Tips for cooling, reheating, freezing and defrosting slow simmered beef meals

Slow simmered beef meals are the perfect winter dish to make today and enjoy later. Read on for all the tips you’ll need to cool, reheat, freeze and defrost slow simmered beef meals easily and safely.

Tips for cooling slow simmered beef meals

• Refrigerate immediately after the steam from cooking has evaporated. Don’t leave it to cool completely on the bench.
• Place the beef meal into a shallow container. Then transfer it to the fridge so that it cools quickly. 
• Slow simmered beef meals can keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Reheating slow simmered beef meals on the cooktop

1. Bring contents to the boil slowly over a medium heat in a saucepan.

2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally.

3. Simmer gently for 3 minutes or until the beef and sauces are steaming hot.

Reheating slow simmered beef meals in the microwave

1. Place contents into a in deep-sided dish, then cover. Covering the dish stops the beef drying out and speeds up the reheating time.

2. Place dish on the outside of the turntable in the microwave.

3. Reheat on high, stir occasionally. The reheating time varies depending on the quantity.

4. Heat until the beef and sauces are steaming hot.

Tips for freezing slow simmered beef meals

• Place the beef meal into a shallow container once the steam from cooking has evaporated. Add a little water if needed to keep the beef just covered. This stops the meat becoming dry or getting freezer burn.
• Place the container into the fridge. Once the dish is cool, transfer to the freezer.
• Do not refreeze any leftovers. Refrigerate leftovers immediately and use within 1 day. 

Defrosting slow simmered beef meals

• Cover and place in the refrigerator until the beef meal is defrosted.
• You can also use the microwave to defrost the beef meal if you’re short on time.
• Reheat until both the beef and sauce are steaming hot.