I have some questions on batch cooking/freezing

[Ultrasonic]

I need some words from the wise if anyone can help?

Lasagne: assemble-freeze-defrost-cook or

assemble-cook-defrost-microwave
Which do you think will give the best result?

Can you freeze cooked risotto? I usually make mine with chicken stock and pieces of cooked chicken

With stews, curries and mince bolognaise sauces is it always better to defrost first before reheating? I have always one it by leaving them to defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat the next evening but I don't know if this is necessary? Is it possible to just reheat them from frozen?

Any help appreciated, as you can see I'm pretty clueless! 😳

I usually freeze lasagne uncooked, and defrost stews etc before reheating (though do sometimes use microwave for defrosting purposes)

never tried to freeze, risotto, I think reheating rice is not a good idea?

I've always cooked lasagne first and then frozen but not because I thought it was the right way to do it, just because it's usually leftovers. Normally I make an extra large one so there's plenty to freeze, rather than going to the effort of making one to freeze. I usually get bolognase or chilli etc out the night before and leave to defrost in the fridge but only because I would otherwise forget!! I have cooked them from frozen before though when I have forgotten to take them out, I just put it into a pan of boiling water (about an inch of water in the bottom) and cook on a low temperature - does take much longer.

I have frozen risotto and as long as you reheat it thoroughly (I steam it, but you could microwave it) it's fine, but it does no favours for the texture, which goes a bit claggy. Kids don't mind! I always defrost overnight then re-heat, apart from anything else you don't waste electricity re-heating from frozen, and it's a lot faster when you are desperate to eat...

When I batch-cook I split everything up into single portions like ready-meals. Then they can be nuked from frozen to piping hot no problem. A bigger dish I'd defrost before reheating.

Thanks all, looks like I was pretty much on the right track then!