Dinner ideas

36 freezer-friendly meals

Convenient, delicious and nutritious freezer-friendly meals that make life just that bit easier.
chicken paprikash

A new year, new school term or even just a new week usually heralds a time to get organised, check the school clothes are in order, re-stock the pantry and cook freezer-friendly meals. Bulk cooking meals is a great way to save time during the week – enjoy one meal now and freeze the rest for later. Frozen meals maintain their nutrition and flavour and are a convenient solution for busy individuals and families.

Some of the best meals to freeze include curries, pies, ragus, pasta sauces, stews, casseroles and soups.

Remember, your freezer is your ally. It’s not just a place for ice cream and frozen peas, make it a treasure trove of freezer friendly meals AKA pre-prepared goodness that make mealtime a breeze.

How to freeze pre-cooked meals

To freeze meals safely, the freezer temperature needs to be at -18°C. Divide meals amongst clean, airtight containers. Freezing in smaller serves, for example, for two people, makes defrosting and then reheating the food faster. Let the food cool completely before sealing and freezing to prevent temperature fluctuations in the freezer that could spoil other items.

How to defrost frozen meals

The best practice for defrosting meals, is to place the frozen meal in the fridge 24 hours before heating. Alternatively it is safe to defrost the food in the microwave using the defrost function, if it is going to be heated and eaten straight after defrosting. Heat isn’t evenly distributed through the food when microwaved so it will need to be stirred several times during the defrosting process.

What to serve with freezer-friendly meals?

Whilst the meal is heating, steam some vegetables, cook some pasta, make some mash or whip up a salad to complete the meal.

Here’s to convenient, delicious meals that make life just that bit easier! 

SOUR PORK CURRY
Dinner ideas
January 31, 1975

Sour pork curry

Thai basil, also known as horapa, is available from greengrocers and Asian supermarkets. To freeze; pack into freezerproof containers, leaving a 2.5cm space to allow for expansion. Seal, label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a saucepan or microwave on medium power (50%) until heated through. Note
By Women's Weekly Food
beef green curry recipe
Quick & Easy
July 6, 2017

Beef green curry

Fragrant, flavoursome and filling, this quick Thai beef green curry is just what you need when you don’t have time to cook. It’s freezer-friendly, too, and can even be transformed into a tasty pot pie. Dig in!
By Women's Weekly Food
BEEF AND BARLEY SOUP
Dinner ideas
March 31, 2011

Beef and barley soup

This recipe can be frozen. Just complete the recipe to the end of step 2. Cool to room temperature. Spoon into freezer-proof containers, leaving a 2.5cm space to allow for expansion. Seal, label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a saucepan or microwave on medium power (50%) […]
By Women's Weekly Food

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