Tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes are dancing away in this delectable broth, filling your kitchen with the savory aroma of one of the most coveted comfort foods ever, all while you scratch your daily tasks off your to-do list.
Incredible parents and friends looking to make life a tad more manageable, allow me to introduce you to your new BFF, the ultimate freezer meal champion: our Whole 30 Approved Homestyle Beef Stew. It is the ultimate answer to the age-old question, “What’s for dinner?” Whether you’re new to the kitchen or a culinary pro, this make-ahead freezer meal is a breeze to prepare and perfect for those chaotic days when cooking from scratch just isn’t an option.
Picture this with me: tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes dancing away in a delectable broth in your crockpot, filling your kitchen with the savory aroma of one of the most coveted comfort foods ever, all while you scratch your daily tasks off your to-do list. This effortless, nutritious dinner doubles as a flavorful escape from the daily chaos and it’s just waiting for you to get your hands on it. Plus, it’s Whole 30 Approved, so you can rest easy knowing you’re filling your loved ones’ bellies with wholesome deliciousness.
Join me as we dive into the world of stress-free meal prep, letting this Homestyle Beef Stew impress your loved ones.
Why you’ll Love this Easy Homestyle Beef Stew Whole 30 Recipe
Customizable: Freedom to add personal touches like extra vegetables or spices to cater to your family’s preferences makes this recipe a favorite for everyone.
Stress-free: Just knowing there’s a home-cooked meal waiting in the freezer brings peace of mind, reducing the stress of dinner preparation.
Nutrition-Packed: Lean beef, vegetables, hearty broth…need I say more?
Quick and Convenient: Prepared in advance and frozen until you need it, this crockpot wonder is a lifesaver on hectic evenings.
Homestyle Beef Stew Whole 30 Freezer Meal Recipe
Tender chunks of beef, carrots, and potatoes are dancing away in this delectable broth, filling your kitchen with the savory aroma of one of the most coveted comfort foods ever, all while you scratch your daily tasks off your to-do list.
Carrots: If you don’t have baby carrots on hand, regular carrots, peeled and sliced to ½ inch thick, work great.
Meat: If you don’t have or prefer chuck roast, you can substitute pork roast such as shoulder roast, sirloin roast, or blade roast.
Additions:
Vegetables: Peas or canned, diced tomatoes are easy ingredients to drop into your crockpot, adding a smidge of color and additional vitamins.
How to Reheat and Store Homestyle Beef Stew Whole 30 Freezer Meal
Best way to store easy Whole 30 Beef Stew Leftovers?
The best and most effective way to store your leftovers to remain as fresh as possible, would be to allow your leftover Beef Stew to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, then place desired leftovers in an airtight container. Following proper cooling procedures is crucial for maintaining fresh leftovers.
How long will Homestyle Beef Stew Whole 30 Leftovers last in the fridge?
When you follow the proper procedures for cooling and storing, your leftovers should remain fresh in the fridge, in general, for 3-5 days. Always make sure that you check for spoilage before reheating.
Can I freeze convenient Homestyle Beef Stew Whole 30 recipe?
We always recommend freezing before cooking and making this recipe as a raw freezer meal. To do this, simply label a gallon freezer bag, add all ingredients into labeled freezer bag, except the broth, and seal and store in the freezer for up to three months.
If you have already cooked your meal, and have leftovers that you would like to store for longer shelf life, you may freeze your leftovers, but beware that the second go around will not be as delicious as the first. Simply allow your leftovers to cool to room temperature, and store in a resealable freezer bag for up to three months.
How to Reheat Quick Whole 30 Homestyle Beef Stew leftovers?
This recipe is best reheated in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the microwave, be sure to avoid overheating, as this will change the texture and flavor of the leftovers. To use the microwave, add a desired amount of leftovers into a microwave safe plate, then reheat in short bursts of 30-60 seconds. Stir between each interval to ensure even heating throughout. While using the stovetop, take a skillet over medium heat, with a splash of broth added to prevent sticking. Add desired amount of leftovers into the skillet, and stir occasionally until evenly heated through.
Homestyle Beef Stew Whole 30 Recipe FAQs
What is the healthiest meat for stew?
Sirloin and round are optimal lean cuts of beef for stew. Both contain less saturated fat than other options while providing protein and flavor.
Are chuck roast and stew meat the same?
Chuck roast and stew meat are typically from the same part of the cow, the chuck. The difference is that stew meat is typically pre-cut into smaller pieces, while chuck roast is larger so it can be sliced or cubed for stew.
What is the least expensive cut of beef?
One of the least expensive cuts of beef is chuck roast. It provides excellent flavor while remaining a budget-friendly choice.
Is it better to cook beef stew on low or high?
Cooking meat on low heat over a longer period of time yields tender and flavorful beef stew. Slow-cooking tenderizes the meat beautifully and infuses the stew with robust flavor.
How do you cook stew meat so it’s tender?
Cooking stew meat low and slow ensures its tenderness. Specifically, a moist cooking method like braising or slow cooking with plenty of liquid helps to break down tough fibers in meat.
Can you cut a roast into stew meat?
You can certainly cut a larger roast, such as a chuck roast, into stew-sized pieces to use in your stew recipe. By doing this, you can better control the size and quality of the meat.
How do you make beef stew meat get tender quickly?
There is no true way to tenderize beef stew meat quickly. However, using a pressure cooker is a great way to help the meat be tender, and your cooking time is significantly reduced.
Do you have to brown beef before slow cooking?
Browning beef before slow cooking is not necessary, but it does add depth to the dish and enhances its appearance.
Does tomato tenderize meat?
The natural acids in tomatoes help tenderize meat over time. However, the best method for tenderizing meat is via slow cooking and moisture.
Can you overcook beef stew?
Overcooking beef stew is possible, but is avoidable by following your recipe’s recommended cooking time.
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!
