Freezing beef bourguignon is a great way to prepare this classic French stew ahead of time so you can enjoy it later with minimal effort. However, to maintain the best texture and flavor, there are some tips and tricks to follow when freezing beef bourguignon.
Should You Freeze Beef Bourguignon?
Beef bourguignon is a robust, flavorful stew made with beef, red wine, carrots, onions, mushrooms, bacon, and herbs. It’s a dish that takes time to prepare with searing, braising, and simmering. For this reason, beef bourguignon is an excellent candidate for freezing.
Freezing allows you to:
- Make a large batch to portion out into multiple meals
- Prepare it in advance for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining
- Lock in the flavors by freezing immediately after cooking
- Save time by skipping multiple cooking steps on busy nights
As long as you follow a few guidelines, freezing should not negatively impact the taste or texture of your beef bourguignon.
How to Freeze Beef Bourguignon
1. Choose the Right Freezer Bag or Container
It’s important to properly package your beef bourguignon to prevent freezer burn. Some good options include:
- Freezer bags – Look for thick, high-quality bags that won’t leak or tear. Squeeze out excess air before sealing.
- Freezer-safe plastic containers – Choose an airtight container that gives room for the stew to expand as it freezes.
- Mason jars – Leave at least 1-inch headspace and seal tightly.
2. Portion Into Individual Servings
Dividing your stew into single-serving sizes makes for easy reheating. Some suggestions:
- 1-2 cup portions for dinners
- 1 cup portions for lunches
- Ice cube trays for small bits to add to other dishes
3. Cool Properly Before Freezing
It’s important to cool beef bourguignon quickly before freezing to prevent bacterial growth. Here are two options:
- Refrigerate first – Transfer stew to a shallow pan and refrigerate uncovered until completely cooled, about 2-3 hours. Then package in freezer bags or containers.
- Ice bath – Place stew container in an ice bath, stirring frequently, until cooled below 40°F, about 1 hour. Then refrigerate until completely cooled before freezing.
4. Remove As Much Air As Possible
Excess air can lead to freezer burn and impact quality over time. Follow these tips:
- Pack stew into bags or containers tightly.
- For bags, use the water immersion method – seal bag most of the way, gently lower into water to push out air, then finish sealing.
- For rigid containers, leave 1⁄2 to 1-inch of headspace for expansion.
5. Label Properly
Be sure to label freezer bags or containers with the contents and freeze date. You may want to also note any herbs, spices, or other ingredients for easy reference later.
6. Freeze and Store
For best quality, store beef bourguignon at 0°F or below. Follow these guidelines:
- Use the freezer, rather than refrigerator freezer compartment
- Place stew containers flat on a shelf rather than door to prevent cracking if they expand
- Avoid overpacking freezer to allow cold air circulation
- Use oldest containers or bags first when reheating to avoid long storage times
With proper packaging and storage, beef bourguignon can keep well in the freezer for 2-3 months.
How to Reheat Frozen Beef Bourguignon
Thawing and reheating are the final important steps for enjoying your frozen stew. Here are some tips:
Thawing
Safe ways to thaw beef bourguignon include:
- Refrigerator – Thaw overnight or for 1-2 days in the fridge. Place in a bowl or pan to catch any drips.
- Cold water – Place sealed bag or container in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. Takes 2-3 hours for a large batch.
- Microwave – Use the “defrost” setting in short intervals to gently thaw, rotating and breaking up chunks as needed.
Avoid thawing at room temperature as this allows bacteria to grow. Cook immediately after thawing.
Reheating on the Stove
For best results, reheat frozen bourguignon gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat:
- In a deep skillet or dutch oven, add 1-2 Tbsp oil or butter.
- Add thawed beef bourguignon and simmer 15-20 minutes until hot throughout, stirring occasionally.
- If stew seems too thick, splash in some beef broth or wine.
- Taste and season again with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
This allows you to concentrate flavors again without overcooking the tender beef.
Reheating in the Oven
You can also reheat frozen bourguignon in the oven at 325°F:
- Place thawed stew in a dutch oven or casserole dish.
- Cover and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour until hot in the center.
- Stir halfway through and add extra liquid if needed.
The gentle oven heat prevents the beef from becoming tough.
Tips for the Best Frozen Beef Bourguignon
Follow these tips for delicious beef bourguignon from your freezer:
- Cook stew completely before freezing – meat should be fork tender.
- Use fresh herbs and spices vs dried ones.
- Underseason slightly before freezing. You can adjust again when reheating.
- Use freezer-friendly meats like beef chuck or stew meat vs premium cuts.
- Cut vegetables into larger pieces so they don’t get mushy.
- Use slightly thicker stewing liquids like beef broth vs thin liquids.
Freezer Friendly Side Dishes
Enjoy your reheated beef bourguignon even more with these tasty side dishes that also freeze well:
- Buttery mashed potatoes
- Creamed spinach or other greens
- Glazed carrots
- Roasted root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or turnips
- Butternut squash risotto or polenta
- Warm crusty bread
Recommended Freezing Times
Here is a quick reference for how long different beef bourguignon components can keep in the freezer:
| Ingredient | Freezer Life |
|---|---|
| Beef (cubed stew meat) | 6-12 months |
| Onions, carrots, celery | 8-10 months |
| Mushrooms | 6-8 months |
| Completed stew base | 3-4 months |
| Finished beef bourguignon | 2-3 months |
Conclusion
With some simple preparations like cooling completely before storage, packing tightly in airtight containers, and reheating gently, beef bourguignon can be frozen for convenient and delicious future meals. Follow these tips for enjoying restaurant-quality results from your home freezer. With a batch of frozen beef bourguignon on hand, you’ll always be ready to entertain or simply prepare a satisfying dinner any night of the week.