Freezer-Friendly Meals That Will Save the Day

Cooking up a meal from scratch can seem like a nightmare when you're in the middle of a busy work week. With these freezer-friendly recipes, you will be able to resist the urge to call up delivery or take-out! When you plan ahead, you will be able to enjoy fresh, healthy ingredients while cutting back on both prep time and cooking time. 

IMAGE Majoy Siason

1 Pork Embutido

 

After the steaming process, you can freeze your foil-wrapped embutido for 1-2 months. Remember to wrap the foil tightly around these delicate meatloafs. 

 

To prepare: The day before you decide to cook your embutido, let them defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Re-heat them in a steamer and slice them and up fry them for a delicious meal. 

 

IMAGE Miguel Nacianceno

 

2 Beef Chili

 

Cool your batch of beef chili completely before placing it in a microwave-safe container with an airtight lid to freeze. 

 

To prepare: Microwave the chili on a low setting for 3-4 minutes, defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Place the contents into a large saucepan and stir over low-medium heat.

 

 

 

IMAGE Patrick Martires

 

3 Bolognese Sauce

 

Sauces or saucy meals are often the best for freezing, and pasta sauce keeps well for at least 3 months. When you need a quick meal, pop out that frozen pasta sauce and reheat it slowly while your 11-minute pasta noodles are boiling. 

 

To prepare: Defrost in the refrigerator the night before, or slowly stir the sauce in a saucepan over low-medium heat until ready. 

 

 

IMAGE Miguel Nacianceno

 

4 Fried Lumpia

 

Once you've wrapped your meat into rolls, place them in freezer-proof plastic container and bring them out once you're ready to fry them into golden brown treats!

 

To prepare: There is no need to defrost these thin rolls. To reheat and cook, fry them directly in hot cooking oil. 

 

IMAGE Miguel Nacianceno

 

5 Lasagna

 

Frozen lasagna and keep for 1-2 months. This one will be ready for a rushed dinner in a jiffy!

 

To prepare: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Bake in a preheated oven, at least 350 degrees F, for 20-30 minutes. 

 

IMAGE Miguel Nacianceno

 

6 Gumbo

 

Have you tried storing your soups and stews in ziplock bags? Let this gumbo cool to room temperature and fill up a few ziplock bags. Lay them flat in you freezer. 

 

To prepare: Defrost by placing the bags in the refigerator overnight. Reheat over low-medium heat in a large saucepan or Dutch oven until ready.