Meal Prep Made Easy: The Best Recipes to Cook and Freeze

Meal Prep Made Easy: The Best Recipes to Cook and Freeze

Wondering what recipes to cook and freeze? If you’re tired of always having to figure out a new dinner idea or have no energy or time to always cook after work, meal planning is going to be your new best friend! By spending just a few hours each week cooking and freezing meals ahead of time, you can save time, money, and stress.

In this post, we’ll explore some delicious meal prep recipes that are both easy to make and freezer-friendly, so you can have half a week or a week’s worth of meals ready to go whenever you need them.

From hearty soups and meatballs to flavourful stir-fries and breakfast burritos, these recipes are going to satisfy your hunger and make your life a whole lot easier.

Awesome Glass Meal Prep Containers I Recommend

Here are 8-piece glass meal prep containers that are awesome if you don’t have some durable ones already, or need more.

What Is Meal Prepping and Why Is It So Genius?

Meal prepping has become increasingly popular and for good reason. Not only does it save time and money, but it also helps you to probably make better and healthier food choices. Meal prepping is basically preparing meals, portioning them out and storing them in containers to eat later, or for another day. These meals can be either kept in the fridge or frozen, depending on when they will be consumed and what type of food it is.

Meal Prepping Essentials I Love

Here are a few items that I use that can make the meal prep process easier and more efficient for you:

• Meal prep containers – I love these glass ones

• Cutting boards and knives – These Joseph Joseph ones are amazing because they come in a container, and you can switch boards depending on what product you’re cutting. They also save SO much space. Genius!

• Slow cooker – the ultimate (bulk) meal prep essential. I have a Croc Pot. I highly recommend getting one from this brand.

Meal Prep Planning: Choosing Recipes and Ingredients

When it comes to meal prep planning, it will help if you choose recipes that are easy to make and that can be frozen without losing flavour or texture. Here are a few tips for choosing the best meal prep recipes when you plan:

1. Look for recipes that are freezer-friendly: Some foods don’t freeze well, so it’s important to choose recipes that are specifically designed for meal prepping.
2. Choose recipes with simple ingredients: Look for recipes that use simple, whole-food ingredients that are easy to buy.
3. Plan your meals ahead: Once you’ve chosen your recipes, plan out which meals you’ll be eating each day of the week. This will make shopping and meal prep much easier.

Best Meal Prep Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Here are some ideas of good recipes that you can use for meal prepping. They are easy to make and store well.

Breakfast:

1. Overnight oats: Mix oats, milk of your choice, yogurt of your choice, and your favourite toppings (such as raisins, fruits, nuts, chia seeds), and let it sit in the fridge overnight, in a glass jar type container.
2. Breakfast burritos: Fill tortillas (of your choice) with scrambled eggs, black beans, cheese, and salsa, and freeze them for an easy breakfast on the go.
3. Egg muffins: Beat together eggs, cheese, and veggies (such as spinach and bell peppers), and bake them in muffin tins for a great portable breakfast option.

Lunch:

1. Mason jar salads: Layer your favourite salad ingredients in a mason jar (such as greens, veggies, and some protein), and store in the fridge for up to five days. Do not add sauce at this stage. Season when you are ready to eat it.
2. Chicken fajita bowls: Fry chicken, bell peppers, and onions, and store in a lunchbox style container with rice and black beans for a filling and flavourful lunch.
3. Greek turkey meatballs: Mix together ground turkey, feta cheese, and herbs, and bake them in the oven for a protein-packed lunch option.

Dinner:

1. Beef and broccoli stir-fry: Fry beef and broccoli in a sauce of your choice (such as a sauce made from a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger), and serve with rice for a quick and easy dinner.
2. Chicken enchiladas: Fill tortillas with shredded chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce, bake in the oven, and freeze in smaller portions.
3. Lentil soup: Cook lentils, veggies, and spices in a large pot for a hearty and nutritious soup that can be frozen and reheated.

Meal Prep Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to meal prepping, here are some tips on how you can get started without being overwhelmed:

1. Start small: Prep one or two meals per week, and gradually work your way up to meal prepping for the entire week.
2. Choose easy recipes: Stick with simple recipes that use just a few ingredients and require minimal prep time.
3. Get organised: Plan your meals in advance and write them down somewhere so you have a structured and clear idea.

How to Properly Store and Freeze Your Meals – Best Recipes to Cook and Freeze

Proper storage is essential for meal prepping. Wondering how to properly store or freeze your meals? Here’s how…

1. Use freezer-friendly containers: Make sure to use containers that are freezer friendly, and that have airtight lids to prevent freezer burn.
2. Label your meals: Use labels or tape to label each container with the contents and the date it was prepared.
3. Reheat meals properly: When reheating frozen meals, make sure you heat them thoroughly so that they are piping hot before eating. Especially meals that contain ingredients such as rice, seafood, or animal protein.

I hope you found my best recipes to cook and freeze useful

It’s a great way to save time and money, reduce stress and ensure you’re eating great homemade meals, even when you are super busy. Grab your apron and get meal prepping for the week! Other freezer friendly recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store meals in the freezer?

It really depends what type of meal it is but usually you can store meals in the freezer for 1 – 6 months.

Can I meal prep for just one person?

Yes! Meal prepping is a great way to save time and money, even if you’re just cooking for yourself.

Can I meal prep without a freezer?

While a freezer is helpful for meal prepping, you can still prep meals ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few days.

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