Beef stew is a delicious, hearty meal that will warm you right up! It’s one of my favorite recipes during cold winter weather.
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Can you freeze beef stew? Yes, you can!
This article will dive into frequently asked questions about freezing beef stew and the ingredients it’s made of. I’ll also be sharing my best tips and tricks for storing, thawing, and reheating beef stew.
Can You Freeze Beef Stew?
Absolutely! Beef stew freezes incredibly well, maintaining its delicious savory flavor and thick texture when reheated.
Not only can you freeze beef stew, but it’s also the perfect meal to prepare in advance and enjoy later. Freezing beef stew is a great idea if you want to have an easy hot meal on hand for whenever you’re busy.
Can You Freeze Beef Stew That Has Potatoes in It?
While beef stew generally freezes well, I don’t recommend freezing beef stew with potatoes in it.
When potatoes are frozen and reheated, they tend to lose their original texture and become mushy or grainy.
Tip: Cook Potatoes and Stew Separately
If you love potatoes but want to freeze beef stew for later, leave the potatoes out of the initial batch of stew that you cook and freeze. Once you’re ready to reheat and eat the stew, cook potatoes separately and add them before serving.
The Best Way to Freeze Beef Stew
Allow the cooked beef stew to cool fully before transferring it to a freezer-safe storage container.
You can store your stew in an airtight container, or in freezer bags. If using bags, squeeze out excess air before sealing them.
My all-time favorite method for freezing beef stew is using Souper Cubes! Why I love Souper Cubes:
- Silicone material. It’s easy to remove the frozen contents from it.
- Lid included. Helps maintain freshness and makes storage simple.
- Perfect 1-cup portions. So easy to reheat individual servings!
Simply pop a cube out of the tray and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. It’s as easy as can be!
Can I Reheat Beef Stew From Frozen?
Yes, you can reheat beef stew from frozen — defrosting it is optional.
But why is thawing beef stew recommended if it’s not necessary?
- Ensures ingredients are heated through. Beef and carrots are often cut thick in stews and can take a while to reheat.
- Saves time. Stew that has been thawed will take less time to reheat than if frozen.
Does Beef Stew Meat Freeze Well?
Yes. Whether cooked or uncooked, beef stew meat freezes well! Beef stew meat will be best if thawed and cooked within three months of freezing.
I typically use chuck beef as my meat for beef stew. You can either find this meat pre-cut at the store, or slice the beef into small pieces on your own.
How Long Can I Freeze Stew?
Most stews can be frozen for up to three months without any significant changes to their taste or texture.
Can you freeze stew longer than this? In some cases, yes, beef stew can last in the freezer for up to six months.
The length of time that beef stew can be stored ultimately depends on the freshness of the stew’s ingredients, and also how well it has been stored.
How to Use Frozen Stew
Thawing frozen stew is recommended for best results. Here are a few different ways you can thaw it:
- Defrost overnight in the fridge. I recommend this method if you have the time.
- Place the stew container in a bowl of warm water. This will help loosen up the stew quickly if you’re short on time.
Reheat your thawed beef stew on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
When in a pinch, you can also place frozen beef stew in the microwave covered and cook it at 50% power for 3 minutes. Stir carefully, then cook in 1-minute increments until warmed.
What Goes Well With Beef Stew?
While beef stew is delicious on its own, you can pair it with sides to make the meal even more complete.
Try my homemade Ninja Foodi Beef Stew with these fluffy Air Fryer Biscuits or Garlic Cheese Bread. Or, enjoy it with a side of rice made in the pressure cooker!
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