot Turkey Chili is packed with meat, white beans and veggies. Turn this into a spicy stew or go mild!
Favorite Toppings For Chili
- Sour cream
- Crackers or crushed tortilla chips
- Avocado slices
- Fresh herbs
- Green onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Creative Ideas for Leftover Chili
Don’t let your hot bowl of chili go to waste! Turn it into another delicious meal with these ideas:
Chili Dinner Ideas – Recipes and Sides!
Click over for chili dinner ideas with a variety of recipes and side dish recommendations, as well. Or use this post as your guide for dinner ideas for leftover chili so nothing goes to waste.
Cheap Dinner Ideas Using Ground Beef
Make dinner and affordable with this delicious list of affordable dinner ideas using ground beef. Ground beef does not need to be boring!
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