Beef tips and gravy is a classic, delicious meal that can often lead to tasty leftovers But is freezing beef tips and gravy safe? And if so, how do you do it properly to maintain flavor and texture? This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about freezing beef tips and gravy
Can You Freeze Beef Tips and Gravy?
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely freeze beef tips and gravy for later use! The key is making sure you freeze it correctly to retain the quality.
Beef tips (also called beef stew meat) freeze very well, staying tender and juicy The gravy can also be frozen, as long as it’s a flour-based gravy rather than cream-based Flour gravies maintain their texture better when frozen.
To freeze beef tips and gravy, first allow the mixture to cool completely. Then portion it out into airtight freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Make sure to label the bags with the contents and date. Lay flat in your freezer for fast freezing.
Properly frozen beef tips and gravy will last 3-6 months in the freezer.
Why Freeze Beef Tips and Gravy?
Freezing leftovers of beef tips and gravy offers several advantages:
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Saves money – Buying beef in bulk and portioning it out yourself costs less than buying pre-portioned cuts. Making a big batch of gravy at once is also very cost effective.
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Saves time – Freezing portions means you can reheat a home cooked meal in minutes on busy nights. It’s faster than cooking a new meal from scratch.
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Avoids waste – Leftovers often get forgotten in the fridge. Freezing ensures you can eat every last delicious bite.
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Meal preps – Having frozen beef tips and gravy portions ready to go makes packing lunches and preparing weeknight dinners a breeze.
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Take advantage of sales – See a great price on beef roast or stew meat? Stock up and turn it into meals for your freezer.
As you can see, freezing beef tips and gravy offers convenience, savings, and peace of mind when it comes to avoiding waste.
How to Freeze Beef Tips and Gravy
Follow these simple steps for properly freezing beef tips and gravy:
1. Allow to fully cool
It’s important to let the beef tips and gravy cool completely before freezing. Hot food going into the freezer can raise the temperature of your freezer and put other frozen foods at risk. Cooling it first prevents condensation and moisture build up that can compromise the quality.
2. Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers
Divide cooled beef tips and gravy into single portion sizes in freezer bags or containers. This allows you to thaw only what you need at a time. Make sure to remove as much air from the bags or containers as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
3. Label with contents and date
Clearly label each bag or container with the contents and freezing date. This lets you know what’s inside and how long it’s been frozen. Making eating your frozen leftovers easier.
4. Lay flat in freezer
For quickest freezing, lay filled freezer bags flat on a shelf rather than stacked upright. Filling containers only 2/3 full also helps contents freeze completely solid faster.
5. Freeze for up to 3-6 months
Beef tips and gravy that is properly portioned, sealed, and frozen will stay delicious for 3-6 months. Place bags and containers towards the back of the freezer where temperature remains most constant.
Follow these simple steps every time you want to freeze leftovers of beef tips and gravy for flawless results.
Tips for Freezing Beef Tips and Gravy
Keep these tips in mind when freezing beef tips and gravy:
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Use an ice cube tray – For small portion sizes, freeze beef tips and gravy in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop them out into a freezer bag.
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Leave space at the top – Liquids expand as they freeze, so leave at least 1 inch of headspace in bags and containers before sealing.
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Avoid freezing cream-based gravies – The dairy can curdle and separate when frozen and thawed. Stick to flour-based gravies.
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Prevent freezer burn – Use heavy duty freezer bags, squeeze out excess air, and seal tightly to prevent freezer burn on meats.
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Freeze gravy in ready-to-use cubes – Pour gravy into an ice cube tray or muffin tin, freeze, and store cubes in a bag so you can thaw only what you need.
Follow these tips and tricks for beef tips and gravy that’s as delicious thawed as the day you made it.
How to Thaw Frozen Beef Tips and Gravy
Thawing and reheating beef tips and gravy is simple. Just follow these steps:
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Thaw overnight in the fridge – This is the safest way to thaw. Place the frozen bag or container in the fridge 24-48 hours before you want to eat it.
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Thaw in cold water – Submerge the frozen bag or container in a bowl of cold tap water, changing the water every 30 mins until thawed. Cook immediately.
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Cook from frozen – For beef tips, you can sauté frozen cubes over medium heat about 5 minutes per side. For gravy, heat frozen over medium heat, stirring frequently until thawed and heated through.
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Microwave – Reheat frozen portions in 30 second bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals, until hot and steaming.
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Simmer on the stovetop – For the best results, thaw beef tips and gravy completely then gently reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat until piping hot.
The key is to thaw slowly and reheat gently to maintain the quality of the meat and gravy. Avoid boiling or overcooking reheated frozen portions.
Tips for Freezing Beef Stewing Meat
Beef stew meat, also called beef tips, freezes beautifully. Here are some tips:
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Choose lean cuts – Look for chuck, round, or sirloin tips for the most flavorful stews. Trim any visible fat before freezing for optimal freshness.
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Cut uniformly – Cut beef into 1-inch cubes for even cooking in stews and uniform freezing.
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Marinate before freezing – For infused flavor, marinate cubed meat for 2-24 hours before freezing in portioned bags.
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Blanch before freezing – For tender stews, quickly boil cubed meat just until browned on the edges, then cool and freeze.
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Freeze flat and single layer – Spread stew meat pieces in a single layer on a sheet pan or plate. Freeze until solid then transfer to bags.
Follow these tips and your frozen beef stew meat will stay tender and juicy when cooked.
Tips for Freezing Gravy
Gravy is a great make-ahead freezer item. Here are some freezing tips:
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Make sure it’s cooled – Freeze gravy only after it has fully cooled after cooking.
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Use freezer-safe containers – Sturdy plastic or glass freezer containers prevent leaks. Leave headspace for expansion.
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Remove air – Squeeze out excess air before sealing bags and containers to prevent freezer burn.
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Portion into useful amounts – Freeze gravy in 1-2 cup portions ideal for reheating a single meal.
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Freeze flat – For quick cooling, freeze containers of gravy flat before stacking upright in the freezer.
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Label everything – Note the type of gravy and date frozen so you know what’s inside when meal prepping.
Follow these simple gravy freezing guidelines and you’ll always have tasty gravy ready to reheat.
FAQs About Freezing Beef Tips and Gravy
How long does frozen beef tips and gravy last?
Properly frozen, beef tips and gravy will maintain quality for 3-6 months in the freezer before drying out or absorbing freezer odors.
Can you refreeze beef tips and gravy after thawing?
It’s not recommended to refreeze beef tips and gravy after it has been fully thawed. Refreezing can lead to condensation and ice crystals that damage the texture.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen beef tips and gravy?
Gently reheat frozen beef tips and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop until piping hot, stirring occasionally. Or reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30 second intervals.
Why does my gravy separate when frozen?
A gravy that separates or curdles after being frozen and thawed was likely a cream-based gravy. Stick to flour-based gravies only for freezing gravy.
Is it OK to freeze beef tips and gravy with vegetables mixed in?
Yes, you can freeze beef stew recipes containing vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery. Some veggies may get mushy though, so add them fresh when reheating.
Enjoy Delicious Beef Tips and Gravy Anytime
As you can see, with proper portioning, storage, and reheating, freezing beef tips and gravy is totally doable – and smart. You’ll save money, time, and food by freezing leftovers of this hearty, comforting meal.
Just be sure to cool completely before freezing in airtight bags or containers, label everything, and consume within 3-6 months for safety and quality. Thaw frozen portions gently before reheating for tender and delicious homemade beef tips and gravy anytime!