Beware: This Post Might Make You Hungry!

We all know eating out gets expensive and unhealthy. But finding the time to make dinner after a chaotic day can be next to impossible. Besides, there are only so many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches we can stomach. Especially for dinner.

If this is something you regularly struggle with, freezer meals might be the answer for you! And we’ve got some great freezer dinner ideas coming up so keep reading.

But why freezer meals?

Having a busy life can make it hard to eat properly. We reach for the first thing we come across, often starchy, unhealthy foods. These food types stick to our teeth and contribute to cavities. Let’s be honest, the majority of us don’t brush our teeth after lunch. Though it might not be such a bad idea.

What we eat directly affects our health, including our teeth. When making your freezer meals, think about what you can do to add more leafy greens or whole grains to them. Your teeth will appreciate it!

Freezer meals don’t have to be limited to lunchtime. Did you have a chaotic day, rushing back and forth to get the kids to million-and-one extracurricular activities? Pop a freezer meal in the oven. Boom! Done. Much less stressful than running through a mental checklist of what you can whip up with whatever you have available in the fridge.

With a bit of planning, you can make the entire weeks (or more!) worth of freezer meals, just to grab and go. Don’t worry, we have five freezer dinner ideas all ready for you.

But first, storage.

If a freezer meal is packaged properly, it can last in the freezer for up to three months. How to do this depends on the specific meal, but the main goal is to ensure that no air can get inside. No one wants to deal with freezer burn!

Some people package meals by using a vacuum sealer, which is an excellent way to remove any air that could be trapped inside. But don’t fret if you don’t have one. You can simply use a freezer-safe, glass baking dish, freezer bag, or even a mason jar.

Thawing

There are several ways to thaw out a freezer meal. You can put the entire meal in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, letting it thaw out gradually. Or, you can place the meal (protected by a bag, of course) in cool water to thaw a little faster. If you’re running short on time, you might try chopping off what you need to eat and tossing it in the microwave. Be aware though, this method can affect the taste of the meal, especially if there are ingredients like chicken inside.

1. Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast burritos are a super easy, grab-and-go breakfast that can be customized for even the pickiest of eaters. You can cook some spinach with the eggs to add in just a few more vitamins. If you have more adventurous eaters, you can include some onion, bell pepper, or anything else your heart desires at the time. These instant-pot burritos only take 35 minutes to make and are easy to store for a rainy day.

2. Crock-Pot Roast

Most roasts are packed full of vegetables, creating the perfect, healthy comfort meal. This crock-pot roast is no exception. It’s filled with carrots and fresh herbs and is easy to modify to include your favorite meats and veggies.

3. Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes seem to be one of those meals where you either love them or hate them. Sweet potatoes are filled with vitamin A, which is known to help keep the soft tissues of your gums healthy. If you’re a sweet potato lover like myself, this is an easy crock-pot meal that is sure to make you hungry!

4. Buffalo Chicken Chili

A twist on your typical bowl of chili, this buffalo chicken chili is sure to be the perfect midweek pick-me-up. This recipe explains how to cook it in three different ways: with a Crock-ot, instant pot, or on the stovetop. There are also ideas on how you can modify the ingredients if necessary, including how to make it vegetarian.

5. French Toast Sticks

Just the idea of French toast brings back happy childhood memories. These french toast sticks are freezer-approved and great for a busy season in your life. Just be sure not to put too many in one bag when freezing them, and they should be good to go!

Did I make you hungry yet? If none of these quite ticked the box for you, we have five other healthy and kid-friendly recipes for you to try.

There are many reasons to try out freezer meals. Whether you’re in a busy season of life and constantly find yourself in the “what are we eating tonight?” battle, or just because it’s easier to plan your meals in advance. Whatever your reason, don’t hesitate to give freezer dinner ideas a shot!

When you come in for your next visit, the friendly team at Staley Dental would love to hear about your quick, healthy meal ideas. Book an appointment with us now.