Freezer Meals

FAQS

What Makes a Great Freezer Meal?

• Dishes that freeze well should be ones that can do so without losing texture or flavor.
  • Do prepare. Most pasta, stews, chili, casseroles, soups, and Burrito Recipes make great freezer meals.
  • Avoid. Recipes that contain fruits or veggies with a high water content (cucumber, melon, and lettuce) raw potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs should be avoided. Many recipes with mayo, fresh whipping cream, or yogurt can also be tricky to freeze.
  • Partial prep. Instead of freezing a whole meal, you can keep partially prepared items in the freezer, which makes meal prep much easier on busy days. Since so many recipes call for them, I almost always have 1-2 cup portions of cooked Shredded Chicken and browned ground beef in the freezer.

How to get started?

• Make a double batch of dinner and freeze the extra. Write the expiration date, name of the dish, and quick heating instructions on the container.
  • Once you have a list of recipes that do well in the freezer, and that your family loves, set aside time to make several batches and slowly build your freezer supply.

Needed Supplies?

• You’ll need freezable storage containers, a permanent marker, and the recipe ingredients.
  • Use plastic or glass freezer-safe airtight container with a lid.
  • Baking pan. I like to use disposable pans, but freezer-safe glass, ceramic, or metal baking dishes can be used. Wrap plastic wrap and heavy-duty aluminum foil around the pan before storing.
  • Resealable freezer bags are convenient and save space. Remove as much air from the freezer bag as possible before sealing it.

How long do they Last in the Freezer?

• Freezer meals typically last 3-6 months if stored properly. Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of their freshness.

Best way to avoid freezer burn?

• Do not put hot food in the freezer.
• Get as much air out of the container as possible.
• Keep track of the dates and use the soonest dates first.
• Make sure the freezer stays at the right temperature.

How to Reheat?

• Methods such as slow cooker, instant pot, and oven baking work well. Some foods can be heated straight out of the freezer while others need to thaw in the fridge.