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What are the Different Types of Freezer-Friendly Recipes?

Tiffany Manley
Tiffany Manley

Using freezer-friendly recipes to cook in batches can be a quick and healthy alternative to eating out or using prepared frozen foods. Many people focus on casseroles or soups as freezer-friendly recipes, but there also are many others, such as dishes made with beef, chicken or fish. These dishes contain ingredients that freeze well, such as meat, poultry, fish, rice and beans. When preparing freezer-friendly recipes, one should stay away from dishes that use dairy products, such as sour cream or cream, because they will break down during freezing.

Casseroles are a favorite of many families because they freeze well, feed many and can make use of inexpensive ingredients. Different proteins might be used as a base for freezer-friendly casserole recipes, such as beans, beef, chicken or fish. Another big draw is that it is possible to load a casserole with a complete and nutritious meal, complete with proteins, good carbohydrates, vegetables and wholesome grains. Casseroles might be prepared in a disposable foil container and wrapped in freezer paper or a freezer-safe bag and then frozen for several months. They also might be divided into smaller portions and frozen for one-person meals or lunch servings.

A cookbook and utensils.
A cookbook and utensils.

Soups and stews are two more great options for freezer-friendly recipes. They generally are filling and, like casseroles, have the ability to make use of inexpensive ingredients and feed a crowd. After they have been prepared, soups and stews can be poured into freezer bags and frozen for several months. They might be paired with a sandwich or cornbread for a hearty lunch or dinner. Chili also falls into this category, and it is easily frozen for future consumption.

Frozen beef.
Frozen beef.

When many people think about preparing freezer-friendly recipes, they often focus on complete meals. This is a very good way to make use of ingredients and reduce preparation time, but it also is possible to freeze components of a meal. Ground beef, chicken and rice can be cooked and placed in freezer containers to be used in the future. Cooked ground beef can be used for tacos or sloppy joes, chicken can be used for pizza or tacos, and rice can be as a side dish or for a one-pot meal.

Chili can easily be divided into single servings and frozen for future meals.
Chili can easily be divided into single servings and frozen for future meals.

It is important to use proper containers to prevent freezer burn and spoilage when storing freezer-friendly recipes. Plastic containers, disposable aluminum foil pans, freezer paper and freezer bags are all great for storing food in the freezer. It also is important to mark the date of each meal so that the amount of time it has been frozen can be calculated easily.

Discussion Comments

Talentryto

I like to make enough spaghetti for a nice dinner and to freeze some for later. It's as easy as taking it out of the freezer, putting it in a pot and heating it the next time I'm ready to have spaghetti for dinner.

Rundocuri

When I clean vegetables for dinner, I clean enough to use and freeze the rest. Next time I need to make a quick meal, they are clean and ready to cook in any recipe.

Heavanet

When I make soup with dry beans, I like to cook enough to use in my recipe and to freeze some for later use. I put the beans I plan to freeze in a freezer bag or in a plastic container. Then, when I'm ready to cook another dish that calls for beans, all I have to do is take them out of the freezer for quick and easy dinner recipes.

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    • A cookbook and utensils.
      By: Vivian Seefeld
      A cookbook and utensils.
    • Frozen beef.
      By: ra3rn
      Frozen beef.
    • Chili can easily be divided into single servings and frozen for future meals.
      By: rafer76
      Chili can easily be divided into single servings and frozen for future meals.
    • Chicken can be used in many freezer-friendly recipes.
      By: Christian Jung
      Chicken can be used in many freezer-friendly recipes.
    • Baked fish with spinach and mornay sauce freezes well in entree-sized containers.
      By: Comugnero Silvana
      Baked fish with spinach and mornay sauce freezes well in entree-sized containers.