Once your freezer meals are prepped, frozen, and ready to go, it’s time to talk about how to properly thaw them so they stay safe, tasty, and easy to cook. Luckily, with many freezer meal cooking methods, like the Instant Pot or slow cooker, you can actually skip thawing altogether! Here’s a quick guide to thawing your meals correctly, along with tips to keep your meals as fresh and safe as possible.
Thawing Not Required: Slow Cooker & Pressure Cooker
One of the best parts of freezer meal prepping is that if you’re cooking with a slow cooker or Pressure Cooker, your meals can go straight from the freezer to the pot!
For Both Methods: Run the bag under cool water for a few seconds to loosen the meal from the bag, then dump it directly into your pot.
Instant Pot Tip: Add at least ¼ cup of liquid to help bring the pot up to pressure and avoid any chance of burning the meal.
Exception: I recommend thawing it in the refrigerator beforehand if you’re cooking a thick roast with a long cooking time. This helps ensure the roast cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
Thawing Required for Other Cooking Methods
If you plan to use the oven, stovetop, or any other method, you’ll need to thaw your freezer meal first. Here are the safest and most efficient ways to thaw:
Refrigerator Thawing (Preferred Method)
Transfer the meal to the refrigerator the night before you plan to cook. This allows the food to thaw safely and evenly.
Cold Water Bath (Quick Thawing)
If you forgot to transfer your meal to the fridge, don’t worry! Submerge the sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes to keep it at a safe temperature. This method will have most meals ready to cook in a few hours.
Tip: Always use cold water, as warmer temperatures can place the outer layers of your food in the “danger zone” (40°F to 140°F), where bacteria grow quickly.
What to Avoid When Thawing Freezer Meals
To keep your meals safe, avoid these common thawing mistakes:
No Warm or Hot Water Baths: Thawing with warm water may seem quick, but it increases the risk of bacteria growth on the outer layers of the food.
No Room Temperature Thawing: Leaving food out to thaw on the counter for an extended time can cause the food to enter the temperature danger zone. While it’s tempting (and we’ve all done it!), it’s best to stick with safer methods like the refrigerator or a cold water bath.
Why Proper Thawing Matters
Just as important as freezing, proper thawing keeps your meals safe to eat and prevents spoilage. Incorrect thawing methods increase the risk of harmful bacteria, which can lead to foodborne illness, and nobody wants that!
For more helpful freezer meal prep tips, sign up for our FREE Freezer Meal Prep Course and learn how to master freezer cooking from start to finish!
