Do You Cook Freezer Meals Before Freezing?

no need to cook freezer meals ahead, try this hearty chili

You don’t need to cook freezer meals before freezing! The meals in our database are prepared with fresh quality ingredients and are frozen raw. This saves you from having to cook meals twice, maintains better texture, and preserves nutrients.

These meals are easy to reheat in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, making them so convenient for busy lifestyles. Our meals are designed to be healthy and delicious, so you can enjoy a variety of foods without compromising on taste or nutrition.

So you’re ready to start prepping freezer meals? Let’s get started!

What Are Freezer Meals?

Freezer meals are ready-made meals that you can store in your freezer. Think of them as make ahead convenience foods you can heat up when needed. They are perfect for those times when you don’t have the time or energy to cook from scratch.

The best freezer meals are the ones that you will eat! It doesn’t have to be a casserole or chili! So take the time to go through our recipe database (Sign up to get full access to our recipe database and more!) to find hearty meatballs, cheesy enchiladas, burritos, stuffed shells, and other make-ahead freezer meals to satisfy your cravings. Frozen food doesn’t have to be boring. Make these meals you look forward to at the end of your busy day.

Why Make Your Own Freezer Meals?

Can’t you just buy ready-made freezer meals from the grocery store or a subscription service? Sure! But making your own easy freezer meal recipes has many benefits. For one, it’s much cheaper than buying prepared meals from the store. It also allows you to control the quality and ingredients of your food. And best of all, it saves time! With a bit of planning and preparation, you can prep several meals in one day and stock your freezer for later use.

Frozen vegetables in bags, cold healthy diet food, freeze. Frozen food. No need to cook before freezing

Should You Cook Freezer Meals Before Freezing?

We do not recommend cooking our recipes before freezing. As mentioned above, there are a number of benefits to freezing raw and only cooking your meals once.

When you cook with carefully selected, fresh ingredients and freeze them raw, it locks in the nutritional value of each ingredient, prevents spoilage, and eliminates the need to cook twice. Moreover, it preserves the taste and texture of the meal. This means that when you’re ready to eat, all you have to do is thaw and heat your meal—it’s as good as freshly cooked!

What Foods Can Be Frozen?

Almost any type of food can be made ahead of time and frozen, including meats, vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy products, soups, sauces, and more! The key is preparing the food properly before freezing so it doesn’t spoil or lose its flavor after thawing. Freeze items in airtight containers or heavy duty gallon-sized freezer bags to help keep out moisture and prevent freezer burn.

A delicious cottage pie in green baking dish. no need to cook ahead before freezing

Tips For Making Delicious Frozen Meals

To ensure delicious results when reheating your frozen meals:

• Add flavorful herbs and spices like garlic powder or oregano during preparation for added flavor after reheating (or just sprinkle some onto each container before freezing).

• Use airtight containers made from glass or plastic with tight-fitting lids (avoid using aluminum foil as this does not protect against moisture).

• Label each container with the date it was prepared as well as instructions for reheating (this will make things easier come dinner time!).

• Store your frozen meals at 0°F (-18°C) or colder in the coldest part of your freezer, where they will stay good for up to four months (but check expiration dates if applicable).

Conclusion

You don’t need to cook your freezer meals before freezing them! Store in an airtight container at 0°F (-18°C) or colder for up to four months! And enjoy your own homemade frozen convenience foods. Try it today—you won’t regret it!

Susana Ojeda West

Susana Ojeda West

FreezerFit Head Chef

Susana Ojeda West

Susana Ojeda West

FreezerFit Head Chef

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