Yesterday I talked about how so many families are a lot like mine these days – so very busy. I mentioned activities and meetings and practices and school events and games and the list goes on and on and on. Among my ideas for saving time and money by avoiding fast food, I mentioned making freezer meals. Freezer meals are great time and money savers. Sometimes the idea of making freezer meals seems too big to tackle. Most of us have heard people brag about making a month’s worth of meals in a night, or with only 10 ingredients or some other grand and seemingly complicated requirements. Making freezer meals doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Saving time and money by making freezer meals doesn’t have to feel scary. It should actually feel good and maybe even fun!

I make freezer meals when I can, I love it. There are lots of different ways and different strategies to being successful at making freezer meals. I’ll share of few of my favorite tips with you below.

Make things you already make
I think a lot of freezer meal talk involves new recipes and new ways of making things. This can make putting together a freezer meal seem like a bigger task than necessary. Start making freezer meals by making meals you already make and like. Examine some of your family favorite recipes and find ones that will freeze well. Start with those familiar recipes. Your comfort level will increase if you are working with something you already like.

Make a meal or two at a time
Leave the power prep nights of making 30 meals in 3 hours to the experienced freezer meal gurus. That way of preparation is not for everyone and can discourage people who are new to making freezer meals. Get that first meal or two in the freezer and go from there.

Make a double batch of dinner
Sometimes when I am making something we know and love, I make a double batch and freeze half. This works especially well with casseroles, soups and other one dish meals. Just having that one extra meal in the freezer saves time on one busy night. You’ll thank yourself later.

Know your dishes and pans
Do you have enough dishes and pans to make freezer meals? Plan ahead for how you will cook or reheat the meal. Make sure microwave meals are in microwave safe pans. Use baggies when needed. You can also buy some inexpensive “disposable” pans at the store that are microwave and oven safe. A one-time investment of $10 or so will save you much more in the long run.

Know your freezer space
Have a big freezer? Have a small freezer? Don’t make more freezer meals than you have space to freeze. Remember that even a meal or two will save time and money on busy nights. Have a big freezer with lots of extra space? Take advantage of it and make more meals.

All of these tips should help you feel more comfortable making freezer meals which will help you save time and money! Have some tips to share? We’d love to hear them!