This is the laziest cooking hack ever

If you've ever found yourself staring at a mountain of leftovers, wondering how to make the most of them without wasting any time, you're in for a treat.

One of the best and easiest cooking hacks out there—perfect for the laziest of cooks—is freezing Bolognese sauce on a sheet pan. Yes, you read that right! This simple trick will not only save you time but also make your future meals a breeze.

Freezing Bolognese sauce on a sheet pan is an incredibly effective way to preserve leftovers and ensure you have a quick and easy meal ready to go at a moment's notice. Here’s why this method is so effective:

Portion Control: By spreading the sauce thinly over a sheet pan, you can freeze it in a way that allows you to break off just the right amount for any given meal. No need to thaw an entire container when you only need a small portion.

Quick Thawing: Because the sauce is frozen in a thin layer, it thaws much faster than a big block of sauce would. This is especially useful when you’re short on time and need to get dinner on the table quickly.

Space Efficiency: Sheet pans are wide and flat, which makes it easy to stack them in your freezer without taking up too much space. Once the sauce is frozen, you can transfer it to a resealable bag or container and store it vertically, like a file folder, to maximize freezer space.

Less Waste: With this method, you only thaw what you need, reducing the chance of leftover portions going bad before you can use them. It's a smart way to reduce food waste.

This hack is as easy as it sounds. Follow these steps to get started:

Ingredients:

Leftover Bolognese sauce (or freshly made, if you’re planning ahead)

Equipment:
Baking sheet or sheet pan
Parchment paper or plastic wrap
Spatula
Freezer-safe resealable bags or containers

Instructions:

Prepare Your Sheet Pan: Line a baking sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap. This will make it easier to remove the frozen sauce later.

Spread the Sauce: Pour your Bolognese sauce onto the lined sheet pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a thin, uniform layer. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. This thin layer is key to ensuring the sauce freezes quickly and is easy to break apart later.

Freeze: Place the sheet pan in your freezer on a flat surface. Allow the sauce to freeze completely, which should take around 2-3 hours, depending on the thickness.

Break Into Portions: Once the sauce is frozen solid, remove the sheet pan from the freezer. Lift the parchment paper or plastic wrap to release the frozen sauce. You can break it into smaller portions by snapping it with your hands or cutting it with a knife if necessary.

Store: Transfer the portions to a freezer-safe resealable bag or airtight container. Label it with the date, so you know how long it’s been in the freezer. Return the portions to the freezer, where they can be stored for up to three months.

When you're ready to use your frozen Bolognese sauce, it couldn't be easier:

Thawing: Simply remove the portion you need from the freezer. Since it's frozen in a thin layer, it should thaw within minutes if left at room temperature. If you're in a hurry, you can place the frozen piece directly into a pot on low heat. Stir frequently until it's fully thawed and heated through.

Repurposing: Use the thawed Bolognese sauce just like you would if it were freshly made. Toss it with pasta, layer it into a lasagna, spoon it over vegetables, or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers. The possibilities are endless!

Enhancing Flavors: If you want to add a little freshness to your sauce, consider stirring in some fresh herbs, a splash of wine, or a dollop of cream as it heats up. This can help brighten up the flavors that might have mellowed during freezing.

Double Batch Cooking: The next time you make Bolognese, consider making a double batch specifically so you can freeze half of it using this method. It’s a great way to meal prep and ensures you always have a hearty meal at your fingertips.

Versatile Freezing: This sheet pan freezing technique isn’t limited to Bolognese sauce. You can use it for any sauce, soup, or stew that you want to portion out and freeze. It’s especially handy for pesto, marinara, or even mashed potatoes.

Labeling: Always label your freezer bags with the date and contents. It’s easy to forget what’s inside once the sauce is frozen, and labeling helps you keep track of what needs to be used first.

Freezing Bolognese sauce on a sheet pan is truly the laziest cooking hack ever—but in the best way possible. It requires minimal effort, maximizes convenience, and ensures that you always have a delicious meal ready to go. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who loves to cook efficiently, this method will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Try it out, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!