Can You Make Beef Stew Ahead Of Time? Here’s The Answer!
What To Know
- Beef stew is a versatile dish that can be effortlessly prepared in advance, saving you time and energy when you’re ready to indulge in a comforting meal.
- Allowing the stew to rest overnight gives the flavors time to meld and intensify, resulting in a richer and more satisfying dish.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
Yes, absolutely! Beef stew is a versatile dish that can be effortlessly prepared in advance, saving you time and energy when you’re ready to indulge in a comforting meal. By following a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and flavorful beef stew that will delight your taste buds and impress your dinner guests.
Benefits of Making Beef Stew Ahead
- Save time: When you make beef stew ahead of time, you can simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights.
- Enhance flavors: Allowing the stew to rest overnight gives the flavors time to meld and intensify, resulting in a richer and more satisfying dish.
- Meal prep made easy: Make-ahead beef stew is perfect for meal prepping. Portion it into individual containers and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for quick and convenient meals throughout the week.
- Stress-free hosting: If you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing the beef stew ahead of time will alleviate stress and allow you to focus on your guests.
How to Make Beef Stew Ahead
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2-3 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the beef: Season the beef stew meat with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until softened.
3. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pot: Pour in the red wine (if using) and bring to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
5. Add the beef and liquids: Return the beef to the pot and add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
7. Cool and store: Once the stew is cooked, let it cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Beef Stew
From the refrigerator: Transfer the desired amount of stew to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warmed through.
From the freezer: Thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat as directed above.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the beef stew over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add a side of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
Variations
- Use different meats: Instead of beef, try using lamb, pork, or venison.
- Add vegetables: Experiment with adding other vegetables such as potatoes, peas, or green beans.
- Adjust the spices: Customize the flavor by adding additional herbs and spices like paprika, cumin, or bay leaves.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store cooked beef stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the stew in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the stew gently over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as this can toughen the meat.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Can I use a slow cooker to make beef stew ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can use a slow cooker to make beef stew ahead of time. Simply follow the same steps as above and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
Q: How do I know when the beef stew is done?
A: The beef stew is done when the meat is tender and falls apart easily when pierced with a fork.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the beef stew after it has been cooked?
A: Yes, you can add vegetables to the beef stew after it has been cooked. However, they will not be as tender as if they had been cooked with the stew.
Q: How can I thicken the beef stew?
A: You can thicken the beef stew by adding a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) or by mashing some of the potatoes in the stew.
Q: What can I do with leftover beef stew?
A: Leftover beef stew can be used in a variety of ways, such as:
- Serve it over pasta or rice
- Make a beef stew pie
- Use it as a filling for empanadas or tacos