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Can you freeze chili? Absolutely! Whether you’ve made a big batch or simply have leftovers you don’t want to waste, chili is a great meal to stash in the freezer for another day.
ANSWER
Yes, you can freeze chili, including chili made with meat, beans, or both. For the best flavour and texture, portion it into airtight freezer safe containers or bags and enjoy it within about 3 months.
Freezing chili is especially handy when you want an easy homemade meal waiting for you on a busy night. From classic beef chili to vegan white bean chili and pumpkin chili, a few simple storage steps will help it come out of the freezer tasting just as hearty and satisfying as you hoped.
How to Freeze Chili
The best way to freeze chili is to portion it out so you can thaw exactly what you need later. This works for homemade chili and leftovers alike, whether yours is loaded with meat, beans, veggies, or a combination.
- Cool the chili promptly. Divide a large batch into shallow containers so it cools faster rather than leaving the whole pot sitting at room temperature for an extended period.
- Portion it out. Freeze chili in individual servings for quick lunches or larger portions for family meals.
- Pack it for the freezer. Transfer the chili to airtight freezer safe containers or heavy duty freezer bags. Leave a little room at the top of rigid containers since the chili will expand as it freezes.
- Remove excess air. If you’re using freezer bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing to help protect against freezer burn.
- Label and freeze. Add the date and portion size so there are no mystery containers hiding in the back of your freezer. Freeze bags flat to save space and make them easier to stack once solid.
The Best Containers for Freezing Chili
Airtight, freezer safe containers and heavy duty freezer bags are both great options for freezing chili. Freezer bags are especially handy when space is tight because you can freeze them flat and stack them once solid. Rigid containers are a good choice if you want something sturdy that’s easy to portion and reheat.
You can also freeze chili in glass containers, but make sure they’re specifically labelled freezer safe. Leave enough headspace for the chili to expand as it freezes, and avoid sudden temperature changes that could cause the glass to crack. The same goes for mason jars: only use jars designed for freezing and leave adequate room for expansion.
Whichever container you choose, freezing chili in portions you’ll realistically eat at one time makes thawing easier and helps prevent unnecessary waste.
How Long Does Chili Last in the Freezer?
For the best flavour and texture, frozen chili is best enjoyed within about 3 months. After that, the quality can gradually decline, especially if air gets into the container and causes freezer burn.
That 3 month timeframe is about quality, not an automatic safety cutoff. Chili that’s been handled properly and kept continuously frozen at 0°F (-18°C) can remain safe beyond that point, but its flavour and texture may not be quite as good. For the best results, use airtight packaging, label it with the date, and aim to work those frozen portions into your meals within a few months.
How to Thaw Frozen Chili
The easiest way to thaw frozen chili is to transfer it to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. This keeps it at a safe temperature as it thaws and works especially well for larger portions.
Need it sooner? Place the chili in a leak proof bag or container and submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Once defrosted using the cold water method, reheat the chili right away.
And if you forgot to thaw it altogether, don’t worry. You can reheat chili straight from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave, as long as you heat it thoroughly and stir it frequently so it warms evenly.
How to Reheat Frozen Chili
You can reheat thawed chili on the stovetop or in the microwave. On the stove, warm it in a saucepan over medium low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot throughout. In the microwave, use a microwave safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring between each one so the chili reheats evenly.
Chili can thicken a little after freezing, so if yours needs loosening up, stir in a small splash of broth or water as it reheats until it reaches the consistency you like. If you’re reheating chili straight from frozen, start over lower heat on the stovetop and stir frequently as it begins to thaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Freezing chili is an easy way to make a big batch stretch further and keep a comforting meal ready for another day. Portion it well, seal it tightly, and you’ll have homemade chili waiting in the freezer whenever you need a quick dinner.
Once you’re ready to dig in, thaw and reheat it using the tips above, then pile on your favourite toppings and call dinner done. Future you will be very happy you saved that extra bowl.
If you try freezing your chili using these tips, let me know how it goes in the comments below! And don’t forget to tag @HipHipGourmet on Instagram so I can see what you’re cooking. Happy freezing! ❄️
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