Freezer Meals Idea Thread

PensiveCrayon

WTAF. I’m sorrrrrrt of fuming about this. I mean I know it’s nothing but it feels personal!

rosebud332

Bump gods:

texas_t

Lol, this is so bizarre... I wonder why they didn't pin the other one? 

PensiveCrayon

BECAUSE THEY’RE JERKS @texas_t

texas_t

They've pinned two of my posts 

mschill22

Maybe they really like food?  Or need freezer meal ideas themselves

deutschmama

I am in the small- freezer camp and also the sole representative of the 'in Germany with no family besides MH' camp- AKA no kind relatives bringing me huge pans of lasagna and golabki  So I'm loving the easy/quick recipe ideas.

My husband, to honor his Swiss heritage, likes to make muesli overnight and it's so easy/delicious.
Basically, take 2 cups of oats (but not the instant kind), add one cup milk, one cup yogurt, then any/all of your favorite fruits. Mix it all together, cover, and let sit overnight. We usually make this when we noticed some of our fruits are getting old/slightly nasty, and we'll chop them up and throw them in there, because magic happens overnight and all is good in that bowl come morning. 

morgantu

@deutschmama I make this for mh every day! We use frozen fruits, because we know we have them, but it's so great to have something ready in the morning. What a great idea to make a big batch for the week and have it there whenever you need! 

AdorkablePixie

What was the other post that didn't get pinned?

AGK2015

I lied. Just bought a few more basil plants for the garden; I'm planning to put up gobs and gobs of fresh pesto in the freezer (because I'm pregnant and currently obsessed). That's probably it, though.

PensiveCrayon

@AdorkablePixie It was the all things birth and postpartum Q&A and tips post I started. Blah. 

@deutschmama I definitely just screenshotted those instructions for overnight oats! I’ve made them before but only from recipes. I want to just be able to make them from scratch like that!

trucksntutus

Oh my gosh I'm shocked this one got pinned before the one @PensiveCrayon started. I literally came here mainly to see the responses about that.  

AdorkablePixie

@PensiveCrayon Weird. I feel like that one is really important, especially for FTMs!!

PensiveCrayon

@PensiveCrayon Yeah!! I loved it in my last BMB, and it was pinned. A bajillion people helped ask me to pin it but still nothing. The BG’s must just hate me. 

orangecrush29

Sorry I’m late to this, I’ve been MIA basically all month, but this is a great thread! I love the idea of making pesto and freezing it- gonna steal that! My neighborhood is awesome and husband’s work is equally awesome and they had us on a meal train after DD3- it was life saving. I’ll probably still prep breakfasts and lunches, so my favorites are:

breakfast burritos
egg sandwiches 
a few crockpot dump meals i found on Pinterest just in case of emergency (link below)
a handful of PB&J’s for quick lunches for me and the 2 year old.
maybe a pan of lasagna in case of emergency 

I always do a BIG sams club trip pretty close to my due date and stock up on easy snacks for all the kids too. Chicken nuggets, corn dogs, cereal, snacks, cheese sticks, fruit, single serve oatmeal packs, etc. we bought a deep freezer on sale at sams club a couple years ago and it was the best investment ever! I also fully plan on relying heavily on my magical instant pot!

some food links!
 

https://www.nobiggie.net/25-freezer-crockpot-meals/

https://www.momontimeout.com/breakfast-burrito-bonanza/

https://thepioneerwoman.com/food-and-friends/make-ahead-freeze-breakfast-sandwiches/amp/

https://savorandsavvy.com/2017/01/20-breakfast-freezer-meals.html

https://www.eatingonadime.com/crock-pot-freezer-meals-in-under-an-hour/

PensiveCrayon

@orangecrush29 Ooh good idea with the easy kid food. I will definitely do that!

kristah2

Oh good call! I was so concerned with figuring out what I was going to eat the idea of feeding my son sort of slipped my mind.. whoops. 

echo-charlietango

I just realized that tonight’s dinner will be easy to half freeze! I remembered @asun123 ‘s Taco Stuffed Potatoes, so we Echo-ified them!
1lb beef, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 1 can Rotel, ~5 cloves garlic, taco seasoning, 2 sweet potatoes. Microwave the potatoes while everything else cooks. When the parts are all cooked - pile some filling on each potato, bam!

I can easily make some batches of beef taco filling to freeze, so that all we need to do for a quick meal is reheat the meat and zap the potatoes. DH will love it because he loves all things taco - especially on Tuesdays

AdorkablePixie

Okay, I finally got around to pulling out the list of freezer meals I made last time and will post them here! I am also going to post a new one that I plan to make this time. These probably won't be the exact recipes I used because I didn't save the website URLs - I just typed up the ingredients and how to make each one on a word document.

Orange Beer Chicken - https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/slow-cooker-beer-orange-chicken/a47cc774-01f7-4ad3-b4f5-bdefdabc2cd7

Beef Stroganoff - https://www.sidetrackedsarah.com/beef-stroganoff-freezer-to-crockpot-meal/

https://sistersknowbest.com/recipe/crockpot-meatloaf/

Lasagna Roll Ups - https://damndelicious.net/2017/08/16/freezer-lasagna-roll-ups/ Definitely not the recipe site I used, but this is a good idea. I made my roll ups froze them, then stuck them in bags so I could make as many or as little a I wanted at a time!

Lasagna - I am sure you all probably already have your own recipes for this.

Nutella Stuffed French Toast - https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/nutella-stuffed-french-toast-sticks/ I made each one into four sticks. I cut the recipe in half last time because it was just me eating them, this time I'll probably make double since I can imagine DS will devour these too!

Chicken Tacos - https://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2017/02/slow-cooker-chicken-tacos/

Mozzarella Stuffed Meat Balls - https://queenbeecoupons.com/mozzarella-stuffed-turkey-meatballs-freezer-meal/ We LOVED this! I made two batches.

Chicken Teriyaki - https://thrivinghomeblog.com/slow-cooker-teriyaki-chicken-freezer-meal/ I think this is the only one I wasn't a fan of and won't be making it again.

Baked Ziti - https://www.melskitchencafe.com/cheesy-baked-ziti/

Breakfast Burritos - https://lifemadesimplebakes.com/2017/01/freezer-friendly-breakfast-burritos/ These were a hit. I will be making more next time. I didn't expect DH to be such a fan and I was pretty upset when he finished them off! lol

Crockpot Mandarin Chicken - https://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2017/09/slow-cooker-orange-chicken-freezer-meal/

Crockpot BBQ Ranch Drumsticks - https://thefrugalgirls.com/2015/06/crockpot-bbq-ranch-chicken-drumsticks-recipe.html

Pizza Pasta Casserole - https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pizza-pasta-casserole/

Skinny Manicotti - https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/skinny-three-cheese-manicotti/0439f21f-ebdb-4e29-bc35-961833d5bec3

And this one I didn't make last time but got in a meal swap I did recently with some local ladies and will be making it:

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - https://moneysavingmom.com/2012/05/4-weeks-to-fill-your-freezer-chicken-broccoli-rice-casserole-day-14.html

omnommer

Finally jumping in on this thread now that I've had time to think about what I want to do. Loving all the thoughts - definitely prepping the breakfast burritos, pizza pockets, fat bombs, pre-portioned smoothie packets and will try that Zucchini Lasagna that was posted!

Other things I'm thinking about (as someone with a deep freezer):

• Purchasing some easy sides that we can add in if we have nothing fresh: frozen cauliflower rice, frozen cauliflower mash, Costco's frozen stir fry vegetables, Costco's frozen Normandy vegetables
• Stock up on my favorite snacks - granola, nuts, granola bars, dried fruit, easy oatmeal packets, jerky, etc.
• Keto Chicken Chili Soup (basically chili sans beans): https://cavemanketo.com/chicken-chili-soup/
• Make like 10 lbs of cooked, shredded, plain chicken and portion it into 1.5-2lb sections to freeze. When thawed I can throw BBQ sauce or salsa in it for whatever I'm making - whether taco night, BBQ night or on a salad.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken - I haven't tried this yet, but it looks really good! https://www.plainchicken.com/2014/08/freezer-meal-sweet-garlic-chicken.html 

PensiveCrayon

So i maaaay be going overboard in my planning. But last time around I froze so much and Postpartum Crayon was so grateful to Pregnant Crayon for her hard work beforehand. I figure if I start now and do one recipe per week I can knock out my list handily. 

texas_t

@pensivecrayon Please post recipe for no-bake lactation bites and oatmeal pancakes! I had a low supply with DS, so I'm trying to be prepared!

PensiveCrayon

https://thebakermama.com/recipes/no-bake-lactation-bites/

https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/family-favorite-oatmeal-pancakes-52999#activity-feed

There you go @texas_t! I made the pancakes on Saturday with the suggested modifications of adding vanilla and cinnamon and the they came out great. Not too sweet, just delicious

texas_t

@PensiveCrayon Do you freeze the no bake lactation bites? Those look like my jam!

PensiveCrayon

@texas_t I don't know if the recipe says to or not (it's my first time making them) but I'm planning on freezing them...because they're actually on my list to make tonight! Woo!

texas_t

@PensiveCrayon taste one and tell me what you think!

PensiveCrayon

@texas_t They're pretty tasty! I don't taste the brewer's yeast at all. The only thing I might do differently is replace the old-fashioned oats with quick oats. They seem to be almost...too hard? If that makes sense?

Anyway, I made a double batch and managed to kill off my peanut butter, almond butter, honey, and a small bag of dark chocolate chips (which I don't really like anyway, so I don't mind that they'll just be making an accent appearance in the balls).

texas_t

@PensiveCrayon I wonder if the oats will soften up a little bit if you freeze and then thaw? I think it'd probably be fine with quick oats, though.  I'm going to look up and see if quick oats have the same milk inducing properties as old fashioned.

AdorkablePixie

@PensiveCrayon the quick oats don’t provide the increase/help in milk supply. That’s why they call for the old fashioned oats. 
I think @texas_t has a good point though, they may soften when thawed!

temmetime

I made a variety of energy bites this weekend to test out what we like & also bring some for SIL who just had a baby. My favorite two are healthier versions & I plan to make huge batches within the next month to freeze so I can have some healthy quick snacks on hand for baby time.
Carrot Cake Energy Bites:
https://runningonrealfood.com/carrot-cake-energy-balls/
**about 100 calories each if rolled into 20 balls

Skinny PB Energy Bites (made up by yours truly)
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1 cup powdered peanut butter
1/3 - 1/2 cup honey
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup ground flax seed
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp course sea salt
1/3 (ish) cup of water - enough to make the mixture less dry & more sticky)
**These run about 75 calories each if rolled into about 30 balls. 

Erinka

Anyone making and freezing ziplocks of crockpot recipes? I have some great recipes in a book Make it Fast, Cook it Slow. 

hannelorre

@temmetime I think I have all ingredients for your pb bites! (If I use PB instead of the powder). I'll have to try that soon. 
@Erinka - are you planning on cooking them first and then freezing them or having prepped frozen stuff to throw into crockpot? I haven't personally tried her recipes but they seem easy/healthy and reasonably good. https://newleafwellness.biz... I personally prefer my instant pot as it seems to hold more flavor. 

Erinka

@hannelorre Thanks for the link! I was planning on prepping raw, freezing and then cooking it up when I’m ready. Part of what I love about it is the way my house smells when it’s cooking throughout the day. I like Stephanie O’Dea’s recipes bc it isn’t just the pot roast my mom made—it’s very healthy and yummy food. My favs are Mulligatawny soup, Balsamic Chicken, Curry Cauliflower soup and Coq au Vin. The cinnnamon apples and dessert pears are so yummy for too. 

PensiveCrayon

Ooh I’ll have to look her up @Erinka. That’s my main issue with a lot of crockpot/freezer meals. 

hannelorre

@erinka I found Kelly McNelis when I was doing whole 30. I love the idea behind prep/freeze and dump into crockpot and she has a lot of different healthy recipes. I'll check out Stephanie O'Dea too!

PensiveCrayon

In keeping with my one freezer item per week goal, I made these maple almond fat bombs from @echo-charlietango's list and boy oh boy are they tasty. I had to sample one tonight after it had solidified in the freezer just to be certain I doubled the recipe, effectively killing off yet another jar of almond butter, and used regular maple syrup because I'm waffling on going keto (if I do I'll probably wait until the baby starts solids). They were super easy to whip up -- all I did was melt the butter and then whisk the almond butter and coconut oil in with it, without even using the microwave. Poured everything into some 1.5 oz silicone baby food molds and popped 'em in the freezer to solidify. Doubling the recipe made me 12 1/2, but I might cut them in half before sticking them in a bag to store, because the half-sized one I ate today was pretty generous and felt nice and indulgent.

hkom

@PensiveCrayon You've hit my weak spot with maple. Gonna have to make a version of those whenever I am released from prison 

omnommer

@PensiveCrayon I'm impressed you are already making things! That being said... I had a moment last night... and created an entire spreadsheet with my plan for freezer meals and 2 months worth of breakfasts, snacks, lunches and dinners, and when I'd make them (starting 5 weeks before birth, one prep day each week for 5 weeks). (I loooove my new deep freezer.) I even made up the grocery/Costco lists for each week and the items to check in the pantry...  Also, have you done keto before? My husband has done it on and off and lost like 60 pounds on it before I knew him. I tried it, and unfortunately it didn't work with me. I tried it for about 3 months and it massively screwed up my periods and made my thyroid issues worse. That being said, everyone is different and there are plenty of women that it works for! I have found that I do better with more of a whole foods almost paleo lifestyle (but I can't cut out dairy - haha!) As you mentioned, I won't be going that route fully until baby is older. Now I'm eating pretty healthy but not worrying too much and definitely will not be worrying the first few months with the baby.

PensiveCrayon

@omnommer No, I've never tried keto but I've been wanting to do it for a while. I do really well when I cut carbs though (like on Whole30 -- not necessarily low carb but all the simple carbs and sugar are gone), so I think it will be good for me. But yes, I love dairy so W30/paleo is not sustainable for me long-term! 

AdorkablePixie

@Erinka Yup! Some of the meals I am making are crockpot meals that I just thaw and throw right in the crock pot. I LOVE the way it makes the house smell as it cooks through the day.

@PensiveCrayon You are on top of things! You've actually given me some drive to get my freezer meal stash going. Last time I took a whole day and just did it all in a day and it was EXAHAUSTING and my feet hurt so bad by the end of the day. I think I might start with my nutella stuffed French toast, because that's so easy.