Whether you opened a can of beans and ended up with leftovers or cooked up a big batch of dried beans, you might be wondering how long beans last in the fridge. Here's what you need to know about storing beans after they're cooked.
Black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans—no matter what your go-to legume is, the humble bean is a winning ingredient. There are so many ways to use beans, including healthy dinners with canned beans. But how long do beans last in the fridge once cooked? Here’s what you need to know, plus a few helpful tricks to extend their shelf life.
How long do beans last in the fridge?
Cooked beans last for up to five days in the fridge. To store them, let the beans cool down after cooking, then pop them in the refrigerator within an hour. Getting them stored quickly and chilled in the fridge will help prevent the growth of bacteria.
How to Store Cooked Beans
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Proper food storage containers will keep your cooked beans fresh longer compared to storing them in a bowl wrapped with storage wrap or foil.
Can you freeze cooked beans?
You can freeze cooked beans for up to three months. If you plan to use them for healthy meal prep recipes, I recommend divvying them up into single-serving portions that you can reheat at your leisure.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, let the beans defrost in the fridge overnight. Then reheat them on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
