Freezer meals...

jo&sam

Talk to me about this.  I wanted to get some freezer meals ready when I was pregnant with Marshall, but never got around to it.  I have found a ton of recipes online that are good for freezing, but tell me about the actual freezing process. 

What kind of container do I need to put the stuff in?  I don't have a ton of baking pans, so I have some of the throw away stuff (the really flimsy stuff).  Can I use that?  It doesn't seem like the lids go on very tight, so I'm worried about freezer burn...

I feel like this is probably all common sense stuff that I should know, but I want to make sure I'm doing it right so I don't end up with a bunch of freezer burnt stuff!

morrigan08

I use a lot of those flimsy aluminum pans things and just put foil on top. Or use the lid they come with. I have not delt with freezer burn yet. 

I just make them, sometimes add cheese on top, sometimes not. Put into freezer.

When we want to use them, I have to remember earlyish to pre warm the oven.I don't thaw, just throw frozen into the oven. It does take longer but easier than remembering to dethaw.

I have found when using foil, to spry it with non stick spray to help things from not sticking.

Muffins, bread, pancakes, etc I do freeze seperately then put into a ziploc bag (prevents sticking). A lot of sauces I just put into a freezer ziploc.   

heatherkj

When I did freezer meals prior to having Nora, I froze everything in the disposable containers (the flimsy ones you refer to) and ziploc bags. I did casseroles, enchiladas, etc. in the pans with the plastic tops (not airtight, and did not get freezer burned) and did things like soups, sauces, meatballs, pizza dough, etc. in ziplocs.

MrsG.060708

For the freezer meals that I just made, I used the disposable foil containers (for casseroles, lasagna, etc) but I didn't use the plastic lids that came with them. Instead, I wrapped it with a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, then stuck them in a labeled ziplock bag.

Other dishes, such as basic marinated pork chops or chicken, are just stored in ziplock bags.

jo&sam

Thanks ladies!  I guess I was just making it harder than it needed to be!

MrsJaay

I do the same as others. I'll use disposable aluminum pans that I can throw right in the oven. I usually cover them with a few layers of press and seal and put the lid on top as well.

I store any breads or dough in ziplock bags.

Portioned sauces (chili, pizza sauce) go in muffin tins and then I pop them out and store them in 2 freezer bags.

I use these for liquids like broths and soups