Stock and broth. More and more people are learning about how powerful this food is because it gives us so much of what our modern diets lack. This is why people notice such quick health improvements soon after starting to incorporate them into their diets.
A few years ago, I wrote a short guide on why we should use stocks and how to make basic stocks like chicken, fish, and beef. It’s here.
And I’ve been asked a whole bunch of questions in between on facebook. I thought it would be helpful for everyone who is making stock, whether they are new to it or have been doing it for a while. We can always use more tips and ideas. The most important thing to remember is HOW EASY STOCK IS!!! Some bones, some veg, some herbs. Simmer for an hour for fish, two to twelve hours for chicken, or two days for beef, pork, and lamb. If you can, use filtered water. Done. But, because we do like to indulge a little obsession into ‘doing it right’….
Beef broth is a tasty and useful ingredient to have on hand for making soups stews, gravies and more. But unlike canned broths homemade beef broth has a shorter shelf life. So how long can you leave beef broth out before it is unsafe to use? Here is a complete guide to shelf life and food safety when handling homemade beef broth.
The Shelf Life of Refrigerated Beef Broth
Freshly made beef broth that is promptly refrigerated after cooking should last 3-4 days in the fridge. The USDA recommends using refrigerated broth or stock within this time frame for safety and quality.
Here are some general guidelines for refrigerated beef broth:
- Broth in airtight container: lasts 3-4 days
- Broth in open container: lasts 2-3 days
- Broth with meat chunks: lasts 2-3 days
- Broth made from bones: lasts 2-4 days
Always refrigerate broth within 2 hours of cooking Broth left out too long at room temperature allows bacteria to multiply quickly
Freezing Extends the Shelf Life
For longer-term storage, beef broth can be frozen, which makes it last a lot longer. Here is how long it lasts frozen:
- Beef broth in freezer: 3-4 months
- Beef broth in deep freezer: 6-12 months
Freeze broth in airtight containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Small batches freeze faster for better quality. Let cool fully before freezing
How Long Can Beef Broth Sit Out?
Ideally, you should refrigerate beef broth within 2 hours of cooking. But what if you forgot to put the leftovers back in the fridge or left the broth out on the counter overnight? How long can beef broth sit out at room temperature before bacteria make it unsafe?
Here are some general time limits:
- Broth left out up to 2 hours: still safe if refrigerated after
- Broth left out for 3-4 hours: at higher risk, refrigerate immediately
- Broth left out over 6 hours: unsafe, discard broth
- Broth left out overnight (8+ hours): do not consume
The exact window depends on the room temperature. Over 90°F speeds spoilage. But when in doubt, throw it out. Bacteria multiply rapidly in broth at room temp.
Signs Your Beef Broth Has Spoiled
Watch for these warning signs that your refrigerated or frozen beef broth has gone bad and should be discarded:
- Odd or sour smell
- Mold growth
- Increased dark or cloudy appearance
- Change in texture – thicker or slimy
- Bubbles or foam on the surface
- Discoloration of meat chunks
- Sliminess of fat or marrow pieces
If anything seems off about the look, smell or consistency of your stored beef broth, it is better to be safe than sorry. Toss it out.
Safety Tips for Handling Beef Broth
To get the most shelf life out of your homemade beef broth and prevent foodborne illness, follow these safe handling guidelines:
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Refrigerate broth within 2 hours of cooking.
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Cool broth quickly before refrigerating by placing pot in ice bath.
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Divide into shallow containers for fast cooling in fridge.
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Freeze broth if not using within 3-4 days.
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Thaw frozen broth in fridge, not on counter.
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Bring all leftovers to a boil before reusing.
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Discard broth if left out over 6 hours at room temperature.
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Do not taste or use broth that smells or looks spoiled.
Following proper storage, thawing and reheating procedures will keep homemade beef broth safe and delicious for use within 4 days. Discard older leftovers and when in doubt, throw it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if beef broth has gone bad?
Signs beef broth has spoiled include foul smell, sliminess, slimy residue on container’s sides, discoloration of fats or solids, mold growth and curdled texture. Always discard spoiled broth.
Can you get sick from bad beef broth?
Yes, consuming spoiled beef broth can cause food poisoning leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other GI distress. Toxins from bacterial growth in bad broth can cause illness.
Can beef broth be left out overnight to cool?
No, do not leave beef broth out overnight. Refrigerate within 2 hours. Leaving broth out for more than 4 hours allows bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels.
Can you reheat beef broth that was left out?
No, do not reheat beef broth left out overnight. The bacteria already multiplied to unsafe levels. Even reheating cannot make spoiled broth safe to consume.
How do you store leftover beef broth?
Leftover broth should be cooled quickly, divided into shallow containers, covered and refrigerated within 2 hours. Use within 3-4 days. Broth can also be frozen for longer term storage.
Conclusion
When preparing your homemade beef broth, be sure to follow proper storage guidelines to maximize shelf life and safety. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking, use refrigerated broth within 3-4 days and freeze for longer storage. Do not leave broth at room temperature for more than 4 hours. Check for signs of spoilage before using, and discard if it smells or looks bad. Following food safety recommendations will keep your beef broth fresh and minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Trust your senses – if in doubt, throw it out!
2 What if I am doing GAPS. Do I have to prepare my stock a special way?
If you’re doing GAPS then meat stock is where you cook the meat attached to bone for a couple of hours to make soup and bone broth is where you simmer meat free bones. For those with histamine issues or extremely sensitive digestion, it’s good to start with bones that are only cooked for a couple of hours. Chicken is a good choice to introduce first as it has a much milder flavour, especially for kids. (Thank you to my friend Kitsa Yanniotis, GAPS educator exceptionelle for sharing this specific GAPS information)
2 What if I’m on a FODMAP diet? Can I still make stock?
Absolutely. If you are sensitive, you can either leave out the onion or add a few chopped green spring onion tips to make it taste better if you can handle them.