Freezer meals

[ssm]

I don't use them on a day to day basis. Being sahm and dh hatred for crockpot/reheated/leftovers doesn't leave me much desire or reason to make them often. BUT I have been thinking a lot about them for once the baby arrives. My church family will bring some food for about a week or so. But after that, I'm on my own.

So...anyone else thinking about making a bunch for when the babies are here?
Ever done it?
Tips?
Don'ts?

[thatgirlrachel]

I'm following this because I said I'd do it last time and I never did.

[codex320]

Sounds like a great idea. I've made extra pans of lasagna/shells and frozen those. Do they count?

[rebeccabunch]

As I got close to my due date, I would purposefully make two of things. I bought a bunch of those foil casserole pans so I wouldn't have to wash things. I'd make two lasagnas, two Mexican torilla lasagnas, why am I only remembering lasangas?

Another thing I did which is wasteful but helped, us is I got a bunch of sturdy paper plates and plastic wear for the beginning. It was a relief to not even have to put those on the dishwasher and then unload.

[duskymonkey]

I had about a month worth of various dishes in the freezer which was incredibly helpful. Like rebeccabunch, said, a month before you're due, double up on what you make and freeze half. The only thing I did differently was portion freeze the meals so we could have a different dish each day and just defrosted portions. I instructed hubs on making sides which is pretty much vegetables for us and we typically steam or sauté them so it's fast and easy. Also DS was a summer babe and we ate a lot of salads and I would make a bottle of dressing weekly which takes minutes to make. I'll come back to post if I remember what all I made but nothing different from what I do normally do.

[mommabakes]

I did a ton for when I had DD. When we were expecting DS,I couldn't due to moving immediately after his birth. I'm excited to be able to again! Nobody brings meals post baby for us, so I'll be stocking up as much as possible!

My list so far+what worked well when I had DD.

Enchiladas-beef, chicken, and chicken Verde
Chicken potpie
Shepard's pie
Lasagna
Chicken/Brie/pasta bake
Breakfast burritos
Prep ingredients in gallon bags for Crock-Pot soups-loaded potato, minestrone, chicken chili, reg chili
Meatballs
Macaroni+cheese


White bread dough-works great for pizzas and Stromboli as well as just having fresh bread.

Mini (baked) loaves of oatmeal bread

[blackmamba]

I didn't do this for DS, but a year or two ago I did an all day cooking marathon and froze 4 lasagnas, 4 taco tex-mex casseroles, 4 chicken, veggie, and rice casseroles, 8 servings of white bean soup, shredded chicken, pasta sauce, and pizza dough. I also portioned out shredded cheese for pizzas. I did it in early October and used 1-2 meals per week (most had 4-6 servings, so they would last H and I a few days) and I just had to buy fresh produce and sides. It lasted us through Christmas and into the new year. I want to find some healthier recipes and stock up before this baby.

mommabakes, your list looks fantastic!

I also recommend stocking up on paper products and bottled water. With cleaning all the bottles/pump parts I did not want to deal with other dishes. Having bottled water and Gatorade was essential while nursing.

I plan to stock up on snacks (granola bars and stuff). I plan to make my mom stock the fridge with sliced veggies, hummus, and fruit while I'm in the hospital. It's nice to have quick, easy snacks to grab.

[rebeccabunch]

Jul 7, 2017 17:11:14 GMT -6 blackmamba said:

I didn't do this for DS, but a year or two ago I did an all day cooking marathon and froze 4 lasagnas, 4 taco tex-mex casseroles, 4 chicken, veggie, and rice casseroles, 8 servings of white bean soup, shredded chicken, pasta sauce, and pizza dough. I also portioned out shredded cheese for pizzas. I did it in early October and used 1-2 meals per week (most had 4-6 servings, so they would last H and I a few days) and I just had to buy fresh produce and sides. It lasted us through Christmas and into the new year. I want to find some healthier recipes and stock up before this baby.

mommabakes, your list looks fantastic!

I also recommend stocking up on paper products and bottled water. With cleaning all the bottles/pump parts I did not want to deal with other dishes. Having bottled water and Gatorade was essential while nursing.

I plan to stock up on snacks (granola bars and stuff). I plan to make my mom stock the fridge with sliced veggies, hummus, and fruit while I'm in the hospital. It's nice to have quick, easy snacks to grab.

Yes, mommabakes great list!

blackmamba great reminder about easy drinks and snacks! I was constantly stuffing my face with Luna bars, yogurt, hummus, string cheese even! Anything that was easy.

Also mommabakes is the recipe easy for the Brie chicken pasta bake?

[thecatsmeow]

There are some delicious sounding ideas here! But, FFFC: I have never freezer mealed before. Like ever. So my questions are probably eye-roll worthy and I am probably overthinking things, but here goes...
1. You don't bake the casseroles/lasagna and such right? Brown hamburger or cook chicken, assemble and freeze?
2. When using the meal do you thaw first, then bake? Bake frozen? How does the baking temp and time compare to fresh?
3. Any other cooking or reheating tips?

[Taitai]

Jul 7, 2017 19:27:42 GMT -6 thecatsmeow said:

There are some delicious sounding ideas here! But, FFFC: I have never freezer mealed before. Like ever. So my questions are probably eye-roll worthy and I am probably overthinking things, but here goes...
1. You don't bake the casseroles/lasagna and such right? Brown hamburger or cook chicken, assemble and freeze?
2. When using the meal do you thaw first, then bake? Bake frozen? How does the baking temp and time compare to fresh?
3. Any other cooking or reheating tips?

I'll come sit on this bench with you. I actually don't cook - ever (I will bake desserts, but not all that often). I'm bad at it and DH likes to cook, so he takes care of that stuff. We've never done freezer meals either, so I am following to see the response to your question!

[rebeccabunch]

Jul 7, 2017 19:27:42 GMT -6 thecatsmeow said:

There are some delicious sounding ideas here! But, FFFC: I have never freezer mealed before. Like ever. So my questions are probably eye-roll worthy and I am probably overthinking things, but here goes...
1. You don't bake the casseroles/lasagna and such right? Brown hamburger or cook chicken, assemble and freeze?
2. When using the meal do you thaw first, then bake? Bake frozen? How does the baking temp and time compare to fresh?
3. Any other cooking or reheating tips?

1) I usually do not bake before I freeze but you can.

2) I cook the ground beef for my Mexican lasagna bu I have a lot of chicken recipes where I prep, prepare and freeze but the chicken is not yet cooked.

3) I usually thaw then bake but I think it would depend on the recipe: heads up, it can take more than 24 hours to thaw sometimes.

4) some ingredients don't freeze as well.

I get really proud of myself when my freezer is full of dinners!

[duskymonkey]

thecatsmeow, Taitai, I've only ever frozen cooked meals hence I freeze individual portions. That way I dont even have to bother cooking it. Microwave is your best friend in this instance. Usually I'll take them out the night before to thaw in the fridge. If I forget NBD since they're portion sizes and can be microwaved easily from frozen. It'll also depend on what foods. If I make dumplings aka gyoza, they're not cooked when frozen. I also got an Instant Pot last yr after my CP kaput and it is ahmazing! Highly recommended esp. with Amazon prime coming up. I got mine on prime day last yr too! Like rebeccabunch, said some veg does not freeze well. Potatoes, rice don't freeze well but it depends on the coking method though. My stuffed poblanos which has rice in it freezes incredibly well so.

[parma986]

I found some great looking recipes online for freezer crockpot meals- no need to cook anything before you bag it and put it in the freezer. Plus they gave a shopping list- makes life easier!

[rebeccabunch]

Loving this thread! Everyone post a recipe they freeze so we can get new ideas!

[danvers]

How far ahead can you make freezer meals? Like is this something I need to do in Sept or can I start earlier?

How long can the freezer meals keep for in the freezer?

Total noob on this but really want to do it since ill be a bit busier with a babe and a toddler this go around...

[blackmamba]

Jul 8, 2017 13:38:52 GMT -6 danvers said:

How far ahead can you make freezer meals? Like is this something I need to do in Sept or can I start earlier?

How long can the freezer meals keep for in the freezer?

Total noob on this but really want to do it since ill be a bit busier with a babe and a toddler this go around...

Here are general guides for freezing:


www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/storagetimes.html

www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/freezing/how-long-food-last-freezer

A lot of recipes I've found usually include the freezer information- how long to keep, how to thaw, etc.

Most of the things I've made have been used within 2-4 months. 

[mommabakes]

rebeccabunch here is the recipe for the chicken/Brie/onions. I'm lazy, so I don't stuff the chicken, I cook fettuccini pasta, then put the chicken on top , then put the onions/cheese/and sauce on top of that and bake for 15 minutes at 350.

dinnersforayear.blogspot.com/2010/03/brie-and-caramelized-onion-stuffed.html?m=1

[mommabakes]

Jul 7, 2017 19:27:42 GMT -6 thecatsmeow said:

There are some delicious sounding ideas here! But, FFFC: I have never freezer mealed before. Like ever. So my questions are probably eye-roll worthy and I am probably overthinking things, but here goes...
1. You don't bake the casseroles/lasagna and such right? Brown hamburger or cook chicken, assemble and freeze?
2. When using the meal do you thaw first, then bake? Bake frozen? How does the baking temp and time compare to fresh?
3. Any other cooking or reheating tips?

I really don't freezer meal regularly either. It's just so nice not having to deal with coming much right after baby is born, especially with other toddlers around!

1) cook necessary components (meat, pasta, etc) then freeze. I'd advise cooking any pastas for 1/2 the typical amount of time so you don't end up with mushy noodles.
2) I prefer thawing before baking. Time+temp the same this way. Lower temp and longer time if baking straight from the freezer.

[mommabakes]

I'd also recommend stocking up on easy, healthy foods and snacks for after baby is born. Trail mix, granola bars, yogurts, dried fruit, string cheese, nut butter, easy to grab veggies+fruits... Breastfeeding made me SO hungry and I would grab whatever was around.

[burritosateverymeal]

We were gifted freezer meals when DS was born and it was the best! Tons of pasta dishes and casseroles. I don't cook much so I figure I will start to freeze leftover once we get closer, stock up on easy frozen veggies and meals, and make some crock pot bags so it's easier once DS2 gets here.

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[burritosateverymeal]

+1 to stocking up on disposable plates, utensils, etc.

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[cythe]

This thread reminds me that I need to clean out my freezer if I think I'm going to be making freezer meals.

[duskymonkey]

OK. Been meaning to do this. Now that the tot is out for his am walk. I have a 30 min window to get some things done in peace. Here are a few recipes to start. They all freeze well, easy to make and toddler approved!
They are all oven cooked.

Cheddar Biscuits - Super fast and easy. Freezes well too.
INGREDIENTS
2 C AP flour or White Whole Wheat Flour
2 Tbsp Flax meal, optional
1/2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
2 Tsp garlic powder
1/2 Tsp salt
1 1/2 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 Tsp cayenne pepper, optional
1 C buttermilk
1/2 C unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS
1 Preheat oven to 450˚F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
2 Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, garlic powder, shredded cheese, salt and optional cayenne pepper.
3 Whisk together buttermilk and melted butter. Pour mixture into dry ingredients and stir until moist.
4 Dollop about 1/4C batter on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.


Roasted Chicken with Spinach & Artichokes - Use a sheet pan if doubling recipe
INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp EVOO
4 to 6 chicken pieces (thighs, chicken breast, legs, etc...)
salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 can (14oz) quartered artichokes, rinsed and drained
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 large carrot, sliced into thin rounds
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bag (6 to 8 ounces) baby spinach
1/2 C vegetable broth

INSTRUCTIONS
1 Preheat oven to 425˚F
2 Heat butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet that's safe for stovetop and oven.
3 Season chicken with salt and pepper.
4 In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown meat on both sides; about 5 minutes on each side. Remove & set aside.
5 Add onions, carrots and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly tender, stirring occasionally,.
7 Add chopped garlic, artichoke & spinach; continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and add broth and chicken.
8 Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked.


Chicken Cassoulet - Cheat version, ain't nobody got time to confit or render duck fat! but if you can get a hold of duck fat by all means use it instead of the EVOO to brown your chicken!
INGREDIENTS
6 chicken drumsticks or thighs
1 tsp kosher or sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbsp EVOO, divided
1 16oz package smoked sausage, cut into 3-inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped medium-size
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 19oz cans cannellini or other white beans, rinsed and drained
1 14oz can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
1/2 C low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 C plain breadcrumbs, divided
Fresh thyme sprigs

INSTRUCTIONS
1 Preheat oven to 300°F. Season chicken all over with salt and pepper.
2 In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown meat on both sides in 2 tbsp EVOO; about 5 minutes on each side. Remove & set aside
3 Add sausage to skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove & set aside.
4 Add remaining EVOO to skillet. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5 Return chicken and sausage to skillet. Add beans, tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Bring to a boil and sprinkle with 1/2 C breadcrumbs.
6 Bake, covered, 2 hours. Then uncover and sprinkle with remaining breadcrumbs. Bake 20 minutes longer, or until cassoulet is golden. Garnish with thyme sprigs before serving. Lovely with warm crusty baguette.

Any questions, just ask.

[cythe]

Dude duskymonkey, I was literally googling/pinteresting this topic about an hour ago. YOU'RE A MIND READER! I couldn't remember if we had a thread about freezer meals on HIH.

[racegurl87]

I wish I could make freezer meals but we don't have enough space in ours. Our fridge is a side by side and I swear our freezer is tiny.

I have a pan of stuffed shells and one of baked ziti that will last til sequel gets here.

[blackmamba]

Thanks, duskymonkey! The cassoulet sounds amazing! If you have a good butcher near you they probably sell duck fat.

I just started a pinterest board for meals to freeze. Planning to make some stuff later in the month. Will post anything I make that is simple/looks good and update once we try stuff.

Also, with DS I had to cut out dairy while I was nursing. Anyone have any tips for dairy-free meals? I want to make some in advance, just in case. Thanks!

[duskymonkey]

Aug 8, 2017 11:50:13 GMT -6 blackmamba said:

Thanks, duskymonkey ! The cassoulet sounds amazing! If you have a good butcher near you they probably sell duck fat.

I just started a pinterest board for meals to freeze. Planning to make some stuff later in the month. Will post anything I make that is simple/looks good and update once we try stuff.

Also, with DS I had to cut out dairy while I was nursing. Anyone have any tips for dairy-free meals? I want to make some in advance, just in case. Thanks!

Podunkville town or around don't have a butcher, at least not to my knowledge but yeah nope. It's still pretty good. Great cold weather dish though. I'll post more of ones I actually have recipes for in the coming weeks and I have several that doesn't have diary. Also what about meatloaf? you can soak the torn bread or oatmeal with broth instead of bread? I will prob make this if I get another opportunity of cool temps and slice and portion them off. I am not going to try anything new, these are just my usual everyday meals that I know the tot will eat! do not want to fight food with the tot when I am sleep deprived in the first month.

racegurl87, I have a side by side too and absolutely hate it! I do pack the freezer up and am a nazi about maximizing space. Even hubs and my mom stay out of the freezer because I have a method to my madness. Cant wait to get another refrigerator in the basement when we get that done hopefully by next yr.
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[blackmamba]

duskymonkey, good call with the meatloaf. I'll have to make a few.

[duskymonkey]

So a couple of stuff I made this weekend

Stuffed Poblanos
link
This is a fav in the Dusky house. They freeze well too and bonus that they're in portions. Roasting the chiles and peeling them are the most time consuming but I usually triple the recipe. Also I stuff DS' using Bell Peppers.
I also like the below salad as an accompaniment.

Black Bean, Corn, and Red Pepper Salad with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette
]Serves 6 to 8
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
3 ears fresh cooked corn, kernels cut off the cob (about 2 cups)
2 red bell peppers, diced (about 2 cups)
I added in mini cukes ( 2 cups )
2 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons minced shallots, from one medium shallot
2 teaspoons salt (i used 1 tsp)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon zest and 6 tablespoons juice from 5 to 6 limes (i needed 1.5 limes and zest from 1 lime)link
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
2 Hass avocados, chopped

Combine all ingredients except for avocados in a large bowl and mix well. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes and up to over night. Right before serving, add avocados and fold gently, being careful not to mash avocados. Garnish with more chopped cilantro if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Another easy one and DS' favorite. Freezes well too
Tex Mex Chicken, Corn and Cheese
link
Kiddo friendly just omit the jalapeños and chili powder. I also sub the jalapeños with 1 large bell pepper.

[Taitai]

duskymonkey We can't get the ingredients for poblanos here, but we can for the Tex mex chicken! That looks so good - just sent it to DH and hopefully we can make some for the freezer this weekend. Thanks for sharing!