As someone who is always on the go, finding the time to cook and eat healthy meals can be a real challenge.
That’s why I started meal prepping, and it has been a game-changer for me.
One thing that I have learned through my meal-prepping journey is that freezing my meals has made my life so much easier.
I can batch-cook meals in advance, freeze them, and have healthy, home-cooked meals ready to go whenever I need them.
In this guide, I will show you how to meal prep for freezing, providing you with tips and tricks to save time and money, as well as a variety of delicious meal prep recipes.
Why Meal Prep for Freezing Is the Way to Go
Personally, I think that meal prepping for freezing is one of the best ways to save time and money while still eating healthy, delicious meals.
Here are some reasons why:
Save Time
Cooking every day can be time-consuming, especially when you have a busy schedule.
With meal prep for freezing, you can cook multiple meals at once and store them in the freezer, saving you time in the long run.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about cooking every day, giving you more time to focus on other things.
Save Money
Eating out or buying takeout can be expensive, especially if you do it often.
By meal prepping for freezing, you can buy ingredients in bulk and make your own meals at a fraction of the cost.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about wasting money on food that goes bad before you can eat it.
No Food Waste
When you meal prep for freezing, you can use up ingredients before they go bad, reducing food waste.
Additionally, you can avoid throwing away leftovers because you can simply freeze them and use them later.
This not only saves you money but also helps reduce your impact on the environment.
By meal prepping for freezing, you can save time, money, and reduce food waste. It’s a win-win situation!
Next, I will show you how to meal prep for freezing step-by-step.
How to Meal Prep for Freezing
Now that you know why meal prepping for freezing is a great option, let’s dive into how to do it. Follow these steps to get started:
1. Plan Your Meals
The first step to meal prepping for freezing is to plan your meals. Decide on the number of meals you want to prepare and choose recipes that freeze well.
Make a grocery list based on your meal plan, and make sure to only buy what you need to avoid food waste.
2. Shop for Groceries
Once you have your grocery list, it’s time to go shopping. Buy ingredients in bulk if possible, and choose seasonal produce to save money.
Stick to your list to avoid buying unnecessary items that can go to waste.
3. Batch Cook
Batch cooking is a great way to save time when meal prepping for freezing. Cook multiple recipes at once and use your slow cooker or instant pot to make things even easier.
This way, you can have multiple meals ready to go in just a few hours.
4. Cool the Food
Before you store your prepped meals in the freezer, make sure to let them cool down to room temperature.
Don’t store hot food in the fridge or freezer as it can raise the temperature and affect the other items.
5. Portion the Food
Using the right containers is crucial when meal prepping for freezing. Choose containers that are freezer-safe and airtight to prevent freezer burn.
Portion sizes should be appropriate for your needs and dietary requirements.
6. Label and Store
Label each container with the recipe name and date before storing in the freezer. This will help you keep track of what you have and when you made it.
It’s also important to store your meals properly to avoid freezer burn and ensure they stay fresh.
By following these steps, you can meal prep for freezing like a pro! In the next section, I will share some tips for successful meal prep for freezing.
5 important Tips for Successful Meal Prep for Freezing
Now that you know how to meal prep for freezing, let’s talk about some tips for making the process even smoother:
1. Use the Right Containers
Using the right containers is crucial when meal prepping for freezing. Glass containers with airtight lids are a great option, as are freezer bags.
Make sure to label your containers with the recipe name and date so you know what’s inside.
2. Know What Foods Freeze Well
Not all foods freeze well, so it’s important to know which ones do. Cooked rice and pasta, meat and poultry, soups and stews, and casseroles all freeze well.
However, fruits and vegetables with high water content, like cucumbers and watermelon, do not freeze well.
3. Thaw Safely
When it’s time to eat your prepped meals, make sure to thaw them safely.
The best way to thaw them is to let them sit in the fridge overnight, but you can also thaw them in cold water or in the microwave if you’re short on time.
4. Use Within a Reasonable Time Frame
Frozen food can last for a long time, but it’s important to use it within a reasonable time frame to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat.
Follow guidelines for safe storage and use within 2-3 months.
5. Variety Is Key
Eating the same meals every day can get boring, so make sure to mix it up with different recipes.
Try new recipes, change up your ingredients, and experiment with different flavors to keep things interesting.
By following these tips, you can ensure successful meal prep for freezing every time!
Meal Prep Recipes for Freezing
Meal prepping for freezing can be a game-changer when it comes to saving time and having healthy meals ready to go.
Here are some freezer-friendly meal prep recipes to help you get started:
Breakfast Ideas
Breakfast Burritos
Scrambled eggs, sausage, and veggies wrapped in a tortilla. They can be frozen individually or in batches for quick breakfasts all week long.
Freezer-Friendly Muffins
Banana nut, blueberry, or chocolate chip muffins are a great breakfast or snack option.
Bake them in batches and freeze them individually for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
Lunch and Dinner Ideas
Freezer-Friendly Casseroles
Lasagna, enchiladas, or shepherd’s pie are great options for freezer-friendly casseroles.
Make a big batch and portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezer-Friendly Soups and Stews
Chili, chicken noodle soup, or beef stew are all great freezer-friendly options for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Make a big batch and portion it into individual containers to enjoy whenever you need a warm, comforting meal.
Freezer-Friendly Pasta Dishes
Baked ziti, spaghetti, meatballs, or chicken alfredo are all great options for freezer-friendly pasta dishes.
Cook the pasta al dente and store it separately from the sauce to avoid mushy noodles.
Snack Ideas
Homemade Granola Bars
Peanut butter and chocolate, almond, and honey, or berry and yogurt granola bars are all great options for a healthy snack.
Make a big batch and store them in the freezer for an easy grab-and-go snack.
Energy Balls
Peanut butter and oatmeal, chocolate and coconut, or cranberry and almond energy balls are great snack options.
By prepping these meals in advance and storing them in the freezer, you’ll have healthy, homemade meals and snacks ready to go whenever you need them.
Plus, they’re all customizable so you can make them to your liking.
I hope this guide has been helpful in showing you how to meal prep for freezing, providing you with tips for success, and sharing some delicious recipes.
Remember to mix it up and try new recipes to keep things interesting! Start meal prepping for freezing today and see how it can change your life!
Take Control of Your Meals And Get Your Free Meal Prep Plan Today!
Are you tired of feeling like you have no control over what you eat? Do you struggle to find the time to cook healthy meals?
Meal prepping for freezing is the solution you’ve been looking for!
With our free meal prep plan, you’ll have everything you need to get started.
Imagine having a full week of delicious, healthy meals ready to go whenever you need them. No more worrying about what to cook or wasting money on takeout.
Plus, with our tips and recipes, you’ll never get bored with your meals again.
Our meal prep plan is designed with busy women in mind, so you can spend more time doing what you love and less time in the kitchen.
Download your free meal prep plan today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!
FAQ’S
How long can meal prep last in the freezer?
Great news, according to the USDA, frozen meals are safe to eat indefinitely.
However, after about three months, the quality (i.e. flavor and texture) of food can degrade.
Therefore, we recommend eating foods within three months of stashing them in the freezer.
What is the longest-lasting meal prep?
Soups, stews, and chili are the ideal meal prep because they last a little longer than most meals (up to five or six days) and they’re extremely freezer-friendly.
If you’re new to meal prep and are nervous about how foods taste after a few days, I recommend starting with a soup, stew, or chili.