It’s really easy to make delicious batch cooking freezer recipes that you simply pull out and cook – some of them don’t even need thawed!
If you find yourself stopping at the supermarket every day to pick up something fresh for dinner and would like to make life a little easier when it comes to meal preparation, then batch cooking and freezing may be the answer that you are searching for.
While I do not do a lot of freezer cooking the items that I do freeze are sure time savers especially on those crazy busy nights or when unexpected company shows up.
Follow these simple steps outlined below to get started making freezer meals then you can decide how many meals you want to make ahead.
It is possible to have a month or more of meals ready to go.
At first it might seem like the time spent could be better spent doing other tasks but when you consider the time it saves in the long run you will understand why many people prefer batch cooking and freezer meals over those freshly prepared nightly!
Make A List – Check It Twice
Before making a list of ingredients that you will need for your batch cooking excursion, it is important to decide what types of meals you would like to create.
It would be best if you incorporated the entire family’s likes and dislikes into the equation.
You do not want to take the time and effort to batch cook and have it wind up that no one cares for your choice of recipes.
Once you have established if you have a house full of carnivores or vegetarians or anything in between, begin researching different types of recipes.
Once you have found recipes that you think everyone will enjoy, take the time, and trouble to show them the ingredients as well as the finished products via pictures if possible.
Have each family member pick and choose their favorites and write the recipes on individual index cards.
Now some of you know your family well enough that you might feel you don’t need to do this however I have found that letting the rest of the family have a say so makes them feel more involved.
It also gives you the opportunity to hear what some of your family members might like that others do not.
You can always make up lunches or snacks for each individual family member if time permits so they have something “special” that appeals to them alone.
This is great especially if anyone carries their lunch to work or school – and having frozen snacks on hand is well worth it when your family wants a late night snack and the pantry is looking a bit bare or no one wants to cook.
Freezer Meal Meats
There are two main foods to begin your batch cooking and freezing recipes with that will not require many ingredients.
Those two base foods are chopped meat and chicken.
From these two food groups you can make a number of freezer meals that will turn out nicely.
Chopped meat can make the following popular foods:
- Meatballs
- Meatloaf
- Hamburgers
- Chili
- Mexican style casseroles
Chicken can be used in a variety of ways:
- Chicken cutlets
- Stuffed chicken breast with ham and cheese
- Chicken and rice casseroles
- Chicken strips for salads, fajitas, or even added to pasta with broccoli
These are just a few ways you can use chicken and chopped meat in freezer meals.
There are many other ways and I encourage you to do some research and find out what recipes freeze well.
Be sure to save the bones from the chicken for use in making bone soup at a later date!
Pantry Items
If you begin your batch cooking and freezing endeavor by spending a little bit of money on fully stocking your pantry, you will discover that reaching for the lime juice for that chicken recipe or garlic powder for those meatballs is going to make life simpler and easier on all levels.
Once you have bought meats and poultry in bulk, cut it up yourself, and separate it.
Now you have the beginnings of a successful start at batch cooking and freezing with very few ingredients.
Stocking your pantry with chicken broth, marinades, and spices will make batch cooking and freezing as easy as pie.
Many of the herbs and spices are easy to grow yourself – or maybe you have a friend who grows these items.
Spending the time to dehydrate or freeze fresh herbs or spices is another great way to stock your pantry without breaking the bank.
Use your chicken bones to make bone soup – then freeze or can the broth after removing the bones.
You can freeze whole lemons, limes or oranges and juice them as you need them.
Be sure to look at places such as the dollar stores in your area for pantry items as well.
Now that you know how to get started making delicious batch cooking freezer recipes, quit procrastinating and give it a try.
I know you will be glad you did!
How To Freeze Food
How To Determine The Best Fruits And Vegetables To Store
Learn how to determine the best fruits and vegetables to store for winter use plus get tips on how to store them for the best results.
36 Of The Best Freezer Friendly Fruits And Vegetables
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Can You Freeze Corn on the Cob? The Comprehensive Guide
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Preserving Citrus Fruits
Preserving citrus fruits is something you want to know how to do if you grow your own, buy in bulk or have citrus fruits given to you.
Save Time By Using Freeze-Ahead Sauces And Meals For Tonight
Save time by pre-preparing freeze-ahead sauces and meals for tonight or any night when you need something delicious and nutritious but simply don't have time to cook.
Freezing Goats Meat
Freezing goats meat is as easy as freezing any other type of meat. If you raise goats or have a goat meat store close by this is an easy way to stock up.
How To Start Freezing Goat Milk
Freezing goat milk is the best way to preserve it for use when your goats are not in milk. Drink it fresh or use it in many goat milk recipes.
What Is The Best Method For Preserving Eggs? Find Out Now
Are you wondering how to store eggs? Learn the various techniques you can easily use at home for preserving eggs fresh from your poultry.
How To Dry And Store Homemade Noodles
Learn how to dry homemade pasta plus the best method for storing homemade noodles so they stay fresh for up to six months!
Freezer Recipe: Poached Pears In Wine Sauce
Made with Asian pears and two different types of honey wine, this poached pears in wine sauce freezer recipe is an easy way to preserve fall's bounty.
Four Factors That Affect Food Storage
Understanding the four factors that affect food storage is essential for keeping your food safe, especially if you intend to store it long term.
Canning Broccoli Is No Longer Safe But You Can Still Preserve It
Although canning broccoli was once considered safe, times have changed thus freezing, dehydrating or freee drying broccoli is recommended.
Can You Freeze Fudge? Exploring the Sweet Secret of Fudge Preservation
The holidays are a busy time. Can you freeze fudge to make homemade creations easier? Learn the art of preserving fudge here!
Souper Cubes: Making Freezer Meal Prep Easier Than Ever
Save time and freeze with ease - Souper Cubes is revolutionizing freezer meal prep. Learn about the amazing features of Souper Cubes now!
Preserving Herbs For Winter Use eCourse
Do you love fresh herbs but wonder if there is an easy way to preserve them for the winter?
Do you seek other ways to use herbs other than just as a seasoning on food?
There are so many ways to preserve herbs for winter use – from various methods of drying them to freezing them, but it doesn’t end there.
Some of the best ways to preserve herbs in right in the foods you would normally incorporate herbs into – pre-made seasonings, teas, butter or oil.
Then this is the course for you!
What You Will Learn In This Course:
Hang herbs to dry
Use a hanging herb dryer
Dry herbs on a window screen dryer
Dry herbs in a dehydrator
Dry herbs in an oven
Dry herbs in a microwave
Freeze herbs whole
Make herb ice cubes
Add fresh herbs to freezer meals
Add herbs to canned sauces
Preserve herbs in vinegar
Preserve herbs in oil
Preserve herbs in butter
Preserve herbs in salt or sugar
Make pre-made seasonings
Make herbal tea
Make herb jelly (plus tips on how to use these)
Freezing Apples Recipe
This freezing apples recipe is super simple. It is a great way to preserve the bounty of fall apples for winter use.
