This Is How Long It Takes For Chili To Go Bad

Chili is the ultimate food for fall and winter. It's hearty, filling, and perfect for a cold night to warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it's easy to make a big batch of chili and then have it on hand in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.

Chili can be made with ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option. One of the great things about chili is that it gets better with age. In fact, many people say that chili tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had a chance to meld together. This means that if you're meal planning for the coming week, chili is the perfect make-ahead meal. Simply cook a big batch at the beginning of the week and then portion it out into individual containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners later on. But how long will chili actually last in the fridge or freezer?

If you're planning to eat your chili within two hours of cooking it, you can keep it at room temperature (via StillTasty). But if you'll be keeping it out for longer than that, it's best to refrigerate it or keep it in a slow cooker set to "low" so that it doesn't spoil. Chili can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. 

Freezing is one of the best ways to extend the life of your chili. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Frozen chili maintains its quality for about four to six months. However, if you find that your chili has an off-smell or color upon thawing and reheating, it's best to discard it and make a new batch.