Freezing prepared meals is a great way to save time and money while still enjoying delicious homemade food. With a little planning, you can cook large batches of food and freeze individual portions to enjoy later. But what is the best way to freeze prepared meals?
Why Freeze Prepared Meals?
There are several advantages to freezing prepared meals:
- Saves time – You can cook in bulk and freeze individual portions to reheat on busy nights.
- More variety – Prepare several different meals and rotate throughout the week.
- Cost effective – Buying ingredients in bulk and preparing your own meals costs less than takeout or prepackaged frozen meals.
- Nutritious – You control exactly what goes into your homemade frozen meals.
- Less waste – Freezing leftovers prevents food from going bad and having to throw it out.
With your freezer stocked with homemade TV dinners, you’ll always have a healthy, delicious meal ready to go on demand!
Choosing the Right Containers
The first step is choosing the right containers for freezing prepared meals. Here are some good options:
Plastic Freezer Bags
Freezer bags are a popular choice for freezing prepared meals. Opt for thick, durable plastic bags designed specifically for the freezer. Some pros of freezer bags:
- Cheap and easily disposable – No need to wash containers after use.
- Take up little space – Bags flatten for compact storage.
- Seal out freezer burn – Double bag or use bags with zipper seals.
- Versatile – Bags can hold soups, casseroles, meat, etc.
Plastic Food Containers
Rigid plastic food containers are also good for freezing meals. Look for containers that are:
- Microwave and freezer safe – Can transition from freezer to microwave.
- Air tight lid – Prevents freezer burn.
- Moisture resistant – Won’t become brittle.
- Durable – Can withstand repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
- Stackable – Save freezer space.
Glass Storage Containers
Glass freezer containers have pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Nonporous – Won’t absorb stains or odors | Heavy – Hard to handle when full |
| Oven/microwave safe | Not as durable – Glass can break |
| Easily cleaned | Takes up more space than bags |
Other Container Options
In addition to plastic, glass, and bags, some other containers suitable for freezing meals include:
- Aluminum pans – Disposable, conducts cold well.
- Silicone molds – Flexible, easy to pop food out.
- Muffin tins – Useful for freezing individual portions.
- Ice cube trays – Great for small amounts like sauces.
Freezer Meal Prep Tips
Follow these tips when preparing meals for the freezer:
Choose the Right Foods
Almost anything can be frozen but some foods freeze better than others. The best prepared meals to freeze include:
- Soups, stews, and chilies
- Casseroles and baked pasta dishes
- Meatloaf, meatballs
- Chicken or other cooked meats
- Burritos, sandwiches, wraps
Foods that don’t freeze well include mayonnaise, cream, crusty breads and raw veggies.
Portion Control
When freezing meals in bulk, portion them into single servings or sizes your family will eat at one meal before freezing. This makes reheating easier.
Use Freezer Bags Efficiently
To save space, flatten freezer bags by squeezing out excess air before sealing. You can also use a straw to suck air out of the bag like a vacuum seal.
Avoid Freezer Burn
Use airtight containers and bags and make sure to seal them properly. Also try to exclude as much air as possible. Freezer burn happens when air reaches the surface of the food.
Label Properly
Clearly label each freezer bag or container with the contents and date prepared. This prevents mystery meals and keeps track of how long items have been frozen.
Thawing and Reheating Frozen Meals
The safest ways to thaw frozen prepared meals include:
Refrigerator Thawing
For slow thawing, place frozen meals in the refrigerator. This may take overnight or even a full day depending on the size of the portions. Make sure juices don’t drip and contaminate other food.
Cold Water Thawing
For faster thawing, seal frozen meals in plastic bags and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed. This can thaw food in 1-2 hours.
Microwave Thawing
Microwave directly from frozen using lower power for longer cook times. Rotate and stir food halfway through. Check for hot spots.
Once thawed, you can reheat prepared meals in the microwave, oven or stovetop. Bring soups, stews and sauces to a boil when reheating.
Food Safety Tips
Follow these guidelines to safely handle frozen prepared meals:
- Freeze meals within 1-2 days of cooking.
- Cool cooked food fully before freezing.
- Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or under cold running water, not at room temperature.
- Reheat thawed meals to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t refreeze thawed prepared meals.
- Use frozen meals within 2-6 months for best quality.
Creative Frozen Meal Ideas
Take your freezer meals from boring to gourmet with these delicious recipes you can make in bulk and freeze:
Breakfast
- Breakfast burritos or sandwiches
- Egg muffins or frittatas
- Pancakes or waffles
- Breakfast casseroles
- Smoothie packs
Lunch/Dinner
- Lasagna, casseroles
- Soups, chilies, stews
- Chicken or vegetable stir frys with rice
- Parcooked chicken or fish
- Meatballs
- Stuffed peppers
Sides
- Cooked grains like rice, quinoa or pasta
- Chopped veggies like onions, peppers, broccoli
- Baked potatoes or twice baked potatoes
- Sauces like marinara, pesto, gravy
Desserts
- Cookie dough
- Pie shells and fillings
- Cake layers
- Scoops of ice cream
Conclusion
Freezing prepared meals at home is an easy way to save money and eat healthy, homemade food even on your busiest days. Use durable freezer bags, rigid containers or glass to prevent freezer burn. Portion meals, label properly and thaw using the refrigerator, cold water or the microwave. Follow food safety guidelines and get creative with delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts you can prepare in advance and freeze. With the right planning and storage, you’ll always have a diverse menu of frozen meals waiting in your freezer.