This is a simplified spin on Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon. It’s full of beef chunks that melt in your mouth and vegetables covered in a rich, tasty sauce. If you want to impress someone, this is the dish to make. It tastes rich and decadent, but it’s really very simple to make.
Beef bourguignon is a classic French stew made with tender pieces of beef braised in red wine, stock and aromatic vegetables. This hearty, flavorful dish is the ultimate comfort food that just seems to taste better the next day But with all stews, proper storage is key to retaining flavor and preventing spoilage. So how long does beef bourguignon last in the fridge and freezer?
How Long Does Beef Bourguignon Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored, cooked beef bourguignon will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Here are some tips for storing leftovers
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Let the stew cool completely before refrigerating Divide into shallow containers to allow it to chill quickly
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Make sure the beef bourguignon is covered tightly and stored in the back of the fridge where the temperature is coldest.
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Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days for best quality. The flavors will start to fade and the stew may dry out after that.
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If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of broth or wine to restore moisture and flavor before serving.
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When reheating on the stovetop, simmer gently and add more liquid as needed. This will prevent the stew from drying out.
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Don’t let beef bourguignon sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours before refrigerating.
Does Beef Bourguignon Freeze Well?
Yes, beef bourguignon freezes beautifully for longer term storage. Follow these tips:
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Let the stew cool completely before freezing. Transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags.
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Label the containers with the name and date. Leave about 1 inch headspace to allow for expansion.
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For best quality, use frozen beef bourguignon within 2 to 3 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the oven. Add broth or wine to restore moisture.
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You can also reheat frozen portions directly in the microwave, but the texture may suffer a bit.
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Once thawed, use within 3 to 4 days. Do not refreeze.
Tips for Making Ahead and Freezing
Making beef bourguignon ahead of time and freezing is a great way to save time for busy weeknights or upcoming events. Here are some tips:
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Make the stew 1 to 2 days before freezing. This allows the flavors to fully develop.
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Let it cool completely, then divide into meal-sized portions in airtight containers or bags designed for freezing.
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Flatten bags before freezing to freeze into thinner layers. This makes thawing quicker and easier.
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Make sure all air is pressed out before sealing containers. Leave 1 inch headspace.
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Label each container with the name of the recipe, number of servings, and freeze date.
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Beef bourguignon can be frozen for 2 to 3 months before quality deteriorates.
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Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to serve.
How to Store Cooked Stew Meat for Leftovers
The cooked beef itself can be saved to add to other dishes. Here’s how:
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Let stew meat cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
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Cover beef with a thin layer of cooking broth or wine to keep it moist.
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Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
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Use leftover stew beef in stir-fries, tacos, enchiladas, sandwiches or salads.
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Add broth or wine when reheating to prevent dried out meat.
Signs Beef Bourguignon Has Spoiled
Always inspect leftovers before eating. Do not consume beef bourguignon if you notice any of the following signs of spoilage:
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An off smell, such as sourness or rottenness
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Mold growth anywhere on the surface
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Bubbles or froth indicating fermentation
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Very dry, flaky appearance
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Dramatic change in color
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Slimy texture
When stored properly in the refrigerator or freezer, beef bourguignon should retain its flavor, moisture and quality for the time frames listed. Follow these storage guidelines for enjoying delicious leftovers of this cozy French classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you store leftover beef bourguignon?
Let beef bourguignon cool completely, then transfer to airtight, shallow containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled stew in airtight containers or bags for 2 to 3 months.
Can you freeze beef bourguignon with vegetables?
Yes, beef bourguignon freezes well with the vegetables in the stew. Let cool fully before transferring to freezer bags or containers. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Does beef bourguignon taste better the next day?
Many cooks and chefs agree that beef bourguignon tastes even better after a day of sitting in the fridge. The flavors have time to further develop and meld. Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of wine.
How do you reheat leftover beef bourguignon?
The best ways to reheat beef bourguignon are on the stovetop over gentle heat or in the oven at 350°F. Add a bit of broth, wine or water to restore moisture before serving. Cover while reheating to prevent drying out.
Can you reheat beef bourguignon in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat beef bourguignon in the microwave. The texture may suffer a bit, so add extra liquid. Cover and heat at 50% power in 1-minute intervals until hot. Stir between intervals.
Is it safe to reheat beef bourguignon more than once?
Only reheat leftovers once for food safety. Do not let beef bourguignon sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours total before refrigerating or reheating. Discard any leftovers older than 4 days.
What happens if you reheat beef bourguignon too many times?
Reheating beef bourguignon too many times can cause the meat to dry out and vegetables to become mushy. The stew may also separate, with the fat rising to the top. For best quality, only reheat leftovers once after initial cooking.
How can you tell if leftover beef bourguignon is bad?
Signs that beef bourguignon has spoiled include an off smell, mold, dramatic color changes, dried out or slimy texture, frothy bubbles, and very high fridge temperature above 40°F. When in doubt, throw it out. Discard leftovers after 4 days.
What Type Of Wine Should I Use?
If you want this Beef Bourguignon to taste like Julia Child’s recipe, you should use a wine from Burgundy, France, where the dish comes from. Specifically, a red burgundy wine from the Pinot Noir grape variety is often recommended. Having said that, I’ve used different kinds of red wine and it’s always turned out great. Bordeaux, merlot, or pinot noir are some other red wines that would work well in this recipe.
Can I Make This Beef Bourguignon In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can. If your slow cooker has a sear function, that’s great, but if not, I would sear the beef in a pot on the stove first and then put it in the slow cooker. Do not skip this step! Next, add the onion, garlic, and carrots to the pot and cook them for a few minutes to develop some flavor. Searing the meat adds a lot of flavor and a caramelized texture to the outside that makes the dish taste better. Pour the wine, tomato paste, herbs, and beef stock into the slow cooker. Then add the vegetables and beef. Set the timer for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. the meat should be very tender.