Make Ahead Meals

girbear08

My job is going to be changing next week and it is going to be difficult for me to make dinner each night. There are only 3 of us so what I would like to do is get some yummy and healthy recipies that can be made ahead of time (anywheres from a week to a month preferably) that I can put in the freezer so all my husband has to do is reheat them (other wise dinners are going to be Romen Noodles or take out all week).

Our family isnt to picky so any and all ideas are welcome.

Also If anyone has any breakfast or lunch ideas it would be great.

Thank you all in advance

livityliv

I made this the other day-http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/11/crock-pot-chicken-taco-chili-4-pts.html
It was great and made TONS! My crockpot was full before I could fit in my last 10 oz of Rotel. I got 8 1.5 cup servings at about 250 cals each, and it reheats GREAT!

metre30

Here's a good chili recipe
http://therunaweighgourmet.com/easy-make-ahead-chili/

And also a spaghetti sauce recipe that freezes well and then when you get home, all you have to do is make the pasta for it (whole wheat of course ) .
http://therunaweighgourmet.com/weeknight-spaghetti-sauce/

Gidzmo

*Hamburger: shape some of this into patties and some into meatloaf. Store the patties in a bag (with wax paper between the patties). Freeze till needed (use the aluminum mini-loaf pans and save some cleanup time).

*Eggs: hard-cook for later use (salads or snacks)

*Roasts: cook in crockpot; can be sliced or shredded as needed for sandwiches.

*Soups, Stews or Chili: make ahead and freeze in individual-size portions.

*Pasta sauces: can be made ahead and either frozen or canned.

*Potatoes: Cook ahead for potato salads.

*Berries and grapes: when bought in-season, freeze in a single layer on a cookie sheet. When frozen, store in a ziptop bag (Squeeze out all the air!).

*Vegetables: Cut celery, carrots, and other large vegetables into smaller pieces. Other vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and small mushrooms, may just need a light washing. Store these in containers for easy snacking.

*Cheese: Cut into bite-sized chunks (for salads or snacking) or shred for other dishes (for pizzas and tacos).

*English Muffins: These, with tomato sauce and your favorite toppings, make individual pizzas (microwave till cheese melts)--toppings can bought pre-cut or do this part yourself.

ki4yxo

Here's a good chili recipe
http://therunaweighgourmet.com/easy-make-ahead-chili/

And also a spaghetti sauce recipe that freezes well and then when you get home, all you have to do is make the pasta for it (whole wheat of course ) .
http://therunaweighgourmet.com/weeknight-spaghetti-sauce/

I haven't tried making my chili while on MFP,
so I don't have it in my recipes.

x2 on the spaghetti sauce.


Gino's Linguine & Bolognese Sauce - Serving size 40




Calories- 321
Carbs- 52
Fat- 5
Protein- 13
Sodium- 672
Sugar- 7

I cut 300mg of sodium (per serving) out of the sauce
by switching from Hunt's products.

Just made this a couple of days ago. Freezer is
stocked with a bunch of sealed containers of sauce. :bigsmile:

therealangd

Cook up some chicken breasts, some lean pork chops, some hamburger patties. (Maybe make a little gravy for the hamburg)

Boil up some potatos and make mashed potatos.

Grab some frozen green beans, peas, carrots.

Buy a few of these



chicken, potato, veg on a plate and freeze.

You can stack 'em 10 high in a freezer.

Wash and repeat.

nataliefamily3

You can make a lasagna bake and cool then cut into single serving sizes wrap in cling wrap then put in ziplock bag and freeze. When ready to eat just microwave 3.5 minutes. Same can be done with various casseroles.

cateyjo

Some of these look REALLY good.
http://www.food.com/recipe/zucchini-lasagna-lasagne-low-carb-749

girbear08

Thank you all so very very much. I am looking forward to trying these new recipies and will be cooking all weekend long. :flowerforyou: