How to Store & Reheat Frozen Meal Trays the Right Way

Keeping Dinner Simple — and Safe

Ready-made meals make life easier, but storing and reheating them properly keeps that quality right where it should be. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, managing shift work, or just stocking up for the week ahead, learning the right way to handle frozen food means you’ll always get a tasty, safe, and satisfying result.

At Delicious & Done, every meal is cooked in small batches and snap-frozen at its freshest. With the right storage and reheating habits, that freshness stays locked in from our kitchen to yours.

 

1. Why Storage Matters

Freezing pauses time. It stops bacteria from growing and locks in the texture, nutrients, and flavour of freshly cooked food. But to keep that quality intact, your freezer needs to do its part.

A well-organised freezer:

• Preserves taste and texture. Even freezing prevents ice crystals that can affect food quality.
  

• Improves efficiency. Cold air circulates more evenly when meals are stacked neatly.
  

• Reduces waste. You can see what’s there and use older meals first.
  
  

Think of your freezer as your second pantry — one that protects the meals you’ve already paid for and saves you from last-minute takeaways.

 

2. The Right Way to Store Your Frozen Meals

Proper storage doesn’t require fancy gear, just a few consistent habits.

Keep it cold:
Set your freezer to –18 °C or colder. Most domestic freezers default to this, but it’s worth checking occasionally, especially in warmer months.

Stack flat and label clearly:
Delicious & Done trays are designed to stack easily, so make the most of that. Place the newest meals at the back and bring older ones forward. 

Avoid the freezer door:
The door is the warmest part of the freezer and fluctuates every time it’s opened. Keep ready meals deeper inside where the temperature stays steady.

Store safely after delivery:
When your order arrives, pop it into the freezer as soon as possible. If you’re not home to receive it, the wool-lined boxes and gel packs will keep everything frozen for the day — but it’s best to transfer them quickly once you can.

 

3. Defrosting — Slow and Steady Wins

Defrosting properly makes a noticeable difference. The safest and best method is to move your meal from freezer to fridge 12–24 hours before you plan to eat it. Slow thawing keeps the texture consistent and ensures even reheating later.

If you forget (and we all do), there’s good news: Delicious & Done trays can go straight from freezer to oven or microwave. Just allow a little extra cooking time.

 

4. Oven Reheating for Best Results

If you’ve got a little extra time, the oven gives frozen meals that just-cooked quality — crisp tops, bubbling sauces, and even heat throughout.

How to reheat frozen meals in the oven

1. Preheat to 160–180 °C.
   

2. Remove or pierce the plastic film so steam can escape.
   

3. Place the tray on a baking sheet for stability.
   

4. Cook for the time indicated on the label of each frozen meal.
   

5. Check it’s piping hot all the way through before serving, using a thermometer to check the thickest part of the meal is above 75 degrees. Let the meal stand for 3-4 minutes before serving
   
   

Allow the meal to rest for five minutes after heating. This helps the sauce settle and prevents burns when serving.

Oven reheating is ideal for pies, lasagnes, pasta bakes, and roasts — anything that benefits from a bit of golden texture.

 

5. Microwave Reheating for Speed

When time’s short, the microwave is your best friend. Because Delicious & Done trays are microwave-safe, you can reheat straight from frozen or defrosted without needing extra dishes.

Quick microwave guide

1. Pierce the film several times to let steam escape.
   

2. Heat on high for the time indicated on each frozen meal
   

3. Stir or rotate halfway through to ensure even heat.
   

4. Check the centre — it should be steaming hot throughout. Use a thermometer to check if it is above 75 degrees in the thickest part
   
   

Microwaving works especially well for curries, stews, and rice-based dishes where moisture helps heat transfer evenly.

 

6. Safety First: Avoid Refreezing Cooked Meals

Once a meal has been reheated, treat it like freshly cooked food. If you’ve got leftovers, cool them quickly, refrigerate, and eat within two days. Avoid refreezing reheated portions — doing so can affect both food safety and texture.

If you want smaller servings for later, divide the tray before reheating. That way you can defrost and heat only what you need each time.

 

7. Smart Food Storage Tips

A few extra steps go a long way:

• Don’t overload the freezer. Air needs to circulate to maintain temperature.
  

• Wipe away frost build-up every few months. It helps your freezer run more efficiently.
  

• Group meals by type. Keep savoury bakes, curries, and pastas together for faster meal decisions.
  

• Check seals and gaskets. If frost builds up quickly, warm air might be leaking in.
  
  

These simple routines keep your frozen dinners fresher for longer — and your energy bills a bit lower too.

 

8. Why Quality Frozen Meals Matter

The best reheating technique can only do so much if the meal wasn’t good to begin with. That’s why Delicious & Done meals are cooked in small batches before being snap-frozen at their peak.

Every dish, from Chicken Saag & Rice to Smokey Ham Mac & Cheese, reheats beautifully because it was designed that way from the start.

 

9. Easy, Reliable, and Ready When You Are

Knowing frozen food storage tips and reheating methods means you can enjoy your meals confidently. No guesswork, no waste — just wholesome food whenever you need it.

Whether you prefer the slow warmth of the oven or the speed of the microwave, Delicious & Done meals are built to adapt to your schedule.

For more storage and reheating guidance, visit our FAQ Page or explore Our Menu for dinners that are made to heat perfectly, every time.