Homestyle Beef Stew Freezer Meal Recipe

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

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 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

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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

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, plus a 14.5 oz can chicken broth.
2. Set to High Pressure for 65 minutes, then allow a 15-minute natural release followed by a quick release.  
3. 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

• 2-3 lbs Beef chuck roast
• 2 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced (1 cup frozen diced onions)
• 1 6 oz. can Tomato paste
• 1 16 oz bag baby carrots whole
• 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
• 1 14.5 oz can Chicken broth or beef broth

How to Make a Homestyle Beef Stew

Freezer Prep Directions

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

Cooking Directions

1. Thaw overnight int the fridge or morning of in bowl of water ( Meal may not be 100$ thawed but that is okay)
2. Add freezer bag contents into slow cooker
3. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
4. 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

Other Beef Recipes you’ll love!

• The Best Chili you Ever Had!
• Korean Beef
• Homestyle Beef Stew
• Barbacoa Beef
• Sweet Italian Meatballs

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!

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