It is smart to make a variety. I usually make only one type and then I get sick of it fast.

As far as containers are concerned, try using the freezer bags.....I was running out of regular containers and heard about just using the bags, and it works very well.

So far I've made Taco Soup, Black Eyed Pea Soup and spaghetti. I use freezer bags too; I can squish them into small spots in the freezer, especially in the door. Will be making meat loaf, baking it in muffin cups and freezing them individually. Sometimes I don't know what I'm having for dinner until I stand in front of the open freezer and grab whatever is the closest. {{gwi:1472708}}

Sue

I tried freezer bags once and made an awful mess, must have had inferior bags. The idea of the meatloaf in muffin cups is very interesting, I think I'll try that. Trouble is if I make meatloaf I can eat it every day until it's gone and don't have any leftover to freeze. It's one of my favorites.

I used to freeze leftover soup, when I made it in a 8 qt. slo cooker, but now I have a 4 qt, and we eat the soup up in 3 meals, so none gets frozen. Just as well as we just have the freezer on the fridge.

When I make soups or sauces or anything else that will not hold its' form while preparing to go into the freezer bags, I usually put the bag itself inside a container that corresponds to the size of the bag...place it in the freezer for a couple of hours and til it starts to freeze. You can then remove the plastic container...yogurt ones work well or the zip lock ones. Zip up or tie the bag and it will keep the shape while it continues to freeze.

i did round steak yesterday..will cube the one batch for beef stew, and the other enhance into swiss steak...

schoolhouse, small chest freezers arn't that expensive...we've bought 3 (2 for gifts) under $200...think one was from sears, one from costco...in fact we're blessed with a large enough kitchen it sits in the corner...when co comes, throw a table cloth over it and use it for serving...

if you only have the garage, though, look for a small upright...i'm forever losing stuff in the deep chest part..(found a package from 09, yuck!)

That's a great idea, schoolhouse. We love soups and I need to try some different kinds.

Instead of a freezer for the garage, we bought another refrigerator. It really comes in handy during the holidays or when we have company because I like to make things up in advance as much as possible. The garage freezer section has two shelves. The top one holds leftovers and the bottom holds meat. The frig part holds drinks and "door stuff" (salad dressings, etc.) The inside freezer section holds vegetables, nuts, breads and ice cream. Works very well for us.

Good point susanjf about the small upright instead of chest freezer. This might be a goal before next winter, as I'll have to hire an electrician to run lines out there and install an outlet. Currently there is only one outlet and it's on the over head light near the rafters. Certainly would help if I had an inside door to the garage, too; I have to walk outside and around to get into the garage.

I must say the "Unstuffed Green Pepper Soup" is delicious. I'm having a second bowl right now, the one I left out before I put the rest in the freezer. :)