Combined Meal Plan - Tips, and Tricks

Tips for Freezer Meals:

Supplies:

• Freezer-Safe Zip Lock Bags and/or Containers—For optimal storage, Most meals fit in a 1-gallon freezer-safe ziplock bag or freezer-safe container.

• Slow Cooker Liners—These liners make cleanup effortless! While most recipes won’t need them until cooking day, some meals can be assembled directly in the liners and frozen for easy transfer.

• Freezing Tip: After freezing a meal in the slow cooker, remove it with the liner intact and place it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or container for better protection against freezer burn. This way, when ready to cook the meal, it will easily fit back into the slow cooker.

• There are many types, but here are the liners I have used: Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners, Regular (Fits 3-8 Quarts), 6 Count

• Bag Stands or Alternative Supports—Though not required, bag stands help keep the freezer bags upright during assembly. A large cup or bowl can also work.

• Here are the bag stands I use: Baggy Rack Holder For Food Prep Bag/plastic Freezer Bag/Ziplock Bag Holder Stand, Meal Planning/prep Bag Holders,4 Pack/4pcs

• Sharpie Markers & Labels—Keep a permanent marker handy to label bags or containers. Some prefer preprinted labels for easy identification.

• Multiple Sets of Measuring Cups and Spoons—Having multiple sets of measuring cups and spoons can be helpful depending on how many different meals you plan to prepare. This will help you avoid washing utensils between ingredients.

• Vacuum Sealer (Optional)—Vacuum sealing locks in freshness, but simply pressing out excess air from freezer bags is also effective.

Raw Meats in Freezer Meals

• Cooking vs. Freezing Raw Meat—Most meats can be frozen raw directly in the freezer bag and will cook properly in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. However, if making a casserole meal, it may be necessary to pre-cook the meat (and possibly other ingredients) before freezing.

  • Food Safety Tip: Always add raw meat last when assembling meals. This can help reduce cross-contamination and prevent meat from being out longer. After you have added all the other ingredients to your meal-prepping containers, you can remove your meats from the refrigerator or freezer and add them to the containers.

  • Personal Preference: If freezing raw meat makes you uncomfortable, feel free to cook it beforehand to ensure peace of mind.

Freezer Cooking Day Tips

• Day Before

  • Ensure Adequate Storage Space—Get rid of old or out-of-date items and make room for the new meals you will prepare.

  • Turn Down Freezer Temperature—Putting lots of warm or even room-temperature foods in your freezer at one time could affect its temperature. If you will be putting lots of new meals in your freezer, turn it down by 10 degrees or so the night before. This will help ensure it stays at a safe temperature when filling it with your prepared meals. Once your freezer meals are frozen, you can return the freezer temperature to normal.

  • (Optional) Chop Vegetables—This will make preparing meals easier on your Freezer Meal Cooking day.

• Morning of or Right Before Freezer Cooking

  • Prep Workstation—Clear any clutter, wipe down/disinfect the area, and set out the supplies you will use. (see above)

  • Prep Kitchen—Be sure your trash is emptied and easily accessible, and fill half of your sink with warm, soapy water, ready for dirty dishes.

• Other Freezer Cooking Meal Prep Tips

  • Label Freezer Bags—Label freezer bags before filling them with your ingredients. Once you have cold ingredients inside, it can sometimes be hard to write on or get labels to stick to the bags, as condensation will start to build up.

    • Label each freezer-safe zip-lock bag/container with the date, recipe name, cooking instructions, “use by” date (usually 3 months from when you freeze the meal for best freshness), and any additional ingredients required on the cooking day.

  • Chop vegetables first—Since vegetables are okay at room temperature for a little longer, start by cutting/chopping any needed vegetables and adding them to the freezer containers. Some do this step the day before, making the Freezer Meal Cooking day even easier.

  • Add Meats Last—Before adding any meats, prepare all your bags or containers with all other ingredients. This means adding all vegetables, spices, canned goods, dairy, etc., to all freezer meals before adding any meats.

    This can help reduce cross-contamination and prevent meat from being out longer. After you have added all the other ingredients to your meal-prepping containers, you can remove your meats from the refrigerator or freezer and add them to the containers.

  • Flatten Bags for Easy Storage – Once filled, flatten freezer bags to stack neatly, maximize space, and reduce thawing time.

For best results, thaw these meals in the refrigerator the night before or in cold water the morning before you cook them. This will make them easier to put into the slow cooker or Instant Pot.