Freezer Cooking: Save Time, Money, and Stress

Freezer cooking has been a lifesaver for me since the early 1990s. Back then, I called it “batch cooking.” With just my husband and me in the house, I’d cook large meals and freeze portions for later. Fast forward to today, with a busy family and skyrocketing convenience meal prices, I’ve embraced freezer cooking more than ever. Here’s how I do it and tips to help you get started.

Why Freezer Cooking Works

With a daughter involved in activities like plays, archery, and spending time with friends, we’re constantly on the go. Fast food and convenience meals aren’t sustainable for our schedule—or our budget. By dedicating time to freezer cooking, I’ve been able to stock up on healthy, homemade meals that are ready whenever we need them.

Essential Tools for Freezer Cooking

1. Meal Saver & Souper Cubes:

These two products have been game-changers for me. Souper Cubes allow me to freeze individual portions, while my trusty meal saver ensures airtight storage.

Pro Tip: Souper Cube trays are also fantastic for freezing leftover takeout and restaurant food. A large pot of chili, for example, might feel repetitive after a few days. Freezing portions in Souper Cubes prevents appetite fatigue and provides ready-made servings for months down the line.

I use these frozen cubes of chili in my daughter’s thermos for lunch or reheat them for my own lunch at work. They taste just as fresh as the day I made them!

2. Foil Pans:

I’ve invested in an affordable 20-pack of 8×8 foil pans with metal lids from Amazon. They’re cheaper and more convenient than buying them individually. If you’re just starting out, Dollar Tree is a great place to pick up a few to try.

I also keep foil bread pans on hand to make meatloafs to freeze. They come in small sizes if you want to make individuals meat loafs or larger pans for a family size loaf. The mini loaf pans are perfect if you’re cooking for 1 or 2.

3. Vacuum Sealer:

Vacuum sealers keeps air out and ensures my meals stay fresh and freezer burn-free. I consider this essential but I understand it is an investment. You can use zipper freezer bags but you might get freezer burn.

Tips for Successful Freezer Meals

Double Your Recipes

Whenever I’m cooking casseroles, meatloaf, or other family meals, I double the recipe. One goes on the table, and the other goes in the freezer. It’s the quickest way to stock up.

Choose Versatile Meals

Soups and stews are great, but I also freeze casseroles, roasts, and even homemade egg rolls. My casseroles and meatloaves are prepped in foil pans, vacuum-sealed, and ready to bake. For egg rolls, I freeze them flat on a cookie sheet before sealing them in bags—perfect for reheating in the air fryer.

Don’t Forget Breakfasts and Desserts

I freeze coffee cake batter and cookie dough for easy treats. Coffee cake batter can be thawed overnight and baked fresh in the morning. For cookies, I freeze dough balls so we can bake just a few at a time. It’s a fantastic way to have fresh-baked desserts without overindulging.

Meal Kits: A Time-Saving Secret

Meal kits at the grocery store are so convenient, but you pay a hefty price for that convenience. That made me think well if they can do it so can I.

Roast Kits

These are a lifesaver for busy mornings. In a freezer bag, I combine a roast, onions, carrots, and seasoning. On cooking day, I dump the bag into the crockpot, add ¼ cup of water, and let it cook all day. For potatoes, I prefer to add them fresh to avoid a mealy texture.

Chicken Kits

I prep whole chickens with onions or lemons in the cavity, seasoning under the skin, and vegetables in the bag. These are ready to throw in the crockpot for a flavorful dinner.

Pasta Kits

I don’t do too much with pasta beyond casseroles but there are posts all over pinterest on freezing pasta if this is something you want to do. Tips like created nests from spaghetti will help you make pasta kits like a pro.

Pro Tips for Freezer Cooking

1. Freeze What Your Family Loves:

There’s no point in stocking up on meals they won’t eat. Stick to tried-and-true favorites like casseroles, taco meat, and roasts.

2. Add Variety:

In addition to main dishes, freeze broth, desserts, and breakfast items. This gives you flexibility and variety.

3. Use Airtight Storage:

Vacuum sealing is key to keeping meals fresh and avoiding freezer burn.

4. Batch Cook When Ingredients Are on Sale:

If you find a great deal on meat or vegetables, stock up and prep freezer meals to maximize savings.

Final Thoughts

Freezer cooking is about making life easier while saving time and money. You don’t need special recipes—just freeze what your family already loves. With a little planning, you can have home-cooked meals ready to go, no matter how busy life gets. Whether you’re prepping casseroles, breakfast treats, or quick taco fillings, freezer cooking is a game-changer!

Keep watching the blog and I’ll be sharing my freezer meal recipes with more tips over the next few weeks. You can always start by cooking up a big batch of slow cooker Beef Bourguignon and freezing that!