Freezer meals are your secret weapon for creating a stress-free August. They’re a lifesaver for those crazy summer schedules and are especially useful to have on hand once school begins. Prepping delicious meals in advance lets you enjoy the rest of summer without sacrificing healthy, home-cooked food. Plus, freezer meals are budget-friendly. You can take advantage of sales and cook in bulk, which saves money, and time.
Planning Your Freezer Feast Needs
Before diving headfirst into meal planning, take a moment to consider your needs. Do you have the right tools for making freezer meals a success? How many meals do you need prepped and ready to go for the week or month? And, do you have enough freezer space? Do you know how you’ll reheat these meals? Once you have that figured out, get the family involved and start looking for recipes.
Essential Tools for Freezer Meal Success
Having the right tools in your kitchen can help make meal prep a breeze. Consider the kitchen essentials you already have and see if you need to add anything new that may be helpful for all of your meal prep needs. Also consider storage solutions that help keep your newly prepared meals from getting freezer burn. Being prepared and well-equipped is key for freezer meal success.
Kitchen Must-Haves
Here’s a list of some of the basic kitchen essentials you may need and most likely already have, including a few other tools that can help make the process smoother for prepping freezer meals.
- Kitchen Basics – tools like pots and pans, cutting boards, sharp knives, mixing bowls, measuring cups, measuring spoons, colander, wooden spoons, spatulas are helpful/needed for preparing any meal.
- Slow Cooker – also known as a crock pot, is a great kitchen must-have when it comes to freezer meals, as it allows for hands-off cooking and easy reheating options. Use crock pot liners for easy cleanup.
- Optional Kitchen Tools – chop veggies quickly with a food processor or vegetable chopper, puree soups with an immersion blender, souper cubes are great for portioning soups and sauces, and bag holders hold up freezer bags so your hands are free for filling up the bag.
Storage Solutions
Investing in the right storage solutions ensures you are saving your meals in a way that helps to not only maximize space, but ideally to also eliminate freezer burn.
- Storage Meals – freezer-safe food storage bags save space and are cost-effective for portioning out meals. Or, use freezer-safe containers with secure lids to prevent freezer burn.
- Optional Storage Items – freezer paper helps to protect against freezer burn while a vacuum sealer helps to preserve food quality and extend freezer life.
- Organizational Items – use a label maker or permanent markers to label freezer bags and/or containers. Write down the date you prepared each meal, the ingredients, and cooking instructions so you know how to defrost and reheat items.
Freezer Meals: Themed Menu Ideas for August
The ease and convenience of putting your slow cooker to work for you is what makes freezer meals so appealing. A little bit of prep work can save so much time, allowing you to take advantage of those last days of summer while being prepared for the busyness of school activities. Here are some meal ideas that can easily be thrown together and cooked or reheated for later.
Freezer-Friendly Breakfast and Make-Ahead Lunch Inspiration
While many may assume freezer meals are for dinner only, use your freezer to store other types of meals, too. Be prepared for those hectic mornings when making breakfast and/or lunch seems impossible.
Slow Cooker Dinner Inspiration
Put your slow cooker to work for you! You can either freeze each meal’s ingredients together and cook later. Or, you can prep and cook all of your meals ahead of time, freeze and then reheat when the mood strikes.
Five Tips to Organizing Your Freezer
Once you know what meals you’ll make, be sure you organize your freezer so you have enough room to store your meals. Here are a few tips to keep your freezer easy to navigate.
- Designate a Freezer Zone. If possible, dedicate a specific shelf or drawer in your freezer just for storing freezer meals. This way, you know exactly where to look to find what you need.
- Freeze Bags Flat. Use up less freezer space by removing as much air as you can from your freezer bags when sealing them. Then, freeze the bags as flat as possible.
- Use Shelf Organizers. Maximize freezer space by creating extra levels with shelf organizers. Place heavier meals under the shelf to prevent crushing lighter items placed on top.
- Rotate Your Stock. Keep on top of your freezer stock by using a first-in, first-out (FIFO) system for your meals.
- Inventory Meals. Use a magnetic freezer inventory list to keep track of what you’ve stored in your freezer so you can keep track of the meals you have left to eat.
How to Correctly Reheat Freezer Meals
Reheating meals correctly is crucial to preserving flavor and texture. Always reheat food to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety – a digital food thermometer is a good way to check the temperature of any food. Don’t forget to garnish your meals with fresh herbs for extra flavor. Here are some general guidelines to follow when reheating freezer meals.
- Thaw Meals Safely. Avoid thawing meals on the counter at room temperature to prevent bacteria growth. The safest way to thaw meals is overnight in the refrigerator.
- Microwave. Use a microwave-safe lid with vents for steam to escape. And, stir or rotate food for even heating, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
- Stovetop and/or Oven. Use the stove for reheating items like sauces or soups. Heat over medium heat, add a little liquid to prevent sticking and stir occasionally. Use the oven for larger items, like casseroles. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and add a little liquid, if needed. Cook/reheat according to the recipe.
- Slow Cooker. The best option for a hands-off cooking and/reheating experience is your slow cooker. If the freezer meal is not cooked, follow the recipe for cooking instructions (time/temp). If reheating your meal, transfer to the slow cooker and let it thaw/reheat gradually.
August’s Secret Weapon
Freezer meals are a game-changer for those last hectic days of summer before school starts. With some planning and prep work, freezer meals can be your secret weapon for a stress-free (and delicious) August. So check out some recipes, grab your grocery list, and get ready to be a meal-planning hero for those hectic back-to-school nights. If you’re looking for more meal inspiration, be sure to check out past menu plans. And, of course, don’t forget to plan for dessert, too.
Discover more from From Scratch Baking
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
