Having a newborn baby can be a very stressful and overwhelming time. From sleepless nights to endless diaper changes, finding the time to prepare meals can be challenging! That’s why I’m here to share my tips on how to make freezer meals when you have a baby. With easy freezer meals, you can easily prepare meals ahead of time and have them ready to go when that little one arrives.
If you are preparing for the arrival of a new little one, be sure to check out How many freezer meals should you make before baby? – FreezerFit
What are Freezer Meals?
Freezer meals are pre-cooked dishes that have been prepared and frozen ahead of time so that they can be quickly reheated and served when needed. This is a great way to save time during those hectic days with a new baby. They are also an economical way of providing nutritious meals for your family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Planning Your Freezer Meals with a New Baby
The first step in creating your freezer meals is planning what types of dishes you like. Think about hearty dishes like casseroles, enchiladas, burritos, and meatballs that can be easily reheated after thawing in the refrigerator or microwave. Also, consider making extra portions of recipes you make regularly so you can freeze leftovers for later use.
If you want something quick and easy, try slow cooker recipes or one-pan dishes that don’t require too much effort but still yield delicious results. For more complex recipes like enchiladas or burritos, consider using cooked shredded chicken instead of raw chicken, as it will usually thaw faster when reheating later on.
Check out our database of healthy and varied freezer meals for ideas! (Sign up to get full access to our recipe database and more!)
Prepping Your Freezer Meals
Once you have planned out your freezer meal recipes, it’s time to start prepping!
- have your I recommend using good quality, gallon-sized freezer bags or freezer-safe containers ready to go.
- Place all ingredients in the bag or container and label them with the recipe name and date before freezing, so you remember what it is later on. I recommend printing these labels on computer paper or water-resistant stickers and taping/attaching them to your bags PRIOR to meal prep.
- Also, if using your own recipes, consider adding a little extra of the herbs/spices or some parmesan cheese for extra flavor before freezing!
Reheating Your Freezer Meals
Once you have stocked your freezer, it’s time to take advantage of all of that prep work! The best way to do this is by thawing them overnight in the refrigerator and then cooking in the Crockpot or the Instant Pot. Or you can heat the oven or microwave until they are warmed through evenly throughout. Make sure not to overheat, as this could dry out the dish or cause unwanted sogginess from too much moisture buildup.
Final Thoughts on Freezer Meals When You Have a Baby
Having a baby doesn’t mean cooking has to take a backseat! With planning and preparation, you can make feeding your family easier amidst all the chaos of a busy family!
