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How do you cook Stouffer’s Bowl fulls?

Stouffer’s Bowl fulls are a line of frozen, prepared meals that provide an easy and convenient option for a quick lunch or dinner. With minimal preparation required, Bowl fulls can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have time to cook a full meal from scratch. Here is a comprehensive guide to preparing Stouffer’s Bowl fulls so you can enjoy delicious entrees like chicken alfredo, beef stroganoff, or vegetable bowls with minimal fuss.

Selecting Your Bowl Fulls

Stouffer’s offers a wide variety of Bowl fulls so you can find options to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Flavors include classics like macaroni and cheese and chicken noodle casserole along with more unique choices like Thai curry chicken and southwest quinoa bowls. Consider the following when choosing your Bowl fulls:

  • Taste preferences – Choose entrees like chicken parmesan, beef lasagna, or turkey and stuffing that appeal to your palate.
  • Dietary needs – Opt for low fat or gluten free bowls if needed.
  • Serving size – Bowl fulls contain 10-12 oz servings to provide a satisfying single portion.
  • Microwavable packaging – All Bowl fulls come in convenient microwavable bowls making preparation easy.
  • Mix and match – Consider getting a variety to have different Bowl fulls on hand for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage is important for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of your Stouffer’s Bowl fulls:

  • Unopened Bowl fulls can be stored in the freezer indefinitely as long as they remain continuously frozen. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
  • Once opened, refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container and consume within 3-5 days.
  • Look for any signs of freezer burn, ice crystals, or separation of ingredients before cooking to ensure quality.
  • Check the “best by” date on packages and do not use Bowls fulls past this date.
  • Write the date opened on leftovers packages with a marker to track fridge life.

Preparation Steps

Cooking your Stouffer’s Bowl full is simple. Just follow these easy steps for perfectly cooked Bowls fulls every time:

  1. Start by reading the package instructions. Cook times and power levels may vary between dishes.
  2. Remove film cover and vent plastic wrapper or bowl lid.
  3. Microwave on high power according to package directions, stopping to stir or rotate bowl if indicated.
  4. Allow meal to stand 2-3 minutes before serving to complete cooking.
  5. Check internal temperature using a food thermometer to confirm doneness, especially for chicken and beef bowls.
  6. Stir thoroughly before eating to distribute sauces and ingredients evenly.

Always use oven mitts or a towel when removing hot Bowls from the microwave. Take care when opening vented plastic wrappers to avoid steam burns.

Microwave Power Settings

Cooking Bowl fulls properly depends on using the correct microwave power setting. Here are tips for best results:

  • Cook on high (100% power) unless otherwise indicated.
  • Refer to your microwave manual if you do not know your model’s power levels.
  • Reduce time by 20-30% if using a 1100+ watt microwave.
  • Add 20-30% more time for an 800-900 watt microwave.
  • Stop to stir or rotate bowl midway if cooking time is over 4 minutes.
  • Watch closely near end of cooking time and add time as needed if not fully heated.

Reheating Leftovers

Enjoy Bowls fulls again later by properly reheating leftovers. Follow these guidelines:

  • Refrigerate opened Bowls in a sealed container within 2 hours of initial cooking.
  • Reheat leftovers within 3-5 days for optimal quality.
  • Choose microwave-safe dishes and cover them when reheating.
  • Microwave leftovers on medium power (50%) for best results.
  • Stir periodically and continue heating until steaming hot, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Bring sauces like cheese or gravy to a boil when reheating.
  • Avoid reheating some dishes like rice more than once.

Food Safety Tips

Practice food safety when handling, cooking, and storing Stouffer’s Bowl fulls:

  • Wash hands before handling meals.
  • Avoid cross contamination by keeping raw meats separate.
  • Cook to safe internal temperatures – 165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground beef.
  • Do not thaw Bowls on the counter – use the refrigerator instead.
  • Throw away meals if they have an off odor or appearance.
  • Store leftovers in shallow, covered containers set to 40°F or below.

Cooking Tips

Use these additional tips for best results when cooking your Bowl fulls:

  • Venting wrappers – Properly venting the plastic film or bowl lid allows steam to escape during cooking for the right texture.
  • Microwave wattage – Use recommended cook times based on your microwave’s wattage for proper cooking.
  • Standby time – Allowing meals to rest after cooking completes the cooking process for better taste and texture.
  • Stirring – Stir thoroughly before serving to evenly distribute sauces, cheeses, and other ingredients.
  • Plate microwaving – Transferring heated Bowls to plates can help avoid overcooked bottoms if microwaving longer.

Troubleshooting

Use this troubleshooting guide if any issues arise while cooking your Bowl fulls:

Issue Potential Causes Solutions
Overcooked/dry
  • Cooked too long
  • Improper power level
  • No standing time
  • Use recommended cook times
  • Check microwave wattage
  • Allow standing time after cooking
Undercooked
  • Not cooked long enough
  • Lower microwave wattage
  • No venting of wrapper
  • Extend cook time as needed
  • Adjust for wattage variance
  • Remember to properly vent wrapper
Uneven cooking
  • No stirring or rotation
  • Cooking too long
  • Stir or rotate midway through
  • Avoid overcooking
Mushy texture
  • Overcooked
  • Not properly vented
  • Follow recommended cook times
  • Vent wrapper/lid properly

Adding Sides and Toppings

While Stouffer’s Bowl fulls make a complete meal on their own, you can round out your dish with a few simple additions:

  • Fresh vegetables – Round out your bowl with broccoli, peas, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
  • Sliced fruit – Complement both savory and sweet bowls with slices of apple, pear, or orange.
  • Diced avocado – Creamy avocado pairs well with southwestern and Mexican-style bowls.
  • Shredded cheese – Sprinkle on some extra cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese.
  • Herbs and spices – Liven up your bowl with garlic, chili powder, oregano, or basil.
  • Nuts and seeds – Add crunch with sliced almonds, pepitas, or sunflower seeds.

Mix and match simple add-ins to give your Stouffer’s Bowl full an extra flavor and nutrition boost.

Menu Ideas

Incorporate Stouffer’s Bowl fulls into well-rounded meals with these menu ideas:

  • Italian dinner
    • Chicken parmesan Bowl full
    • Side salad with vinaigrette dressing
    • Garlic bread
    • Tiramisu for dessert
  • Tex-Mex lunch
    • Southwest quinoa Bowl full
    • Tortilla chips and guacamole
    • Iced tea
  • Asian-inspired meal
    • Thai curry chicken Bowl full
    • Stir fry vegetables
    • Coconut rice
    • Mango and sticky rice for dessert

Get creative with building complete meals around these convenient Bowl full entrees for easy weeknight dinners or lunches on the go.

Comparison to Other Products

Stouffer’s Bowl fulls have some advantages over other frozen prepared meal options:

  • More protein than Lean Cuisine bowls with around 25g per serving
  • Lower in sodium than many Banquet and Marie Callender’s meals
  • More sauce than Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers with gravy on entrees
  • Microwavable bowls for easy prep without added dishes
  • Better taste and texture than generic frozen meals
  • More sauce variety than Be prepared! or Smart Made meals

While not the absolute healthiest choice, Stouffer’s Bowl fulls provide a better-for-you alternative to some other frozen prepared meals.

Nutrition Information

Stouffer’s Bowl fulls provide a relatively balanced meal with around 25g of protein, 25% of daily vitamins and minerals, and between 350-450 calories per bowl. However, sodium content is higher than recommended with most Bowls containing 800-1000mg sodium. Watch your overall sodium intake if consuming these regularly. Low fat, low sodium, and high protein bowls are available for more dietary needs. Check nutrition labels for details on your chosen meals. In general, Stouffer’s Bowl fulls provide:

  • 25g protein
  • 25% DV vitamins and minerals
  • 350-450 calories
  • 800-1000mg sodium

Balance your Bowl fulls with fresh produce and lean protein sources as part of an overall varied diet.

Cost Comparison

Stouffer’s Bowl fulls cost around $3.50-$4.00 per bowl depending on recipes and retailers. Here’s how they compare to other prepared meal options:

Product Average Cost
Stouffer’s Bowl fulls $3.50-$4.00
Lean Cuisine Bowls $2.50-$3.50
Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers $3.00-$4.00
Smart Made Meals $4.00-$5.00
Home Chef Meal Kits $7.00-$10.00

Stouffer’s Bowl fulls are reasonably priced compared to similar frozen prepared meals. Purchasing larger multi-serve packages can provide even more value per bowl. Stock up when Bowl fulls are on sale or use coupons to get the best deals.

Conclusion

With their delicious flavors, hearty portions, and convenient preparation, Stouffer’s Bowl fulls make it simple to enjoy a home cooked meal in minutes. Follow proper cooking directions, utilize microwave power settings appropriately, and incorporate additional toppings or sides for complete Bowls full meals with minimal effort. Stouffer’s Bowl fulls provide a tasty solution for busy weeknights or lunches on the go.