Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
A timeless French stew packed with tender chunks of beef, flavorful carrots, and a rice, deep sauce that is perfect for soaking up with mashed potatoes. It is everything you've ever wanted in a beef stew and then some.
Gluten Free

Hi friends! Craving a meal that qualifies as both a comfort food and a sophisticated dinner? Look no further than our Beef Bourguignon. A timeless French stew packed with tender chunks of beef, flavorful carrots, and a rich, deep sauce that is just perfect for soaking up with mashed potatoes, it is everything you’ve ever wanted in a beef stew and then some.

With a husband, four kids, a plethora of after school activities, and a busy career, I know how hectic life can be, which is precisely why I love this recipe: it’s a make-ahead freezer meal, which means we get to enjoy a gourmet dinner without having to slave away in the kitchen all day. It’s the answer to every mealtime woe, delivering convenience without sacrificing flavor, and giving you time back. 

Ready to bring a traditional French dish to your kitchen? Come along as we prep this delectable Beef Bourguignon. You’ll be happy you joined!

Why You’ll Love this Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal

  • Make-Ahead Convenience: This meal is perfect for busy parents who want to reduce dinnertime cooking stress because you can make it in advance and store it for when you need it.
  • Kid-Friendly: Beef is always a hit with kids, and the tenderness and flavor of this beef makes it a draw for even the pickiest of eaters.
  • Versatile Sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, noodles, crusty bread, or whatever side you fancy. The flavors are excellent by themselves and they pair beautifully with a variation of sides.
Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal Recipe
A timeless French stew packed with tender chunks of beef, flavorful carrots, and a rice, deep sauce that is perfect for soaking up with mashed potatoes. It is everything you've ever wanted in a beef stew and then some.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Equipment
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients
  
  • 2-3 lbs Beef chuck
  • 1 Onion diced
  • 2 Carrots sliced
  • 2 Stalks celery sliced
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 3 oz Tomato paste
Day of Cooking:
  • 3 cups Beef broth Gluten-Free
For Serving:
  • 4 cups Mashed potatoes
Instructions
 
Prep/Freezer Directions:
  • Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
  • Add all ingredients, except for Day of Cooking ingredients, to the freezer bag.
  • Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions
  • Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
  • Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker, add 3 cups beef broth.
  • Cook on low for 8-10 hours. 
  • Shred beef, stir and serve over mashed potatoes.
Instant Pot | Cooking Directions
 
  1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus 3 cups beef broth, into the Instant Pot. 
  2. Set to High Pressure for 35 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
  3. Shred beef, stir and serve over mashed potatoes. 
Dietary Adjustments
Make It Gluten Free:
 
  • Ensure beef broth is gluten-free.
 
Make it Dairy Free:
 
  • Recipe is naturally dairy-free
Keyword Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal, Beef freezer meals, Easy beef Recipes, Easy crockpot recipes, Slow cooker beef recipes
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Equipment Needed to Make Freezer-Friendly Beef Bourguignon

  • 1 gallon freezer bag
  • 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients for Your Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal Recipe

  • 2-3 lbs Beef chuck
  • 1 Onion, diced
  • 2 Carrots, sliced
  • 2 Stalks celery, sliced
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 3 oz Tomato paste
  • Day of Cooking:
  • 3 cups Beef broth, gluten-free
  • For Serving:
  • 4 cups Mashed potatoes

How to Make a Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep/Freezer Directions:

  1. Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
  2. Add all ingredients, except for Day of Cooking ingredients, to the freezer bag.
  3. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions:

  1. Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
  2. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker, add 3 cups beef broth.
  3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours. 
  4. Shred beef, stir and serve over mashed potatoes.

What to Pair with your Make-Ahead Beef Bourguignon

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

  • Pork Shoulder: Pork shoulder has a similar texture and fat content to beef chuck roast, making it a perfect substitute for beef chuck in slow-cooked dishes. 
  • Rosemary: Thyme is traditionally used in this recipe, but if you’d like to change the flavor subtly, try using rosemary. Just stir in the same amount of rosemary as you would thyme.

Additions:

  • Mushrooms: The texture and flavor of mushrooms complement the texture and flavors in this dish beautifully. Cut them into quarters or sixths, depending on the size of the mushroom. 
  • Red Wine: Our recipe doesn’t call for red wine, but if you’d like to add a rich, deep flavor to the recipe, add your favorite red wine (like Pinot Noir). You’ll be sure to enjoy the flavor enhancement it yields for the beef and vegetables!

How To Reheat & Store Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal Recipe

Best Way To Store Leftover Best Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal

The best way to store leftovers of Best Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal is in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Make sure to allow your leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing to avoid excess moisture in your containers, which will change the flavor and texture of your leftovers when you go to reheat.

How Long Will Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal Recipe Last In the Fridge?

When properly stored in an airtight container, Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal Recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for three to five days.

Can I Freeze Beef Bourguignon Meal Prep?

Our preferred method is freezing raw and then cooking, which means we recommend refrigerating any leftovers and consuming them within the recommended time frame. You’re able to freeze leftovers safely, they just won’t taste as delicious and won’t have attractive texture the second go around.

To prep this recipe as a raw freezer meal, add all ingredients, except day of and serving ingredients, into a labeled gallon freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal and store for up to three months.

How To Reheat Beef Bourguignon Crockpot Freezer Meal?

This meal is reheatable on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in the oven, but our preferred method is on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water onto a skillet over medium heat, then add your leftovers and stir occasionally until your beef leftovers are heated through evenly.

Beef Bourguignon Freezer Meal FAQs

Other Beef Recipes You’ll Love

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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Beef Bourguignon turned out!

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Hi! I'm Hannah

As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!

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