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.
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.
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.
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:
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?