I grew up in a family where leftovers were a big deal. We would order a big pizza so we could reheat slices after a late – night practice the next day. When we cooked dinner, it always became lunch the for the week as well.
Why?
Well, it was easier for my parents, who both worked full-time jobs and didn’t have time to cook dinner every night. However, there are many reasons to love leftovers. It makes healthy eating easier and more affordable (which is what we are all about here at Choose Homemade).
Some people aren’t a fan of leftovers. Oftentimes, they…
- Don’t enjoy eating the same foods multiple times in a row.
- Don’t like the texture of food after being reheated.
- Simply prefer freshly prepared food.
That’s where the freezer comes in for the rescue! The freezer keeps foods fresh longer, allows us to save leftovers for months, and (with proper thawing technique) preserves the texture of most foods.
Through using the freezer and learning easy reheating tips, we can make leftovers a part of our regular diet. Leftovers are nature’s way of meal prepping: if you plan to cook a few extra servings of dinner, chances are you can make another meal out of it – and there’s no need to eat it for lunch the next day. Instead, freeze it and wait a month or two until you’re ready to indulge – how’s that for not eating the same meal twice in a row?
Why Should I Use My Freezer to Store Leftovers?
- You don’t have to eat the same meal multiple times in a row.
- Create easy, healthy freezer meals for yourself (without spending $$$ and without all the extra salt).
- Keep food fresh for longer.
- Save money on groceries.
- Reduce food waste (An average of 30-40% of the US food supply is wasted. By saving your leftovers, you can be a part of the change.)
- Budget-friendly meal prep for busy weeks.
Let’s break down the art of freezing leftovers.
What Can I Freeze?
If you’re wondering what leftovers freeze well, you are not alone. Technically, you can freeze anything, but some foods freeze better than others.
Try turning these leftovers into quick and easy freezer meals:
- Pastas
- Soups
- Sauces
- Rice dishes
- Casseroles
- Baked goods
- Bread
How Do I Freeze Leftovers?
- Make sure the leftovers are completely cooled, which you can do by putting them in the fridge before freezing. Cooling helps avoid freezer burn.
- Squeeze out air from your freezer bags.
- Date and label your food – trust me. I’ve spent too much time staring at a block of frozen food wondering whether it was ground beef or chili.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers in the Freezer?
It depends on the food! The general rule is 3 months. We included a breakdown of different leftover freezing times below. Visit the USDA website to see the full list.
| Item | Months |
| Casseroles | 3 |
| Soups and Stews | 3 |
| Cooked meat | 3 |
| Frozen Dinners and Entrees | 4 |
| Poultry, cooked | 4 |
| Uncooked ground meat | 4 |
How Do I Reheat Frozen Leftovers?
Learning how to reheat frozen leftovers makes a big difference in taste and texture.
- The best way to do it is to let the food thaw in the refrigerator for a day. From there, simply heat it like you normally would.
- Defrost foods faster by submerging the unopened freezer bag in cold water.
- You can also use the microwave to heat frozen foods, but this method may affect the final texture.
If you need something quick, opt for a frozen sauce to avoid any issues with texture. To reheat frozen sauce, put the bag in a bowl of cold water. Once it thaws for 5-10 minutes, pour contents into a skillet or microwave to reheat.
Freezer Friendly Meals
Use these easy Choose Homemade recipes to inspire your next healthy freezer meal.
Italian Sausage Orzo Soup
Make a big batch of this soup and freeze leftovers for a quick, hearty meal anytime. Just reheat and enjoy!
Fiesta Casserole
Perfect for freezing! This cheesy, flavorful casserole is easy to bake now and save for later.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo
Freeze portions for a fast dinner on busy nights. Creamy, comforting, and just as tasty after reheating.
Conclusion
Create your own healthy freezer meals today using these budget friendly tips and tricks; you’ll be surprised by how tasty your leftovers can be. Pick one of the Choose Homemade recipes above and get cooking!
Do you have any questions we didn’t answer in the blog? Comment below and we will help you out!