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Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts and amazing moms juggling a million things at once!
I want to paint a delicious picture for you: imagine sitting down to a bowl of Homestyle Beef Stew. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, filled with tender beef, hearty veggies, and a soul-soothing broth. Trust me; it’s the ultimate comfort food that can be a lifesaver for busy parents like us.
It’s the epitome of comfort and convenience – our freezer meal secret for busy parents and anyone seeking a taste of nostalgia.a In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating this comforting stew, share clever freezer tips, and inspire you with creative serving suggestions.
Now, here’s the deal: I’m about to spill the beans on our secret weapon – freezer meals! We all know how hectic life can get, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice wholesome, homemade meals.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to whip up this comforting stew, and we’ll also share some genius freezer meal tips. Plus, we’ll throw in some creative serving ideas to keep things exciting.
So, let’s band together and bring the warmth of homemade goodness back to our tables. Let’s make those chaotic evenings a bit cozier, one delicious spoonful at a time. You’ve got this, supermom!
Why you’ll love this Homestyle Beef Stew for Busy Families
- Effortless Preparation
- One-Pot Wonder
- Wholesome ingredients
- Comfort food
- Kid-Friendly
- Freezer Friendly
Homestyle Beef Stew Freezer Meal Recipe
Our Homestyle Beef Style is a labor of love, slow-cooked to perfection and now available for you to enjoy whenever you please.
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 hours hrs
Total Time 8 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Equipment
1 Slow Cooker
1 gallon freezer bag
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs beef chuck roast
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 medium yellow onion (1 cup frozen diced onions)
- 6 oz tomato paste can
- 16 oz bag baby carrots
- 1 large parsnip peeled and chopped
- 2 cups celery diced
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 14.5 oz chicken broth can
Instructions
Freezer Prep Directions
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except the broth, to labeled freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions
Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker, plus a 14.5 oz can chicken broth.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Shred beef, stir, and serve!
Instant Pot Directions
- Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, plus a 14.5 oz can chicken broth.
- Set to High Pressure for 65 minutes, then allow a 15-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
- Shred beef, stir, and serve!
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
- Ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Make it Dairy-Free:
- This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Freezer Labels
Beef Stew Freezer Meal Printable Label
Keyword crockpot dinners, Easy Dinner, freezer meals, One Pot Beef Stew
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Equipment Needed To make the best Homestyle Beef Stew
- 1 Slow Cooker
- 1 gallon freezer bag
Ingredients for your Homestyle Beef Stew
- 2-3lbsBeef chuck roast
- 2tspGarlic powder
- 1mediumYellow onion, diced(1 cup frozen diced onions)
- 16 oz. canTomato paste
- 116 oz bagbaby carrotswhole
- 1largeParsnippeeled and chopped
- 2cupsCelerydiced
- 2tspDried thyme
- 2Bay leaves
- 2tspDried parsley
- 2tbspApple cider vinegar
- 1tspSalt
- 1/2tspBlack pepper
- 114.5 oz canChicken brothor beef broth
How to Make a Homestyle Beef Stew
Freezer Prep Directions
- Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
- Add all ingredients, except the broth, to labeled freezer bag.
- Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.
Cooking Directions
- Thaw overnight int the fridge or morning of in bowl of water ( Meal may not be 100$ thawed but that is okay)
- Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Shred beef, stir. And serve!!
What to Serve/Pair with your Homestyle Beef Stew Meal Recipe
Sides
- Garlic and Chive Mashed Potatoes
- Buttery Dinner Rolls
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Desserts
- Apple Crisp
- Chocolate Lava Cakes
- Vanilla Ice Cream with Caramel Sauce
Mocktails
- Sparkling Cranberry Punch
- Berry and Mint infused Water
- Virgin Mojito
Popular Substitutions and Additions
Substitutions:
- Stew Beef: You can substitute stew beef with boneless beef chuck roast or beef sirloin cut into chunks. These cuts are known for their tenderness and are great for stews.
- Baby Carrots: If you prefer, you can substitute baby carrots with regular carrots that are peeled and sliced into rounds or chunks.
- Broth of Preference: Instead of a traditional beef broth, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile. This is especially helpful for those with dietary preferences or allergies.
Additions:
- Potatoes: Add peeled and diced potatoes to the stew for extra heartiness and to make it even more filling. Potatoes are a classic addition to beef stew.
- Green Beans: Throw in some fresh or frozen green beans for a burst of color and add vegetables. They’ll complement the flavors of the stew beautifully.
- Red Wine: Consider adding a splash of red wine for depth of flavor. Red wine pairs wonderfully with beef and can enhance the richness of your stew.
These substitutions and additions allow you to customize your Homestyle Beef Stew according to your taste preferences and dietary requirements while ensuring that all the ingredients remain freezer-friendly for convenient meal prep. Enjoy your hearty stew!
How to Reheat and Store Homestyle Beef Stew after cooking
Best way to store Easy Homestyle Beef Stew leftover?
Dinner’s done, and you find yourself with a bit of Homestyle Beef Stew leftover. No worries, we’ve got you covered with some savvy storage tips to ensure your leftovers stay just as delicious tomorrow or the next day.
To start, allow your Beef Stew to cool down to room temperature post-cooking, but remember to keep it out for no longer than 2 hours to keep those pesky bacteria at bay. Once it’s the right temperature, transfer your meal to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and pop it in the fridge.
To keep that flavor locked in, be sure to eliminate as much air as possible. And for easy tracking of freshness, make a quick label with the date of preparation on the container or bag. With these steps, your Homestyle Beef Stew leftovers will be just as scrumptious the second time around!
How long will Homestyle Beef Stew last in the fridge?
When you adhere to the right cooling and storage steps, your homestyle beef leftovers should retain their freshness for about 4 to 5 days.
Can I freeze Make-Ahead Beef Stew after cooking?
You absolutely can, and here’s the correct procedure to ensure it stays fresh. Start by allowing your Beef Stew to cool completely in the refrigerator after cooking. Once it’s cool, portion the leftovers into meal-sized servings that you plan to reheat later.
This makes it simpler to thaw and reheat only what you need. You can either place each portion in a separate freezer bag or use airtight containers.Make sure to carefully ladle the cooled homestyle beef stew into your chosen containers.
Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion as the stew freezes. If you choose freezer bags, be sure to eliminate excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Don’t forget to label each bag with the date and a brief description for easy identification.
Now, just pop those labeled bags or containers in the freezer. Your Homestyle Beef Stew leftovers will maintain their quality for a generous 2-3 months in the freezer. But if you’re aiming for a raw freezer meal, there’s a different process.
Place your chicken in a raw freezer bag, add all ingredients into your freezer bag except the broth, remove air, seal, and freeze for 3-6 months. It’s a hassle-free way to prepare a crockpot meal for those busy days ahead.
How to Reheat easy freezer meal: Homestyle Beef Stew?
Reheating your Homestyle Beef Stew freezer meal is a breeze. If your meal was frozen, start by allowing it to thaw completely. There are three effective thawing methods to choose from: overnight in the fridge, submerging the freezer bag in cold water, or using the microwave’s defrost setting for a gradual thaw. Once your meal is properly thawed, you can reheat it using any of these three approaches:
- Stovetop Reheating: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the thawed Homestyle Beef, and stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
- Microwave Reheating: If you’re in a hurry, the microwave comes to the rescue. Place the thawed Beef Stew on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until it’s warmed through. Stir in between each interval to ensure evenly heated leftovers.
Always ensure that the beef is fully cooked by using a food thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. These reheating methods make enjoying your Homestyle Beef Stew meal a quick and convenient process.
Homestyle Beef Stew Freezer Meal FAQs
How well does Beef Stew freeze?
Beef stew generally freezes quite well, making it a convenient and delicious option for meal prep. The key to successful freezing lies in proper cooling, portioning, and sealing.
Once you’ve cooked your beef stew, allow it to cool completely to room temperature, and then refrigerate it until it is completely chilled. This helps prevent condensation from forming in the storage container, which can lead to freezer burn.
Once cooled. Portion the stew into meal sized servings in airtight freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags. Ensure you remove excess air from the bags to maintain freshness. When properly frozen and stored, beef stew can maintain its flavor, texture, and quality for up to 2-3 months.
What is the secret to great beef stew?
The secret to a great beef stew lies ina few key factors. First make sure that you choose the right cut of meat. Start with a well-marbled, tough cut of beef, such as a chuck roast.
The slow cooking process will tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Then, if you prefer, sear the meat before stewing it, this adds depth to the flavor.
Then, use a balanced mix of herbs and spices, such as thyme, bay leaves, garlic, and black pepper, to season the stew. Next, low and slow cooking is key. Simmer the stew over low heat for an extended period to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
This slow cooking process is essential for a rich, flavorful stew. The next secret is using quality ingredients, including fresh veggies, broth, and aromatic herbs.
Make sure you choose the right thickener for your stew, such as a flour, or cornstarch, and use it sparingly to achieve the desired consistency. Include a bunch of vegetables for a well-rounded stew with different textures and flavors.
The last secret is patience. Don’t rush the cooking process. The longer you simmer the stew, the more the flavors will develop.
What should you consider when serving stewed food?
When serving stewed food, consider the following; Temperature stews are best served piping hot. Reheat if necessary before serving to ensure that all components are warm and appetizing.
Then consider serving stewed dishes with appropriate accompaniments, such as a crusty bread, rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Then, think of the garnishes, fresh herbs, grated cheese, sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the presentation and taste.
Then consider your side dishes, like salads, or steamed greens. Next, consider portion control, consider these based on the appetites of your guests.
What are the rules of stewing?
There are three fundamental rules of stewing
1: Low and Slow: Stewing involves simmering ingredients slowly over low heatThe gradual cooking process allows flavors to meld and meat to become tender.
2: Moisture and Flavor: Stewing relies on ample liquid, typically broth or a wine, to infuse flavors and prevent ingredients from drying out.
3: Consistent size: To ensure even cooking, ingredients in a stew should be cut into uniform sizes.
This uniformity ensures that everything cooks at the same time.
How often do you stir your stew during cooking?
When stewing, it’s best to limit stirring. Stirring too frequently can cause ingredients to break down and become mushy, especially delicate vegetables.
It’s generally sufficient to stir the stew occasionally, approximately every 20-30 minutes, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Allow the stew to simmer without constant disruption to develop the desired flavors and textures.
How do you know when a beef stew is done?
A beef stew is typically done when the meat becomes tender and the flavors have melded. You can check for doneness by testing the meat with a fork.
It should easily fall apart or shred. Additionally, the vegetables should be soft and cooked through. Taste the stew to ensure that the flavors have developed to your liking.
The total cooking time can vary depending on the cut of meat and the recipe but often falls in the range of 2-3 hours for beef stew.
Should I sear beef before beef stew?
Yes, this is a personal preference thing based on your liking and time available. Searing beef before making beef stew is recommended.
Searing involves cooking the meat in a hot pan to develop a flavorful crust. This process caramelizes the meat’s surface, enhancing its taste and texture. It also helps lock in juices, which can lead to a more succulent stew.
Searing the beef adds depth and richness to the stew’s overall flavor profile.
What vegetables go in a freezer meal beef stew?
For a freezer meal beef stew, you can include a variety of vegetables that freezes well. Common choices include carrots, potatoes, celery, peas, and green beans.
These vegetables hold up nicely during freezing and reheating, maintaining their texture and flavor.
Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite vegetables, but be mindful of those that may become mushy or lose integrity when frozen, such as zucchini or squashes.
What not to put in a freezer meal beef stew?
Avoid including vegetables that don’t freeze well in a freezer meal beef stew. These may include vegetables with high water content, like cucumbers or lettuce, which can biome limp and soggy upon thawing.
Delicate herbs like basil are also best added fresh just before serving, as freezing can alter their flavor and texture. Additionally, dairy products, such as sour cream or yogurt, are better added when reheating the stew, as they can separate and become grainy when frozen.
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