Freezing Leftover Roast Beef and Gravy: The Definitive Guide

Nothing beats a beautifully roasted prime rib or brisket with its crispy seasoned exterior, pink tender interior, and rich brown gravy. But with large roasts, you’re often left with tasty leftovers. Can you freeze cooked roast beef and gravy for another meal? Definitely!

Freezing is an easy way to save those leftovers and avoid waste. With proper storage methods frozen roast beef stays moist and flavorful for use anytime within 2-3 months. Let’s review the best practices for freezing and reheating roast beef and gravy.

Should You Freeze Roast Beef and Gravy Together or Separately?

There are good reasons for both options:

• Together Freezing the roast beef slices immersed in gravy helps retain moisture and prevents freezer burn. The gravy also adds flavor and makes reheating convenient.

• Separately If you wish to use the meat and gravy in different dishes freezing them separately provides more flexibility. You can add sauce or season the meat differently.

Tips for Freezing Leftover Roast Beef

Follow these tips to freeze roast beef successfully:

• Let it cool completely before freezing to prevent excess moisture which causes iciness.

• Slice the beef against the grain into thin, uniform pieces or chunks to enable quick, even reheating later.

• For roast beef sandwiches, slice very thinly. For pot pies or casseroles, dice into 1-inch cubes.

• Wrap servings tightly in plastic wrap, lay flat in freezer bags, and squeeze out excess air. This prevents freezer burn.

• Label the portions with content and date before freezing for easy identification.

• For best quality, use frozen roast beef within 2-3 months. After that, it may dry out or lose flavor.

How to Freeze the Gravy

Follow these simple steps to properly freeze gravy:

• Let the gravy cool to room temperature before freezing to avoid splitting from temperature shock.

• Pour the gravy into rigid freezer-safe containers, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace to allow for expansion. Avoid glass jars which may crack.

• Cover the gravy tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals and evaporation.

• Label the containers clearly with the contents and freeze date for tracking.

• For optimal taste and texture, use frozen gravy within 3 months. Its quality declines over longer storage.

Tips for Reheating Frozen Roast Beef and Gravy

Thaw and reheat roast beef and gravy the right way for delicious results:

For the Roast Beef

• Thaw slices slowly overnight in the fridge before cooking to prevent dryness. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

• Reheat fully submerged in gravy, broth, or au jus until heated through, either on the stove or in a 350°F oven.

• For pot roasts or cubed meat, simmer gently 15-20 minutes until hot, moist and tender. Add extra broth if needed.

For the Gravy

• Thaw frozen gravy in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Don’t microwave straight from frozen state.

• Reheat gravy slowly in a saucepan, stirring frequently. Add some broth or water if too thick.

• Bring just to a simmer, not a full boil, to prevent separating or burning on the bottom.

• For smooth texture, whisk in some cornstarch mixed with cold water after reheating if needed.

Serving Ideas for Frozen Roast Beef and Gravy

Refreeze thawed roast beef or gravy only if absolutely necessary, as quality further declines. Here are tasty ways to use up that frozen roast beef and gravy:

• French dip sandwiches with au jus

• Hearty pot pies or shepherd’s pie

• Mix into macaroni and cheese or rice pilaf

• Tacos, burritos, enchiladas

• Beef stroganoff or goulash

• Add to soups, stews, pasta sauce

• Use gravy as base for casseroles or braises

With proper freezing and reheating methods, you can enjoy tender, juicy roast beef and rich gravy for weeks after the initial meal. Quickly transform leftovers into easy, delicious dishes the whole family will love.