Slow Cooker Beef Stew and Dumplings: This hearty stew with herb-filled dumplings on top is THE comfort food. You don’t have to brown the beef in this easy crockpot beef casserole. Just sit back and let your slow cooker do all the work. Serve with my Goose Fat Roast Potatoes and some crusty bread.
Traditional beef stew is hearty and filling, and it doesn’t need any sides. Just spoon it into a bowl and enjoy! Plus, with a few small changes, it can help you lose weight.
Simple beef casserole made in a slow cooker is a must-have for busy days when cooking is the last thing on your mind. It’s just the comfort food to lift flagging spirits and SO EASY to throw together!.
And what is beef stew without dumplings? They make an otherwise easy recipe a little more work, but they make this simple homey stew a full one-pot meal.
There’s nothing more comforting on a cold day than a hearty bowl of beef stew and fluffy dumplings, The rich stew loaded with tender beef and veggies pairs perfectly with pillowy dumplings that soak up the delicious gravy It’s the ultimate cold weather one-pot meal
Leftover beef stew and dumplings also makes for an easy weeknight dinner option when you don’t have time to cook But can you safely freeze this classic dish to enjoy later?
Yes, you can freeze beef stew and dumplings for later use. That being said, there are some good ways to freeze and reheat this hearty dish.
The best way to freeze beef stew and dumplings, how long they last, and the safest ways to reheat your frozen stew and dumplings are all explained in this guide.
Can You Freeze Beef Stew and Dumplings?
You can absolutely freeze beef stew with dumplings, but it’s best to freeze them separately. Here’s why
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The beef stew portion freezes well and will stay fresh in the freezer for two to three months if stored in a container that keeps air out.
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However, the dumplings don’t hold up as well to freezing. They tend to get mushy and lose their fluffy texture.
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For best results, freeze leftover stew in one container, and extra dumplings in a separate bag.
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Make fresh dumplings to serve with the thawed beef stew to enjoy the best textures.
Tips for Freezing Beef Stew
Follow these tips for delicious beef stew even after freezing:
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Choose a stew recipe with a high liquid content to prevent the meat from drying out when frozen.
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Cook the beef stew fully before freezing. Don’t freeze raw or partially cooked stew.
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Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring to freezer bags or airtight containers.
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Leave 1-inch headspace in containers to allow for expansion during freezing.
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Wrap or bag tightly, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
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Label bags or containers with contents and freeze date. Use within 2-3 months for best quality.
How to Freeze Dumplings
While dumplings don’t hold up to freezing cooked in the stew, you can still freeze extra dumplings:
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Allow cooked dumplings to fully cool first. Do not freeze hot dumplings.
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Place dumplings in a single layer on a sheet pan or plate and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
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Transfer frozen dumplings to an airtight freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air.
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Label the bag with contents and freeze date. Use within 2-3 months.
Storage Timeline for Frozen Stew and Dumplings
Beef stew and dumplings will each last 2-3 months in the freezer before quality is affected.
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Beef stew: Store frozen stew in airtight containers or bags in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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Dumplings: Keep frozen dumplings in tightly sealed bags for up to 2-3 months for best texture.
For optimal freshness and taste, use frozen beef stew and dumplings within 2 months. Don’t refreeze any leftovers after thawing.
How to Thaw Beef Stew with Dumplings
Always thaw beef stew and dumplings safely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Place frozen beef stew container in the fridge 24 hours before serving.
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Move bag of frozen dumplings to the fridge on reheating day.
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You can quick thaw in the microwave using defrost setting if needed. Then cook immediately.
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Do not thaw at room temperature or in warm water to prevent bacteria growth.
Reheating Frozen Beef Stew and Dumplings
Reheat thawed beef stew and dumplings gently using these methods:
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Stew: Simmer in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding broth or water if dry. Bring to a simmer.
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Dumplings: Steam frozen dumplings for 10 minutes until heated through and fluffy.
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Microwave: Heat stew and dumplings separately, checking often to prevent overcooking.
Bring stew back up to serving temperature of 165°F. Discard any leftovers after reheating. Enjoy your hearty beef stew and tender dumplings!
Can You Refreeze Beef Stew and Dumplings?
It is not recommended to refreeze beef stew or dumplings after they have thawed. Refreezing can lead to poor texture, moisture loss, and potential food safety issues.
For best quality and food safety, thaw only what you plan to consume within 3-4 days and do not refreeze. Cook up a fresh batch to stock your freezer again.
Tips for Delicious Frozen Stew and Dumplings
Follow these tips when freezing beef stew and dumplings for the best results:
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Cool stew completely before freezing and reheat gently to preserve moisture.
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Freeze cooked stew and raw dumplings separately to maintain the dumplings’ texture.
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Portion stew into single servings so you can thaw only what you need.
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Use stew and dumplings within 2 months for optimal freshness and flavor.
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Prevent freezer burn by sealing containers tightly and removing air pockets.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly on the stove or in the microwave.
Common Freezing and Reheating Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about freezing beef stew and dumplings:
How do you thaw frozen beef stew? Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can quick thaw in the microwave using defrost setting then cook immediately.
Can you freeze the dumplings in the stew? It’s best to freeze them separately to prevent the dumplings from getting mushy.
How do you reheat beef stew and dumplings? Gently simmer the stew on the stovetop with added broth until heated through. Steam frozen dumplings until hot and fluffy.
Is it safe to reheat frozen dumplings? Yes, steamed frozen dumplings are safe to eat after fully reheating to piping hot. Discard any leftovers after reheating.
Can you freeze beef stew with potatoes? Yes, but add the potatoes in after thawing when reheating for best texture.
Enjoy Hearty Stew and Dumplings Any Time
With proper handling, you can safely freeze beef stew and dumplings to enjoy for up to 2-3 months. Keep the stew and dumplings separate and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheat your hearty beef stew gently on the stove while steaming frozen dumplings until heated through. In just 60-90 minutes, you can have a hot, comforting bowl of beef stew and fluffy dumplings ready to enjoy!
How to Make Slow Cooker Beef Stew & Dumplings
Full measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page. Please take a look at the steps and video before attempting this recipe!.
Lightly season the flour with salt and pepper. Toss the beef cubes with the flour to lightly coat.
Preheat the slow cooker on “HIGH”. Add the hot beef stock, red wine, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar (or Worcestershire sauce), minced garlic, tomato paste, salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir.
Add the onions, leeks, parsnips and carrots. Add the rosemary and bay leaves, then stir in the beef. Cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
Prepare the dumpling dough – check the recipe card for your choice or suet dumplings or suet-free dumplings.
Give the stew a good stir. Remove and discard the bay leaves and rosemary. Add the dumplings to the slow cooker, spaced slightly apart. Cover and cook on HIGH setting for an additional hour with the lid on.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with the parsley and serve with on its own or with mashed potatoes. YUMMY!.
COOKING ON THE HOB
Brown the meat first in a Dutch oven with oil then set aside. Deglaze the pan with wine, add the vegetables and sauté over low heat until slightly softened.
Add the rest of the ingredients and stir them in. Simmer slowly over low heat with part of the lid on for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the meat is fork-tender. Check on it every so often and add more water if it gets too low. Add the dumplings about 30 minutes before the end of cooking and cook with the lid on.
Leftover stew will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also freeze the beef stew (without the dumplings) if you like. Cool completely first, divide into suitable containers, label and use within three months. Make sure you reheat the stew until it is piping hot all the way through before serving.
Replace the red wine with more hot beef stock. This recipe is low in syns – about 2 per serving if you divide into six portions.
Opt for the light dumplings, if using. These are approximately 4 syns per dumpling. The small amount of Parmesan cheese in them is a healthy extra.
Beef Stew & Dumplings
FAQ
Does stew and dumplings freeze well?
Can you freeze beef stew with potatoes and carrots in it?
Does cooked beef stew freeze well?
Can you freeze dumplings in soup?
Can you freeze leftover beef stew with dumplings?
Leftover beef stew with dumplings can typically be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you need to store the stew for a longer period, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the dumplings may change slightly upon reheating.
Can You refrigerate Beef Stew & Dumplings?
Yes, you can! Place the cooked and cooled stew and dumplings in separate airtight containers in the freezer, where they will keep for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. If you like this recipe… …you might also like: A Traditional Beef Stew with Suet Dumplings is a much loved British Classic – and for good reason!
Can you freeze beef stew?
Try to keep the container level to avoid unwanted leakages. It should be noted that thickeners like cornstarch or flour will separate once you freeze. Plan whether you want to freeze your stew, and don’t thicken it until you’re ready to reheat. Need a Recipe? If you’re looking for an easy, freezer-friendly beef stew recipe then this is perfect…
Can suet dumplings be frozen?
Suet dumplings can be frozen for about 6 months but you do have to freeze them uncooked. This makes them perfect for popping into your stew as it cooks. Luckily, freezing suet dumplings is a pretty easy thing to do so you can always have some handy in the freezer for the next time you cook stew and fancy putting some dumplings into it.