Frozen dinners are an excellent, healthy option, when you make them yourself. And putting dinner on ice isn’t as difficult as you may think. You can freeze a lot of things besides casseroles.
Focus on doubling one dinner this week, so you can eat half and freeze half for later. Cooking twice as much requires very little extra time and effort, but the payoff is a whole extra meal.
For best results, freeze cooled or uncooked food in airtight containers. And make sure to freeze portions that will serve you well later. For soups and stews, that may mean individual servings in flattened, sealed freezer bags, rather one big frozen chunk. Also, be sure to label dinners by name and cooking date, and plan to use them within three months.
Double these recipes, so you can eat half now and freeze half for later.
- Meatballs
Meatballs are an ideal freezer meal. Freeze uncooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Pita pizza
Top whole-wheat pitas with marinara sauce and your favorite fixings. Wrap uncooked pizzas in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
- Turkey burgers
For a tasty turkey burger, add bold seasonings to ground turkey breast. Freeze uncooked patties in a single layer. Then transfer to a zip-top bag. Cook 1 or 2 at a time.
- Seasoned chicken
Marinate chicken and freeze in meal-size portions. Simply thaw in the fridge and bake.
- Chili or soup
When you make soup or chili, use your biggest pot. Cook completely, then cool. Freeze individual servings — they’ll thaw quickly.
Created by the executive wellness chef and registered dietitians at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program.
Relevant reading
Cook Smart, Eat Well
Healthy, flavorful meals are well within reach for anyone. This book is full of recipes that are easy to put together quickly with basic cooking techniques. Delicious kid friendly recipes, healthy desserts, snacks and side dishes. Being successful in the kitchen doesn’t mean you need to be a gourmet chef. Learn standard food preparation methods and cooking techniques for preparing a wide variety of tasty and healthy meals.
