This menu of make ahead freezer meals makes about 11 meals for a family of 4. I spent about 2 hours of prep time and $75.
Teriyaki Chicken with Rice (makes about 2 meals)
Ingredients:
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 1/2 c Teriyaki marinade of your choice
3 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Freezer Preparation:
Add all ingredients to Ziploc bag. Store in freezer.
Cooking directions:
1. Remove from freezer the day before ready to cook to completely thaw. Add to crock pot. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours (cook times vary depending on your slow cooker).
2. Serve with rice.
Pineapple Chili Chicken Stir fry (makes about 2 meals)
Ingredients:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken
8 oz. can pineapple chunks in 100% juice
12 oz. bottle Sweet chili sauce (I use Franks RedHot)
2-16 oz. bags stir fry vegetables, frozen
Freezer Preparation:
Add chicken, pineapple, and chili sauce to gallon Ziploc bag. Leave stir fry veggies in their bag and store in freezer.
Cooking Directions:
1. Remove from freezer the day before ready to cook to completely thaw. Add to crock pot. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours (cook times vary depending on your slow cooker).
2. With about 30 minutes of cook time left, add stir fry vegetables to crock pot.
3. Serve with rice.
Creamy Turkey Sausage Pasta (Makes two meals)
Ingredients:
16 oz. penne pasta
7 c. pasta sauce (about 1 1/2 jars of sauce)
8 oz. light sour cream
1 small onion, diced
8 oz. 2% shredded mozzarella cheese
16 oz. turkey sausage (I use Hillshire Farms), cut into bite-sized pieces
Freezer Preparation:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Set out 2 pans (I use disposable 8×8 aluminum pans with lids). Add enough sauce to cover bottom of each pan , set aside.
3. Combine remaining pasta sauce, sour cream, onion, and turkey sausage.
4. Drain pasta and return to cooking pot. Add sauce/sausage mixture to pasta. Divide pasta evenly between both pans.
5. Top each evenly with mozzarella cheese.
6. Place lid on each pan. Freeze until ready to cook.
Cooking Directions:
1. Move pasta to refrigerator at least 24 hours before cooking to thaw.
2. Cook at 400° for 35-40 minutes, covered with aluminum foil.
3. Remove foil, heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese on top is melted.
4. Serve with garlic bread.
Garlic Bread (Makes enough to serve with 2 meals)
Ingredients:
1 loaf Italian bread (found in bakery)
1/2 c butter, softened
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp parsley
Freezer Preparation:
1. Cut loaf in half right in the center, creating two pieces. Slice each piece down the center so that you expose the soft inside creating four separate pieces you are able to butter.
2. In a small dish, combine butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
3. Spread butter on each slice evenly.
4. Put two buttered slices together and add to Ziploc bag.
Cooking Directions:
1. Thaw in refrigerator before cooking.
2. Preheat broiler on low.
3. Place garlic bread slices on baking sheet on top rack.
4. Watch carefully and remove from broiler when bubbly and golden brown.
5. Cut each piece into 4 smaller pieces, serve with pasta.
Pizza Pasta Bake (Makes 2 meals)
Ingredients:
16 oz. rotini
7 c pasta sauce (about 1 1/2 jars)
1 c turkey pepporoni (can use regular or mini size)
1 lb. extra lean ground beef
1/2 c onion, diced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
8 oz. 2% shredded mozzarella cheese
Freezer Preparation:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Set out 2 pans (I use disposable 8×8 aluminum pans with lids). Add enough sauce to cover bottom of each pan , set aside.
3. Cook onion until soft and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, add Italian seasoning, pepperoni, and remaining pasta sauce to ground beef.
4. Drain pasta and return to cooking pot. Add sauce/beef mixture to pasta. Divide pasta evenly between both pans.
5. Top each evenly with mozzarella cheese.
6. Place lid on each pan. Freeze until ready to cook.
Cooking Directions:
1. Move pasta to refrigerator at least 24 hours before cooking to thaw.
2. Cook at 400° for 35-40 minutes, covered with aluminum foil.
3. Remove foil, heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese on top is melted.
4. Serve with garlic bread.
Creme Brulee French Toast (Makes about 14 slices)
Ingredients:
1 loaf Texas toast
12 eggs
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 c Creme Brulee flavored coffee creamer (optional, it makes for a richer, sweeter french toast)
Freezer Preparation:
1. Preheat large griddle to 350°.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract and creamer.
3. Soak each piece of Texas toast in egg mixture and place on griddle. Flip pieces when golden brown and egg mixture on outside is cooked (about 3-5 minutes on each side…the second side takes less cook time).
4. Allow to cool completely on a cooling rack.
5. When cool, place pieces in gallon Ziploc bag.
Cooking Directions:
1. Place frozen french toast pieces in toaster. Top with desired toppings or syrup.
2. Serve with your favorite breakfast meat, if desired.
Chicken Taco Soup (Makes two meals)
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 can black beans, drained
8 oz. corn, frozen
1 can Rotel
1 small onion, diced
1 serving homemade taco seasoning (or a taco seasoning packet)
1 packet ranch seasoning
32 oz. chicken broth
Freezer preparation:
1. Add all ingredients except chicken broth to gallon Ziploc bag.
Cooking Directions:
1. Move to refrigerator to thaw completely.
2. Add everything in Ziploc bag to slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth.
3. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. With about 30 minutes of cook time, remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return chicken to slow cooker and continue to cook for remaining time.
4. Serve in bowls topped with tortilla strips and shredded cheese.
Changing a Life 
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