Here’s the classic Beef Bourguignon from Julia Child. It’s the essential one pot meal that will have you crying it’s so good.
My mom had Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking when I was a kid, and she still does. I also have it in my kitchen. It’s a huge, heavy cookbook with no pictures and cute little orange fleur de lis and turquoise dots that look like stars. Whaaaaaat???!!! When I first started cooking I was completely intimidated by it.
Beef bourguignon is a classic French stew, loaded with tender chunks of beef, mushrooms, onions, carrots and bacon simmered in a rich red wine sauce. It’s a delicious but time-consuming dish to prepare. Luckily, beef bourguignon is one of those recipes that can be made ahead of time and stored safely in the refrigerator for several days.
Proper storage is the key to keeping leftover beef bourguignon fresh until you’re ready to reheat and serve it. Follow some simple guidelines and your beef bourguignon can keep in the fridge for up to a week without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about refrigerating and storing beef bourguignon to maximize its shelf life and keep it tasting great
How Long Does Beef Bourguignon Last in the Fridge?
A whole pot of properly stored beef bourguignon will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days
The reasons it can last this long refrigerated include:
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The stew contains acidity from the red wine that inhibits bacterial growth.
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The beef cubes are fully cooked reaching safe internal temperatures,
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Keeping the stew contained in an airtight storage container prevents air exposure.
As long as you store it correctly, leftover beef bourguignon should maintain optimal taste and texture for close to a week when kept refrigerated.
Tips for Refrigerating Beef Bourguignon
Follow these guidelines to store beef bourguignon in the fridge:
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Let the stew cool completely first before refrigerating.
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Transfer beef bourguignon to airtight containers with tight fitting lids. Or store in ziplock bags pressing out excess air.
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Ensure stew is evenly distributed in container and not too tightly packed.
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Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Do not leave stew at room temperature.
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Place containers on lower shelves of refrigerator. Maintain temperature at 40°F or below.
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If reheating frequently, only keep 3-4 days. Use within 5 days maximum for best quality.
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Check for signs of spoilage before reheating. Discard if any mold, bad odors or textures develop.
Can You Freeze Beef Bourguignon?
Freezing is a great long-term storage option for beef bourguignon. The stew can keep several months frozen with no loss of flavor or texture.
To freeze beef bourguignon:
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Let stew cool completely before freezing.
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Transfer to freezer-safe airtight containers leaving 1-inch headspace.
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Ensure all solids are fully submerged in liquid.
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Label containers with contents and freeze date.
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Freeze at 0°F or below.
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Once thawed, use within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze.
Properly frozen and thawed, beef bourguignon will taste freshly made for a quick weekday meal.
Serving Leftover Beef Bourguignon
There are endless ways to serve and enjoy beef bourguignon beyond the first meal:
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As a topping over buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
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Spoon over plates of steamed rice or quinoa.
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Layer into crusty French bread bowls for a rustic stew dish.
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Stuff into puff pastry shells or over biscuits for handheld pot pies.
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Use as a filling for crepes, raviolis or pierogies.
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Prepare beef bourguignon pizza with stew as the sauce.
With a variety of reheating methods, leftover beef bourguignon keeps its nuanced flavors and tender texture for impromptu meals all week long.
Reheating Beef Bourguignon Safely
Always reheat beef bourguignon to safe internal temperatures before serving.
Recommended reheating methods include:
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In a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring periodically until hot.
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In a microwave, reheating in 30 second intervals just until hot.
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In a 350°F oven, covered, for 15-20 minutes until piping hot.
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In a crockpot on low setting for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Bring beef bourguignon to 165°F as measured by a food thermometer before serving. This destroys any bacteria that could develop during fridge storage.
Know When It’s Gone Bad
Occasionally check your refrigerated beef bourguignon for any signs of spoilage before reheating:
- Mold growth
- Sour or off smells
- Grayish color changes
- Excessive bubbling or foaming
If you notice any of these, it’s best to discard the stew. Don’t risk eating spoiled beef bourguignon.
The Takeaway
When stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator, leftover beef bourguignon will keep for 5 to 7 days. Freezing also allows you to store it for several months. Follow these tips for refrigerating beef bourguignon and enjoy all the rich, savory flavors of this French classic throughout the week!
Is Julia Child’s cookbook hard to use?
However over the years, I’ve come to enjoy actually reading cookbooks cover to cover, Julia Child’s in particular. Since there aren’t any pictures, her wit and humor really shine through, and her recipes are great, too.
I love Julia Child’s meticulous attention to detail. She writes the mother recipe first and then how to make variations from there. I love her picks for side dishes and wine. She leaves nothing uncovered. Not only that, I feel good opening her book and spending time with her in the kitchen. Play some Edith Piath and open a bottle of Louis Jadot, oh yeah! I’m in Paris!!! Julia and I are such rockin’ best friends! (Sorry about that last part.) That was little much, a little too much Louis Jadot talking there. If I committed some kind of culinary sacrilege… my apologies. ).
Read the Beef Bourguignon recipe below. Here’s the link to Julia Child’s PBS web sight. Make the recipe. Go out and get her book, or click on the Amazon link below. It’s priceless. It’s historic. It’s delicious. While you’re at it buy her videos, kiss your sweetheart like you mean it, donate to PBS, and take in a rescue dog or cat. Your life will be better for it. I promise.
Ask the Test Kitchen: How Long Will Meat Last in the Fridge?
FAQ
How long is Beef Bourguignon good for in the fridge?
Can you eat beef stew after 5 days?
Can you reheat Beef Bourguignon?
Can you eat stew 3 days after cooking?
How long can you keep beef bourguignon in the fridge?
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make ahead: The flavor of Beef Bourguignon improves if you make it a day ahead. Let the dish cool and refrigerate overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, using more broth or a splash of wine. Or reheat in a slow cooker for 3 to 4 hours on HIGH.
How long does beef bourguignon last?
It will keep for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it over low heat until it’s warmed through. Beef bourguignon is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cold night. And it’s even better when it’s made ahead!
How to cook beef bourguignon in a crock pot?
Sprinkle the flour over the beef and stir with a wooden spoon to coat the beef. Add the remaining onions. Pour in the red wine and beef broth. Add the tomato paste, thyme, mushrooms, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours. Once the beef bourguignon is cooked, return the bacon to the pot, season with salt and pepper, stir, and serve.
How do you cook beef bourguignon?
Pour in the red wine and beef broth. Add the tomato paste, thyme, mushrooms, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours. Once the beef bourguignon is cooked, return the bacon to the pot, season with salt and pepper, stir, and serve. Is Beef Burgundy the same as Beef Bourguignon?