How To Reheat Your Meal Prep!

Freezing your meal prep dishes is a great way to keep them fresh and convenient, but reheating them the right way can make all the difference in taste and texture. While the microwave is the go-to method for many, there are better ways to revive your meals that keep them just as delicious as the day they were made. Let’s go over the best reheating hacks to get the most out of your prepped meals!

1. The Oven: Best for Even Heating

If you want your meals to taste freshly made, the oven is your best bet. This method is ideal for baked dishes, roasted meats, and casseroles.

• How to reheat in the oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300-350°F.

  2. Place your oven-safe meal on the middle rack and only pierce the plastic film with a fork a few times to create a steamed environment inside the tray.

  3. Heat for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.

  4. For extra crispiness, remove the film in the last 5 minutes.

Best for: Baked pasta dishes, casseroles, roasted meats, and veggies.

2. The Stovetop: Best for Stir-Fries & Meats

The stovetop is a great option for stir-fries, rice dishes, and meats since it allows you to add moisture and keep textures intact.

• How to reheat on the stovetop:

  1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a splash of water or broth (for moisture) or a small amount of oil.

  2. Add your meal and stir occasionally to prevent burning.

  3. Cook for 5-10 minutes until evenly heated.

Best for: Stir-fries, grain bowls, taco meat, shredded chicken, and sautéed vegetables.

3. The Air Fryer: Best for Keeping Things Crispy

If you love crispy textures, the air fryer is your best friend. It quickly heats food while maintaining crispiness without making it soggy.

• How to reheat in an air fryer:

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 325-350°F.

  2. Place your meal in an air-fryer safe container, single layer inside the basket. Do not place the original pulp container in the air fryer. 

  3. Heat for 5-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Best for: Chicken tenders, roasted veggies, breakfast potatoes, and even some pasta dishes with a crispy top layer.

4. The Steaming Method: Best for Keeping Moisture

For delicate proteins and rice-based dishes, steaming is a great way to reheat without drying out.

• How to reheat with steam:

  1. Bring a small pot of water to a simmer and place a steaming basket on top.

  2. Add your meal (in a heatproof dish) and cover with a lid.

  3. Steam for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Best for: Rice dishes, seafood, dumplings, and tender proteins.

5. The Slow Cooker: Best for Bulk Reheating

If you're reheating multiple meals or a large portion, a slow cooker is a great option that keeps food warm for hours without overcooking.

• How to reheat in a slow cooker:

  1. Add your meal to the slow cooker with a splash of liquid (broth or water).

  2. Set to low and heat for 1-2 hours until warm.

Best for: Stews, soups, pulled meats, and bulk meal prep.

Final Tips for the Best Reheating Experience

✅ Avoid the Microwave for Some Foods – While convenient, microwaves can make some meals rubbery or unevenly heated. If using one, cover your food and add a small cup of water to the microwave to retain moisture.
✅ Use a Thermometer for Proteins – Make sure your meats reach 165°F internally for safe consumption.
✅ Reheat Gradually – Slow and steady heating helps maintain texture and flavor better than blasting it with high heat.

By using these reheating hacks, you can ensure that your frozen meal prep dishes taste just as fresh as the day they were made. Give them a try and let us know which method is your favorite!