Freezer Friendly Beef Stew
Freezer Friendly Beef Stew
There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade beef stew on a chily day. Tender beef, hearty vegetables, and a rich savoury broth come together to create a comforting meal that feels like it has been simmering all day – even when your busy schedule says otherwise.This is one of those recipes that makes meal planning easier because it's perfect for preparing ahead. Make a batch, enjoy it for dinner, and freeze the leftovers for a simple homemade meal on a busy night.Inspired by a classic beef stew recipe from Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies, with my own freezer-friendly tips and meal prep suggestions.
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the beef in the flour mixture.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown in batches, about 2 minutes per side. Place the beef in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablesppon of olive oil to the pan. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add the onion to the slow cooker.
- Add 1 cup of beef broth to the skillet and scrape up any brown bits with a spatula.
- Add the broth to the slow cooker along with the remaining 3 cups of broth, potatoes, carrots, celery, vegetable juice, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, and thyme.
- Cook on high for 4 to 5 hours or on low for 8 to 9 hours or until beef is fork tender.
- In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Add to the stew a little bit at a time to thicken. Stir in the peas.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until thickened and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Life Roseafied Freezer Tip: I always double my recipes. I prep one for the crockpot and one for the freezer bag. This beef stew is an excellent freezer meal! Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the name and date, and freeze for up to 3 months.
To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the stew has thickened during storage, simply stir in a spash of beef broth or water while reheating.
Meal Prep Tip: Freeze individual portions for quick lunches or large family-sized portions for an easy weeknight dinner.
Life Roseafied Reminder: A freezer stocked with homemade meals means less stress, less food waste, and more time for what matters most. Happy freezer prepping!
