I love to cook! I really do. If I had all the time in the world, I would probably cook every meal of every day. Well, okay, maybe not EVERY meal… sometimes even people who love to cook need a break! But the reality is that I don’t have all the time in the world, and cooking does take a fair amount of time throughout the day! And sometimes we just get so darn busy that heating up a “frozen dinner” is the only way we’re even going to GET a meal on the table.
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So the next time you pull one of those frozen entrees out of the freezer, don’t feel guilty! We’re all just doing our best to get through the day, and sometimes a healthy, home-cooked meal just isn’t in the cards. But instead of resigning yourself to a mediocre meal, take a few extra minutes to dress it up! Here are a few easy ways to transform frozen foods into something you’ll be proud to serve for dinner!
3 Delicious Shortcuts For Frozen Foods
1. Dress Up 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 then I was struck by a flash of inspiration. The rice and beans weren’t bad necessarily, they just needed a bit more pizazz! So I just added some of my favorite “Tex-Mex” additions, which I usually have on hand anyway. I added some diced tomato, diced avocado, fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice. At the last second, I decided to throw in a little leftover chicken that I had in the fridge. My sad little entree was transformed into a healthy, tasty dinner!
When it comes to dressing up your own frozen entrees, consider the basic elements in the dish and what kind of cuisine it is. Then choose a few ingredients that are commonly paired with that food, and 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 a quick and delicious lunch or snack. I particularly like the Amy’s brand! The one drawback of these burritos (and most frozen burritos, frankly) is that it’s almost impossible to heat them evenly in the microwave. The ends get so hot the explode, while the center remains stubbornly lukewarm. But there’s a better way!
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For a more evenly heated burrito, use both your microwave and stove. Start by warming the burrito in your microwave for about a minute. Next, transfer the burrito to a lightly greased sauté pan, and place it on your stove over medium heat. Cook the burrito until lightly browned on both sides, then top with guacamole or sour cream (or both!) and serve. Yum!
3. Wrap It Up
Most frozen dinners are okay… but they’re not particularly attractive or enticing. Adding a fresh ingredient or element is an easy way to elevate that frozen meal!
For this mango chicken entree, I decided to serve it as mini lettuce wraps. I used a head of tender and delicious Bibb lettuce, and simply scooped the heated entree into each lettuce leaf. The addition of fresh lettuce turned out to be exactly what this entree needed, and I ended up enjoying this meal immensely!
What are your favorite frozen entrees to “dress up”?
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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
I like to add black pepper and Parmesan cheese to frozen mac and cheese. It gives it that zing!
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… Read more »
How wonderful that you’ve managed to work around your disability, and find a solution that’s right for you!
Great ideas Anne! (:
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… Read more »
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you.
Neva