There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly day than a piping hot bowl of beef stew and fluffy dumplings. This classic dish takes time to prepare though, which is why many cooks choose to double the recipe and freeze half for later. But can you freeze beef stew and dumplings without compromising texture and flavor?
The good news is that yes, with proper handling, you can absolutely freeze beef stew with dumplings for easy meals later on. While beef stew freezes well on its own, getting optimal results with frozen dumplings takes a few extra considerations.
In this complete guide, I’ll go over tips and tricks for freezing beef stew and dumplings perfectly to enjoy weeks later. Let’s dive in!
Why Freeze Beef Stew and Dumplings
Here are some of the top reasons to go ahead and stash some of that beefy goodness in the freezer
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Saves time – Preparing beef stew and homemade dumplings is time intensive. Freezing lets you enjoy them later without repeating the process.
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Avoid waste – Leftover stew won’t last long in the fridge. Popping it in the freezer ensures you can finish it off
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Meal prep – Make a double batch on weekends to portion out for quick weeknight dinners. Freezing is key for meal prepping.
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Have a backup meal – Keep frozen stew and dumplings on hand for an easy dinner when you don’t have time to cook.
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Lock in flavor – Allowing the stew to rest overnight before freezing gives time for the flavors to fully meld.
With minimal effort, freezing beef stew lets you enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish on busy nights. Let’s look at the best practices.
How to Freeze Beef Stew
Follow these simple steps for freezing beef stew perfectly:
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Cook the beef stew according to your favorite recipe, cool completely.
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Transfer stew to airtight freezer containers or bags, leaving 1-inch headspace.
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Remove as much air as possible, using a straw to suck out extra air if using bags.
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Label containers with contents and freeze date. Stew keeps 3-4 months frozen.
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Freeze right away, stacking containers in single layers for fastest freezing.
And that’s all it takes for delicious stew ready to reheat later! Now let’s look at the best way to handle the dumplings.
Freezing Dumplings
While beef stew withstands freezing well, getting the best results with dumplings takes a bit more finesse:
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Make dumpling dough and shape dumplings but don’t cook them. Freeze raw.
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Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze.
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Once fully frozen, transfer to airtight bags or containers, removing excess air.
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Label with contents and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Add frozen dumplings to hot stew to cook during reheating.
Freezing uncooked dumplings keeps them light and fluffy compared to freezing after cooking. For cooked dumplings, freeze in a single layer before bagging up. They’ll be slightly mushier but still taste great.
Tips for Freezing Stew and Dumplings
Follow these tips when preparing beef stew and dumplings for the freezer:
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Chill stew fully in the fridge before freezing to prevent bacteria growth.
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Portion stew into shallow containers no more than 3 inches deep for faster cooling.
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Use only high quality freezer bags or containers to prevent leaks.
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Squeeze out air and seal bags tightly. Use a straw to suck out excess air.
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Freeze dumplings separate from stew so they don’t absorb moisture.
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Label everything clearly with contents and freeze dates.
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Don’t refreeze thawed beef stew or dumplings more than once.
Following proper freezing protocol results in tender stew and light dumplings, even after storing for months.
Thawing and Reheating Beef Stew and Dumplings
When ready to feast on that frozen stew, follow these steps to thaw and reheat it perfectly:
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Thaw beef stew overnight in the fridge, allowing 8-12 hours. Don’t thaw on the counter.
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Microwave frozen stew in 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until thawed.
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Simmer stew gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot.
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If stew seems dry, add a splash of broth or water before serving.
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Add frozen dumplings to the hot stew and simmer 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
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Bring stew back up to a minimum safe temperature of 165°F before eating.
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Add any additional seasonings to taste after reheating if desired.
Take your time reheating to prevent mushy veggies and tough meat. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food even months after initial preparation.
Helpful Freezing Tips
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Use well-marbled chuck or rump roast for most tender beef stew.
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Toast spices and flour to deepen flavor before adding to stew.
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Brown beef chunks well before braising for richer flavor.
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Sauté aromatics like onions and garlic before adding to stew.
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Use hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots and celery that hold up better.
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Let cooked stew rest overnight in fridge before freezing to meld flavors.
Putting extra care into preparing the stew means tastier results after freezing.
FAQs About Freezing Stew and Dumplings
How long does frozen beef stew with dumplings last?
In airtight packaging, beef stew and dumplings stay fresh frozen for 4-6 months. Dumplings may get mushy after the 3 month mark.
Should you freeze stew broth separately?
No, freezing the finished stew together in one container is fine. No need to separate broth and solids.
Can you freeze beef stew with potatoes?
Yes, potatoes freeze well in stews, holding their shape and texture nicely. Just avoid freezing cooked loose potatoes.
Is it better to freeze stew hot or cold?
Always chill stew completely before freezing. Freezing stew straight from the stove can result in bacteria growth.
Can I freeze store-bought dumplings with stew?
Absolutely! Use frozen store-bought dumplings the same way, adding them straight from the freezer to hot stew to cook.
Enjoy Your Homemade Comfort Food Anytime
Now you have all the tools to freeze beef stew and dumplings perfectly for quick and easy homemade comfort food meals anytime. Just be sure to chill stew thoroughly before freezing, store dumplings separately, and reheat gently.
In no time, you’ll have tasty beef stew ready to pair with fluffy dumplings on the busiest weeknights. So go ahead – make a double batch and stash some comfort food in the freezer!
