Beef broth can sometimes be an overlooked component to a recipe or soup. However, when you have a great broth, it takes your dish or soup to a whole new level. This is what I learned the first time I added soup bones to my favorite beef vegetable soup recipe, and I’ve never looked back since.
However, making beef broth is a large time commitment that takes the better part of a day. Even though you don’t have to do much during the simmering time, making broth still takes a lot of time. So, when I make broth, I make a lot of it so I can use it for more than one meal.
This article will answer all of your questions about how long beef broth will last and how to store it so that you can use it for more than one meal. We then finish with my favorite beef broth recipe that is simple, yet delicious.
Beef broth is a nutritious and comforting ingredient used in many delicious recipes However, like any perishable food, beef broth can go bad if not stored properly Consuming spoiled beef broth can cause some unpleasant symptoms.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What can happen if you eat bad beef broth
- How to tell if your broth has spoiled
- Foodborne illnesses it may contain
- Who is most at risk
- How to prevent eating rancid broth
What Happens if You Eat Bad Beef Broth?
Eating beef broth that has spoiled can lead to foodborne illness. Symptoms may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Fever, chills, muscle aches
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dehydration
The severity and duration of food poisoning depends on the type and amount of bacteria ingested. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours up to a week Those in high-risk groups may require hospitalization
While homemade broth has a shorter shelf life, even commercial canned or boxed broth can harbor dangerous bacteria if stored incorrectly or used past expiration. Don’t take risks with spoiled broth!
How to Tell if Beef Broth Has Gone Bad
Watch for these signs that your beef broth has spoiled:
- Color changes – gray, green or yellow tint
- Slimy texture instead of glossy and viscous
- Strange sour, rotten or rancid smell
- Mold – fuzzy growth on surface or container
- Expired – homemade keeps 3-4 days, commercial 1-2 weeks after sell-by
When in doubt, remember: “When in doubt, throw it out!” Don’t taste test beef broth that is questionable.
Bacteria Causing Foodborne Illness
Beef broth can easily become contaminated. Some common culprits of food poisoning from spoiled broth:
- Salmonella – Leading cause of broth poisoning with severe vomiting, fever and diarrhea
- Clostridium perfringens – Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- Staphylococcus aureus – Violent vomiting and diarrhea
- Bacillus cereus – Intense nausea and vomiting
- E. coli – Bloody diarrhea and severe stomach cramps
- Campylobacter – Diarrhea, fever, cramping, nausea
- Listeria – Hits pregnant women, elderly, and immune compromised hardest
These nasty bugs can quickly multiply if broth is left unrefrigerated or at unsafe temperatures. Proper food handling and storage is key.
Who is Most at Risk?
While anyone can get sick from spoiled beef broth, certain groups are more prone to severe illness from foodborne pathogens:
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- Elderly adults
- Those with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease
These groups are more likely to experience dangerous dehydration, sepsis, meningitis and other complications. Only consume freshly prepared broth stored properly.
Can Eating Spoiled Broth Be Fatal?
Food poisoning is rarely fatal, but some high-risk individuals may develop life-threatening symptoms requiring hospitalization. Seek immediate medical help for:
- Difficulty breathing
- Blood in vomit/stool
- Signs of dehydration like dizziness, excessive thirst, dry mouth
- High fever over 101°F
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
Listen to your body and contact your doctor if symptoms are severe or excessively prolonged. Don’t try to tough it out!
How to Prevent Food Poisoning from Beef Broth
Follow proper storage guidelines to keep broth safe and fresh:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Freeze for long term storage up to 4 months
- Safely thaw frozen broth in fridge, not room temperature
- Bring to a rolling boil before consuming if reheating
- Discard leftovers after 3-4 days in fridge
- Don’t leave broth sitting out while cooking
- Follow sell-by dates on commercial broth
Using basic food safety principles minimizes the risk of spoiled broth. Take extra care when reheating broth and serving to high-risk groups.
What to Do If You Accidentally Eat Spoiled Broth
First, don’t panic. The chances of severe illness are low. Drink fluids and watch for food poisoning symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Contact your doctor if symptoms are extreme or persist over 2 days. Bloody stool, high fever, dizziness or inability to keep fluids down are signs you need medical help.
Mild cases can often be managed at home with rest, hydration, probiotics and over-the-counter nausea medication. Let your body fight the infection and expel the toxins. Don’t consume more contaminated broth!
Key Takeaways
- Consuming spoiled beef broth can cause foodborne illness
- Watch for signs of spoilage like smells, texture changes and mold
- Properly store and handle broth to avoid contamination
- Certain groups like pregnant women are at higher risk
- Seek medical care immediately if you have severe symptoms
- Prevent food poisoning by following all food safety guidelines
While a short bout of sickness is miserable, bad broth can be downright dangerous for some groups. If you accidentally ingest spoiled broth, stay hydrated and monitor for red flags. But your best bet is to avoid questionable broth altogether!
How to Tell if Beef Broth has Gone Bad
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As I say with most foods, you can tell if beef broth is bad by using your senses. If you notice mold or anything else floating in your broth that shouldn’t be there, throw it out. Also, if you notice any off smells or oder, get rid of it.
If you don’t see any strange or off things, I would taste your broth before you use it in a recipe if you are worried that it might be bad. If it tastes off, throw it out. Bad beef broth can cause illness and ruin the rest of your dish if it is bad. It’s not worth keeping if you have any doubt whether it is still good. As I always say, when in doubt, throw it out.
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Roasting pan
- 3 to 4 Pounds Meaty Beef Soup Bones
- 2 Onions Quartered
- 4 Ribs Celery Cut into 3″ pieces
- 4 Carrots Cut into 3″ pieces
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Whole peppercorns
- 4 Cloves Fresh Garlic
- 4 Bay Leaves
- 5 Sprigs of Fresh Parsley
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1 cup Warm water
- Cold Water
- Warm the oven up to 450 degrees and put the soup bones in a baking dish.
- Roast soup bones for 30 minutes uncovered. Add the carrots, onion, and celery after 30 minutes, and roast for another 30 minutes without the lid on.
- Move the bones and vegetables to a large pot after roasting is done. I like to use a big pasta pot that has a strainer built in. So it’s easier to strain the broth when it’s done cooking. First, I would move the bones and vegetables with tongs or a slotted spoon. Then I would add the rest of the liquid from the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Scrape the beef off the bottom of the roasting pan with a plastic spatula and a cup of warm water. Add the beef to the pot with the bones and vegetables. This adds a rich, beefy flavor to the broth.
- Put in just enough cold water to cover the bones and vegetables, then add the rest of the spices. After adding the water and spices, stir the pot well to make sure everything is well mixed.
- When you take the lid off, bring the water to a boil. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 6 hours. When it starts to simmer, make sure the ingredients are covered. Add water if necessary in the beginning.
- When the broth is done simmering, take the pot off the heat and strain it. If your pot has a strainer built in, all you have to do is lift the strainer out of the pot. But be careful not to splash yourself with the hot broth as you do this. You can strain the broth into a new pot if your pot doesn’t already have a strainer in it. Discard all the bones and veggies.
- Fill one or two large bowls with broth. Cover and put them in the fridge to cool down. Before you use the broth, skim the fat off the top once it has been chilled.
- On a plate, beef broth can be kept in the fridge for three days or frozen for six months. Enjoy!.
How Long Does Beef Broth Last in the Freezer?
Ahanov Michael / Shutterstock
Whether you make it yourself or buy it, beef broth will stay good in the freezer for about 6 months before it starts to lose its flavor. This of course assumes it’s stored properly in freezer bags or freezer containers with an air-tight lid. If using freezer bags, make sure you push as much air out as possible before freezing. Also, write down the date you put it in the freezer so you know you can use it within six months.
As with most frozen foods, it is better to enjoy sooner rather than later.
Is Bone Broth Good For You? – Dr.Berg’s Opinion
FAQ
What happens if you eat expired beef broth?
What happens if you eat spoiled broth?
How to tell if broth is bad?
How can you tell if beef bone broth is bad?
Does beef broth go bad?
Canned and boxed beef broth typically comes with a suggested shelf life of between six months and two years, but it usually keeps for at least another three months beyond the printed date.
Does drinking bone broth affect blood pressure?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the research is conflicting. Some studies suggest that bone broth may help to lower blood pressure while other studies suggest that it has no effect. If you like drinking bone broth, there is no harm in trying it to see if it has any effect on your blood pressure. However, you should speak with your doctor first if you have any concerns.
How do you know if beef broth is bad?
A sour smell, discoloration, and mould are the main signs your beef broth has gone bad. You can store it in the cupboard, fridge, or freezer. Unopened store bought broth will last the longest in the cupboard. Whereas to keep homemade broth as fresh as possible, you should be keep it in the fridge or the freezer.
Is bone broth bad for You?
While bone broth is generally safe for most people, overconsumption may potentially expose you to unhealthy levels of toxic heavy metals. To enjoy bone broth while reaping its health benefits, sip it warm, use it as a base for soups, stews and sauces, or add it to homemade salad dressings.