Stocking Your Freezer for Summer: Be Ready to Grill Any Time!

There’s something special about summer – the longer evenings, the warm breeze, and, of course, the smell of something delicious sizzling away on the barbecue. I always say, having a well-stocked freezer is a bit of a secret weapon this time of year. It means I’m ready to fire up the grill whenever the sun’s out – whether it’s a last-minute family get-together or just a quiet dinner outdoors.

With a good mix of quality meats and a few go-to barbecue tips, summer cooking becomes simple, stress-free, and seriously tasty. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, I’m happy to share a few ideas from my own experience to help you get prepped for the season. And if you fancy putting a twist on a classic, our Copas Beef Burgers are always a hit with my family. 

Choosing the Right Meats for the Barbecue

When it comes to grilling, the quality of your meat makes all the difference. I always look for cuts with a bit of marbling – that fat adds flavour and keeps things juicy on the grill.

For beef, you really can’t go wrong with ribeye or sirloin – both cook beautifully over high heat. If you're looking for a great mix, our Regular Copas Beef Box has a fantastic selection of cuts ideal for barbecuing.

With pork, thick-cut chops or a tenderloin are great options. And for poultry, boneless chicken thighs are my personal favourite – they’re forgiving on the grill and full of flavour.

Fancy something a bit different? I’d recommend our Venison Burgers. They’re rich, lean, and make a nice change from the usual barbecue fare.

My Go-To Barbecue Tips

I’ve spent many a summer evening around the barbecue, and a few simple techniques really do make all the difference:

• Preheat your barbecue – it helps stop things sticking and ensures even cooking.

• Set up different temperature zones – a hot side for searing, a cooler side for cooking through.

• Use a meat thermometer if you can – it’s a more reliable way to check doneness than cutting into your meat.

For thicker cuts, I often cook them gently on the cooler side first, then finish off with a quick sear on the hot side to get that perfect crust.

And don’t forget to let the meat rest – 5 to 10 minutes is enough. It gives the juices time to settle, and you’ll end up with a much tastier result.

Getting Ahead with Summer Meal Prep

Meal prep in summer is all about making things easy when the weather’s too good to be stuck indoors. A bit of planning goes a long way.

I like to plan meals a week or two ahead, which helps me buy in bulk and prep things in one go. If you’ve got freezer space, it’s well worth using it.

Burger patties are great to make and freeze in advance – our Premium Copas Beef Box is ideal for this. I also marinate meats before freezing – that way, they’re ready to go as soon as they defrost, and the flavours have had time to soak in.

I do the same with sides – grilled veg and homemade sauces freeze really well and make the perfect addition to any summer meal.

Easy Grilling Ideas for the Whole Family

Barbecues don’t need to be complicated to be a crowd-pleaser. Here are a few of my go-to ideas:

• Burger Bar: Let everyone build their own – our Copas Beef Burgers are always a winner.

• Skewers: Thread meat and veg onto skewers for a fun, customisable meal that cooks quickly.

• Veggie options: Grilled portobello mushrooms or slices of halloumi are always a hit – even among the meat lovers.

And for sides, you can’t beat grilled corn on the cob or a fresh salad. Quick, simple, and full of summer flavour.

Having a stocked freezer with your summer favourites means you’re always just a few steps away from a brilliant meal – no fuss, no stress. Stock up now, and you’ll be ready to enjoy every sunny moment with great food.