It was time... my freezer was empty and I sensed chaos in the evenings when I had no idea what was going to be for dinner, and minimal time to make something. It was time to get organized and get some meals in the freezer. I got my head in the game and went for it! My sister and I decided to make the trip to Trader Joe's to stock up on a few things, the first being wine... the rest were the ingredients for freezer meals. I new I needed the basics- chicken breasts, ground turkey, and diced tomatoes, then I was able to get creative.
First step- get organized in the kitchen and have some stations set up including a chopping station, cooking station and packaging station.
Here are all of the ingredients I bought from trader Joe's to turn into meals. I did have some things on hand already.
Chop your veggies- I made a lot of meals that included peppers and onions, so I made sure to chop all of those first off so that I could put them in the meals as I went along.
Now that the stations are set up, veggies are chopped, it's time to start making some meals! Hawaiian Turkey Burgers (click for recipe and freezing instructions) were first on the docket. I prepared the recipe and wrapped each patty individually in plastic wrap. Please note- I have never tried freezing these before, but we eat these delicious burgers all of the time, so I decided to give freezing a shot.
This is how I packaged the turkey burgers, with the pineapples in a separate baggie. I made sure to spray the plastic wrap with a little Pam before wrapping.
Note: Hamburger Buns are also frozen at all times in the freezer and are used to serve the turkey burgers.
Note: Hamburger Buns are also frozen at all times in the freezer and are used to serve the turkey burgers.
Next I took the other pound of ground turkey and browned it with peppers and onions to put in some other recipes. This base can be put into many things.
Chili was up next (2 batches)- very easy to put into a bag or two and freeze. I split the chili into two bags because it will be enough for our family.
The Chili Included:
Turkey/pepper/onion base
Large can of diced tomatoes
Kidney Beans
Chili Seasoning
Serve with cheese and sour cream
I literally threw all of the ingredients in 2 bags and placed in a bowl in the freezer.
The Chili Included:
Turkey/pepper/onion base
Large can of diced tomatoes
Kidney Beans
Chili Seasoning
Serve with cheese and sour cream
I literally threw all of the ingredients in 2 bags and placed in a bowl in the freezer.
(Remember the bowl technique)
Southwest Chicken Chili (2 batches)- Another item that I split into two bags. You can get creative on what you think should be added to the recipe.
The next 3 are so easy the don't require a recipe...
TIP- When preparing food for the crock pot, make sure you have enough liquids, especially if you are gone all day. You can always add a little extra sauce, water or chicken broth.
TIP- When preparing food for the crock pot, make sure you have enough liquids, especially if you are gone all day. You can always add a little extra sauce, water or chicken broth.
BBQ Chicken- Super easy... a couple chicken breasts, BBQ Sauce, a little water, and some onion.
Italian Chicken- Great as a salad topper for any kind of salad. Just chicken breasts, and Italian dressing.
Pineapple Chicken- Chicken breasts, soy sauce, and the rest of the pineapple slices/juice from the Hawaiian Turkey Burgers.
Tangy Bourbon Chicken- This was a recipe that I kind of went rogue and began throwing things in the bag as I went along. I was curious as to how it would be, so I cooked it up in the crock yesterday, and it was very tasty.
Buffalo Chicken- Chicken breasts, Franks Buffalo Sauce, and ranch seasoning.
Finally, I had some extra turkey meat left over, so for dinner we had whole wheat spaghetti with meat sauce. Just combine the meat and sauce in a sauce pan with some salt, pepper and garlic and let that cook as the pasta is being prepared. Quick and easy dinner.
PHEW! Glad that is done, and I have a weight lifted off my shoulders. Time for a glass of wine... I feel a sense of relief knowing that I have all of these meals ready to go in the freezer. I plan to use them 3 times a week for the next 3 weeks. TIP: Any meals prepared for dinner, make extra and store in the freezer for future use.
Have fun with this and get creative with what you have in the pantry. Happy Cooking!
Have fun with this and get creative with what you have in the pantry. Happy Cooking!