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How to Start a Freezer Stash Without Breaking the Bank

Elia Wolberger

I get this question all the time: “How do I start a freezer stash without breaking the bank?”

Rome wasn’t built in a day… and neither was your freezer stash! But you do have to start somewhere! It will take some time - but the benefits are well worth it.

In meal prep, your freezer is your BEST FRIEND (and brings the BIG MEAL PREP ENERGY - IYKYK). And before you tell me that you’ve got a small freezer, not a ton of space - don’t forget - I’m working with my notoriously small NYC set-up. But, I still use it to it’s fullest capacity - and always have delicious food on hand on those nights I don’t feel like cooking.

Having a well-stocked freezer is going to be a game-changer when it comes to saving time and money (yes, even if you’re just starting your stash!):

  • Extend the life of fresh proteins, fruits, and veggies.

  • Store leftovers to enjoy later.

  • Buy in bulk without worrying about food spoilage.

  • Cook and store large batches of food.

  • Reduce food waste.

  • Have convenience foods ready at a moment's notice.

  • Save time.

Let’s dive in (grab a copy of my Freezer Freebie to help you along the way) and start making your freezer the star in your meal prep journey!

Step 1: Get Organized

Before you start stocking your freezer, take the time to organize it. Here's how:

Clean Out Your Freezer

  1. Empty Your Freezer:

    • Take everything out of your freezer. This gives you a clear view of what you have and the space available.

  2. Deep Clean:

    • Give your freezer a thorough cleaning. Remove any spills, crumbs, or frost buildup. This will ensure that your food stays fresh and that your freezer operates efficiently.

  3. Declutter:

    • Throw away any mystery meals or meats, and don't forget those items bought during the pandemic that are still taking up space. ALL TO THE TRASH PLEASE! 🗑️

Re-Organize

  1. Categorize:

    • Organize what's left by category. This could be proteins, vegetables, fruits, and ready-to-eat meals. Label each category clearly.

  2. Use Clear Bins:

    • Use clear organizing bins to utilize vertical space and keep items contained and mess-free. Be sure to measure your space first.

  3. Label Everything:

    • Label your bins and food items with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of what you have and when it needs to be used.

Step 2: Shop Smart

Now that your freezer is organized, it's time to start shopping:

Shop Sales

  1. Weekly Sales:

    • Every week, add a new protein or frozen food to your stash by shopping sales. Buy items that can be used in various ways. For example, frozen spinach can be used in eggs, smoothies, fried rice, creamed spinach, or stuffed in chicken.

  2. Bulk Buying:

    • Buy in bulk when there are sales on your staple items. This not only saves money but also ensures you always have key ingredients on hand.

Versatile Staples

  1. Multiple Proteins:

    • Always have multiple proteins frozen in your freezer. Additionally, keep these staples on hand:

      • Frozen veggies (like spinach and cauliflower florets)

      • Sauces (marinara, pesto, enchilada)

      • Breads and wraps

      • Frozen fruits

      • Ready-to-eat foods (soups, burgers, meatballs, pre-cooked grains)

  2. Ready-to-Cook Meals:

    • Prepare and freeze complete meals that you can easily reheat. This is perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to cook from scratch.

💡Pro Tip: The idea is to make a whole meal using items from your freezer. On days when you don’t feel like cooking or just returned from vacation, rely on your freezer to feed you.

Step 3: Batch Cooking

Besides buying items on sale, you can also build your stash by meal prepping in big batches. This is especially great if you're feeding 1-2 people and helps save money because you're typically batch cooking foods that are already in your pantry, like beans, grains, and legumes.

Easy Double Batch Items:

  • All grains - Grains are versatile and can be used in many dishes. Cook a large batch of quinoa, rice, or barley and freeze them in individual portions. These can be added to salads, soups, or served as a side dish.

  • Burgers, meatballs - Homemade burgers and meatballs are perfect for freezing. Prepare a large batch, cook them, and freeze them in meal-sized portions. They can be quickly reheated for a quick and nutritious meal (Anytime I cook burgers or meatballs, I always double batch. Try my Juicy Turkey Burger recipe or Turkey Pesto Meatballs for simple, but delicious recipes that freeze GREAT!)

  • Lasagnas or baked pasta dishes - Prepare double batches of lasagnas (you can try my famous lasagna here) or baked pasta dishes. These freeze well and can be a complete meal on their own. Just bake them directly from the freezer.

  • Soups - Soups are a fantastic freezer meal. They can be made in large batches and frozen in individual servings. This makes for a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.

  • Muffins or breads - Baking a double batch of muffins or bread is a great way to have breakfast or snacks ready. Freeze them individually, so you can grab just what you need.

  • Cookies - Make cookie dough and freeze it in portions. You can bake fresh cookies anytime you want without having to make the dough from scratch each time.

  • Marinated proteins - Marinate your proteins before freezing them. This way, they absorb more flavor, and when you thaw them, they are ready to cook.

  • Sauces - Sauces like marinara, pesto, and enchilada sauce can be made in large batches and frozen in small containers. These can be quickly added to pasta, pizzas, or casseroles. Even if you’re buying from the store - instead of leaving a half used jar in the fridge, freeze the rest to keep it fresh and ready for next time!

  • Sautéed veggies (to be added to soups later) -If you have veggies that are about to go bad, sauté them and freeze them. They can be added to soups, stews, or casseroles later.

  • Mirepoix - Prepare a large batch of mirepoix (carrots, onions, celery) and freeze it. This is a base for many dishes and having it ready to go will save you time.

💡Tip: Keep both cooked and uncooked foods in your freezer at all times.

Building Your Freezer Stash Takes Time

Building a freezer stash takes time and dedication. But following these simple tips - you can start to build your stash! That way when those days come you don’t feel like cooking or you’ve just gotten home from vacation - you know you don’t have to rely on takeout.

  • Every time you meal prep, batch prep something for the freezer.

  • Every time you shop, buy something extra on sale that you often use, especially proteins.

  • Whenever you're tired of eating something you've prepped, freeze the rest for later.

Already started you freezer stash and ready to dive into meal prepping? Make sure you’ve grabbed my e-book “Everything But The Kitchen Sink” for my comprehensive roadmap for getting started. Imagine cooking in a kitchen set up for function, keeping money in your pocket and food out of the trash, getting into a weekly meal prep groove with ease, and being more energized throughout the week because you have better-for-you meals prepared. You can find the e-book here.

Need More Help?

If you're struggling with meal prep and want to make better use of your freezer, let's chat! I can help you learn the foundations of meal prepping, organize your kitchen, and make meal prep a life skill you can rely on forever.

Click here to book a free no-pressure Chef's Chat with me. There's a better way, and I can help you find it!

Building a freezer stash doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. With a little organization, smart shopping, and batch cooking, you'll have a freezer full of delicious, ready-to-eat meals in no time. Happy meal prepping!