7 Amazing Freezer Meals That Will Simplify Your Meal Prep
Hey Angels and Alphas,
With the number of freezers available on the market, there are several sizes to choose from. But if you’re wondering which freezer would work best for your family, it’s worth it to do the research and decide what will work best in your home. Here are some of the best freezer meals that will help simplify your meal prep!
1) Chili
Make a large pot of chili with pinto beans, ground beef, and diced tomatoes. Combine chili in an airtight freezer-friendly container and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook on stovetop until desired temperature is reached. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.
2) Burritos
Burritos are one of the best freezer meals because they are easy to prepare and delicious. They’re also great for meal prep because they are versatile, filling, and portable. Make a big batch of burritos on Sunday night and then you’ll be set for the week! With a little bit of planning, this meal is perfect for any schedule. Soak beans overnight, cook them in the morning and make rice at the same time while you’re at it. When it’s all done and cooled, wrap it up in aluminum foil or plastic wrap so that it can go right into your freezer.
3) Soups
The best and easiest soup to make is a hearty, low-calorie soup like this chicken vegetable soup recipe. The ingredients you’ll need are: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 cups chopped onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 quartered and peeled head of broccoli (cut into 1/2 inch pieces), 1/2 cup shredded carrot, 4 cups chopped red cabbage (cut into thin strips), 6 cups reduced sodium chicken broth or stock, 4 teaspoons tomato paste, 2 bay leaves and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the olive oil to the bottom of a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute until they’re fragrant.
4) Stews
Stews are a great option for freezer meals because they can be made with inexpensive, tough cuts of meat that need long cooking times. The slow-cooking process makes them tender and flavorful. Plus, you can get a lot of variety from such a simple dish.A beef stew can be prepared with beef, potatoes, onions, carrots and any number of herbs or vegetables like green beans or peas. For vegetarians there is plenty to choose from as well – just swap out the beef for vegetables like butternut squash or cauliflower. Once the ingredients have been cooked down to a rich broth it’s time to assemble the meal. Portions should be in individual containers or baggies then place in the freezer.
5) Casseroles/Lasagna
Casseroles are a fantastic freezer meal because they typically require a little prep work and can be assembled ahead of time. Lasagna is one of the most popular dishes out there, and it’s perfect for freezer meals. All you need to do is layer the ingredients in a pan, cover it with foil, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it out on your counter for about 8 hours or so before baking in the oven for 45-60 minutes at 350°F until bubbly.
6) Meatballs
There are so many ways to enjoy these, but the most effective recipe will be to just go with the basics. Here’s how to make it: 1 lb ground turkey (or beef) 2 eggs 1/4 cup parmesan cheese 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional) 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons onion, chopped finely 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and then roll into balls. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer bag or airtight container and store in your freezer for up to three months.
7) Chicken breasts
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through. Mix two eggs together with two tablespoons of water, beat well, and pour over the chicken. Lower heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until eggs are set.
