In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time to cook healthy meals every day. That is where batch cooking comes in! Prepare meals in advance and store them in the freezer to save time, reduce stress, and always have a nutritious meal ready to go. We have a few amazing, freezer-friendly recipes to share that are great for batch cooking. And don’t worry: they are also pretty easy to make, inexpensive, and retain really well in the freezer. So let’s get started!
Why Batch Cooking and Freezing Meals is a Game-Changer
Batch cooking is the ultimate game-changer for busy people and families. Here’s why:
- Saves Time: Spend a few hours cooking on the weekend, and you’ll have meals ready for the entire week.
- Reduces Food Waste: Use up ingredients before they spoil by turning them into freezer-friendly meals.
- Saves Money: Cooking in bulk is often more cost-effective than buying pre-packaged meals or eating out.
- Promotes healthy eating: When you have ready-to-go homemade meals, you are unlikely to grab unhealthy food for a snack.
And now, onto the recipes
1. Hearty Vegetable Soup
This is a versatile soup full of nutrients and freezes well. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, green beans, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Boil for 20-25 minutes, then add frozen peas and cook for additional 5 minutes.
- Cool and divide into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat Instructions: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Serve and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
2. Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
This crowd-pleasing lasagna is perfect for batch cooking. It’s creamy, cheesy, and freezer-friendly.
Ingredients:
9 lasagna noodles
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Steps:
- Prepare lasagna noodles according to box instructions.
- Mix chicken, spinach, ricotta, and Italian seasonings in a bowl.
- Alternate layering with marinara sauce, noodles, and chicken mixture in a baking pan. Finish with the sauce.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Cool, slice into portions and freeze in airtight containers.
Reheating Tip: Bake frozen lasagna at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, covered with foil.
3. Beef and Bean Burritos
Burritos are the freezer staple of this meal. They are just as easy to grab and heat up for lunch or dinner on the go.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 8 large tortillas
Instructions:
- Brown ground beef in a skillet. Add taco seasoning and pour in some water, and then let cook 5 minutes.
- Add the black beans and cooked rice into the skillet. Mix well.
- Spoon the mixture onto tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and wrap up to burritos.
- Wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap, then put in a freezer bag.
Reheating Tip: Microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
4. Banana Oat Muffins
And don’t forget breakfast! These muffins are healthy, filling, and fabulous to freeze!
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups rolled oats
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chocolate chips or nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin.
- In a bowl, combine bananas, honey, milk, egg, and vanilla.
- Mix oats, baking powder, and cinnamon. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Fill the muffin cups with the batter and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let cool and freeze in a flat layer before placing in a freezer bag.
Reheating Tip: Microwave for 30 seconds or thaw at room temperature.
Tips for Freezing Meals Successfully
- Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to avoid freezer burn.
- Label Everything: Be sure to mark the name and date on each container for identification.
- Cool Before Freezing: Cool foods completely before freezing to retain texture and flavor.
- Portion Wisely: Freeze meals in individual or family-sized portions for easy reheating.
Final Thoughts
Batch cooking and freezing meals is a simple yet effective way to simplify your life and eat healthier. With these freezer-friendly recipes, you’ll always have a delicious meal ready to go, no matter how busy your schedule gets. Give these recipes a try, and enjoy the convenience of having homemade meals at your fingertips!