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!

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.