Make 1, Freeze 1 Meals: Double the Recipe, “Halve” the Stress

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to cook a family-friendly meal every day can feel like a daunting task. Between work, school, and extracurricular activities, it's easy to resort to takeout, drive-thru, or processed foods. But what if there was a way to ensure you always have a homemade meal ready to go, without spending hours in the kitchen every evening? Enter the "Make 1, Freeze 1" meal strategy. This approach allows you to double your recipes and freeze half for later, saving you time and stress while ensuring your family enjoys nutritious, home-cooked meals.

The Benefits of "Make 1, Freeze 1" Meals

1. Time-Saving: Cooking double portions doesn't require double the time. By preparing TWO meals at once, you maximize your time in the kitchen, cutting down on the number of cooking sessions you need each week.

2. Cost-Effective: Buying ingredients in bulk can be more economical. One of the top foods to buy in bulk: meat! You can take advantage of sales and reduce food waste by using up ingredients that might otherwise go bad. Leftovers of these meals can also be taken to work to prevent spending extra money eating out.

3. Healthier Eating: With ready-made meals in the freezer, you're less likely to turn to unhealthy fast food or processed options when you're pressed for time.

4. Convenience: On busy nights, you can simply thaw and reheat a meal, saving you the hassle of cooking from scratch.

Getting Started with "Make 1, Freeze 1" Meals

1. Plan Ahead: Choose recipes that freeze well. Casseroles, soups, stews, and pasta dishes are excellent options. Make a list of ingredients and plan your shopping accordingly.

2. Storage Supplies: Invest in good-quality freezer bags, containers, and labels. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your frozen meals. Check out some of the my tried and true favorite food-storage containers linked on this page! Have them delivered right to your door quickly by using Amazon Prime!

3. Prep and Cook: When cooking, double the recipe. Enjoy one portion for dinner and let the other cool completely before freezing.

4. Label and Date: Clearly label each container with the name of the dish and the date it was prepared. This will help you keep track of what's in your freezer and ensure you use meals in a timely manner.

5. Freeze Properly: Store meals in single-serving sizes for easy thawing. Ensure your freezer is set to 0°F (-18°C) or lower to keep food safe and maintain quality.

3 Recipe Ideas for "Make 1, Freeze 1" Meals

1. Low Carb Beef Enchiladas (Check out my TikTok for the visual of this recipe)

Ingredients (this recipe makes 2, so DO NOT DOUBLE this one):

• 2 lbs of taco meat (2lbs beef + 2 packets of Old El Paso taco seasoning OR 1/2 cup of taco seasoning + 1/2 cup of water: follow taco seasoning directions)

• shredded cheese (about 4 cups split between the two meals)

• 2 cans (28 oz) of Old El Paso enchilada sauce

• 16 ZERO Net Carb Tortillas (or regular tortillas if you aren’t looking for low carb)

Instructions:

1. Brown meat. Drain grease. Add Old El Paso taco seasoning and water. (Follow taco seasoning directions.)

2. Spray TWO 9x13 baking dishes (I use 1 glass for this week’s meal; and one foil pan for the freezer meal.) Cover bottom of dishes with enchilada sauce.

3. Lay out tortillas. Fill with taco meat and cheese. Roll to create enchilada. Put 8 enchiladas in each baking dish.

4. Top with more enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.

5. Refrigerate or freeze (see directions below) until ready to cook.

6. WHEN READY TO COOK: Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes covered or until warm and bubbly. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes or until cheese is a light golden brown.

To Freeze:

1. Prepare enchiladas as directed but do NOT bake.

2. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze. Write date on foil and cooking directions.

3. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

2. Beef and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients (makes 1 recipe, so remember to double if you are freezing one):

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed

• 4 carrots, sliced

• 4 potatoes, cubed

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the beef over medium heat.

2. Add carrots, potatoes, onion, beef broth, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and thyme.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, until vegetables are tender.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

To Freeze:

1. Let stew cool completely.

2. Transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags.

3. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.

3. Baked Ziti

Ingredients (makes 1 recipe, so remember to double if you are freezing one):

• 1 lb ziti pasta

• 2 cups marinara sauce (we prefer Ragu Traditional)

• 1 lb ground beef

• 2 cups ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.

3. In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until browned. Drain fat.

4. In a large bowl, mix pasta, beef, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, and oregano.

5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

To Freeze:

1. Prepare ziti as directed but do not bake.

2. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze.

3. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.

Tips for Success

• Batch Cooking: Set aside one day a week or month for batch cooking. This can make the process more efficient and much less overwhelming.

• Variety: Keep a variety of meals in your freezer to avoid meal fatigue. Rotate between different cuisines and types of dishes so that your family doesn’t get bored of “the same” meals.

• Portion Control: Freeze meals in individual portions or family portions for easy reheating and portion control, making it convenient for everyone to grab their preferred meal size. At our house, we typically portion out to 4 full-sized meals with 1-2 leftovers (for Eric and I to eat as lunches at work), so about 5-6 portion-controlled meals.

Conclusion

The "Make 1, Freeze 1" strategy is a game-changer for busy families looking to maintain a healthy and less-expensive, home-cooked meal routine without the daily stress of cooking. By doubling your recipes and freezing half, you can enjoy the benefits of nutritious meals, time savings, and reduced food costs. With a little planning and preparation, you can make your weeknights easier and more enjoyable. Give "Make 1, Freeze 1" a try and experience the convenience and satisfaction of always having a delicious meal ready to go.