Why isn't batch cooking and freezing working for me?

Fusspot

I am really trying to persevere with this, making a casserole in the slow cooker and freezing in batches but it just doesn't taste the same when I thaw it out and reheat it.

I want this method to work as it saves me money and time in the long run but I feel it's not working and I don't know what to eat now. I live alone and work full time so don't want anything time consuming. I used to have a lot of ready meals but I know they are not all that healthy. What am I doing wrong?

Also how long can you freeze these meals for and is it safe to do this with chicken as I am wary of reheating it so just end up doing mince and sausage.

FairyPrincessk

Yes you can do it with chicken. I'm wondering what it is that doesn't taste right to you? Some things won't freeze as well as others--potatoes and white sauce aren't quite the same to me, although I don't mind. Maybe try recreating the ready meals you used to buy? A bit more detail and some of the freezer gurus might be able to give you some tips.

Technically the food should last indefinitely, although taste wise you may be limited to anywhere from 3 months to a year depending on your freezer, the food and how you are packaging it.

FairyPrincessk

Another thought--if fully cooked meals aren't working what about freezing building blocks? For example, savoury cooked mince, chopped onions etc?

Wooftastic

Hi Fusspot. What was in your casserole and why didn't it taste right???

Fusspot

Thanks for your replies. I mainly cook mince and sausage casserole. It also seems to lose its heat quickly once reheated. The only way it seems to be ok is when I do it as a cottage pie with mashed potato.

happy35

Hi, you are not the only one who cant get this right as I cant either

I dont eat meat but cook it for OH and DS, I have made double and frozen various things but they say that it doesnt taste the same as when it was freshly cooked. I have tried bolognaise, shepherds pie, curry and a cobbler

I have also tried to freeze HM tomato sauce for pasta and I did try that and it didnt taste the same. i have had to go back to cooking from scratch every night

Wooftastic

Do you freeze whilst the food is still hot?? How do you reheat it?? When you talked about shepherds pie did you freeze the potato?

I personally freeze my meals minus pasta, potatoes etc and reheat in a microwave for about 7-10 minutes. I find most things reheat well.

Butterfly_Brain

Are you reheating for too long? That affects the taste and texture
Defrost and Reheat at a high heat for approx 20/30mins or until piping hot all the way through.
Do not use aluminium foil as it affects taste

Jackop

Hi Fusspot,

What is your thawing and re-heating technique?

Freezer to stove or oven?
Freezer to fridge then stove or oven?
Freezer to fridge then microwave?
Freezer to microwave from frozen?
Freezer to microwave defrost then stove or oven?

You can use any of these ways so try and change it up to see if that helps.

I would say the best tasting method would be to defrost fully in the fridge and then stove or oven. That's my opinion though and it may just be that I don't really like the microwave!

FairyPrincessk

Echoing and adding to a few of the thoughts above:
If you find the food doesn't retain its heat my guess is you aren't reheating thoroughly enough. If you're reheating in a microwave then it really does need to be stirred, or if that isn't possible you need to heat it for a few minutes, let it set then heat it for a few more (you'll notice this in some ready meal instructions). Wet food reheats better in the microwave, you may find the oven better for some things if taste is more important that reheating time or fuel cost. In the case of your sausage casserole, bear in mind that sauce may be hot before the sausages are piping all the way through.

What you store the food in matters. Foil can transfer flavour, and if it isn't air tight then things will get freezer burn, so perhaps experiment with that. In particular, tomato based things can taste metallic if stored or heated in aluminium.

If you can get the cottage pie right then I don't think it is a lost cause, although there are some meals I just prefer not to do as freezer meals.

nursemaggie

I have to admit I don't like it but then I can't stand ready meals either.

I have just given up because it just does not taste right like any warmed up dinner. I am told I am a very good cook so I guess I can't tolerate anything less than perfect.