Can You Freeze Chicken And Beef Stew?

Since stew takes so long to cook, you might be wondering if you can double or triple the amount of stew you cook so that you can keep the rest in the freezer and make it worth the effort.

Chicken and beef stew do not freeze very well. Is it okay for the vegetables to be included in the mixture? We asked our favorite chefs about this and here is what they had to say.

Chicken and beef stew can be frozen along with the vegetables. 

You will be able to keep these dishes in the freezer for up to 6 months if you prepare and store them correctly. 

They will retain their nutrition value, and many say that the flavor is more intense after being reheated.

We’ll show you how to keep your beef and chicken stew in the freezer for a long period.

We will give you tips on how to properly thaw and serve this delicious dish so that you can share it with your family.

Is It Possible to Freeze Homemade Chicken Stew?

Chicken stew is one of those meals that can be made ahead and put in the freezer. You won’t have to worry about cooking during those busy weeknights.

It’s a well-rounded meal that can be eaten with almost anything. If you want a complete and satisfying meal, serve it with salad, bread, or crackers.

If you are preparing it ahead of time, this is a good tip. It’s a good idea to make sure it’s completely cooked, but don’t add a thickening agent such as flour or cornstarch.

It’s possible to do this later on when you’re done serving. The steps for freezing your homemade chicken stew are listed here.

• It is a good idea to wait for it to be completely cool before packing it.
• The contents should be put into an airtight container.
• It is a good idea to leave half an inch of space for expansion in cold storage.
• It is possible to use heavy-duty gallon-sized freezer bags.
• Since they take up less space inside the freezer, these are more practical to use.
• Label and Freeze.

If you make a large amount of chicken stew, it’s best to keep it in smaller portions.

It will be more convenient to thaw and re-warm. It’s a way to make sure you don’t end up wasting food.

Is It Possible to Freeze Beef Stew with Vegetables?

The beef stew is a complete meal with meat and veggies and can be frozen. If you’re cooking it ahead of time, it’s a good idea to use flour as a thickener because it will freeze better.

If you follow your favorite beef stew recipe but don’t add any thickener yet, then just do this later on when it’s time to cook again. Pack your beef stew in two different ways.

If you want to separate components of your dish such as the beef mixture and veggies, you can store them together.

Make sure that the beef stew has cooled down before pouring it into the container. Don’t fill it to the hilt. To make room for its expansion, leave some space on top.

If you decide to separate the beef and vegetables, store them in separate containers or freezer bags. Before putting them inside the freezer, put a label on each package.

How Long Will Stew Last Inside the Freezer?

The good thing about stew is that you can store them in the freezer and make large batches before you have time to eat it.

This way, you will be able to enjoy the dish whenever you please.

They should last in the freezer for up to 6 months if you’ve done the necessary steps for their proper preparation and storage.

Is It Possible That Cooked Carrots Freeze Well?

Carrots are well suited for the freezer. They will be able to retain their nutrition and flavor for up to 9 months in cold storage if they are prepared and stored properly.

When they are thawed, you can expect some changes to their texture.

Since they’re expected to be soft in these dishes, they would still go great with your stew, soups, and other recipes, even though they will become less firm and crisp.

If carrots are to be prepared for freezing, they need to be treated with heat to destroy the enzymes. You can use boiling water to steam or blanch them.

Some people like to cook their carrots by roasting while others like to make them into soup. All of these will perform well in cold storage. There is a way to freeze your cooked carrots.

• The excess water should be drained.
• You should wait for them to cool down.
• They need to be placed in freezer-safe containers.
• If you press all the air out before you seal them tightly, you can use a zip-top bag.
• It is a good idea to put a label outside of the package.
• Freeze.

How Can I Defrost Chicken Stew?

The first thing to do to enjoy your chicken stew again is to thaw it. There are three options to go about this process.

Transfer your frozen stew to the fridge, use a warm water bath, or heat it on the stovetop.

Thawing in the Fridge

Since the temperature is below 40 degrees, this is the safest way to cook your chicken stew. It could take a couple of days before it is completely thawed.

Transferring your stew from the freezer to the fridge is all you have to do.

Using the Warm Water Bath

This is a quicker way to thaw your chicken stew. If you thaw using this method, be aware that you need to consume it immediately.

There is a high risk of food spoilage if there is no other alternative. It’s possible to do it here.

• Put warm water in the bowl.
• Make sure that your frozen stew is kept out of the water by putting it in a sealed container.
• The stew should be submerged in warm water.
• You can change the water after 30 minutes if you want to make sure it thaws continuously.
• Continue until the stew is completely thawed.

Using the Stovetop

The quickest way to thaw your stew is by using this method. The warm water bath method would still require you to do it in the beginning.

• Prepare a bowl of warm water.
• You should put your stew in the bowl.
• The container must be completely sealed.
• The stew needs to be partially thawed before you can eat it.
• The chicken stew should be transferred into a pot.
• The pot needs to be placed on the stove.
• It’s best to cook the stew over low to medium heat.
• The chicken stew will be completely warm if you stir it continuously.

Is It Possible to Cook Beef Stew from Frozen?

You can cook the beef stew from its frozen state if you don’t have time to thaw it.

The stovetop, oven, or microwave can be used. Cooking time will be longer by 50 percent or more.

How Can I Reheat Frozen Beef Stew?

You’ve been waiting for this moment and it’s here. You froze your leftover beef stew because of this reason.

You have to heat it again to remove it from its frozen state so you can eat it and scoop it in its liquid.

There are three different ways to cook your beef stew. It is possible to use the oven, the stovetop, or the microwave.

Using the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• You can transfer your stew to an oven-safe dish.
• It’s important to make sure that your stew stays moist by adding some liquid.
• If you want to cover it, put aluminum foil on it.
• The dish needs to be placed in the center of the oven.
• If you want it to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees, you should heat it for 45 to 60 minutes.
• You can check halfway through the stew to make sure it’s hot.

Using the Microwave

• You can put your stew into a microwave-safe dish.
• The dish should be covered with wax paper.
• You can use heat proof plastic wrap and poke some small holes in it.
• The dish should be placed at the center of the microwave.
• If you want to remove the ice on your stew, use the defrost setting or low heat.
• You need to check after a minute.
• Use a medium to high setting for 2 more minutes and then stop for 60 seconds to stir the mixture.
• This will make sure that your beef stew is warm.

Using the Stovetop

• Take your beef stew and put it in a pot.
• The pot needs to be placed on the stove.
• If you want to thaw it, cook on low heat.
• It won’t dry out if you put some water or beef soup in it.
• Stirring continuously for 15 to 20 minutes while simmering.
• The consistency of the meat can be reached when you stop when it is tender.
• It is not advisable to overcook.

Conclusion

The best way to keep beef and chicken stew in the freezer is to make it in advance. This way to enjoy comfort food again is convenient.

Store them properly and you’ll have a delicious dish to serve whenever you please.