- Gallon Freezer Bags – for soups & slow cooker meals
- TIP: lay flat on a baking sheet or any flat surface when freezing, then store vertically to save space!
- BPA-Free Storage Containers – for single servings, great to take on the go
- these are microwave safe if you’re taking to work!
- Serving Size Mason Jars – for single servings when you don’t mind glass!
- TIP: leave about an inch of room at the top of the jar for any liquids to expand when freezing. Let it cool completely before putting in the freezer!
- Jumbo Muffin Pan – great for individual sized portions of soups, stews, and broths.
- TIP: freeze in the tin until completely frozen solid, then place the muffin tin in about an inch of warm water. The frozen portions will pop right out & can be stored in a ziploc bag or any airtight container.
- Silicone Tray – use the same way as above, but keep in the tray in the freezer!
- Wrap things like meatloaves & casseroles in a double layer of plastic wrap, with the plastic as close to the food as possible. Then, wrap with aluminum foil or seal in a ziploc bag.
- Squeeze ALL of the air out of freezer bags, or use a vacuum sealer, and freeze flat (watch this video!)
- Keep the freezer as cold as possible, and store things towards the back to avoid temperature fluctuations.
- Your best bet is to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or until no longer frozen. This takes the longest but will fully defrost the food without bringing the temperature up too high. (I always use this method for things like meatloaves.)
- I’ve seen & read that laying frozen meats & meals out on an aluminum surface (like a baking sheet) speeds up defrosting. Worth a try if you’re in a pinch!
- For quick defrosting of single serving jars/containers or bagged soups/stews, fill the sink or a large bowl with cold water (enough to cover the items being defrosted) and immerse until thawed.
- Chorizo Breakfast Burrito Bake (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Freezer Friendly Breakfast Sausage Patties (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Beef Enchilada Breakfast Bake (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Italian Sausage & Peppers Breakfast Bake (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Pizza Frittata (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Sausage & Egg Breakfast Bake (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Hash Brown & Sausage Breakfast Casserole (paleo, Whole30)
- Italian Style Omelet Muffins (paleo, keto, Whole30)
TO REHEAT: Microwave for 20-30 seconds at a time until heated through, OR bake at 325ยบF for about 10 minutes.
- Freezer Friendly Breakfast Sausage Patties (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Apple Spice Sausage Patties (paleo, keto, Whole30)
TO REHEAT: Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer and cover with foil. Bake at 350ยบ for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.
- Cashew Waffles (paleo)
- Pumpkin Pancakes (paleo)
- Three Ingredient Pancakes (paleo)
TO FREEZE: Bake the dish according to recipe instructions & allow to cool completely. Wrap the entire casserole dish in plastic wrap, then wrap again with aluminum foil before placing in the freezer.
TO REHEAT: Allow the dish to fully thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bake at 350ยบF for about 25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Buffalo Chicken & Vegetable Casserole (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Beef Tamale Pie (paleo, Whole30)
- White Chicken Chili Bake (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Beef Enchilada Bake (paleo, keto, Whole30)
TO FREEZE: Place all of the uncooked ingredients into a freezer bag. Freeze flat for easy storing.
TO REHEAT: Defrost the ingredients in the refrigerator or cold water (see tips above). Pour into the slow cooker or Instant Pot and cook according to recipe directions.
- Mexican Barbacoa Beef (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Chicken Soup (paleo, Whole30)
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Bowls (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- reserve shrimp for final step
- BBQ Pineapple Pork Chili (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Cashew Chicken (paleo)
- All-American Crockpot Chili (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Butternut Squash Soup (paleo, Whole30)
- Asian BBQ Meatballs (paleo, Whole30)
- fully cook meatballs in step 2, then cool and store in ziploc bag with sauce until ready to heat & serve
- Buffalo Chicken Chowder (paleo, Whole30)
- reserve coconut milk for final step
- Slow Cooker Bone Broth (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Shredded Salsa Chicken (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes (paleo, Whole30)
- Instant Pot Beef Chili (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Instant Pot Marinara Meatballs (paleo, keto, Whole30)
TO FREEZE: Cook the meatballs according to recipe directions and cool completely. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spread out enough so they aren’t touching. Once frozen, you can store in a ziploc bag or airtight container.
TO REHEAT: Microwave for 20-30 seconds at a time until heated through, OR bake at 350ยบF for 20-25 minutes.
- Mini Appetizer Meatballs (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Sheet Pan Marinara Meatballs (paleo, keto, Whole30)
TO REHEAT: Thaw fully overnight in the refrigerator. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes (for a 2 lb meatloaf) or until cooked through.
- Italian Style Meatloaf (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Pizza Meatloaf (paleo, keto)
- Classic Paleo Meatloaf (paleo, keto, Whole30)
TO FREEZE: Prepare and cook the soups according to the recipe directions. Let the soup cool completely then place into a ziploc bag or airtight container and freeze. You can also use a mason jar, muffin tin, or silicone tray as mentioned in the tips section above!
TO REHEAT: If using a ziploc bag, muffin tin, or silicone tray, place the frozen soup into a pot on the stovetop and heat until warm. You can also heat in the slow cooker for 2-3 hours on high. If using a mason jar: immerse the entire jar in cool water until thawed, then transfer to a pot and heat until warmed through.
- Buffalo Chicken Chowder (paleo, Whole30)
- Butternut Squash Soup (paleo, Whole30)
- Creamy Sausage, Kale, & Potato Soup (paleo, Whole30)
- Chunky Vegetable Superfood Stew (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Hearty Beef & Bacon Stew (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Slow Cooker Texas Chili Soup (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Simplified Seafood Stew (Cioppino) (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Taco Soup (paleo, keto, Whole30)
- Spicy Beef & Sweet Potato Stew (paleo, Whole30)
- Sausage Minestrone (paleo, keto, Whole30)
Any tips you’d like to share? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
Happy freezing & eating!
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