Spoiler alert: dinner might already be waiting for you.

If you’ve ever stared into your freezer wondering what the heck to make for dinner, you’re not alone. We all do it. And when you’ve stocked up on quality pasture-raised meats, it’s easy to forget what you have—especially if it’s buried under a frozen loaf of banana bread from 2022. 😂

Here’s how to “shop” your freezer like it’s your own personal grocery store (because it literally is).

1. Take Inventory

Pull everything out and jot down what you’ve got. Even just a sticky note on the freezer door helps!

2. Label with Love

If you buy from us, your packages are already labeled. But if you’re freezing your own leftovers or meal-prepped dishes, add the date you froze them. FIFO (first in, first out) helps you use things before they get frosty and forgotten.

3. Make a “Use Soon” Basket

Got one lonely pack of stew meat or a few chicken thighs? Pop them into a basket or reusable bag labeled USE SOON. That way, they’re front and center instead of getting buried in the back.

4. Pick a Protein First

When planning meals, don’t start with a recipe—start with your protein.

Got ground pork? That could become:

• Tacos
• Stir fry
• Lettuce wraps
• Breakfast hash

Roast? That’s your weekend dinner and Monday’s lunch.

5. Thaw Smart, Not Stressy

Move a few things from freezer to fridge the night before. A Sunday night “freezer check” is a great weekly habit!

Need it faster? Use the cold water method:

• Submerge sealed meat in a bowl of cold water.
• Change water every 30 minutes.
• Most cuts thaw in under 2 hours.

Pro Tip: Our Packaging = Longer Shelf Life

All our meats are sealed in professional vacuum bags, which means they last longer in your fridge compared to plastic-wrapped or butcher paper–wrapped cuts.

If you thaw a pack and don’t use it right away, you’ve got 7–14 days in the fridge before you need to cook or freeze it again.

You’ll notice the difference in quality and freshness—our packaging helps lock that in.

🔥 Bonus: Need Ideas for What You Have?

Reply to any of our emails, message us on social, or check our recipes on the blog — I’m happy to suggest easy meals for whatever’s in your stash.

After all, your freezer isn’t just cold storage—it’s your personal farm-to-table vault, ready to serve. 💪🐖🐓🐄

And if you’re ready to fill your freezer with high quality meats right from the ranch their raised on, I’ve got you! Shop our ranch store for all your dry aged beef, forest raised pork & pastured poultry.

Download Brianna’s Inventory Freezer Sheet here!

Here’s your Freezer Inventory Sheet—ready to print and hang on the fridge or freezer door!
📥 Download the Widnor Farms Freezer Inventory Sheet (PDF)