Freezer Meals for One or Two - MEAL PREP IDEAS

[@robinbatts8498]

My husband And I are recent empty nesters. When the last child moved away for college, I continued to cook most of our meals in “family of 4 size” so I could pack up 2 meals for later. It is such a treat to have healthy home cooked meals ready to go, with practically zero effort! Although I am now retired, I find I really don’t want to cook every night of the week. We are also not big on eating out, so adding these meals to the weekly meal plan helps keep things interesting, and ensures I still enjoy cooking 3-4 nights a week. Win win!

[@lauracurtin631]

What a blessing you are to your father and mother in law. It's wonderful to see a young person care for the elderly and make sure they are eating healthy. May God bless you richly for honoring your parents this way.

[@FreezerMeals101]

Thank you Laura!

[@karrielangston4005]

I've been binge watching freezer meals, for one, with the thought of using them for lunches or breakfast. I have done freezer meals this way. But today with shortages and threats of power disruptions, I am really struggling with opening shelf stable items and filling my freezer with them. I think maybe I will try adding those canned ingredients before I cook instead. It is wonderful of you to help your mother in law and father out with their meals!

[@TheFranzi0309]

The Video is over a year old, so I dont know if you already know this Tipp now but you can hold the bag (partially sealed to make it more difficult for water to enter) in a bowl of water up to the brim and then seal completely. The water pushes all the air out.

[@107soulja3]

That's genius!! I'll definitely start doing that, thanks for the tip!!!

[@WildGranny52]

This is so perfect for me. I'm 70 and live alone...Thank you so very much dear!!! I love fried rice!!!!

[@FreezerMeals101]

Wonderful! I'm so glad this will help.

[@countycalling]

This will be perfect for us! Hubby is in stage 4 so some days he will only eat a sandwich. I often just don’t eat when he does this….but now I can just grab a small dinner. Or if I want one, and he wants something different it will be so easy Than you so much

[@FreezerMeals101]

I'm sorry to hear that your husband is sick. I hope having quick meals you can grab helps you better take care of yourself so that you can still take care of him. Sending virtual hugs your way...

[@annier6]

I used divided trays with lids when I received Hello Fresh for a couple of months. The two-people meals were enough for three for me. I look forward to trying these recipes. Thank you for thinking of us singles!

[@FreezerMeals101]

That's so great!

[@TC-mg3ug]

I get concerned about my dad too and wanted to do something like this for him. Thanks for putting recipe ideas and tips out there! 🥰

[@FreezerMeals101]

That’s really kind of you.

[@kristinatidwell6563]

@@FreezerMeals101 My Mom was juvenile diabetic so idk what she could or couldn't eat, so I just took her to the grocery store and paid for whatever she wanted to buy. She's passed away now but I never thought to ask if she would have eaten it?

[@MissyKim]

I love that you explained using the smaller can of corn. I’m always concerned about changing recipes too much. Things like this remind me that it is okay to use what you have & still make the recipe.

[@wjoyes]

I really appreciate this video! As a single person with fluctuating income freezer meals single serve are so helpful.

[@sarahk802]

I really love your videos, especially since your recipes are healthy. I have been making freezer meals on Sundays for the week to prevent stress on days I work long hours, and it’s been a life saver. Thank you for sharing these meals!

[@FreezerMeals101]

Sarah, I'm so, so happy to hear that you're making meals ahead and it's helping you. It's stories like this that keep us making videos.

[@patriciadollin6421]

I freeze in ziplock bags flat ,after frozen I put in foodsaver bags that air is taken out.Takes up less room.I do it with soups, and all kinds of things

[@eileenwindras9104]

To fill my bags I use ayoghurt container (or other) cut off the bottom, open bag and put container inside and sit on counter to fill easy peasy xx

[@cookymnstr123]

Love these these ideas the most. Can you do more of these please? thank you!

[@FreezerMeals101]

Will do!!

[@hannahkayee831]

Just found this channel. Going to do this for my dad! So awesome!

[@FreezerMeals101]

I'm sure your dad will really appreciate it!

[@qweenblue925]

Thank you soo much I'll be able to send some meals with my boyfriend when he goes to work!

[@Willettee]

Nice to see meals for one or two. Thanks for sharing.🙂

[@nancybergen-nx4pq]

Thank you I found it I love it thank you soo much

[@carolyndalton7775]

Loved this. My husband and I are alone and we don’t like any of the same things so it would be great to have meals ready for him at least.

[@ThompsonSmith505]

Hello Carolyn How are you doing today?

[@kelseyhorton8514]

Thinking 25 is enough and then realizing how many days there are in a month is relatable.

[@urbanhomesteadingchannel1813]

I'm still binging on catching up with your videos. But something I do when I want to portion meals is use a large ice cream scoop. For rice maybe use a medium size scoop but it makes portioning so much easier. We love butter chicken so this is definitely going into the freezer tonight!💚

[@dharper9332]

Love this . I will make some and take to my mother in law and her hubby.

[@FreezerMeals101]

I’m sure they will really appreciate that!

[@suekay5353]

I know this is an older video but I’m seeing it for the first time. Great ideas!!! Would you please tell me how you cooked the chicken? Thanks.

[@ThompsonSmith505]

Hello Sue How are you doing today?

[@patriciadollin6421]

I cook in batches and put in freezer bags for i person.I make roast , lasagne all kinds of things.It is much easier for me to cook large,because it tastes better.

[@FreezerMeals101]

Roast would be a great idea! Thank you for sharing what works for you.

[@GardeningWarrior]

I purchased the containers last month and have used them all for keeping the meals in my fridge for my girls (both my large freezers are overly full for some reason..lolThank you!

[@FreezerMeals101]

I'm so glad they're working for you! I had to laugh about your freezers being overly full. 😂

[@NormAuParadis]

Hi I have a few questions like can you also reuse the lock bags or can we use those silicone lock bags. Is it safe to use and reuse these bags for liquid foods? Also please share and link corrosponding cooking videos of the freezer meals you made so we can see how you actually cook it and plate it up.

[@kashbash9645]

Really great video and great tips, thank you!

[@FreezerMeals101]

Thanks for watching!

[@timkline1551]

Well done fun video to watch too I subscribed

[@FreezerMeals101]

Thanks Tim!

[@myla5233]

If your mom likes a little more spice, you could add that to hers as you putting it in your freeze container. Just add a little extra to hers.

[@janerusch7820]

I just ran across this video. You shared a lot of good information here. The taco soup sounds like a great recipe for using more of my navy beans. :-)

[@FreezerMeals101]

Thanks Jane. I hope you're able to give the recipe a try!

[@edaced4]

Youre kind of all over the place...but I LOVE it!! Just like me when I'm cooking. Thanks for the ideas!!

[@FreezerMeals101]

All over the place is a good description for my life! Ha! I'm glad you're here with me!

[@maggiegodoy7012]

oh my god thank you so much for remembering us, single people.!!! I love your recipes! and people always forget single people. One question: in the fried rice did you add eggs too? is it wrong If I add eggs? and I don't have a microwave so I guess I will just put them in the oven?? thank you again.

[@FreezerMeals101]

I didn't add eggs, but you can. I have a small casserole dish (single serving size oval) that I use when I put single servings in the oven so as long as you use something oven safe, it will totally work in the oven. In the video of 150 freezer meals (kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6q1Xn-alNaHl7M), I show some single serving ones and in the Keto one, there are mostly single servings which you can easily adapt to not be Keto (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Znnbg4dpaZyan7M). There are also lots of single serving ideas in the videos on lunches, snacks, and breakfasts. Hope that helps!

[@janet5551]

Just curious about the fried rice meal, do they have to cook it before eating since you put raw carrots and garlic in it?

[@FreezerMeals101]

When you heat it up (either in a skillet or by microwaving the container), they soften enough. With fried rice, you still want a bit of crunch in the veggies. If you like your carrots softer, you could cook them a bit before adding.

[@annettesmith472]

Interesting about the can opener over there. Most of our cans have ring pulls these days so rarely have to drag out my can opener.

[@JenMarco]

This is just the video I’m looking for! I’m trying to figure out how to make meals for my mom because she lives almost 2 hours away from me.

[@FreezerMeals101]

I’m so glad this will help you and your mom.

[@rebeccagarner62]

Walmart sells them also

[@juliabartlam2083]

Can you please link the measuring cup/strainer? That thing looks amazing!

[@FreezerMeals101]

That is seriously one of my favourite kitchen gadgets! You can find it here: amzn.to/3wKSUmp

[@kareng1198]

Love the recipe ideas! I have to start making individual portions so I don’t use Uber eats as much when I’m alone lol. Oh and, I’m in Edmonton, so nice to find a local KZbinr!

[@FreezerMeals101]

Having the meals in your freezer saves SOOOOO much on take-out! You're going to love it.

[@ayoung9441]

Great Job! Lots of variety and options. This is great for elderly, teenagers and quick meals when anyone is alone for a meal. Thank you so Much 💖💖💖

[@elizabethfikes874]

Yes

[@Charmingn209]

Do you find making your own Taco Seasoning, onion soup mix or any other spice mixes less expensive and easier?

[@carolweathersbee8627]

I make my own seasonings. I think it’s cheaper and it’s super easy and so much tastier! Give it a try. I think you’ll love it 😊

[@BrynneC]

I find making my own taco seasoning is absolutely tastier, and I make a huge jar of it and it lasts me a long time. If I’m making more or less taco meat I can adjust how much seasoning. I can sprinkle it on cheese quesadillas for my kids to let them try new flavours. I’ve never actually priced it out but especially if you buy bulk spices it’s likely cheaper

[@Justme-Diana]

Hmm, just wondering how long would you microwave these dinners for 1 for? I am ill with cancer so I can't spend a lot of time cooking, so whenever I have a good day I do this kind of precooking. Thank you so much for all your ideas...

[@FreezerMeals101]

I would say 2-3 minutes if everything in the meal is fully cooked already, and about 4 minutes if it has raw ingredients in it like onion, peppers, etc. It depends on the strength of your microwave too. It may take a bit of trial and error to find your perfect amount but it should be less than 5 minutes. :) Thanks so much for watching!

[@alicesais770]

How about buying rotisserie chicken from Costco, it’s cooked, great flavor, and cheaper than buying it raw. Give it a try.

[@FreezerMeals101]

Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a great option for freezer cooking!

[@elizabethkate9235]

Then use the bones to make chicken broth for future recipes!

[@elizabethfikes874]

Need more mealplan

[@nancybennick4501]

would have put stir fry sauce in snack size bag so veges could be stir fried before sauced otherwise really great ideas

[@ThompsonSmith505]

Hello Nancy How are you doing today?

[@FreezerMeals101]

Hi Sharri - Sorry. I meant to add the link for the containers. I've gone ahead and added to the description. Here they are: amzn.to/3tP2raP

[@wrenbaldree618]

You could've put the chicken alla king in bags also

[@MsXraynurse]

just a quick question, are you cooking the carrots before adding to the chick fried rice? thanks.

[@FreezerMeals101]

Nope. Just adding them raw. Easy, peasy!

[@fyrekrystaal27]

Can you use cauliflower rice inside of regular rice in the freezer meals?

[@FreezerMeals101]

Yes you can for these recipes. If it's a meal that requires the rice to be put in raw and cook up in the dish, then cauliflower rice wouldn't work the same way.

[@millesr1]

Is the butter chicken sauce a curry sauce?

[@valeriepippy7540]

You have some great ideas for kitchen gadgets. Have you thought about an Amazon link? By the way, are you in Canada?

[@FreezerMeals101]

We are in Canada!

[@heidi5452]

You put a lot of soy sauce in the terriyaki. It has about 900 mg of sodium per tablespoon. That's more than half of what an adult should have in a day. You can substitute with coconut aminos which taste just like soy sauce. It will save you about 600 mg per tablespoon. If one has high blood pressure, you don't want to be consuming that much salt.

[@FreezerMeals101]

Thanks for the substitution suggestion Heidi. We do use a low sodium soy sauce usually but it sounds like coconut aminos would have even less sodium.

[@jeanne40ish]

They all seem so yummy! Can't wait to try them out. Tante Giselle's Fried rice, eh? You wouldn't be an French Acadian or a French Canadian, by any chance, would you? Well, your Dad, I mean. :)

[@FreezerMeals101]

My dad is French Canadian. Growing up, I spoke both French and English although my French is pretty rusty now.

[@cathyhildebrand9020]

Where can I find the recipe for the chicken ala king and the stir fry packets?

[@FreezerMeals101]

Hi Cathy - it's in the description below the video. :)

[@moore4jess]

How long should they microwave each one for? If I use frozen stir fry veggies should I have them microwave for like 1.5 mins and then stir and do for a min or 1.5 mins again? Just have no idea how long I should put on there.

[@FreezerMeals101]

That is probably a good place to start! You may have to adjust based on the meal or how powerful your microwave is. Do you have a reheat button on your microwave? Try that and see how it goes. Often it's a preset for a longer time but lower power.

[@angelal6700]

While I don't do the freezer meals for my dad, I [& mom], do batch cooking. Freeze the cooked meat, because that is longest item to cook. We like leftovers, and rolling it over into next meal. And I shop. Every week, my dad got at least 1 full size meal (2 for him), and fruit/salads. Suffers from food ennui, and step-mom was in S Korea for 6 months. Still doing that, even though she is home and cooking. Makes me feel good.

[@BudgetYourWayWithAarynLynn]

I have never understood how anyone can freeze rice mine never thaws nicely at all. I do allow mine to cool off. I do rinse it before I actually cook it in when I pulled out of the freezer and thawed out to just reheat or re-pan fry it up it taste like mush! Another thing I’m having a problem with is any kind of casseroles that contain rice I like the chicken, broccoli, potato and rice casserole. I love to make it but if I freeze it, it turns out like crap and I’m not sure exactly what I’m doing wrong 5:11 5:15

[@delitful69]

Did you precook chicken?

[@FreezerMeals101]

Yes, for these recipes, the chicken is precooked so that they can be easily reheated.

[@inbalhuber6250]

How long can you keep it in the freezer? :)

[@FreezerMeals101]

We recommend no longer than three months.

[@lorraineferguson231]

I found using these container caused freezer burn could that be avoided by putting a layer of saran wrap on top of the food before putting the lid on? (i usually add the food cold to the containers)

[@FreezerMeals101]

Yes, we've started adding a layer of plastic wrap to ours before placing the lid on as well.

[@lorraineferguson231]

@@FreezerMeals101 thank you so much for getting back to me on this. I am binge watching your videos and soon will join your club for recipes. ❤ thank you for sharing all your ideas. 😊

[@Gramaron1313]

If you are allergic to oyster sauce what can you add in its place?🎉❤

[@FreezerMeals101]

I would personally skip it. If it's a shellfish allergy and regular fish is ok, I guess you use fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce, but I would leave it out altogether and just stick to the soy sauce.

[@Gramaron1313]

Ty you for advice on the oyster sauce! yes no shell fish for me!!

[@PreppingAngel]

I have a question... I see that you are just using frozen peas and the meals aren't cooked before putting in microwave containers. I know frozen vegetables etc are only blanched and then flash frozen so they aren't "cooked". Heating isn't going to be enough time to cook some ingredients. How do you know they are heating the meals enough to cook the al dente ingredients?

[@FreezerMeals101]

I guess peas might be a bit undercooked. Three or four minutes should be enough to cook a small batch. If I use the microwave to cook peas for supper, five minutes seems to be enough for a large batch. If it bothered you to use frozen peas, it would be simple enough to cook them first. I hope that helps.

[@cjgerwig]

How long will freezer meals last in those containers ?

[@FreezerMeals101]

Hi Clarissa, because there is air in the containers, the meals don't last as long in the freezer as they would in a freezer bag. To prolong their life, you can add a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the food thereby minimizing the air. Just remove the plastic wrap of course before reheating.

[@gloriaelswood8762]

Do you use fresh chicken or frozen?

[@FreezerMeals101]

It depends. I use fresh for recipes that we’re using raw chicken but for recipes where I cook the chicken first (such as the chicken fried rice), I use whichever had the best price.

[@elgheurelralia]

Merci de OK

[@MissyKim]

What is the microwave reheating process that you use for precooked frozen meals?

[@FreezerMeals101]

My mother-in-law prefers to thaw hers in the fridge before reheating and my dad usually puts his in from frozen. You of course need to increase the cooking time if they are frozen. I'm sorry that I don't have an exact number of minutes they need to cook for because microwave ovens vary SOOOO much. I would just suggest putting the meals in for a minute or two (if thawed) and then checking to make sure they are heated through. Then you can add time if needed. Another suggestion I would make is to make note of how much time each recipe takes so that the next time you make them, you can mark it on each label. Since everything is cooked already, you're only worrying about reheating. If you prefer, you can also transfer the meals to the oven, stovetop pot or skillet. I hope that helps a bit. Sorry that I'm not able to be more specific. Microwaves just have such variances.

[@MissyKim]

@@FreezerMeals101 Thank you! That helps a lot. Have a great Sunday.

[@wplains]

You know if you add the peas to the rice while it’s cooking it saves having to cook them separately.

[@FreezerMeals101]

Good tip!

[@slswork]

Would be nice for you to say what size food you are putting in example. Butter chicken sauce in jar what size jar? Not see size even on recipe

[@FreezerMeals101]

There are links to the full recipes complete with all ingredients and sizes in the description below the video!

[@slswork]

Thank you for sharing I see it’s just an oversight. Love you are so kind and generous.

[@robinedenshaw8589]

What is the name of the onion chopper?

[@FreezerMeals101]

We've used a few over the years. You can look for a mandolin or search on Amazon for "onion chopper" and you'll see lots of options.

[@donnarowell221]

I buy those same containers at Sam’s club

[@ThompsonSmith505]

Hello Donna How are you doing today?

[@pengle]

I may have missed something. For the Chicken a la King I thought you mentioned adding broth but I didn't see it?

[@FreezerMeals101]

When I sautéed the onions and mushrooms on the stovetop in a skillet, I made a roux with flour and chicken broth and then added evaporated milk.

[@karinpetras3053]

How do you prevent freezer burn?

[@ThompsonSmith505]

Hello Karin How are you doing today?

[@carolinmichigan]

My sisters name is Sharla

[@FreezerMeals101]

That’s so cool! It’s not often that I hear of someone else with the name.

[@carolinmichigan]

@@FreezerMeals101 yea. At birth my dad wanted her named spelled charla but it was misspelled on the birth certificate and was spelled sharla. Her middle name is DeAnn

[@barbarannie]

how do you label your meals for freezing?

[@FreezerMeals101]

Hi - your comment was from awhile ago but we didn't forget about you!! The labels stick well and the ink doesn't run when they get wet, which is a natural thing when thawing the meals. I just use an inkjet printer but a laser printer would have similar results. We use our printers and Avery labels here: amzn.to/3rWnh9F And if you didn't know, we just added the feature of printable labels to our Membership Club! mealplan.freezermeals101.com/join-the-club/ I hope that helps!

[@Sue-bx4co]

Could you actually stir fry the ingredients for fried rice, let cool and freeze?

[@FreezerMeals101]

Absolutely you can and then just reheat.

[@Alt87213]

For the freezer containers you used, how would you go about getting all the air out , To prevent freezer burn ?

[@FreezerMeals101]

I only make a few weeks worth of meals at a time when I make meals for my dad and mother-in-law so I don't have to worry too much about freezer burn, but you can lay a single layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the food before placing the lid on the container if you're going to be storing them for longer (and then remove the plastic wrap before heating).

[@Alt87213]

@@FreezerMeals101 thank you :)

[@nomanejane5766]

🖤

[@julieoliver3848]

Was your MIL ok with the fried rice because you put the Oyster sauce in it and shes not a fan of seafood? I ask because you didn't put it in the stir fry because of that.

[@FreezerMeals101]

So true! I’ve made her my Chicken Fried Rice a few times before (with the oyster sauce in it) and she’s always liked it a lot and can’t taste the seafood taste so I knew she would be fine with it but I didn’t want to take any chances with the stir fry in case the taste was stronger.

[@anitavdmeulen]

Did I miss part two?

[@FreezerMeals101]

Anita, if you're looking for more single serving freezer meals, you can find them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX2mc4mOiamtY5I

[@ms.d8628]

I don't understand why you don't have all this prep done before you start.

[@jeanhecker4533]

I see this is two months old and someone probably already told you that 199ml is equal to just over 6 ounces.

[@FreezerMeals101]

Thanks Jean!

[@spiral5650]

Don't confuse millilitres with grams though. Millilitres is for liquids, grams for solids. So the can of corn should be measured in grams not millilitres.

[@BrynneC]

⁠@@spiral5650 Cans of corn (at least in my part of Canada) are definitely labeled in mL so using mL or liquid ounces is correct

[@carolginther9996]

Please please please don't drop the lids of the cans back into the can when you throw it away. If you had ever seen an animal with its tongue stuck in a can from the lid you would never want to lid and can anywhere near each other.

[@FreezerMeals101]

Hi Carol, our cans go into the recycle. There is a wonderful recycling program where we live so no threat of any animal getting their tongue stuck! (unless it's a human at the recycling plant, but I hope that's unlikely 😉 )

[@carolhensley3857]

The veg soup needs to be cooked. The microwave is not gonna soften them

[@FreezerMeals101]

It can be cooked in the microwave if put in long enough. I would say that one needs more than a reheat for sure.

[@loisnewton1876]

ps move the blender, please

[@christieweins3312]

Oh! It's my electric can opener. It might seem in the way but I need it! Sorry!

[@loisnewton1876]

I like your menu's but have a hard time following your directions.

[@christieweins3312]

Thanks for the comment. I'll invite you to try some of our newer videos. They are in a different format that show the assembly from an overhead view, which will make it easier to follow. Here's a newer video for meals for one or two: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHnLn6RrbblkiNU I hope that helps!

[@susanorris8838]

Food oroduct is good, but extraneous dialog is not needed.

[@FreezerMeals101]

Hey Susan, if you're looking for recipes without the chatting, we are probably not the channel for you! We tend to be pretty friendly here. But I'm glad you enjoyed the food ideas.

[@Denise-ei2pu]

You need to talk less You just droning on and on and on about the same thing

[@coloradotrader7202]

the dad and the mother in law should hook up :-)

[@angelal6700]

While I don't do the freezer meals for my dad, I [& mom], do batch cooking. Freeze the cooked meat, because that is longest item to cook. We like leftovers, and rolling it over into next meal. And I shop. Every week, my dad got at least 1 full size meal (2 for him), and fruit/salads. Suffers from food ennui, and step-mom was in S Korea for 6 months. Still doing that, even though she is home and cooking. Makes me feel good.