One way I make it easier to cook from scratch for my family is by keeping pre-cooked protein in the freezer. When the meat is already cooked, meals come together quickly, and I'm less tempted to order takeout or rely on convenience foods.
In this video, I cooked a large batch of ground beef and made homemade salmon patties, then divided everything into freezer bags so they are ready for future meals.
This simple habit saves time, saves money, and helps me keep nutritious meals on the table.
Salmon Patties for the Freezer
Ingredients
- 2 cans salmon 14.75 oz each, drained and picked over for bones and excess skin
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- or ¼ cup chopped onion or green onion
- ½ teaspoon Blend seasoning salt, garlic, pepper
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon lemon pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the drained salmon, breadcrumbs, eggs, baking powder, and seasonings.
- Mix well until fully combined.
- Form into patties.
- Fry in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
- Place cooked patties on paper towels to drain.
- Allow to cool, then place in freezer bags.
- I froze some bags with 5 patties for small meals and one larger bag with 16 patties for family dinners.
- These reheat well and make quick meals anytime.
Batch Cooked Ground Beef for the Freezer
I cooked 3 pounds of organic grass-fed ground beef in a large pan until fully browned.
After cooking, I drained the small amount of grease and allowed the meat to cool slightly.
I divided the cooked beef into two quart-size freezer bags, flattened the bags, and placed them in the freezer.
Having cooked ground beef ready makes it easy to prepare:
- tacos
- spaghetti
- soups
- casseroles
- chili
- fried rice
- stuffed peppers
Why I Keep Pre-Cooked Protein in the Freezer
This is one of the simplest ways I keep cooking from scratch manageable.
When the protein is ready, meals come together fast.
It helps me:
- save time
- save money
- avoid takeout
- cook healthier meals
- feed my family without stress
This is real-life cooking, not perfection.
Just simple habits that make life easier.
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