Freezer meals for postpartum

[Maybemaybenot76]

I didn’t do this in my first pregnancy, but with a 4 year old and DP going back to work straight away, I’d like to Cook and freeze some meals for those postpartum days where it’s impossible to get anything done.

I’m a bit of a worrier when it comes to food safety, so whilst I’m fine defrosting and heating up things like soups and sauces, what is the heat method for things like cottage pie and lasagne? Should I cook them completely then freeze, or part Cook then freeze?

I’ve no idea on cooking times for frozen meals unless they come with insurrections, as I always cook fresh!! I don’t want to poison us all 😥

Insurrections? That was meant to say instructions!

Fully cook, chill, freeze hygienically. Defrost thoroughly then cook on preheated oven eg cottage pie 40 mins ish. For stews heat up in saucepan till bubbling. Buy a food thermometer, stab food and check food piping hot right through. I don’t often use microwave so cant advise on that. Congratulations and best wishes OP.

@Flibbertygibbetty thank you! Clearly defrosting is the obvious choice, I suppose my main concern is forgetting and then reheating in oven from frozen. I think I’ll just make sure to remember! 😃

Some things are best cooked from frozen. All of these recipes have freezing and reheating instructions and don’t need defrosting:
Shepherds pie www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/no-fuss-shepherds-pie
Yorkshire puddings www.saga.co.uk/magazine/food/cooking-tips/best-ever-yorkshire-pudding-recipe
Fish pie www.justinepattison.com/recipe/fabulous-freezer-fish-pie/
Quiche https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/quichelorraine_71987#:~:text=To%20freeze%20the%20quiche%20Lorraine,or%20until%20piping%20hot%20throughout.