I plan on posting this in both the pregnancy and babies sections, just so I get more coverage~ :)

I want to have some freezer meals done up ahead of time, so that it will be easier to cook or have hub throw it in the oven FOR me, when we get home with our baby. So... here's the question.

What are some of *YOUR* favorite freezer meals? So far I've got: Taco Soup (black beans, ground turkey, tomatoes and chilies (mild kind), taco seasoning, ranch seasoning), and spaghetti sauce (so we can just throw some noodles on to boil)... and that's literally it. My brain soooooooo does NOT want to function. I need some help, gals!

I have picky eaters, so a mostly veggie dish won't work with us. I want simple, filling and semi-healthy. I mean, I don't mind a meal or two a week that are not so healthy (like hot dogs and mac and cheese), but I like to at least try. Ya know? :) Thanks in advance for your ideas! :)

[loveyou] Gals!

Lasagna freezes well. That's all I can think of right now :)

homemade pizza
chili
meatloaf
some type of chicken in either like an orange or lemon sauce (like chinese)
meatballs

think about what types of TV dinners are sold - usually you can make a healthier, cheaper version at home and freeze it right in the pan ready for the oven.

Our standard frozen meals are:
spaghetti sauce
chili
lasagne
spanish rice (I have the recipe posted on FB)
Chicken curry casserole (basically layered with rice, then cooked chicken, partially cooked broccoli, sauce and then grated cheese)

I also had someone make and freeze chicken alfredo and it worked really well.

We also get frozen from the store when they are on sale:
meatballs (I make my own too - they freeze well, but sometimes nice to just have ready)
chicken fingers (less healthy meal, yes, but yummy once in a while!)
pizza (we can get them on sale for $4 sometimes)

Those are some good ideas! Thanks gals!!

I do a chili mac type casserole in the freezer. Basically I cook ground beef (sub turkey if you want) with some cumin, garlic, salt/pepper, chopped onion, and if you have on hand some red or green bell pepper. Then I cook elbow mac or spirals just until slightly tender. Toss together with shredded chedder and freeze. Pull out and place in oven or even microwave when ready and add sour cream/fresh tomato/black olives...yummy!

My mom use to do it with a chunk of velveeta cheese melted in it too but I cut that out because of so many calories. It's still just as good! Especially if you serve with the dollop of fat free sour cream!

I do a chili mac type casserole in the freezer. Basically I cook ground beef (sub turkey if you want) with some cumin, garlic, salt/pepper, chopped onion, and if you have on hand some red or green bell pepper. Then I cook elbow mac or spirals just until slightly tender. Toss together with shredded chedder and freeze. Pull out and place in oven or even microwave when ready and add sour cream/fresh tomato/black olives...yummy!

My mom use to do it with a chunk of velveeta cheese melted in it too but I cut that out because of so many calories. It's still just as good! Especially if you serve with the dollop of fat free sour cream!

Ooooo that sounds good!!! Thanks KAtie!!

Tater-tot casserole freezes really well and is a hit with my kids.

I also made some stews that I separated into freezer bags and those worked welll.

Another thought would be roasts that could be tossed in a crock-pot first thing and ready by dinner time.

Right before I came here I baked quite a few loaves of breakfasty breads and froze them so that those can be used in the mornings.

Tamales! sorry I've been on a tamale kick lately. but they are so good.

you can make burrito's and freeze them, when you freeze them wrap them in wax paper and then foil. when you reheat them just pop it in the microwave with the wax paper on for about sixty seconds, flip it and sixty more.

Taco's go well too. Deep fry the corn tortillas in HOT oil, dip tortillas until they bubble. blot on paper towel, fill with meat and cheese. after they cool, wrap it up in press n seal wrap and freeze. when reheating, put them in the microwave for sixty seconds, then put fry them on the frying pan until the shell is browned, and then fill with your toppings.

Esther, normally, I looooovvve that kind of stuff... but lately... I can't stomach the smell of anything related to burritos, beans and such. I don't get it. I hope that goes away after Wy is born! Do you have a good Tamale recipe you wouldn't mind sharing? I'm thinking for future ref. so I can try it after he comes~ :)

Tater-tot casserole freezes really well and is a hit with my kids.

I also made some stews that I separated into freezer bags and those worked welll.

Another thought would be roasts that could be tossed in a crock-pot first thing and ready by dinner time.

Right before I came here I baked quite a few loaves of breakfasty breads and froze them so that those can be used in the mornings.

I don't think I've *ever* cooked tator tots before, but I had some growing up and loved them! I'll have to google search a Tator-tot cass. and give it a whirl! thanks Gal!

Jen, this is off the Duggars website!

DUGGAR's TATER TOT CASSEROLE
2 lb ground turkey cooked, seasoned, drained
3 2lb bags tater tots
2 cans cream of mushroom
2 cans evaporated milk
2 cans cream of chicken
Brown meat & place in large cass. dish.
Cover with tater tots. Mix soup & milk together.
Pour over top. Bake at 350 for 1 Hour.
(One of Daddy’s Favorites!) Makes 2- 9”X13” pans

Thanks Laura! :)

Not sure if I saw it on the Duggar's recipe but I throw cheese on top of mine before I put it in the oven. Just an FYI.

You guys have me drooling for tater-tot cass now!!!

I very rarely make freezer meals but this is one I made before both of my babies:

Teriyaki Orange Chicken

Place in large zipper freezer bag:
8 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Mix together marinade:
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 Tbsp chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp red pepper sauce
1 6-oz can orange juice concentrate

Pour marinade over chicken and freeze.

Serving day: Grill 4-6" from heat source for 35-40 minutes. Can also broil in oven or cook in slow cooker.

Hope this helps!

Here's some more ideas that look kinda good:
http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2009/06/preparing-freezer-meals-for-after-baby/

Thanks Margi!!

You guys have me drooling for tater-tot cass now!!!

Me too! :D The last time tater tot casserole came up around here, I was drooling then as well. Dh went to the store then to find some for me, and there weren't any! lol We'll have to try again, I suppose! :D

Oh and Margi....I am going to steal that recipe too! That looks so yummy and will be great for when this baby comes...BBQ season! :D