Does anyone know some good meals that can be frozen and reheated?

Question

I am having a baby soon and want to prepare some meals ahead of time and freeze them but the only thing I can think of that would be good to freeze is lasgana.. any good ideas?

Answer 1

Most meals are easy to freeze. I always make enough food to feed a family and it is only for me. The rest I put into gladware containers, portion size and freeze for a later date. Some simple things to freeze are soups, like chicken vegetable or bean and veggie, whatever you like, but make them hearty; chili, pasta sauce and cook noodles fresh at time of need; Shepard's pie freezes well, any kind of creamy pasta dish. It all depends on the foods you would like to eat, just get a bunch of freezable containers that are portion sized and start cooking. Remember, that food does get freezer burn if left too long, so don't leave in freezer for too long a period.

Answer 2

Actually, lasagna is sometimes tricky to freeze because when you thaw it the cheeses can be watery. I would say maybe try to make some soups, or even just a tomato sauce. Rice dishes are easy to freeze and then reheat in a pan or microwave very quickly. When I was going away recently I left some frozen chicken broccoli ziti for my family, and they had a really easy time just putting it in the microwave. . .I also had made some fried chicken cutlets and froze them in individual ziploc baggies, so they could use them for sandwiches, or take out a few for a meal with a jar of sauce. Any casseroles would work just remember to keep in mind what may not thaw well, like cheeses or something that can easily get watery or soft.

Answer 3

I would suggest making, as has already been suggested, a batch of like spaghetti sauce and dividing it up into containers, then you can just cook up the pasta, potatoes or rice when you need it. Spaghetti sauce with browned onions, ground beef is a good 'base' for things like 'shepherds pie, spaghetti, lagasna, veggie and beef soup, calzones, pizza....' etc.,

You should stay away from 'cream' fillings or sauces because they separate and become watery when you reheat them. Potatoes become mushy ..so you really do have to be aware of what works well and what doesn't. Hope this helps.

Another item (s) that are stand alone and do freeze well are: Meatloaf, meatballs, (this is also great for a variety of meals...) like stroganoff, spag n meatballs, sweet and sour meatballs, greenbean and meatball casserole......yum. I often make a double batch of the balls, divide into portions and freeze them. Pull them out when I make the rest of the meal.

Answer 4

Sheppards pie, stews, cabbage rolls, lazy lasagna is really good too, just use rotini noodles or penne pasta, layer all ingredients just like normal. The only difference is the amount of time saved, which with a new baby is a huge bonus!! Other time saving tips: wash all fruits and veggies before you put them into the fridge, you wouldnt believe how much time you save. Also, before I freeze chicken sometimes I boil it first, then when I'm just about to put it into the freezer I add my sauce right to the container or freezer bag. Its really great to do with barbeque sauce, spaghetti sauce , italian dressing etc... Then all I have to do is make pasta, a salad or some rice!!!! Even try just adding your favorite spices or marinade, you'll find that it marinades as its freezing and then again when its defrosting with no additional time needed!! Yummy !!! Healthy !!! and best of all Quick!!!
Best Wishes for you and your new baby!!!!!!

Answer 5

Hot dishes -wild rice hot dish is very good frozen and reheated, Chili
Omelets -put all of the ingredients in a zip lock baggie -freeze -then boil until done.
Chicken -broccoli -rice hot dish

Answer 6

I like to double this and make 2 loaves - one for eating right away and one to freeze for later:

SOUTHWEST MEATLOAF

Makes 6-8 servings

2 lbs. ground chuck
1 cup coarsely crushed tortilla chips
1/3 cup taco sauce
2 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix
1 egg, lightly beaten
½ cup grated cheese, such as a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack
Combine all ingredients. Press into loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour, or until top is brown and loaf shrinks from edges.

Answer 7

Macaroni and Cheese, American Chop Suey, Spaghetti Sauce, French Meat Pies, Meatballs, Calzone, Eggplant Parmesean, Chicken Divan

Have fun with that beautiful baby! My "baby" just turned 19 and is returning to college next week 700 miles from home. Don't blink - it goes by fast!

Answer 8

You can make home made soups, stews and chilli as well. Just make sure you let your items cool completely and store in proper containers for the freezer. I fyou the chilli is still warm when you put it in packages it will rise and litterly explode all over the place. It happened to me once and I learned right away. Most items in the cook books will let you know if you can freeze them and how to package some times. I use one book all the time and it's never failed me so far. Good Luck on your new Baby.

Answer 9

Most casseroles freeze well. King Ranch casserole is a good one, so is tater tot casserole...you can freeze the meat part, then put the tater tots on top when you bake it so they don't get soggy in freezing. Another idea is to boil a bunch of chicken, shred it, then freeze the meat. You can use shredded chicken in a lot of quick and easy dishes, just having the meat already done would probably save a lot of time.


Here is a good recipe for the King Ranch casserole btw:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,198,148167-233204,00.html

Answer 10

There is a cookbook called Whole Foods for the Whole Family, published way back by La Leche League. It had a whole section on this very subject. If you find it, be sure to try the Busy Day BBQ Chicken, cooked in the slow cooker. It is the best ever.