Cooking from the Freezer | Meals to Clean Out My Freezer | Cheap Dinner Ideas

Hey y'all! It's that time again for me to go through my freezer and rotate out some older foods by cooking them into super delicious meals! Freezing foods when I find them at a good deal helps me to save a ton of money on my groceries, so I don't want to let anything hiding in the back of my freezer go to waste!
As always, I appreciate you all so so much!
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That Lisa Dawn
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Raleigh, NC
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Some of my favorite things that you see in my kitchen.
Instant Pot Duo Plus 6qt
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Aroma Rice Cooker
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KitchenAid Stainless Steel Wire Masher
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Rainbow Regular Mouth Mason Jar Lids
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Rainbow Wide Mouth Mason Jar Lids
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Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet
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[@gingerhammond6446]

YEA!!! Another great Lisa Dawn video!!! Am I the only one who gives her videos a thumbs-up even before watching them? 🤣🤣🤣

[@pravdaamo]

Nope, so many of us do the same! She's the best!

[@joeakaprolifik7735]

I do aswell !!❤❤❤

[@terriprobst4680]

Yep I do to cause I know it’s gonna be an awesome video ❤

[@wardrobelion]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@theattemptedhomemaker]

Every time

[@loriburgess1866]

Lisa Dawn is one channel that actually helps me with using ingredients I have around our kitchen. She is a creative cook.

[@Genna.K]

Yay! Hi Lisa! How are we so lucky today to get a new Lisa video?? 🌞

[@GeckoHiker]

So I'm not the only one who could eat for a year or more on just freezer food and some rice and beans. It's clean out time here, too. I'm here for the creative ideas!

[@samm3681]

A real person cooking real food in a real home! Please keep posting!

[@kristyreal489]

I started adding carrots to my potato soup after I saw you do it. We love it!

[@Vivian1107]

That ham and bean soup looks amazing!!! I have to do this as well. My freezers are packed. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@christineschutten248]

Gaw! You've got to be the Grocery Queen!!! I have never heard of such good deals before in my life! It's amazing that you were able to find such discounts.

[@Anne-pk8gs]

IKR…Where I live, we don’t have clearance meat or produce, dang!

[@pravdaamo]

In your rice skillet dishes, the ratio of meat to veg to rice is perrrrrfect. I love that so much of your cooking is about the method rather than the recipe. My cooking style is very similar; I think that's why I enjoy your videos so much. Thanks for all the hard work you put into these and for sharing it all with us!

[@jillgott6567]

I had so much meat, veg etc in my refrigerator freezer that I began limiting myself to purchasing 1-2 packages of meat each week. Finally, I said enough and it has been a few weeks since I stopped buying and started using what was in my freezer. AND, I still have plenty. I cook for just myself but get tired of leftovers yes I can freeze them but the goal was to use up what is in the freezer so...I cook one type of protein and make a few days meals from it and veggies. I went through a few months of depression where fresh foods just spoiled. So right now I depend on more canned and frozen veg. Eating up the fresh within a few days. And this works ! I can actually see the 💡 in the freezer now :) and the money saved is incredible

[@ThatLisaDawn]

Yep, after buying 10 pounds of ground beef a few weeks ago (at 99 cents a pound, I could't resist!) I'm on a pause right now on buying frozen things until I get the freezer in order.

[@jillgott6567]

I did a freezer inventory and was shocked how much meat I had in there in addition to everything else. I would not be surprised if I have enough to last 1.5 months as one item is a goid size roast.

[@cathiecollins7320]

Lisa Dawn I think uou have a knack for making creative dishes on a dime! Here's to 100,000 subs!❤

[@ThatLisaDawn]

Thank you! 💙

[@blisstopiamindspa578]

33:14 ❤ your sweet beautiful smile! ❤❤❤❤ Thanks for your work making these videos, giving ideas, and reminding us to keep our freezer food rotated for zero waste!

[@cindym7234]

Girl, I could watch you cook all day!!! Your recipes are so fun to watch being made. I just love your creativity! I can't wait to make these dishes!They all look delicious and flavorful! Thank you so much for sharing your gift with me! Love from Texas ❤

[@januarysdaughter6664]

I could sit here and watch you cook for hours. As I've said before, you remind me of all the good times I had raising my girls and trying to make every penny count. You're such a sweet soul! I'm so glad you got to finally get a new stove. You deserve a chef's kitchen!

[@jr03222]

Omggg yayyyy I was just sitting here not knowing what to watch and then I get your notification!

[@boulderdamcottage4926]

loved it! Cooking from scratch and real food is always just the best ! Your family is blessed! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@Elizabeth-nt7uq]

Quick tip. For any potato you want to keep from turning to mush, fry them for a few minutes before adding them to your soups or stews, or fry them with your starter vegetables. They will get soft inside, but retain their shape. The meals looked good. Thank you Lisa.

[@VioletJoy]

As soon as I saw your freezer, I wanted to organize it so badly. Lol. I'm looking forward to seeing what meals you make, but I'll have to watch it later. Love your channel!!

[@ThatLisaDawn]

I promise I'm working on making it organized and functional! 💙💙💙

[@VioletJoy]

​@That Lisa Dawn I would have come by to help if I lived near you. I LOVE organizing. 🩷 Maybe you could make a video where you organize it using Dollar Tree/ inexpensive bins!! Your recipes and cooking skills are always so impressive. Watching you cook isn't overwhelming. Everything is pretty basic and simple - I mean that in the best possible way. 😊

[@janetleeharrison]

Fantastic dinner ideas! The video didn't seem long enough to me, LOL. I could watch you cook & listen to you talk for hours, TBH. Such an inspiration for getting the freezer up-to-date!🔥👍👍

[@TheElizabethkyne]

For that last "sad bit of celery", if you stick it in water in a sunny window, it'll go from yellow to a better green.

[@sharonbooda2544]

I save the Taco Bell packets too. Whenever I make enchiladas I add all the packets to the enchilada sauce. Helps stretch the sauce a tiny bit and you would never know.

[@GenXtothe7thPower]

I love making egg noodles on the side with soup and put them together right before eating it!

[@Jennifer-tf8ud]

The goya ham seasoning is one of my favorites. I like to add a pack in my beans and green beans❤

[@melanieroberts2221]

I use knorr

[@tonijones8646]

Yeah!!!!!

[@tylermartin3584]

This is perfect!!!! I just cleaned out my freezer today with the same thoughts!!!!

[@pennyrasnake1401]

I don’t eat much rice anymore but I love how you use it in so many ways! Your use of spice has made me be a little braver in using more in my dishes. Thank you for sharing your food and a glimpse into your family. Can’t wait to see your garden this year!

[@Cookingwithapril]

I have never see Harris teeter put stuff like that on clearance. That’s awesome.

[@WilletteB]

Hi Lisa, I've been doing the freezer clean out here at home, as well. I'm amazed at how much I've squirreled away. I did do a fill in trip a few weeks ago, but my last grocery trip was 2.4.23. Making homemade bread helps too. It tastes so much better that store bought. Thanks for your ideas. I'm hoping to find hams on sale this week or next. I love adding that to my beans. Blessings! 🙂

[@MissieLotus]

A little white vinegar drizzled on top of ham and bean soup is delicious!

[@dawnhauger]

Love your videos!! Thank you!!😊

[@FairyRosee_]

Your videos are so comforting to me. I always watch while cooking something completely different lol. It's so satisfying watching people use stuff up - a lost art!!

[@kathlynsteinman3599]

My kitchen freezer looked like yours a few weeks ago. I had some old sterlite clear shoe box like containers, and thought I'd at least try using for organization. Amazingly, it's worked outbgreat! I can actually find things now. And , I'm cooking more. I enjoy watching your videos so much! You seem to be a natural-born cook, using your instincts and common sense. You find the best buys, too. Good for you. ❤

[@richardschmidt2430]

I love to watch someone really cook, for real---I'm a cook and I never get sick of cooking for others and myself. Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@sallygordin2869]

Thanks for giving me ideas for using up my freezer foods. Blessings!!

[@evelyngarcia8015]

Loving it the long videos with all the good food and great ideas😊

[@Reddhead33]

Hey Lisa! I really enjoy your videos and how down to earth you are. It's like standing in a friend's kitchen, watching them cook. I don't know if you take requests, but, I'd love to see your take on a chicken pot pie. I just can't find a recipe that I love.

[@LoLoLifeinFlorida]

Ahh I needed this motivation 😂 I really have been telling myself not to go grocery shopping just use up what's in my freezer because I have so much stuff in there that I don't even know what I have I guess this was a sign!

[@laurawilson6389]

I love that your doing more videos. All of those sound really good. I not as much a heat lover but the rest of it sounded good.

[@raymetcalf3928]

Thanks again Lisa for showing us to use what you have in the freezer before it goes bad. These dishes we also will add to our monthly menu! You make it look easy!

[@tla9895]

I love your channel!! Fellow North Carolinian here🥰 I only wish you had about a million vids!! Watching reruns faithfully, lol! I have picked up so many amazing ideas from you!! Thank you for sharing !!!❤️

[@Hereforthecomments1161]

When I need to defrost my deep freeze, I unplug it, take everything out, put 2 pots of hot tap water in it and close the lid. It doesn't take too long, I'm usually done in a couple of hours, and swap the waters several times. Wipe the inside dry, plug her in and put my food back in. Easy peasy!!

[@ThatLisaDawn]

Great tip! Lucky for me my freezer is right next to my garage door and it's going to be in the 80s this week. My plan is just to open the garage up, let the hot temps work their magic, and let the water drain right outside.

[@christinaphilen9318]

I'm late to the game, and I've been watching your videos for about two months now. When I heard you say you added water to get the rest of the oyster sauce out....we're of the same spirit, ma'am. Count me as a devoted follower.

[@rosemarycornwall5162]

I just love the way you cook with your heart - it's such a pleasure to watch your channel.

[@tammybutler7748]

Great ideas, I need to use up my freezer food, too! I love your delicious and practical ideas! I can't wait until your next video. ❤

[@thewickedwitchofse8998]

Yum! I love how you put these together so there is no waste of all those great discount ingredients. Very important to take full advantage of your fantastic food savings is using everything. Can't wait for the next video!

[@MarySmith-gu5nb]

I live in Boston and cannot believe how cheap food is where you live!

[@shirleygiordano7627]

I really love these vids. You teach me how to budget food. I'm greatful for you. 😊

[@margeebechyne8642]

All these meals looked so delicious and gave me all kinds of good ideas for using up all my odds and ends in the freezer. And like you, I often add celery to recipes that don't actually call for it because I like the crunch and the light layer of flavor it adds. Thank you, Lisa Dawn!

[@stacel1972]

Nice mark down haul!! I always feel rich when I have a lot of fresh produce. In my area ( Michigan) I use an app called flash food. It’s in Canada and parts of east/Midwest. It’s a game changer for me with produce. They sell meat, anything at a grocery and where I live Meijer is the grocery that supports it.

[@WisteriaYT]

I'd love to see recipes from your garden this year! I had my first garden last year and struggled to find meals with everything I grew

[@susans9491]

Makes me so happy when I find that you’ve uploaded another video! Thanks for the inspiration!❤️

[@susanwebster9218]

If you want an even heartier split pea soup add cubed potatoes and a bay leaf. It's SO good!

[@jasminesjourney9318]

Watching your videos has inspired me to cook easy to cook meals on a budget!

[@rosacanisalba]

You could definitely use quinoa as a rice alternative

[@ThatLisaDawn]

I have a bad history with quinoa so it's not my favorite, but I definitely think it's a great rice alternative for those looking for one!

[@kathrynkruse4509]

Your meals look delicious! I really want to try the potato soup.

[@TheLazyHOAGardener]

LOVE ❤️ YOUR VIDEOS Thanks for sharing and encouraging people to cook at home. I did the freezer clean out for 3 months gave up and went shopping again but we will try again. I may have to get a hairdryer and a wet dry vac to ever get the deep freezer completely defrosted.

[@Lee_lee_27_7_27]

You're so creative with your menus. I also really admire your savvy with grocery shopping. I live a more convenient life, but it must be so satisfying to find deals and create satisfying meals from your hauls.

[@chrissywilkens4880]

Real meals for real faimlys. I appreciate your down to earth recipes. I love all your tips. It's so helpful.

[@pravdaamo]

Yay! Another video! Thank you so much and can't wait to watch!

[@djz5456]

I love your cooking videos. You are both frugal and creative at the same time. Please keep them coming! ❤️

[@tonyaaustinson923]

I have been a subscriber for a few years. Always enjoy watching you and your creative frugality

[@deannealbrecht774]

If you wrap celery in foil, it won't wilt. Zucchini and mushrooms should be kept in paper bag. I always get so hungry watching your videos and I always get such great ideas. Thanks.

[@jennifermunn6898]

Yay!!!🎉 new video, love the video too, I enjoyed seeing how you used ham a few times due to getting a good deal on it and cleaning out the freezer and sausage! Awesome video!!❤

[@ThatLisaDawn]

Thanks for watching! 💙

[@cynthiaphillips556]

Looks so good keep those frugal recipes coming … I’m going to try them we all need to make our food last and not waste anything today… have a great Easter 🐣

[@julieseidel8258]

I love the way you think! I can't wait for more videos in this series and to see how you organized your freezer.

[@lisaaxe9062]

Everything looks great!😋👍🏽

[@KateMoranHere]

You come up with the yummiest combos. The dressing for your cucumber salad - where did you come up with that? I always learn something from your videos. Thank you!

[@ThatLisaDawn]

I'm pretty sure the cucumber salad was based off of a Maangchi recipe I've made a few times (she's amazing for learning Korean cooking!).

[@debbiec4224]

Thank you Lisa! You are amazing! I look forward to your videos. You cook such great meals! 😊

[@tawanajackson5545]

That potato sausage soup looked awesome. Everything looked yummy but I love a good potato soup ❤

[@querysome]

You make such healthy, tasty meals. We could all learn something from you. Your family is lucky to have your fantastic cooking on😊 a daily basis.

[@jentaylor1507]

I use French fries onions and an egg in replace of bread crumbs. Then I do half ketchup and half sweet baby rays on top of three meat loaf.

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good Wednesday morning Lisa Dawn. What a haul That ham and bean soup looks absolutely delicious. Thanks so much for your recommendations for saving money on groceries during these tough ecomomic times. 👍👍

[@liberty121]

I have to do this too! Thanks for always inspiring us ❤

[@mchelle7122]

New subscriber here! I think i watched like 6 videos in a row. I am a budget shopper too. Thank you for all the creative cooking ideas.

[@rosegold-sc6fp]

Your videos are just an honest ray of sunshine. I always look forward to these videos

[@MyCountryAssKitchen]

I find these videos so soothing - and inspiring. Thanks, Lisa Dawn!!

[@munchie3310]

Hay Lisa Dawn, I don’t follow anything but KZbin sure wish you did more videos here! ❤️

[@pravdaamo]

Oh man. This was another fantastic video, as always! Such great ideas - excited to see the next installment!

[@j4d7s8]

I just realized I’ve never once used my broiler. Going to look for an opportunity to in the future. Love from NY❤

[@Meggie-may]

You are the most resourceful lady on KZbin! No joke...I wish I was like you. 😊

[@sharmaineburnside9154]

I could watch you all day long! You’re an inspiration for many of us, thank you,

[@gailruuhela5627]

I made the pinto bean soup following your directions. It was very good.

[@amzinglyawesomeness]

Yay! I was really hoping you were going to do another one of these!

[@MalindaCoburn-zo9wg]

I love watching your videos!! You're very creative and have inspired me to tackle our freezers to work through the build-up. Thank you for all you do, Lisa!!! 😊

[@Julia___1]

Yeah! Always love watching your videos, u give me new dinner ideas thank u😊😊😊

[@ThatLisaDawn]

Glad you like them! 💙

[@SuperLovelessgirl]

I love watching your vids, really does me how to make great food from simple ingredients 😊

[@melissabillett3980]

Yay... can't wait to see more.🎉

[@yesiownfrodo]

That's what Im in the middle of doing! LOL. Perfect timing, Lisa!

[@lowballmama6775]

I just love your videos 😊! Your meals are so creative, simple and down to earth. Thank you for sharing 😋!

[@xingcat]

So many great ideas. I'll have to look for that potato soup at Aldi.

[@tonijones8646]

Had to pause and make a cuppa and some toast, you always make me hungry.

[@tinaohc9141]

I love how you made the Korean cucumber side dish! That's my favorite. I really enjoy your channel.

[@dianam9028]

Hey Lisa! 👋☺ I love your videos. Happy Saturday!

[@meanhe8702]

That’s Maangchi’s oi muchim (cucumber salad) recipe, I love her, she’s one of my favorites. 🙂 If you soak that stuffing mix in some liquid it would probably lower the chance of the meatloaf coming out with dry pieces or having an odd texture… maybe? In any case it looks fine, and the idea of using the taco sauce packets is a good, thrifty idea.

[@tinadiggs7456]

Lisa Dawn, all the meals that you prepared look soooo delicious!!! TFS!!!

[@barbladner1263]

I know I'm a little behind on the videos but I love when you can go to a store and get a good bargain with food. Produce or whatever it is a big help to save money

[@endlessmtnman]

You give me endless meal ideas, thank you Dawn!

[@tynaedwards8452]

So many great ideas for leftovers. The potato soup with sausage and veggies looks so good.

[@karenjones1897]

always genius cooking. everything looks so good.

[@lipblushed4828]

Lisa you truly are a blessing. Love your videos.