Simple & Healthy Freezer Meals
We are living in a world of “stocking up” and staying home right now and that is a change for those (like me) that dream up recipes everyday and run to the market to get last minute ingredients. Now, I work off of a calendar to plan my meals out several days and ensure everything is covered in my online grocery order! Here is an idea for planning those groceries, whether you make a trip to the store, or use pickup and delivery options, and to make sure you have enough for dinner and then extra to set aside in freezer bags for another quarantine day. You can minimize your shopping by planning ahead and having the ingredients on hand for some tasty and healthy meals. Additionally, if you purchase in bulk, double packs, family packs, etc, there is usually a discount, which could also make enough difference to allow for buying healthier organic ingredients. Watch for those sales!
Additionally, you can make this a party day in your kitchen! Each of these four recipes make enough for 2-3 meals, so on the day you make these, pick one for your evening meal, then divide the rest into portion sizes you prefer, and place in freezer bags. Prepare the other recipes, place in freezer bags, and you are stocked up! These recipes are full of flavor, made with healthy ingredients, simple to prepare, and crowd pleasers for any picky eaters you may have in your home.
This meal preparation kitchen party can be a way to involve your kids while they are at home too! Set up your tasks with an assembly line, maybe the younger ones doing the measuring and peeling instead of the knife chopping? Perhaps even an opportunity for a nutrition lesson? - oh this could be fun!
BEEF STEW
INGREDIENTS -
Large package of beef stew meat (2-3 pounds), or large package of beef chuck roast to be cut at home
4-6 potatoes, cubed
2 onions, diced
4-6 carrots, sliced
4 celery stalks, sliced
2 tsp each salt & pepper
2 Tbsp basil
2 Tbsp oregano
2 tsp garlic granules
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Separate into 2-3 large freezer bags. This can be cooked in a dutch oven at 300 degrees for 3-4 hours, or in a crock pot on low for 6-8 hours.
PORK CHILI VERDE
INGREDIENTS -
Use half of a large or double pack of pork shoulder or butt roast, about 6-8 cups (the other half will be used for the next recipe of pulled pork)
2 cup diced onion
3 cups diced roasted green chilies
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup lightly chopped cilantro
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp each salt & pepper
1 Tbsp cumin
Use 1/2 of the pork and cut into approximately one inch chunks, about 6-8 cups of meat. Combine with rest of ingredients in a large bowl, then divide into freezer bags. This meal can be cooked in the crock pot for 6-8 hours on low. Or running behind? - this can be cooked in the Instant Pot for 40 minutes. Serve over riced cauliflower and top with cilantro.
PULLED PORK
INGREDIENTS -
Large package of pork shoulder or butt, cut into 3-4 inch chunks (if you purchased double pack for the recipe above, you are ready to go!)
Dry rub - you can purchase a pre-made rub or combine the following -
3 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp garlic granules
2 Tbsp sea salt
1 Tbsp fresh ground pepper
3 tsp cumin
2 tsp onion powder
Cut the pork into several chunks. Using your purchased or home made dry rub, cover the pieces of pork with the seasoning. Divide into freezer bags. This can be prepared in the crock pot (6-8 hours) or instant pot (50 minutes) and you have another easy meal at your fingertips. Serve over riced cauliflower, and with slaw and vegetables on the side.
WHOLE30 CHILI
This recipe has been a favorite of many for a while now. Note the absence of beans in the ingredient list? Don’t worry, no one will miss them with the abundance of full flavors the vegetables and seasonings provide. Got any extra vegetables on hand? Throw them in!!
INGREDIENTS -
2 pounds ground beef
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 - 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
2 - 15 oz cans tomato sauce
2 cups chopped onion
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 cup chopped carrot
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups cubed sweet potato
4 tsp cumin
1 tsp each salt and pepper
6 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp oregano
2 Tbsp basil
Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl and then divide amongst freezer bags, depending on the size you want for your servings. Other options I have included in the past are mushrooms, eggplant, and zucchini. So if you have some extra vegetables on hand, feel free to include them! This amount makes approximately 4 freezer bags with servings for 4 people. When you are ready to cook, place the bag of ingredients in a crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Top with cilantro, olive, and avocado.
I hope this gives you some ideas for your quarantine cooking. It takes some planning ahead (maybe try the calendar idea 😃) and creativity in purchasing your groceries. This can be a fun experience for the whole family too! Be safe, stay home and cook!