Storing cooked food properly is essential to prevent both foodborne illness and unnecessary waste. Many people save leftovers without being sure how long they remain safe or maintain good quality in the fridge.
This guide breaks down how long various cooked foods can be refrigerated, how to store them correctly, and how to tell when it’s time to throw them out.
How Long Does Cooked Food Last in the Fridge?
Below are general guidelines for storing cooked food in a refrigerator set between 1°C and 5°C:
Cooked meats (beef, chicken, pork, turkey): 3–4 days
Cooked fish: 2–3 days
Cooked rice, pasta, and legumes: 3–5 days
Soups and stews: 3–4 days
Boiled eggs (in shell): Up to 1 week
Cooked vegetables: 3–5 days
Pizza or empanadas: 3–4 days
Homemade sauces (e.g., béchamel, tomato-based): 3–4 days
Milk- or cream-based desserts (flans, mousses): 2–3 days
Best Practices for Storing Cooked Food in the Refrigerator
1. Let It Cool First
Avoid putting hot food directly into the fridge.
Allow it to cool to room temperature—within two hours of cooking—so it doesn’t raise the fridge’s overall temperature, which could affect other stored items.
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