8 Freezer Meal Tips for Beginners

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If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have much extra time to spend in the kitchen. Between work, taking care of the kids, and managing the household, there’s just not much time left for cooking. That’s where freezer meals come in.

chicken and vegetable freezer meal from a freezer bags — 8 Freezer Meal Tips for Beginners 3

Freezer meals are a great way to save time and money on meal prep. They’re also perfect for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking. This post will give you an overview of the benefits of freezer meals and some tips for getting started.

What are Freezer Meals?

A freezer meal is a meal that is prepared in advance and then frozen until it’s ready to be cooked. Freezer meals are a great way to save time because they can be made ahead of time and then cooked when you need them.

They’re also perfect for busy weeknights or when you have unexpected company. And, because they can be made in bulk, they’re also a great way to save money.

Benefits of Freezer Meals

There are several benefits to making freezer meals.

First, as we mentioned, they save you time. Instead of spending an hour or more every night cooking dinner, you can make a batch of freezer meals on the weekend and then just pull one out whenever you need it.

Second, they save you money on groceries because you can buy ingredients in bulk and make several freezer meals at once.

Third, they’re convenient because you can just pull them out of the freezer and cook them with no fuss.

Fourth, they help you eat healthier because you can control the ingredients that go into your meals. And they’re just plain delicious!

Beginners Freezer Meal Tips

Freezer cooking can be a total game-changer for busy households. In addition to saving time and money, it also helps you reduce food waste by knowing exactly what ingredients you have on hand. But if you're new to the freezer cooking game, where do you even begin?

Here are a few helpful tips to get started.

First, ensure all your containers are marked with the contents, date and cooking instructions. This will prevent any surprises (or grossness) when you go to defrost a meal in the future.

Next, choose recipes that freeze well – casseroles, soups, sauces, spaghetti sauce, and marinated meats often work well.

Instead of tying up all of your glass and plastic containers, try using resealable freezer bags instead. Not only will they save space in your freezer, but they are also less likely to break when frozen. Plus, they come in various sizes, so you can portion out the perfect serving for your family.

Marinate before freezing! Marinating your raw meat before freezing not only adds extra flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Plus, it's a great way to save time in the kitchen. Simply combine your marinade ingredients in a freezer bag or container, add the raw meat, and freeze.

Double your recipes and freeze half for later. Not only does this save time on future freezer meal prep, but it also helps to prevent food waste.

Freeze produce, so it doesn’t go to waste. Most produce can be frozen- think berries, onions, carrots, peppers… even bananas! Just make sure to peel and chop them before placing them in the freezer; they'll be much easier to use in things like smoothies or banana bread.

Start with recipes that you know and love. When it comes to making freezer meals, it can be exciting to try out new and trendy recipes. However, this approach can often lead to disappointment if the recipe doesn't turn out as expected. Instead of wasting ingredients, start with recipes you already know and love.

Don’t skip breakfast. Many breakfast foods are freezer friendly, meaning you can make them ahead of time and have a ready-to-go morning meal every day. Frozen waffles or pancakes just need a quick warm-up in the toaster, while breakfast burritos or sandwiches can be heated in the microwave. You can even prepare several individual omelets or frittatas at once, freeze them, and then grab one for a no-fuss breakfast on busy mornings.

Freezer Meal Supplies to Have on Hand

Before you start planning your recipes and shopping lists, you must make sure you have the necessary supplies. This includes things like:

Labels and markers for organization – A permanent marker works great on mailing labels, masking tape, or freezer tape.

Freezer bags – The classic Ziploc freezer bag is a reliable choice and won't break the bank. However, if you're looking for more environmentally-friendly options, consider investing in some reusable bags such as Neat-o's Bags. Sure, they may cost a bit more upfront, but they'll save you money in the long run and help reduce plastic waste. And if you want a biodegradable option, try Responsible Products.

Freezer Bag Holder – The Adjustable Baggy Rack Stand is perfect for freezer meal prep ingredients. It features a unique design that allows you to prop open plastic Ziploc bags so you can pour in food without any spill or mess. The baggy rack also has adjustable arms, so you can tailor it to fit any size bag.

Slow Cooker – A slow cooker is incredibly convenient for busy weeknights and works wonders when prepping freezer meals.

Plastic Wrap – Use plastic wrap when covering foil pans.

Ice Cube Tray – Fill the tray with your desired sauce or oil, freeze overnight, and pop out cubes as needed.

Being prepared with these necessities will ensure a smooth, stress-free cooking experience.

Freeze Individual Ingredients

Are you feeling hesitant about trying your hand at freezer cooking? No need to jump into the deep end right away! One simple and easy way to ease into it is by freezing individual ingredients. This allows you to quickly and conveniently add them to many different recipes.

Freeze everything from browned ground beef, marinated chicken breasts, and raw hamburger patties to cooked beans, rice, chopped fruits and vegetables. You may be surprised at how many things can be frozen for future use!

Choose Easy Freezer Meals

Preparing freezer meals can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you dive in head-first with too many recipes.

The best strategy is to start slow and pick just one or two new recipes to try out at first. And remember, freezer meal prep doesn't have to be complicated – when you're cooking dinner, why not make double the amount and freeze one for later?

Another easy way to get started is by sticking with recipes specifically designed for freezing – they have already been tested and tried, so you know they will turn out well after being defrosted. And while there are plenty of foods that freeze well, steer clear of fried foods, high water content fruits and veggies like cucumbers and melons, anything with mayo or fresh cream, and raw potatoes.

Quick and Easy Beginner Freezer Meals

With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can stock your freezer with quick and easy beginner meals that will make dinnertime a breeze. Here are some to try:

Taco Meat

Simply brown ground beef or turkey with some taco seasoning, let cool and freeze in individual portions for a fast and tasty meal.

Sliders

Another great option is to make burgers or slider patties, saving time on busy weeknight grilling sessions.

Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken is another versatile protein that can be added to tacos, salads, and more.

Pulled Pork

And don't forget about pulled pork – simply cook a roast in your slow cooker with a bit of root beer or Dr. Pepper for added flavor, then shred and mix with your favorite BBQ sauce for quick sandwiches or tacos.

Frozen Casseroles

Lastly, casseroles are always a hit – try making a few at a time and freezing them in disposable foil pans covered with plastic wrap for an easy heat-and-eat option.

How to Avoid Freezer Burn

Have you ever pulled something out of the freezer to find it covered in ice and with a less-than-appetizing texture? Chances are, you've fallen victim to freezer burn. But fear not! With some planning, you can banish freezer burn from your life for good.

First, be sure to allow hot food to cool before placing it in the freezer – this helps keep the temperature stable and prevents unnecessary air exposure.

Next, make sure to remove as much air as possible from packages before freezing – try vacuum sealing or using tight zip-top bags.

And speaking of packaging, remember that most store-bought items aren't made for long-term freezing and may benefit from being repackaged in airtight containers or bags. This may take a bit of extra time, but trust us – it's worth it.

Finally, remember that the longer food stays in the freezer, the more likely it is to experience freezer burn. Try to freeze smaller batches at a time, and use up older items first to prevent them from becoming freezer-burnt over time.

Prepare Multiple Freezer Meals in One Day

Ready to take your freezer meal game to the next level? Try batch cooking! Instead of just making one freezer meal at a time, try preparing five or six meals in one go. Not only will this save you time in the long run, but it can also be a great way to save money by buying ingredients in bulk.

Plus, think of all the days you'll enjoy delicious homemade meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Don't be afraid to push yourself – with a little planning and organization, batch cooking can be a total game-changer for your weekly meal prep routine.

Want to Save Time and Money with Freezer Meals?

Are you tired of constantly going out to eat or ordering takeout due to a lack of time and energy to cook? Freezer meals are the perfect solution for busy individuals who still want delicious homemade meals.

By dedicating just a few hours on the weekend to prepare and freeze a month's worth of meals, you can save both time and money in the long run. Plus, with my Freezer Meal Planner, finding recipes and planning meals has never been easier.

Give freezer cooking a try – you won't regret it! Trust me, once you start seeing how much time and money you save, you'll be hooked on freezer meals like me. So what are you waiting for? Get the Freezer Meal Planner today and start reaping the benefits of freezer cooking.

Final Thoughts

These freezer meal tips for beginners should help start your meal-prepping journey. Don't be afraid to experiment with different foods and recipes to find what works best for you and your family. And most importantly, have fun with it! What are some of your favorite freezer meals?

Cara Palmer

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