If I had all the time in the world, I would probably cook myself something for every meal. (Well, okay, maybe not EVERY meal… even people who enjoy cooking need a break occasionally!)
Related: The 10 Things You Need To Know About Pressure Cooking Frozen Foods
But I don’t have all the time in the world, and there’s no getting around the fact that cooking takes up a fair amount of time. Sometimes heating up frozen entrees is the only way to squeeze in a meal at the appropriate time!
We’re all doing our best to make it through the day, and sometimes a healthy, home-cooked dish just isn’t in the cards. But rather than resign yourself to a mediocre meal, take a few extra minutes to dress it up with one of these easy tips for transforming frozen entrees.
3 Easy Ways To Make Frozen Entrees Taste Better
1. Enhance Your Entree
Recently I had one of those rare nights when I didn’t have anyone to feed in the house except myself. I really didn’t feel like eating fast food, but I didn’t feel like cooking either. So I decided to pull one of my “diet-friendly frozen dinners” out of the freezer. I followed the instructions on the box, but when I pulled it out of the microwave… let’s just say I was underwhelmed.
But the rice and beans weren’t bad, they just needed a bit more pizazz! I added some of my favorite “Tex-Mex” additions like tomato, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. I also had some leftover chicken in the fridge, so I used that too. Instead of a lifeless entree, I ended up with a tasty, even fairly healthy dinner!
To use this approach with other frozen entrees, consider the basic elements and flavors in the dish, then choose a few extras to add that would pair well. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Give it a few tries, and you’re sure to come up with a delicious way to dress up your frozen entrees.
2. Better Burritos
Frozen burritos can be quick and delicious as a lunch or snack. (I particularly like the Amy’s brand!) The biggest drawback of frozen burritos is that it can be really tricky to heat them evenly in the microwave. The ends can be scaldingly hot, even when the center is still cold to the touch. Luckily, there’s a better way to do it!
For a more evenly heated burrito, use both your microwave and stove. Start by warming the burrito in your microwave for about a minute, then transfer it to a lightly greased sauté pan and cook on your stove over medium heat. Let it heat through until it’s lightly browned on both sides, then top with guacamole or sour cream and serve. Yum!
3. Wrap It In Lettuce
They say you eat with your eyes first, and most frozen meals aren’t particularly attractive or enticing. Adding something fresh can go a long way toward making a microwave meal more appealing.
For this mango chicken entree, I decided to scoop it into lettuce and enjoy it as a few mini lettuce wraps. I used a head of tender Bibb lettuce, and the fresh lettuce turned out to be exactly what this entree needed. I ended up enjoying my meal immensely!
Do you have any other tips for dressing up frozen entrees?
My hubby puts his burrito in microwave for 1 minute then in skillet to brown his Ida of changing up his burrito is he fries egg till med done then puts that on top with extra cheese an salsa it’s omygosh so yummy when you pop the egg yoke an it runs all over plate it’s wonderful
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like to add black pepper and Parmesan cheese to frozen mac and cheese. It gives it that zing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I buy Marie Callander individual pizzas and spaghetti. I then add my own veggies: any or all of sliced olives (green and/or black), chopped green onions, chopped red onions, and chopped bell peppers (all colors), I slightly cook the onions and peppers (not the green onions). Then I mix them with the olives and add some more marinara sauce and some more cheese, usually a combination of shredded mozzarella and shredded parmesan. This makes the frozen food much more nutritious as well as better tasting. Bonus: It usually makes two meals for me instead of one. It sounds as if I could just as easily make the pizza and spaghetti from scratch, but I’m an invalid, and I can’t lift a pan of spaghetti and water to drain it, or stand up long enough to make a pizza crust. I used to make my own. But this is as close to my own as I can get now.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How wonderful that you’ve managed to work around your disability, and find a solution that’s right for you!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great ideas Anne! (:
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Pizza is one of our favorite pre-made frozen items. I used to hate them and I decided never to purchase one again. Then one day l I was inspired to doctor them up. After that, my family LOVES them! I do not want to serve pepperoni or sausage… we don’ eat pork. I get vegetarian or chicken pizzas. I sometimes add: Olive oil, turkey bacon, fried onions, more cheese (sometimes more than one kind), or tomato either on to cook or after it is cooked. Uncooked or left over cooked chicken strips, leftover cooked brocolli or chard or just about anything.. I like to put on cauliflower florettes if I have them. I cut them very small. In truth left over stew, salami left from sandwiches, sliced turkey. I save turkey from Thanksgiving just for adding to frozen meals. It is also fun to put on various herbs, sundried tomatoes, olives, bread crumbs, salsa, part of a can of corn. In other words, go to town. Once you find a combination you love, make it again! Experiment! I prefer to use a whole grain pizza, but if I add enough goodies, it makes a little progress toward counterbalancing the white flour crust.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I love Amy’s gluten-free burritos, too! Thanks for the better way to cook them I top it with salsa and serve with a side of leftover chicken on top of greens with a mix of mayo and salsa as a dressing.
Atkins meals are also a favorite. Additions can be added after the first cooking time when stirring the meal. Sometimes just stirring in some butter is enough of a flavor enhancer. Other times I might add diced tomatoes, chopped spinach, or leftover cooked veggies.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Forgot to add that I do increase the cooking time after adding things to the Atkins meals. Add maybe 30 seconds depending on how cold the additions are.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I really like the Lean Cuisine Fettucine Alfredo, and like to microwave until the last minute, and then add parmesan, chicken, broccoli, or just chicken and parmesan. I don’t like their Fettucine Alfredo with chicken as the chicken is sort of funky/slimy, so add my own. If you buy roast chickens, you can individually freeze in portions to add to Lean Cuisine.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When I want a frozen corn dog I thaw in microwave for 2 min. on 25% then in the oven till golden brown. It cuts down on the oven time.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.For frozen burrito, try your air fryer, the outside is crispy. I would thaw them in the micro first. 1 minute should do it, then airfry for 5 minutes or until brown. Top with green or red chili, add cheese and sour cream.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When we do the frozen baked potatoes , we had sour cream and cheese when they are finished..For the frozen burritos we add sour cream, the cheese and then picante sauce.I love the idea about cooking them. I also love the lettuce wrap idea. It’s perfect for one of our gluten free family members.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use diffusers in my toilets and bathroom. A glass bottle with the mixture and bamboo sticks to soak up tne mix. But what do you use to make it up? Gives off just enough aroma to freshen the room.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you.
Neva