Beef stew and dumplings is a classic comfort food that is perfect for chilly evenings. The hearty beef stew is made even better with the addition of fluffy, soft dumplings. However, beef stew takes time to prepare and make. That’s why many people opt to double the recipe and freeze half for another day. But can you freeze beef stew and dumplings?
The short answer is yes, you can freeze beef stew and dumplings. However, there are some tips and tricks to doing it properly, so the stew and dumplings retain their texture and flavor once thawed and reheated.
In this complete guide, I’ll explain how to freeze beef stew and dumplings to enjoy this hearty meal again later.
How to Freeze Beef Stew
Freezing the beef stew itself is relatively straightforward Here are the steps
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Make the beef stew according to your favorite recipe. Cool completely.
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Transfer the stew to airtight, freezer-safe containers, leaving about 1-inch headspace. Containers like Ziploc bags or plastic containers with lids work well.
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Seal the containers, removing as much air as possible. You can use a straw to suck out excess air from bags.
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Label the containers with the contents and freeze date.
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Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Place in the back of the freezer where the temperature stays more constant.
Some additional tips for freezing beef stew:
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Don’t freeze stew with noodles, potatoes, or other starchy ingredients added. The textures won’t hold up. Add them later when reheating.
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For better texture, freeze flat in a freezer bag rather than in a tall container. This prevents chunks of meat and veggies from separating.
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Chill in the fridge first before freezing to reduce risk of bacteria growth.
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Leave a bit of room at the top of containers for expansion as the stew freezes.
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Use hearty vegetables like carrots, parsnips, celery, and onions that hold up better to freezing.
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Stir occasionally while chilling and freezing to distribute ingredients evenly.
Following these tips will result in a tasty stew after freezing and thawing.
How to Freeze Dumplings
While the beef stew freezes well, getting the best results with frozen dumplings takes a few extra steps. Here’s how to properly freeze dumplings:
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Make the dumpling batter and shape into dumplings, but don’t cook them. Freeze them raw.
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Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This flash freezing step prevents sticking.
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Once fully frozen, transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container, removing excess air.
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Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Don’t thaw before adding to the stew. Drop them in frozen.
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Add a few extra minutes to the stew cooking time to ensure the dumplings are cooked through.
Freezing uncooked dumplings gives them the best chance of retaining their fluffy texture. Pre-cooking them causes the texture to degrade more.
If you do have leftover cooked dumplings, they can also be frozen using the same process. Place in a single layer on a sheet first before bagging up. The texture will be a bit mushier after freezing cooked dumplings, but they’ll still taste great in the stew.
Tips for Freezing Beef Stew and Dumplings
Follow these tips when freezing beef stew and dumplings for best results:
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Cool the stew completely before freezing. Freeze in shallow containers no more than 2-3 inches deep for faster cooling.
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Don’t freeze more than 3-4 months. Quality degrades over longer storage.
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Use freezer-safe containers and high-quality freezer bags. Cheap bags can leak or crack.
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Remove as much air as possible and seal containers tightly to prevent freezer burn.
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Freeze dumplings separately from stew so they don’t absorb moisture or stick together.
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Label everything clearly with contents and dates. Use oldest items first when reheating.
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Don’t thaw and refreeze stew or dumplings more than once. This causes texture and flavor loss.
Following these tips will give you delicious beef stew and tender dumplings even after freezing and storage.
How to Thaw and Reheat Beef Stew and Dumplings
When ready to enjoy your frozen stew and dumplings, follow these steps:
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Thaw the beef stew slowly in the fridge overnight, allowing 8-12 hours. Don’t thaw at room temp.
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For quicker thawing, submerge sealed bag or container in cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
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Add any vegetables like potatoes once stew is thawed and ready to reheat.
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Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot, 165°F minimum.
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Increase the stew’s cooking time and reduce heat to low. Add a bit of extra broth or water if needed.
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Drop in the frozen dumplings to the hot stew and continue simmering 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
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Stir stew occasionally as it reheats to distribute ingredients evenly and prevent scorching.
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Check dumplings have an internal temperature of at least 165°F before serving.
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Add any additional seasonings to adjust flavor after reheating. Enjoy!
Reheating slowly and gently prevents the meat from getting tough and the veggies from turning mushy after freezing.
With the proper freezing, storage, thawing, and reheating techniques, you can enjoy tender beef stew and fluffy dumplings even months after initially preparing them. Freezing is a great way to save time and avoid waste with this hearty one-pot meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does beef stew with dumplings last in the freezer?
Properly stored in airtight containers, beef stew and dumplings will last 3-6 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. Dumplings may start to get mushy after 3 months.
Can you freeze beef stew with potatoes?
It’s best to freeze beef stew without potatoes, pasta or other starchy ingredients. The textures won’t hold up well after freezing. Add them later when reheating the thawed stew.
Is it better to freeze beef stew hot or cold?
Always let beef stew cool completely before freezing for food safety. Freezing hot stew raises risk of bacteria. Chill in the fridge first before freezing.
Can I make beef stew and dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, make-ahead beef stew and dumplings freeze very well. Prepare the full recipe up to 2 days ahead. Cool, freeze stew and dumplings separately, then thaw and reheat when needed.
Can I use frozen dumplings from the store?
Yes, you can use store-bought frozen dumplings instead of homemade with beef stew. Add them still frozen to the hot stew and cook per package instructions, allowing a few extra minutes.
Enjoy Freezer-Friendly Beef Stew and Dumplings
With this complete guide, you can easily freeze beef stew and dumplings to enjoy later with no loss of flavor or texture. Freezing them separately with proper handling methods will give you delicious results.
In just a little extra time, you can create double batches of this ultimate comfort food. With beef stew and tender dumplings ready in your freezer, you’ll always have a hearty, crave-worthy meal ready to enjoy any busy night of the week.
