In today’s society, everything is getting more expensive. Gas prices are skyrocketing, housing expenses are increasing, and food costs are immensely increasing, especially for healthy or organic foods. This can make it hard for people on a budget to eat healthy meals every day. Meal prep is an excellent way to cut expenses, avoid food waste, and eat healthy, fresh-cooked meals every day. Today, we’re going to be looking at everything you need to know about storing meal preps properly in the freezer.

Supplies needed for freezing meal preps

There are a couple of things that we will need to get started on our meal prepping journey and to start effectively preserving meal with a freezer.

1.    Freezer-safe, microwave-safe containers

The reason you need to get freezer-safe containers is because failing to do so, food may not store properly. This causes the risk of foods going bad early. You also want to make sure they are microwave-safe because being able to freeze, thaw, and reheat in the microwave with the same container is ideal. This is great for making fewer dishes or taking meals on the go.

2.    Baking dishes

Baking dishes are ideal for casseroles or when you are making large portions. These are also great for bringing over to someone’s house or cooking for a lot of people. They are easy to store, inexpensive to buy, and they are disposable. Even if you don’t meal prep, you should have some of these in your kitchen.

3.    Freezer bags and plastic wraps

Plastic bags are perfect for prepped meals because they can lay flat in the freezer. This can help you maximize space in the freezer, especially if it is on the smaller side. They’re also great because you can fit a lot in one large bag. Additional protection is always better than a lack of protection. This is precisely what plastic wrap and tin foil do. It can help prevent freezer burn.

4.    Labels and permanent marker

Labels are the only way you will be able to keep prepared meals organized. Without that you may find a chaotic situation on your hands. The date the meal was made and what it is should be marked on labels and placed on containers or baking trays which holds the meal. This way, you know exactly when the food was made, so if you don’t eat it in time, you can dispose of it and eliminate the risk of eating expired food.

How to store meal prep in the freezer

Now for the actual freezing process. It is pretty simple, but there are some tips and tricks that can help you.

Packing the food properly

The first step is packing the food accordingly. This varies for different types of foods.

• Casseroles can be stored uncooked in a baking pan. This way, you can just throw it in the oven when you want to eat it. Cover it tightly in plastic wrap, and then you may choose to add some tin foil over the top for extra protection.
• Meat should be wrapped in plastic wrap tightly with no air gaps.
• Soups, stews, and broths can be stored in mason jars. It is ideal because it will save room in the freezer.
• Beans or grains should be stored in containers.
• Fruit and vegetables can be stored in freezer bags.
• Bread can be frozen in the plastic bag it came in.

Specific foods to avoid when storing meal preps in the freezer

There are certain foods you just shouldn’t freeze because they don’t freeze well. Avoid foods such as:

• Anything fried, especially with breading
• Vegetables you want to eat raw (vegetables that are cooked are perfectly fine)
• Pasta.
• Anything that contains eggs.
• Citrus fruits.

Leave room at the top of containers

You want to make sure that you leave room at the top of your container or plastic bags when you freeze. In the freezer, liquid can expand, and you don’t want it to leak all over the freezer. To avoid this, don’t overfill plastic bags and containers.

Freeze fresh ingredients

When freezing food, you want to make sure that you are using fresh ingredients. They will freeze better, and when you unthaw them, they will taste better. If you use ingredients on their last limb, then the quality of food won’t be as good.
Should you let food cool before freezing?

It is always a good idea to let food cool down before throwing them in the freezer. The reason for this is because if you put the food in hot, it will unthaw other items in the freezer, which can cause them to taste funny or go bad.

When allowing food to cool, you want to make sure you don’t let it sit out for too long. You should only leave food out to cool for a maximum of two hours. When you leave food out longer, it can reach dangerous temperatures where bacteria can grow.

How long food last in the freezer

This question is subjective. Technically, as long as the food is frozen, it will never be spoilt. But after about 3-6 months, the food quality starts to deteriorate and may become unappetizing when defrosted. So typically, it is suggested you consume or dispose of food after 3-6 months, but technically it can last longer.

Great meal prep recipes to freeze

Here are a few fantastic healthy meal prep recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Overnight oats

Not only are these overnight oats quick, easy, and delicious, but they can also be stored in mason jars! You only need a few ingredients and minutes to make this tasty and nutritious breakfast that freezes perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup frozen berries
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup almond milk

Instructions:

1. Add oats, frozen berries, chia seeds, and vanilla extract into a mason jar and freeze.
2. The night before you want to eat it, add your milk, then place it in the fridge overnight.
3. In the morning, it is ready to eat! But you can also add protein powder and nut butter of your choice.

Roasted butternut squash soup

This soup is the perfect meal prep recipe! This is a great fall lunch because it is flavorful, filling, and will leave you feeling satisfied. Plus, it is super easy to freeze!

Ingredients:

• 2 butternut squashes, cut into cubes
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large white onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp sage
• 1 cup white wine
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Olive oil
• Salt

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your squash on a baking tray and toss them in olive oil and salt. Then roast the squash for 60-70 minutes.
• Next, add 2 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp olive oil to a pot on medium heat. Add the onions and some salt, then allow them to cook for approximately 10 minutes.
• Now add the garlic and sage and cook for another 10 minutes. Then add the white wine and reduce for about 4 minutes.
• Take the squash out of the oven and add it to your pot, then add the vegetable broth. Cook for about 20 minutes.
• Turn off the heat, then add your heavy cream and 2 Tbsp of butter. Next, blend the soup until smooth.
• Once it’s cool, it’s ready to be transferred to containers and freeze.

Beef and broccoli teriyaki

This beef and broccoli teriyaki is a super easy and tasty freezer meal. You just prepare it and freeze it, then all you have to do is unthaw it and cook it in a frying pan when you are ready to eat it. It is a hearty meal that your family will love!

Ingredients:

• 1-pound sliced steak
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 4 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 clove Garlic
• 1/2 tsp minced ginger
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 red pepper flakes
• 3-4 cups broccoli

Instructions:

1. Add steak and cornstarch in a plastic bag and shake until the steak is coated.
2. In another plastic bag, add soy sauce, garlic, ginger, brown sugar, sesame seeds, sesame oil, red pepper flakes.
3. Place those two plastic bags into a large plastic bag and put your broccoli on top. Seal the bag and freeze.
4. When you are ready to cook it, unthaw your meal. Heat a frying pan on medium to high heat with some oil. Add steak and cook for 3-4 minutes, then add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add your sauce and cook for another minute. Serve and enjoy!

The benefits of freezing prepped meals

The benefits of meal prepping are truly endless. A few of the main benefits of preparing food ahead of time include:

1.    Foods are tastier

Sometimes it can be challenging to eat healthy all the time. You need unique and fresh ingredients, plus it takes time to prepare. Meal prepping allows you to make healthy meals that are ready to go whenever you are. You can prep numerous different vegetables and proteins to skip the fast food and eat healthier more frequently.

2.    Avoids Food Waste

Often, we will purchase items at the grocery store with intention of using them, only to end up expiring before use. With meal prep, there’s little to no waste because you buy the exact amount of food you need to prepare and preserve. No more food spoiling in the fridge.

Final thoughts

There you have it! Everything you need to know about storing meal prep in the freezer. Meal prepping is such a great way to keep yourself organized, save money, and eat healthier. It is the perfect lifestyle for busy people who want to eat good food every day.