Once a Month Cooking: Lasagna & Meatloaf Prep & Thawing

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores experiences and opinions related to the practice of Once a Month Cooking, specifically focusing on the preparation and freezing of lasagna and meatloaf. Participants share their methods for thawing and cooking these dishes, as well as personal anecdotes about their cooking routines.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, inquires about the best practices for freezing lasagna and meatloaf, expressing feelings of unpreparedness for an upcoming presentation.
  • Another participant shares their experience of prepping and freezing both lasagna and meatloaf, suggesting a thawing method of 24 hours in the refrigerator before baking.
  • One user mentions that they do not usually freeze meatloaf but do freeze lasagna, opting to bake it directly from frozen without thawing.
  • A participant references a cooking book that provides instructions for preparing lasagna for freezing, including specific baking times after thawing.
  • Another participant describes their method of freezing entrees, including lasagna and meatloaf, and emphasizes the convenience of having meals ready to go.
  • One participant discusses their planning for freezer meals in anticipation of a new baby, highlighting the usefulness of a specific cooking book.
  • Another user asks for the name of the book mentioned, sharing their own experience of having their presentation postponed due to family illness.
  • A participant provides details about the "30-day Gourmet" book, explaining how it facilitates meal preparation and freezing for later use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods for freezing and thawing lasagna and meatloaf, with no clear consensus emerging on whether to freeze them raw or cooked.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and methods related to Once a Month Cooking, reflecting a variety of approaches to meal preparation and freezing.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in meal prep strategies and those exploring options for efficient cooking may find the shared experiences relevant.

4kids4me
4kids4me
Messages
417
Does anyone here do this program - Once a Month Cooking? Kind of like Power Cooking. :) Anywho, I'm doing my presentation tomorrow on this topic. Wondering about lasagna and meat Loaf. SHould these prepped and frozen or baked and then frozen?? Either way, what's the thaw procedure?? TIA!

I'm praying for a delay tomorrow - that would cancel the meeting, lol. I'm feeling very unprepared for this!!!
 
I have prepped and frozen them raw, and cooked.

Thaw 24 hours in the frig, then bake till reheated (if fully cooked) and till cooked through (if not precooked)
 
I don't usually freeze my meatloaf, not that it can't be.... but I do freeze my lasagna. I do not thaw it but bake it for 2 hours instead of 1 hour.
 
I have the once-a-month cooking book from Focus on the Family - haven't looked at it in years. Back when I got it, I wasn't married and it wasn't feasible for 1 person.
 
For lasagna the book says cook noodles according to package until al dente...layer everything...wrap dish with foil and freeze.To prepare for serving, thaw lasagna. Bake uncovered in pre-heated overn for 30-40 minutes.
 
I do the same as Kelly - I prep them and freeze. I put my dinner entree in the fridge the night before to defrost. For lasagna's and meatloaf I line the pan with foil and freeze, then take out of the pan to keep in the freezer. I put it back in the pan to defrost!And Janet is right, too - while you wouldn't cook the whole dish, you want it ready to be cooked. So if you usually cook an ingredient before layering it up - like noodles or rice - then do it now. That being said, I use oven ready lasagna noodles that don't have to be precooked.I love OAMC, even though I don't actually just cook once a month. It is really nice to have dinners ready to go (and it's great when you prepare one large recipe to have two fresh meals, instead of one fresh and one leftover).
 
My baby is due the end of April and I just started planning my freezer meals last night. I have the 30-day gourmet book and use the forms in it. I love it and did it with my first baby - what a lifesaver!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Heather, what is the name of the book? My twins were horribly sick this morning (all day actually), so my presentation got bumped to next month's moms club meeting. So I have an extra month to prepare. tia!
 
It is just called "30-day Gourmet". They have a website and it has some free recipes on it that are pretty detailed about what to prepare and how to package it for freezing. You can buy the book there also if you want it but pretty much the recipes you can download are self explanatory. With this system you make multiples of each recipe on your "cooking day" and freeze them, then you eat them throughout the month so you have a variety all month. I won't be doing all of my meals in one day but I'll do all of my ground beef in one session, all of my raw chicken in marinades in one session, and so on... then freeze them in containers or zipper bags and pull them out a day or 2 before I plan to use them. I don't do it every month but if I find some meats on sale I will make stuff up and pop it in the freezer - I love it when I have those meals to eat, makes my evenings so much easier!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Once a Month Cooking: Lasagna & Meatloaf Prep & Thawing"?

"Once a Month Cooking: Lasagna & Meatloaf Prep & Thawing" is a meal prep strategy that allows you to prepare multiple servings of lasagna and meatloaf in one cooking session. This method helps save time and effort during busy weeks by allowing you to freeze and thaw meals as needed.

How do I prepare lasagna and meatloaf for freezing?

To prepare lasagna and meatloaf for freezing, start by cooking the ingredients as you normally would. For lasagna, layer the noodles, sauce, cheese, and any fillings in a freezer-safe dish. For meatloaf, mix the ingredients and shape them into loaves. Wrap each dish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and label them with the date before placing them in the freezer.

How long can I freeze lasagna and meatloaf?

Lasagna and meatloaf can typically be frozen for up to three months for optimal quality. While they may still be safe to eat beyond this time, the texture and flavor may begin to deteriorate.

What is the best way to thaw frozen lasagna and meatloaf?

The best way to thaw frozen lasagna and meatloaf is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. If you're short on time, you can also use the microwave's defrost setting, but be sure to cook them immediately after thawing to ensure food safety.

Can I cook lasagna and meatloaf directly from frozen?

Yes, you can cook lasagna and meatloaf directly from frozen, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Typically, you should increase the cooking time by about 50% compared to the time specified for thawed dishes. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach a safe level before serving.

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