Cleaning the Freezer to Make a Freezer Inventory of All My Deals! See How I Prep Freezer Meals!

I spent some time cleaning the freezers (yes, all 3 of them) this weekend to make a freezer inventory of all the food I have stockpiled. Come along and I will show you the before and after, as well as how many freezer meals I have prepped, and some of my favorite freezer meal recipes and tips too! #frugalhacks #groceryshopping #frugalliving
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How I Prep Ground Beef for the Freezer - • 3 Easy Ways to Freeze ...
How I Prep Chicken for the Freezer - • 2 Easy Ways to Freeze ...
Tour My Basement Stockpile - • Food Storage Tour - Bu...
So Many Recipe Links Mentioned:
🥣 Apple Pie Kits for the Freezer - joyfullythriving.com/apple-pi...
🥣 Blueberry Cream Cheese Layer Pie - joyfullythriving.com/blueberr...
🥣 Poppy Seed Chicken - joyfullythriving.com/deliciou...
🥣 Sausage Crepes - joyfullythriving.com/fancy-ye...
🥣 How to Freeze Cookies - joyfullythriving.com/how-to-f...
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[@GardeningWarrior]

I get freaked out when my freezers are disorganized and every 3 months I go through and make sure everything is organized and organized. I prep freezer meals too so inventorying everything is so helpful!

[@joyfullythriving]

Oh wow! Good for you! I do some casual reorganization throughout the year, but seem to be on a 2x a year major clean out and inventory. Because YES! It is so helpful to know what you have - especially with freezer meals that you want to eat!

[@shelbylynnwilliams8520]

I like how organized you are. I was up at 5 this morning taking an inventory of the items in my upright freezer. I now have a notebook with a record of every item. This is something I have never done before. I have 4 pounds of butter in my freezer.

[@joyfullythriving]

Wow! Way to start the day being so productive! 👏 It really is handy to know exactly what we have. Good job taking an inventory!

[@NOVAFrugalFamily]

I have set aside my”older” meat so that I use that first. I just bought 6 packs of chicken for $1.99 and the ground beef was $3.69. I just bought one container of meat because my husband keeps saying that he likes tacos. 😂 I know I have been stingy with the ground beef because he is missing his tacos. My freezer has homemade chicken broth, applesauce and bananas for quick breads, puréed pumpkin, spaghetti sauce, enchilada sauce, and sloppy joe sauce in it. I do not have nearly the stock of butter you have but I do keep a bunch in my fridge across the bottom which I know will be used before restocking. My surprise when I did freezer inventory fully was the number of hamburger Patties we had so we have been having those more often. Great video!

[@joyfullythriving]

Very smart of you, to set aside the older meat! And that's funny that you also found more hamburger patties too. We are enjoying these too. Isn't it interesting that chicken is getting cheaper again but ground beef is going up? Always something. Sigh. Sounds like you have a nice full freezer too! Love it! 😍

[@lindah5910]

Ms. K - Here is a tip for keeping diced or sliced onions in the freezer. I prep the onions then smush a wad into a quarter cup measure (for about 1/2 of a medium onion) or into a half cup measure (for about 1 medium onion) then dump each measuring cup on a parchment paper lined sheet . . . then flash freeze those. When frozen solid a few hours later, I then stow the pucks of onions in a double ziploc freezer bag. Just reach in and pull out whatever is needed. They are watery and probably not good for green type salads or sandwiches (unless cooked) . . . but work great for cooking or blending into tuna or chicken or egg salad and so on. Can work on hamburgers if drained. Hope this is helpful. Thank you for sharing your organizing the freezers situations. I reorg and clean out my four freezers once a year every January.

[@joyfullythriving]

Great idea! I have tried wrapping the smaller bundles in seran wrap to keep the onions separate but I am definitely going to try your method next time! I love having onions in the freezer too. So handy for cooking!

[@jeanettetakyi2524]

BUTTER MAKES THINGS BETTER

[@joyfullythriving]

It definitely does! 🧈🥰🧈

[@sharynmuzik2368]

I ❤ seeing what is stored in freezers. We all do things differently and can learn so much from sharing with one another 😊 We are not meat eaters so that saves me alot of money & space. 😅 One of us eats dairy so I currently have 2# butter in the freezer. I have a french door fridge with the freezer below. I ❤ my top pull out shelf in the freezer which is mostly quart size freezer ziploc bags (standing up/dates marked & facing forward) of zuchinnis, sweet onions, green onions, bell peppers, carrots and boysenberrys from my garden + lots of organic blueberries when I find them on sale 😊 The larger lower freezer section stuffed with bread, hamburger buns, naan for pizzas and stacked gallon size ziplocs filled with my homemade soups, marinaras and meals. Constantly rotating so it seems like everything is eaten within 6 months 😊

[@joyfullythriving]

I love that you have a freezer full of so much garden produce! 😍 And yes! It is is so nice to have a stocked freezer!

[@MicheleL-ve6bm]

Buy the 10 lb tube of 90/10 ground beef from Sam’s. That’s cheapest price overall when no other store has a sale going.

[@joyfullythriving]

I don't love the tubes of meat, but I do buy the trays from Sam's occasionally. I might be doing that again soon, to get restocked a bit!

[@starbeck96]

I also buy the 10 lb tubes of 90/10 ground beef from Sam's Club. This is the only place I will buy the tubed ground beef. I believe it is the same ground beef that they have in the trays, it is just a bigger size. I have tried both and can't tell the difference in taste or quality. When I can afford it, I like to buy the case of ground beef (it is around 85-90 pounds). It is usually 10-20 cents cheaper per pound and since we eat so much ground beef, I love knowing that we have that much on hand. I think the price of the 90/10 tube right now at Sam's Club is around 3.89/lb, which is a great price for my area.

[@nanar.8088]

Did you find any surprises? I cleaned out my fridge and freezer last week and I was amazed at the crumbs in nooks and cranies. A few items I'd forgotten about.

[@joyfullythriving]

So many crumbs! 😂 How do they get in there?!?! I knew almost everything that was in there. Just wasn't sure about the quantities so this was handy to count it all up again.

[@mizsuzee]

You've inspired me to inventory my freezer!! I've been on a "no-buy" on meat for at least two months.... and still have a lot! But I want to know exactly how much of everything. I have a ton of butter also!! This was a great video!

[@joyfullythriving]

Awww, yay! It does feel really good to know exactly how much you have in your freezer! You'll have to let me know how much butter you officially have! 😊

[@hellobethel7464]

I've been using ground turkey whenever I can't find ground beef on sale. In some cases it's actually been cheaper and we love that it's healthier. If you have a meat shop near you, they often have good bulk deals. I did get some beef recently that way, but I am looking forward to buying another half beef from a friend. Have to have the funds set aside and space ready first😅

[@joyfullythriving]

Such smart tips! And yes, getting the freezer space ready first is always key! Good luck with that! 😀

[@rg-mi5hh]

Nice organization! We are fortunate to have Reisbecks in our area. Usually at the first of each month hamburger is $3.99 on sale. We grab about 3-4 of those for the month. We have meat in baskets and just a little surplus. When it is organized, it really cuts down on overspending and waste. We have been using anything opened first in meals along with perishables. This has really saved us a lot. That eliminates the constant having to eat up what is in the freezer and saves for new sale purchases. Inflation has taught us how to do this for sure. Works for us. Everyone has to find their own systems. That is part of the fun of it. Making it your own. Doing what works for you. Good video! You get the prize for being the blueberry queen!

[@joyfullythriving]

So true! I love seeing how everyone else organizes things too, because there are always new ideas to try! That is smart of you to stock up at the beginning of each month! 👏

[@elizabethteeter6284]

I use a vacuum sealer for everything possible for freezer last so much longer

[@joyfullythriving]

I have thought about getting a vacuum sealer but just haven't made that purchase yet! I have heard they are amazing!

[@elizabethteeter6284]

@@joyfullythriving yes I promise you it's best purchase we made we always using ours freezer or just resealed bags chips many uses for the home buy cheap one they all do same thing

[@queenofthehousehold]

Great tip about the flax seed! Your freezers look great.👍🏻

[@joyfullythriving]

Thanks so much! It always feels SO good when it is done! And with egg prices going up, the flax seed really does help me save. I use it in all my muffins now!

[@nancysadewater964]

The shaky Parmesan Cheese tops also fit canning jars and I love them on my jars that I store yeast, etc. in.

[@joyfullythriving]

Yes!!! I use those as well too! So handy! Thanks for reminding me of that one! 😍

[@bethanywarner5989]

Love the tip about using pb or mayo lids for canning jars! I Like the idea of using 2 gallon bag to group smaller bags of the same meat to know how much you have. I use reusable grocery bags to separate my categories as we don't have an upright freezer, things definitely get forgotten in the large chest freezer.

[@joyfullythriving]

You are so welcome! Parmesan Cheese shaker lids also work. So handy for so many things! I like your idea of reusable grocery bags to separate. Sometimes the simple ideas are the best!

[@mrswex96]

I have been able to score hamburger through Flashfood. Two times ago I bought 15lb and the last time was 12lbs. By doing this I was able to sign up to bring 2 large trays of lasagna for our teacher appreciation luncheon during Catholic Schools Week, without really feel like I was taking away from the household. Will we use that hamburger? Oh gosh yes we will.

[@joyfullythriving]

That is awesome! Another great reason to watch for deals wherever you can find them! I am sure the teachers loved the lasagna...and yes, there is something about a great deal that makes the food taste even better! 😉

[@starbeck96]

Man, I wish Flashfoods was in our area. I check monthly, but so far, the closest is 200 miles away...

[@melissalee1531]

I use the hamburger patties for tacos or spaghetti or anything ground beef is needed . If I am in a pinch and need hamburger meat ! Then I have to remember to get hamburger and remake some patties!!!! LOL !!! I use the excuse I am a granny of 6 for my forgetfulness!!!! 😂 God bless !

[@joyfullythriving]

That is very true! Good tip from an experienced and wise Grandma! 🥰

[@Sandrashideaway]

❤Very organized! Love it! I went and counted my butter 🧈 in the freezer 😅 I have 24 & 2 in the fridge.

[@joyfullythriving]

Woohoo! Yay for having lots of butter in the freezer! After meat, it may be one of the best ways to save money by stocking up on sales! 👏🥳👏

[@mysticmom616]

Our Giant Eagle (a chain in Pa and Ohio) has ground beef on sale this week but my freezers are jammed full with other stuff. I just took out a bunch of older, freezer burnt meat and cooked it in the slow cooker snd pressure canned it with old frozen peas snd carrots for dog food for my dog. I cleaned out another freezer before the holidays and threw out so much meat and realized too late I could have canned it for the dog. He won’t know it was freezer burnt! He loves it!!

[@noreenp.9858]

I’m in the same boat as you. The giant Eagle 80% ground beef is $1.99 pound which is amazing but my freezers are full as well but I’ll figure something out. Here is a tip for avoiding freezer burn meat. I use Press n’ Seal. I portion it out and wrap it and the I put those packages in freezer bags. It keeps very well.

[@joyfullythriving]

I like that press and seal wrap idea! I need to give that a try!

[@mysticmom616]

@@noreenp.9858 I have a Food Saver that I use and that meat was all in very good condition. The meat that wasn’t was things like ground venison and items I had hurriedly tossed in and forgotten about!😱

[@mysticmom616]

@@noreenp.9858 I’m considering buying the ground meat and pressure canning it. My issue with that is that I’m running out of space to store my jars/cans of food!😂 I’m a food hoarder and, TBH…a prepper

[@sitsngigglesful]

I needed to watch this today! I'm trying to be more diligent working thru my pantry and freezers. Buying local beef again this year and need to make room. Its helping to save a lot of money for sure!. I just need to be better at remembering to pull it out! Lol

[@joyfullythriving]

Yes! I hear you. We were going to smoke a pork shoulder this weekend but I forgot to pull it out of the freezer until Saturday. Oh well. We'll smoke it when it is thawed! Good luck to you working through your freezer too! 👍

[@lynnebrown-hardy1566]

I am down to about 10# of butter. Need to clear out some more freezer space so I can buy more butter!!!

[@joyfullythriving]

This makes me smile...because I totally get it! 🥰🧈🥰

[@kdonor]

Yay! Thanks for making this. I have 40-50 lbs of butter in my freezer. I have quite a few freezer meals I've made for when I will be gone ( I'm fortunate to be able to take a trip this spring and my husband isn't much of a cook). One of my friends offered to pick me up some food at Sams so we will restock on some things soon.

[@joyfullythriving]

Glad to hear you have a similar butter stash! 😍 Good job planning ahead and making freezer meals. That will make your time away more enjoyable for you - and your husband!

[@elizabethteeter6284]

Wow friend you sure can move fast and clean I also have three freezers takes me around hour do them three chest freezers and two refrigerator freezers plus two upright pantries and three shelves in my laundry room store items were ready for big snow storm here lol I'm like you on sale stock up for few months and we do mark down meat also thank you for sharing yours with us really appreciate it but I need to learn your fast moving cleaning up lol ❤😮😅😅

[@joyfullythriving]

It's the beauty of film where I can speed up the cleaning up footage! 😂 Trust me, I wish I could clean that fast in real life too! 🤣 Glad you have a freezer full of meat too. Yay for deals! 👏

[@lisaolson1345]

I had to make room in the freezer because i received 20 bananas for free last week . I had no idea how much stuff I had in there.

[@joyfullythriving]

Yay for free food! And I know...freezers are like a black whole sometimes. 🤣 It really is amazing what can fit in there!

[@soniab.estacio3008]

Thank you for sharing your food . I also have 3 freezer like you , 2 refrigerator freezers and 1 upright freezer . Greetings from Chicago ❤

[@joyfullythriving]

Isn't it so handy to have the extra freezer space? I would be lost without it! Thanks for watching and joining me here! 🥰

[@ritaslade2989]

Baking items and Meats My favorite freezer stock 😊 I enjoyed watching God Bless You ❤

[@joyfullythriving]

So handy to have a freezer stocked with baked goods and meats! 👏👏👏

[@terrychittam945]

Loved this Kristin,,i learned something,,put chopped onions in jar ❤

[@joyfullythriving]

Glad I could give you a new idea! I have frozen onions for years sometimes in bags and sometimes in bundles and sometimes in jars. No matter how I freeze them, I love having frozen onions ready for cooking at any time!

[@louisedillon6797]

This is my first time watching your channel. So happy to see that Bible verse which tells me immediately that you are a Christian, like me. I subscribed and liked this video.

[@joyfullythriving]

Aww. Thank you! Yes, I actually a Pastor's daughter and teach in a parochial school, where I am thankful we can teach our Christian faith daily. Glad you found me here!

[@nicolaneil6347]

You have such an infectious smile

[@joyfullythriving]

Awww, thank you! 😊

[@lindabeard488]

Nice 👍 job. You are delightful. Love 💕 and Hugs. 💙💙💙

[@joyfullythriving]

Thank you! 🤗

[@NanaRae2Three]

Oh my! The amount of butter. 😳

[@joyfullythriving]

I do A LOT of baking. I have been tracking my butter usage for the past year and average about one pound a week. It's funny because we rarely use butter on anything - unless I am baking! 😁

[@susanb1843]

Love your videos. Store what you actually use and like. I am currently trying to par down all the random what were you thinking items out of my pantry and freezers. I'm going towards okay we eat chicken this many times a month work towards that goal. Loving your butter, I have 6 pounds in my freezer because I have found out I only bake with it and that's holiday season. We love the flavored butters and flavored cream cheese on a day to day basis. And that works for us. I use the parmesan cheese shakey lids on mason jars also. Currently my sugar shaker for coffee or hot cereals. Thanks for all the great information.

[@joyfullythriving]

Ha! I definitely have some of those random items too, and am trying to eat through those! 😂 And yes! That is how I started planning too. If we eat chicken 2x a week and I want to have chicken for 3 months in the freezer, then I can just do the math. Soooo handy!

[@noreenp.9858]

Thanks for the tour. I have the same amount of freezer space as you. I use the one small freezer for frozen fruit, ice cream and pizzas. Thanks for the tip on freezing chocolate chips. I haven’t tried freezing cooked meat yet. I like freezing peppers too. I haven’t tried the onions yet. My local giant Eagle grocery store has 80% ground beef for $1.99 pound this week. My freezer space is limited but it’s such a good deal. I have a question: This ground beef is sold in ten pound rolls. I’ve gotten it before and it was very good. Do you think it’s better to purchase ground beef fresh in the store packaging? I’ve heard comments that it is preferable to purchase it in packages. I would like to see a video of you making your apple pie kits. That is something I would like to try.

[@joyfullythriving]

I am glad it was helpful! If you have bought the ground beef before and like the quality, then I say go for it! I have tried the roll from Meijer and it was just the same as fresh packages. But I have tried the rolls from Sam's and it was definitely not the same as fresh. So I think it just depends on the store. As for Apple pie kits, I will add to my video list for the fall!

[@crystalh1402]

Have you done a video on your poppyseed chicken? I’m dairy free and have instead coconut oil in a comparable amount for two people 😂

[@joyfullythriving]

I have not yet, but really should soon because so many people ask about it! Smart move to stock coconut oil! Good job doing what works for you! 👏

[@victoriafuller2206]

Thanks!

[@joyfullythriving]

Oh my goodness, Victoria! What a sweet surprise and gift from you. Thank you for that unexpected "tip". 🥰 I am truly touched. You made my day! 😍❤️

[@victoriafuller2206]

Thanks for another informative video! 🙂

[@joyfullythriving]

You are truly welcome, Victoria! I am glad it was helpful! 🥰

[@jodischoolcraft9188]

I won’t buy extra because of storms and losing power but I always have proteins on the right and veggies on the left or middle

[@joyfullythriving]

We have a backup generator but thankful don't lose power too often, so I try not to worry about it overly much. I save SO much by buying extra that it is definitely worth it for me, but maybe the risk is not worth it for you. I like how you separate what you have in your freezer!

[@jodischoolcraft9188]

Nine year professional organizer, so I tend to have a lot of fun structure

[@emilyescribano1460]

❤❤❤❤ loved this video!!!!😊

[@joyfullythriving]

So glad you liked it!!!! 🥰