One of the areas I really struggle with is having enough quick snacks and lunches on hand. Sure, sandwiches and salads can be put together in 10 minutes, but sometimes that’s too much effort (just being real here!). My solution? Freezer cooking. I can’t begin to tell you what a lifesaver it is to have healthy, homemade food ready in the freezer. Instead of having to scramble for drive-thru burgers or overpriced Chinese takeout, food is available at a moment’s notice.
Since everyone in my family loves Mexican and burritos freeze beautifully, I bulk-bought ingredients and spent some time making up a bunch for the future. Burritos are so simple and versatile. If eaten fresh, I add veggies, salsa, guacamole, etc. If freezing, I only use rice, beans, cheese, and hot sauce.
Due to multiple distractions (phone calls, UPS at the door, rambunctious cat that kept jumping on the counter), it took longer than I expected, but the end result was 2 dozen delicious burritos—individually wrapped in foiled, tucked inside ziplocs, and neatly stacked on the freezer shelf.
I’m so pleased that there will be a nice Shabbat lunch tomorrow and yours truly will actually get to enjoy/experience a day of rest. Everything flows smoother when I plan ahead; I really need to do this regularly…
Have you ever tried freezer cooking? How did it turn out?
Living so close to Mexico we are kind of picky about our Mexican food but homemade frozen burritos are a staple. A pot roast cooked all day in the crockpot makes a tasty meat burrito, add beans, cheese, & salsa. A key to better frozen burritos is to buy thin tortillas and brown them before filling, this keeps them from being doughy when defrosted.
I’ve heard of frying the tortilla but I never knew if it was worth the extra step. I will totally try it next time. Great tip!
Don’t fry the tortillas (unless they are corn tortillas for enchiladas, which are a great frozen dinner),just brown them on an ungreased griddle, medium heat, pressing down with a cloth as they bubble up.
This is such a great idea. I have never even tried freezing burritos, but my family also loves Mexican food.
Most frozen items aren’t great when reheated, but burritos turn out awesome.
Thanks for the idea. I never thought of doing burritos.. I tend to freeze sauces that I can heat up quickly when I am tired or soups. I make a turkey chili that freezes well too.
I’ve had good luck freezing soups, provided they’re not cream based. I should totally make chili ahead.
I love freezer cooking, but I am sad to say that I have not been doing it lately. I really like the idea of making healthy burritos and having them all ready to go for lunch. We love tacos and burritos and will have to make them and freeze.