021: What Am I Going to Make For Dinner? Freezer Meals to the Rescue!

Join Erika Sagert as she addresses the common thought: "Freezer meals sound like a lot of work." She emphasizes the long-term benefits of a stocked freezer, and shows how freezer meals are a game-changer for everyone, regardless of cooking experience.Tip 1: Community CookingTeaming up with friends/family for freezer meal prep.Example: 10 women bringing 10 meal kits each, dividing costs, and getting a variety of meals.Fun and efficient way to stock freezers.Tip 2: Freezer PacksFreezing individual components instead of entire meals.Examples:Pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings (assemble and bake later).Dump Chicken: Marinated chicken frozen in bags (cook in slow cooker/Instant Pot).Taco Packs: Frozen ground beef, taco seasoning, and toppings.Marinated Meat Packs: Pre-marinated meat ready for grilling.Tip 3: Soups and StewsFreezing large batches or leftovers.Examples:Hearty ChiliVegetable SoupChicken Noodle SoupBeef StewTomato SoupFreezing Instructions: Cool completely, use airtight containers, label and date, freeze up to 3 months.Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then heat on stovetop or microwave.Tip 4: CasserolesVersatile freezer meal option.Examples:Chicken Enchilada CasseroleBroccoli Cheddar CasseroleTaco CasseroleShepherd's PieFreezing Instructions: Cool completely, use airtight containers, label and date.Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in the oven according to instructions.Tip 5: Ground Meat PrepCooking large batches of seasoned ground beef/chicken.Use for various dishes (spaghetti, tacos, stir-fries).Tip 6: Breakfast BitesFreezer-friendly breakfast sandwiches (English muffins, eggs, ham, cheese).Here is an idea to get you started, adjust to your own tastes:http://www.eatcakefordinner.net/2013/11/homemade-freezer-breakfast-sandwiches.htmlWrap individually in parchment paper and foil.Include heating instructions.Tip 7: BurritosAssemble favorite ingredients, wrap tightly, and freeze.https://www.fromvalerieskitchen.com/freezer-friendly-beef-and-bean-burritosTo carry on the conversation, join our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/HopeLearningCenter2For daily insights and inspirations, follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hope_learning_center/Or even more, subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@theintentionalhomeschoolerTo learn more about the work we do at Hope Learning Center, check out our website:www.hopelearningctr.com