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10 Freezer-Friendly Meals

I am 35 weeks pregnant this week, and we are doing our best to get ready for this little girl’s arrival! Her sheets and blankets are washed, her tiny little outfits are hanging in her closet, and her rocking chair is waiting for those late night feedings. We’ve got our paperwork filled out, a last-minute checklist, and our hospital bags ready in the corner of our room.
 
I am so thankful for a husband who has spent the last few months listening to my every concern, massaging my swelling feet, and not batting an eye at our very expensive air conditioning bill this past July. Also, how amazing is it to find a man that can watch you eat skillet queso, a southwest burger, ask for dessert, and still love you anyway?
 
On Thursday, Tyler took Sam for his nightly walk, mentioning that this one would be a long one since he had worked late the night before. When he came back 45 minutes later he shouted, “Jas, you’ll never believe what Sam found on his walk!” I came out of the bedroom, preparing my composed expression at whatever dead animal was now in my house, and found Tyler and Sam standing next to my mom. Tyler had surprised me by driving all the way to the airport to pick her up! She came in for a few days to help me nest and get the house ready the only way a mother can.
 
For the next two days she vacuumed our floors and our furniture and did our laundry and dusted parts of the house that I’ve pretended to not see. She placed her hands on my belly alongside mine as we felt this little girl stretch and roll and hiccup. To have those hours with her to just sit on the bed and talk about her pregnancy experiences and mine, to share stories and dreams and plans for the future – from one mother to another, from one mother to one daughter, was something that I hadn’t even realized my heart needed.
 
We dropped her off Sunday morning, and for once my heart wasn’t heavy, knowing that we’d see her again in just a few weeks.
 
Next up on our list is tackling freezer friendly meals! I made some of these meals a few weeks back, and have a few more left on my list left to go. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the best things to freeze, and wanted to share with you a few tips to make this process as easy as possible:
 

1. Double up! Sometimes the easiest way to increase your freezer stash is by doubling a recipe and simply freezing half.

2. Storage and labeling. Stay organized with your freezer meals by using freezer-safe containers and bags, and be sure to label each one with the ingredients and date.
 
3. Know what works and what doesn’t. I find that ground red meat and tomato based sauces and stews freeze well – meatloaves, meatballs, bolognese sauces, and tomato basil soup are all great options. I try to avoid freezing anything that has milk or cream, and always make my grains fresh (rice, pasta, etc.).
 
4. Keep a whole chicken/chicken breast on hand. Sometimes I’ll take a whole chicken, add a quick dry rub, and stick it in the slow cooker for 5-6 hours on low, or until fully cooked (seriously, that’s it – you don’t need broth or anything!). It’s healthier than a rotisserie chicken, and the shredded chicken can be eaten throughout the week.
 

With that, here are our top 10 favorite freezer-meals:

 

1. Bolognese Spaghetti Sauce

Jo Mama’s World Famous Spaghetti

Jo Mama’s Spaghetti sauce is hands down our go-to when it comes to meaty spaghetti sauce. Not only does it require simple ingredients, but this recipe makes a ton of leftovers, which is great for freezer stashing. Keep whole grain pasta in your pantry for a quick meal! (Find recipe here.)

2. Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup

 Tomato basil soup is easy to make, and this Ina Garten version doesn’t include any cream, making it an easy freezer meal. (Find recipe here.)

3. Breakfast frittatas/quiche

Skinnytaste’s Petite Quiche

 

There are endless combinations for the mini frittatas that are made in muffin cups, but we like Skinnytaste’s Petite Crust-less Quiche, packed with veggies and turkey kielbasa. (Find recipe here.)

4. Smoothies

My Favorite Green Smoothie

 

Smoothies make a great breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. Keep frozen vegetables and fruit on hand, and blend with almond milk and some easy add-ins like flax or chia seeds for an all around meal. (Find recipe here.)

5. Oven Roasted Meatballs and Sauce

Oven Roasted Meatballs with Spicy Marinara

These baked turkey meatballs are a favorite of ours – it’s healthy with simple ingredients. I’d recommend keeping a container of cornmeal in your pantry to make an easy polenta to serve on the side! (Find recipe here.)

6. Breakfast burritos/sandwiches

PW’s breakfast burrito

 
The Pioneer Woman can do no wrong. Seriously. Her breakfast burritos are filled with breakfast potatoes and sausage and reheat well. (Find recipe here.)


7. Meatloaf

Ina Garten’s Meatloaf

Another favorite Ina Garten recipe – freeze the raw meatloaf without any ketchup, then bake for an additional 40-45 minutes. (Find recipe here.)

8. Dal

Dal

Lentils are so good for you, and this dish is jam-packed with nutrition and flavor – from fresh tomatoes, cilantro, turmeric, and other spices to help this make our list. We always have basmati rice on hand to serve on the side. (Find recipe here.)

9. Pesto

Pesto Pasta

Pesto will last forever in your freezer! Whip up a quick batch, freeze it in ice cube trays for individual portions, and use it to top meats, bread, or combine with a bowl of warm pasta. (Find recipe here.)
 

10. Carbs

Lemon Blueberry Cake

Breads, tortillas, and bagels freeze surprisingly well. Keep a stash of bagels on hand for a quick and filling breakfast for when you are on the go. Scones and pastries (like muffins) work, as well. (Find recipe here.)
 
 

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Your comments make my day. Thank you!

  4. I Bake, You Cook says

    Wishing you all the best for the next few weeks (rest as much as you can) and the next few months. Being a new Mum isn’t always easy but it is always amazing! Ask for help and get your head down to sleep whenever you can – its not rude to hide from friends at the door – or to tidy up the house by shoving everything in the spare room and closing the door!!! all the best!

    Reply

    • Jasmine says

      Thank you so much for all the advice!! I do have a hard time asking for help sometimes, so this is all new territory for me! 🙂 I appreciate all the well wishes! <3

      Reply

  6. Sara says

    I despise you. I’m sitting over here tearing up thinking of how sweet your husband was to surprise you with your mom and hearing about you two spending time together before your sweet babe gets here. Love to you as you finish up preparations for her arrival. I know she’s going to be perfect!

    Reply

    • Jasmine says

      Thank you, Rhonda!! I was so surprised and touched! It was one of those moments I didn’t realize I needed, but it was good for us and good for the soul. I hope you all are having a beautiful weekend!

      Reply

      • Rhonda Sittig says

        HI Jasmine– this weekend it was a freind’s beautiful wedding in a Spanish chapel– and a retirement dinner here for my oldest friend. Sweet times. Waiting and praying with you for the baby appearing ahead!! hugs hugs!

        Reply

  9. mbkshahla says

    Love all your freezer stash ideas! Your freezer will be your friend even long after you have the baby. We rely on ours for those busy days when we can’t cook a meal but need something home cooked. Congrats on your upcoming baby!

    Reply

  12. Mani (A New Life Wandering) says

    Nice list! I could use some dal right now :p
    What a wonderful surprise that your mom came. I loved how it was planned, taking the dog for a walk and “finding something” 🙂
    I’m glad you had that help and you’re stocking up on food.
    Exciting times. You’re almost there!

    Reply

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