Stewing up a freezer meal

Beef Stew by Cutting up a Roast as a Freezer Meal

Fall is HERE! (Tell the heat that right?)  There's nothing quite like coming home to a warm, hearty beef stew on a chilly evening. The tender chunks of beef, the rich broth, and the medley of vegetables all combine to create a comforting and satisfying dish. But what if you could enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen every time? That's where the concept of making beef stew from a roast as a freezer meal comes in. By cutting up a roast into smaller pieces and preparing it ahead of time, you can have all the ingredients ready to go whenever the craving strikes. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of creating this freezer-friendly meal, step by step.

Before we dive into the details, let's talk about why freezer meals are such a game-changer. Life can get busy, and finding the time to cook a wholesome meal from scratch can be challenging. By preparing freezer meals in advance, you can save time and effort on busy days. Plus, it's a great way to reduce food waste and take advantage of sales or bulk purchases. With beef stew, in particular, the flavors only get better with time, so having a stash of ready-to-cook freezer meals on hand is a win-win situation.

Now, let's get started with the step-by-step process of turning a roast into a freezer-friendly beef stew.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

The first step in creating a delicious beef stew is selecting the right cut of beef. For this freezer meal method, we recommend using a chuck roast. Chuck roast is well-suited for slow cooking due to its connective tissues, which break down during the cooking process, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. Aim for a roast weighing around 3-4 pounds, which will yield enough meat for several freezer meals.

Once you have your chuck roast, it's time to prepare it for the freezer. Begin by removing any silver skin from the roast. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the roast into 1-inch cubes. This step is crucial because it allows the meat to cook evenly and ensures that each bite is tender and succulent. Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, as this will help with browning when you cook the stew later on.

Now that you have your beef cubes ready, it's time to move on to the next step: seasoning and browning.

Step 2: Seasoning and Browning the Beef

Seasoning and browning the beef cubes before freezing them will enhance the flavor of your beef stew. Begin by seasoning the cubes generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs like thyme and rosemary. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors.

Next, it's time to brown the beef cubes. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the beef cubes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This step is essential for developing deep, caramelized flavors in your stew. Brown the beef cubes on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Once the cubes are nicely browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside to cool.

Now that your beef cubes are seasoned and browned, it's time to move on to the final step: assembling and freezing the beef stew.

Step 3: Assembling and Freezing the Beef Stew

With the beef cubes prepped and ready, it's time to assemble your beef stew. Start by selecting your favorite vegetables to accompany the beef. Classic choices include carrots, onions, potatoes, and celery, but feel free to add any other vegetables you enjoy. Wash and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, keeping in mind that they will cook down slightly during the stewing process.

Now, take a large resealable freezer bag or airtight container and begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of beef cubes, followed by the chopped vegetables. Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, making sure to leave some room at the top for expansion when freezing. If desired, you can also add additional seasonings or herbs between the layers to further enhance the flavors of your stew.

Seal the bag or container tightly, ensuring there are no air pockets. Label it with the date and contents, and place it in the freezer. Your beef stew is now ready to be enjoyed whenever you're in the mood for a comforting meal. To cook the stew, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and transfer the contents to a slow cooker or a large pot. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.

With this method of making beef stew from a roast as a freezer meal, you can enjoy the convenience of a quick and delicious homemade meal, without compromising on flavor or quality. So why not give it a try and stock your freezer with this comforting dish? Your future self will thank you on those busy days when all you need is a warm bowl of beef stew.