3 things I always keep in my freezer
Because dinner shouldn’t be a daily emergency. There are a lot of things I run out of around here—milk, sandwich bread, matching socks… but when it comes to meat, I like to stay stocked. It’s one of the easiest ways I keep meal planning simple, and it means I can always throw something together, even on the craziest days. Here are the 3 things I always keep in my freezer—and why they earn their place: 1. Ground Beef This is my weeknight workhorse.Tacos, spaghetti, nachos, casseroles—you name it, it starts with ground beef. I usually thaw it in the morning, and we’re off to the races. I always keep at least 10 lbs on hand because it disappears fast, and it’s the most versatile thing I cook with. Bonus: our ground beef cooks up quickly, and there is very little grease. I don't even have to drain it! One of our family favorites is this Skillet Lasagna—it’s a one-pan, 30-minute dinner that checks all the boxes: hearty, cheesy, and everyone loves it. 2. Beef Chuck Roast I’m not talking about Sunday dinner with china—though that’s great too.I mean a good Chuck or Arm roast for busy nights when I just want to throw something in the Crock-Pot and walk away. Add potatoes, carrots, and seasoning and you’ve got a full meal without hovering over the stove. Roasts also make the best leftovers for tacos, sandwiches, or casserole. I try to keep a few in the freezer at all times. But if I’ve got a little extra time, these Slow Cooker Birria Tacos are worth every second. 3. Bacon Don’t judge me—but I might panic if we run out of bacon.It’s for breakfast, of course. But it also adds flavor to beans, brussels sprouts, green beans, soups… even salad. If I’ve got bacon, I feel like I can make any boring meal taste better. I keep a pack in the refrigerator at all times! I use a stripe or two here and there and always have a few backups in my freezer. A family favorite breakfast this summer is these Bacon Cheddar Scones! They are perfect for a slow morning breakfast with coffee or a quick breakfast on the go! Want to keep your freezer stocked like I do? Check out our brand new Freezer Favorites Box—everything I talked about in this post, bundled and ready to go. A well-stocked freezer means fewer drive-thrus and more real food. If your freezer is looking a little bare, now’s a good time to refill it. Fill your freezer >> click here! We’ve got pasture-raised pork and ranch-finished beef available now, and you can build your own box with what your family actually eats. Order the Freezer Favorites Box >> Freezer Favorites Box