- Jan 26, 2018

Best Tips for Freezer Prep

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato, Kale and Beef Stew

This week I shared with you the best thing I did to prep for a healthier postpartum- that is, to freezer prep a whole bunch of meals so we had dinner with ease in those early postpartum weeks. I shared my plan for getting it all done without a ton of extra hours in the kitchen or a huge blow to your budget. But freezer cooking is obviously not the same as meal prepping- there is the consideration that you are going to freeze the things you are making, so I thought I would share some of my best tips for freezer prep. (Want more like it? Check out Healthy Mama Meal Prep).

Tip # 1: Choose meals with similar ingredients to reduce cost and cooking time.

Tip # 2: Combine ingredients when prepping to make life easier; and double or triple recipes for convenience and efficiency

Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

Tip # 3: Have all the supplies you need ahead of time: containers, foil pans, aluminum foil, freezer bags, sharpies

Tip # 5: Use an assembly line style prep when you are cooking multiple meals and cook ingredients first, before combining (another reason why choosing similar ingredients is helpful!)

Tip # 6: Choose foods that freeze and reheat well: avoid vegetables and fruit with high water content (raw celery, cucumber, watermelon, etc), dairy-based dishes and starch-heavy entrees (potatoes, rice, pasta).

Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Tip # 7: Simplify freezer prep with slow cooker meals (add all the ingredients to a gallon-size bag to add to the slow cooker and cook!)

Tip # 8: Allow all foods to cool COMPLETELY before freezing.

Tip # 9: Label ingredients AND how to reheat EVERY meal!

Tip # 10: Make sure to use foods within 3-6 months and keep an inventory list of what's in your freezer ON your fridge- and check it off as you go!

10 freezer-friendly meal prep recipes:

1. Sweet Potato, Kale and Beef Stew

2. Instant Pot White Chicken Chili 3. Moroccan Chickpea Stew