How to Freeze Beef Stew

When it comes to making a delicious and tasty beef stew, there is nothing quite like it.

Can you freeze leftover beef stew? The answer is yes! Freezing beef stew is an easy way to save time and money by not wasting it.

For example, see our recipe for Asian beef stew, which freezes well. As does Mississippi Pot Roast.

Plus, when you are in a rush or late home from work, it is very easy to reheat.

We will cover how to properly freeze beef stew to retain its flavor and texture.

Table of Contents

You can always add stored Liverwurst for extra taste in the stew.

Can You Freeze Beef Stew?

Yes, beef stew may be frozen for 6 months. Let the food cool off before transferring it into freezer bags or plastic containers and storing it in the freezer.

How long does Beef Stew Last in the Fridge?

Beef Stew is filling and a hearty meal. Freezing beef stew can help preserve it for later consumption.

The next steps cover how to freeze beef stew properly and minimize freezer burn or losing flavor.

Cooling First:

The cooked beef stew should be cooled before freezing. To do this, transfer the stew to a shallow container and place it in the refrigerator. This will help the stew cool down quickly and evenly, preventing bacterial growth. (see how long grilled steak can sit out)

Once cooled, you can move on to the next step.

Have a thin layer of beef stew, and it will cool faster. If you just put it in a deep container, it may take several hours to cool.

If you are not in a rush, you can chill it overnight before freezing.

Prepare Containers

The key to successful storage is using airtight containers that are designed for freezing. Choose airtight plastic containers with tight-fitting lids and wide mouths for storing your beef stew.

The wide mouths on containers just make it easier to spoon or ladle in the beef stew without getting the outsides of the container dirty, which then make it prone to grow bacteria.

Air-tight lids will help prevent freezer burn and keep your beef stew fresh for longer periods of time.

Make sure to label each container with the date, so you know when it was frozen and how long it has been kept in the freezer.

Should You Take Out Potatoes Before Freezing Beef Stew

How To Freeze Beef Stew With Potatoes

Do you want to freeze your beef stew and potatoes? Here’s how you do it!

I like chunky potato pieces in my stews, firstly because I like the contracting texture, but there is another reason. That being, if I am going to freeze the stew, I will take the potatoes out if I can. Or at least as many as is practical.

The reason is potatoes will go mushy when frozen and thawed. So if you are going to freeze your beef stew with potatoes, it is best to remove as many of the potatoes as possible before freezing.

Once you have removed the potatoes, follow the same steps for freezing beef stew without potatoes.

When reheating, add in some fresh potato pieces or diced potatoes to give it a nice texture.

Conclusion

First, cool your meal completely. This prevents the formation of ice crystals that can spoil the flavor and texture of the food.

Next, transfer the beef stew with potatoes into clean freezer-safe storage containers. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. This helps prevent the container from breaking in the freezer.

Then, seal the container tightly with a lid and label it with the date, so you know when you put it in there!

Is It Safe to Reheat Frozen Beef Stew?

Yes, it is safe to reheat frozen beef stew as long as you follow proper food safety guidelines, such as bringing the temperature of the food up quickly and not leaving it out at room temperature for too long. Make Sur it Reaches a Temperature of 165F

Can I Add Additional Ingredients when Freezing Beef Stew?

Yes, you can add additional ingredients such as vegetables or herbs when freezing beef stew; however, make sure that these ingredients are cooked before adding them to the stew.

Is there anything else I should do before freezing my beef stew?

Answer: Before freezing your beef stew, make sure that you have removed any bones or large pieces of fat from the meat so that they don’t become a choking hazard.