You know, I'm not even going to pretend that I'm going to take the time out to prepare freezer meals. I want to, I really do, but I just don't see it happening. I am a disgrace to preppers everywhere.
@nsquaredlife13, DH and I have been eyeing it! We bought the Philips Multi Cooker, but it doesn't have the pressure cooking capability...so we are thinking about returning it and getting the instantpot. Seriously considering, especially after seeing your post!
@nsquaredlife13, DH and I have been eyeing it! We bought the Philips Multi Cooker, but it doesn't have the pressure cooking capability...so we are thinking about returning it and getting the instantpot. Seriously considering, especially after seeing your post!
Do it! It's life changing. I am using it about 3 times a week right now--same recipes though so I need to change it up. It's such a saving grace when you have a toddler to chase after, and only a small window of time to prepare dinner thanks to working full time and a 7PM bedtime for the little guy.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16) DS born 12.13.14 DD born 10.15.16 BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18 BFP 4.25.19, EDD 12.31.19
Crock pots and slow cookers are great and all, but have you guys tried the Instant Pot? That shit is magical. Seriously. It slow cooks too if you must use that feature but anything that can make a pot roast in 70 minutes, dry beans in 10 minutes, or a full chicken in no time is a winner to me! A lot of these meals (all of them) would be perfect in an instant pot too.
I just bought one on Amazon Prime Day. Do you mind linking some of the places for go to recipes?
I totally failed at making any freezer meals with my first, so this time I'm taking the lazy man's approach. I'll put 5 meals into my meal planning each week for a month or so, double up each recipe, and freeze half. Voila, 20 freezer meals! I've got several recipes picked out from these two links:
@bnsmith85 Those calzones look delish! How long/what temp would you cook them at when you take them out of the freezer? I scanned through the page but didn't see instructions if you're freezing. Totally trying these!
@sidecarsareforbishes - hey! welcome back! I haven't seen your name in a while I think I always pulled a few out to thaw the night before and just stuck them in the fridge. OR pull them out same day and let them thaw for a few on a baking sheet before baking. I just used whatever temp it says on the recipe. And yes, they are delicious. My friend and I weren't expecting them to be quite as good as they are when we pulled the recipe.
Also, I'm not sure if it says it on there, but I'm pretty sure the dough would stick together if you just tossed them in a bag together. I'd recommend either freezing them on a sheet then throwing in a freezer bag or wrapping in something. I can't remember doing either of those things when we made them before, but that's been over a year ago so who knows what we actually did to keep them from sticking together.
Ha, thanks @bnsmith85 I've been around, just mostly lurking, posting here and there.
I'm betting if you wrap them each in foil that'd do the trick. I've seen a few freezer recipes, like burritos and things like that, where they do the same thing. Adding these to my list, thanks!
Re: Make Ahead/Freezer Meals - Share your Favorites!
https://www.recipesthatcrock.com/crock-pot-taco-lasagna/
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
https://ashleynoelbarnes.blogspot.com/2013/05/10-freezer-to-crockpot-meals.html
https://diaryofafitmommy.com/15-freezer-meals-before-your-baby-arrives/
@bnsmith85 Those calzones look delish! How long/what temp would you cook them at when you take them out of the freezer? I scanned through the page but didn't see instructions if you're freezing. Totally trying these!
I think I always pulled a few out to thaw the night before and just stuck them in the fridge. OR pull them out same day and let them thaw for a few on a baking sheet before baking. I just used whatever temp it says on the recipe. And yes, they are delicious. My friend and I weren't expecting them to be quite as good as they are when we pulled the recipe.
Also, I'm not sure if it says it on there, but I'm pretty sure the dough would stick together if you just tossed them in a bag together. I'd recommend either freezing them on a sheet then throwing in a freezer bag or wrapping in something. I can't remember doing either of those things when we made them before, but that's been over a year ago so who knows what we actually did to keep them from sticking together.
We really enjoyed this one. We added carrots to the crock pot and had instant mashed potatoes on the side. We are making it again with beef roast this week instead. I think it'll be good too. I also plan to make an okra gumbo to freeze and baked ziti.
https://www.annies-eats.com/2009/07/02/baked-ziti/
I'll make the ziti and freeze it before baking. I also think I'll make it in 4 loaf pans. The recipe makes a ton!
BFP #1 January 28, 2016
Felicity Joy, born September 2, 2016
My Chart
BFP #2 September 11, 2020
EDD May 23, 2021
I'm betting if you wrap them each in foil that'd do the trick. I've seen a few freezer recipes, like burritos and things like that, where they do the same thing. Adding these to my list, thanks!