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.
Create Your Own TV Dinners
Have you ever wished you could fill your freezer with meals that are prepared so all you have to do is heat and eat?
Yes, you can buy these pre-made.
They are called TV dinners, but we all know they are that they are not the healthiest option not to mention they often come in the foods your family doesn't like.
You could make your own freeze-ahead meals and sauces just like I do here on my homestead.
Learn What Meals That Freeze Well
It will take some time to learn the best methods and what meals work out the best for your family, but it is comforting knowing you have those meals on those nights that you simply don't want to cook or have been so busy cleaning stalls or preserving food that you are too exhausted to cook.
Preparing freeze-ahead meals takes time.
Start by planning which meals to prepare, then make a shopping list, purchase the food and then do the actual cooking.
For those who are preparing meals with food they grow in their garden, be sure you pick enough fresh produce to make the meal.
It is a pain to stop and go pick produce in a rush because you didn't pick enough the first time around.
It is recommend that you do this type of cooking over at least two days so you don't feel completely frustrated trying to rush and get it all done in one day - especially if you are new to doing these make-ahead meals.
The Easiest Meals To Freeze
One of the easiest types of meals to do as a freeze-ahead meal is a casserole.
You simply put the ingredients together in an aluminum pan, cover it and pop it into the freezer.
When the time comes to eat it, you will be glad you spent the time making it because all you have to do is put it into a preheated oven and cook it.
Lasagna is one of the most popular meals for families to make ahead and freeze.
You will need noodles, spaghetti sauce - homemade or store bought, cheese and meat.
Prepare the lasagna the same way you would if you were going to eat it right away except you do not bake it.
When you have added the last cheese layer, place a cover on the pan and let it cool in the refrigerator overnight before placing it into the freezer.
Doing this helps to ensure it freezes uniformly.
Soups Freeze Well Too
You can also make your favorite soups to freeze for later use.
Chili is welcome in the colder months but you might not always have to time prepare it.
Make a big pot of chili, break it down into smaller amounts that your family would eat for one meal, and place the containers in the freezer.
When you want a bowl of chili, it will be so much easier to reheat the frozen chili than what is would be to make an entire pot.
Spaghetti is a common meal families prepare on a regular basis.
Cans or jars of sauce at the store are expensive and it seems prices continue to rise.
Rather than turning to store bought sauce, make your own and freeze it.
Freeze Those Extra Tomatoes
Buy tomatoes when they are on sale - or better yet, grow your own - and prepare the sauce with your favorite ingredients.
I often chop fresh tomatoes from my garden into quarters and put them into a freezer bag.
I then freeze the tomatoes - there is no need to skin them at this time - then when I am ready, I cook the tomatoes down.
Yes, the skins can be an issue but using a blender to chop those skins up eliminates the majority of that problem.
Now you might still have a few pieces of skin but those can be removed.
Watch For Sales
Perhaps you have come across a great sale on ground beef.
There are so many ways you can use it.
Cook the meat right away using onions and simple seasonings.
You can freeze enough in one container for a variety of meals - spaghetti, tacos, shepherd's pie, burritos, enchiladas or pirogues.
Consider all the ways you normally use ground beef.
You can also make meatloaf ahead of time and freeze it.
Final Thoughts
Freeze-ahead meals are so helpful when you are rushed for time.
The effort at the beginning of the process might seem excessive but the time is definitely well worth it.
To make the process easier, enlist the help of your family or cook with a friend!
You can share the work load and the foods that prepared.
Get yourself a good freezer meal prep book too - and don't forget to include cooking instructions with your meal.
I label mine with the name of the meal, the date it was prepared as well as how to cook it.
This really helps in the event that someone else is doing the cooking or you forget what you made.
How To Freeze Food
How To Determine The Best Fruits And Vegetables To Store
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36 Of The Best Freezer Friendly Fruits And Vegetables
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How to Freeze Raw Eggplant: Stocking Up for Winter on the Homestead
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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.
How To Make Delicious Batch Cooking Freezer Recipes
Learn how to make delicious batch cooking freezer recipes. Buying in bulk saves money. Preparing the meals ahead of time saves time.
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.
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