I had an old friend, Andi contact me in December asking if I had any interest in being 'hired' to make freezer meals for a family member that recently had a baby. Being that this was a completely new concept to me, I thought about it for .5 seconds and agreed! A month or so later, I texted her to see if she still wanted this to happen. She said yes....I created a menu......Shopped..........Froze..........Delivered.
After the fact..... Andi stated that her niece said it was the best thing anyone had ever done for her. I'm telling you.... in a time of need or crisis. Food to the rescue! #Winning.
Andi sent me $200 and said: "Go"
I had a plan in my head for what I was going to make. I went shopping for the main ingredients (mostly meat & the fresh veggies, etc). My total at the grocery store was ~ $197. Of course I used some things I already had on hand such as spices, and soy sauce, but I literally was able to make 30 dinners for less than $200! Not 36 servings... 36 WHOLE MEALS! An average of $5.55 to feed your family with likely leftovers?
Yes, please.
Now..... If I knew then what I know now, I would have made these over several different days. But I didn't. I went shopping on Sunday morning. Put the meat in the Crockpots when I got home and then tried to work it from there on that day only. Bad idea. I was way unorganized and ended up staying up ALL night to complete the job. Nonetheless. It got done and I delivered on Monday night to the recipient.
*Note: ALWAYS make 2 of everything you cook from scratch and freeze one.
This little 'Rule of Multiples' became very helpful this week when I offered to bring some freezer meals to a friend that had a death in her family. No skin off my back....I literally pulled some stuff out of the freezer and brought it to her!
Single Effort = Double Outcome
Here are the meals & 'Freezer Cooking' Instructions that I made this round ;)
Tamale Pie (x2)
Thaw during day, Bake @ 375 for 45 mins- 1 hr
Serve with Sour Cream Garnish
Tater Tot Casserole (x2)
Covered, Bake @400 for 30-45 mins, then uncovered for another 15-20 mins.
Until bubbly and tater tots are crispy and browned.
Recipe:
Mix together 1 lb cooked hamburger, 2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup
and 2 cans drained green beans and place in deep casserole dish.
Generously cover top with tater tot coins. Cover with tin foil.
Green Chile & Chicken White Enchiladas (x2)
Bake @ 350 for 45 mins- 1hr
Serve with Sour Cream Garnish
Bean, Cheese, & Onion Burritos (x2 Bags of 4)
Bake @375 for 25 mins or microwave
Cover with foil, Bake @375 for 20 mins
Microwave, then toast if you'd like
From frozen, bake at 325 for 18-23 mins
Chicken Pot Pie (x4)
Bake @375 for 45 min- 1 hr
(cover crust with foil & watch)
Recipe (for 2 pies):
1 cup frozen tater tots (microwaved and broken apart)
2 shredded precooked (crocked with garlic) chicken breasts
1/2-3/4 Cup Frozen Peas & Carrots (Microwave to thaw)
1/2 cup sour cream
3-4 oz cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 tsp poultry seasoning, Some salt and pepper
1 cup shredded cheese blend
Mix all ingredients together and place in pie crust.
Top with more cheese
Cook in Crock pot on low 4-8 hours
Serve with Steamed Rice
Cook in Crock pot on low 4-8 hours
Then: Mix in 1C Sour Cream
Serve over Egg Noodles or Rice
Cook in Crock pot on low 4-8 hours
Then: Mix thawed noodles into Meat & Sauce
Twice Baked Potatoes (x2 Bags of 4)
Thaw overnight in fridge, then:
Bake at 375 for 45 mins -1 hr
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches (x2 Bags of 8)
Heat single portion & Assemble sandwich
Sweet & Sour Meatballs with Rice (x2)
Heat up Meatballs & Sauce in Microwave or pot
Serve over Steamed Rice
Recipe:
- Combine equal parts Heinz Chili Sauce and grape jelly and simmer over low heat.
Toss with precooked meatballs.
Heat and use
After completing this project, I had such a massive response about how, why etc, that I decided it was time to start my own "FREEZER MEALS SWAP GROUP"
Stay tuned for THOSE posts! The ladies have all agreed to guest blog their contributions from each swap.
I'd LOVE to hear what your favorite freezer meals are!
