I did not have any fruit pectin, which many of the recipes called for, but I did have a small box of raspberry jello, so..... I made up my own jam recipe from all the strawberries and rhubarb I had prepared! Strawberry Raspberry Rhubarb Jam A simple and delightful jam recipe made with jello - store in fridge or freezer. No canning equipment required. … [Read more...]
Easy & Budget-Friendly Freezer-Friendly Recipes
Looking to save time, money, and stress at mealtime?!
Our collection of freezer-friendly recipes makes it simple to stock your freezer with delicious, ready-to-cook meals. From make-ahead breakfasts and freezer casseroles to dump-and-go slow cooker meals, these recipes are perfect for busy families who want home-cooked dinners without the daily prep.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or filling your freezer for the month, these easy freezer meals will help you eat well on a budget—without the last-minute scramble.
Slopp-Cheesy Joe Sliders
We are huge sloppy joe fans. Definitely one of those meals that I know all the plates on the table will be polished clean. This meal could easily be slipped into the First Costco Meal Plan, or the Second Costco Meal Plan. It uses ground beef, dinner rolls and frozen veggies...each of which are on the plans. The second plan has a cheese block included as well, so you would … [Read more...]
Cast Iron Chicken Enchiladas & How to Make Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce
This recipe is featured in the 21 Freezer Cooking Recipes from Costco Meal Plan #5. "Mom, that says my name." "You're right buddy...that does say "T" for Tyler!!!" My sweet 4 year old was outside with me, 'helping' me take the photos of these enchiladas. He took one look inside the pan and got so excited and declared that he can't wait to eat these. (Or the dairy … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
I heart soups. I heart slow cooker soups. And even in the heat of the summer, I'll eat a soup...but only if I made it in the slow cooker! This recipe uses my ranchero chicken as a base. When making 'ranchero chicken,' I prefer to make it with 1 lb. of chicken breast and 1 lb. of chicken thighs. I like the flavors that the thighs add to sauce, and I like the … [Read more...]
Orange Glazed Pork Chops
This recipe did end up making it onto the 21 Gluten Free Meals from Costco Plan...so please note the following: Because there are many potatoes in the plan, feel free to substitute mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes. Also, if you don't have orange juice on hand, you could make these Brown Sugar Balsamic pork chops in place of these Orange Glazed Pork Chops. Make whatever you … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken
This recipe is part of our 6th Costco Meal Plan: 20 Slow Cooker Freezer Packs from Costco for $150! Y'all know that I'm just not that into cream of soups. I'm just not. I'm also not that into the dressing packets. So this is a 'made from scratch' version...combining the flavors of ranch with the creaminess of cream cheese. (Like with some of the other recipes in this … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Beef & Vegetable Soup
Ok. So the kids picked the lima beans out of this one. But my husband ate them up because they are his fave! lol Overall, we really enjoyed this soup...starts with browning ground beef, then loading up the slow cooker and letting it do all the flavor mixing for you! Couple notes about the 20 Meals from Costco for $150 meal plan shopping list for this recipe... … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Maple & Balsamic Pork Roast
This recipe is part of our 6th Costco Meal Plan: 20 Slow Cooker Freezer Packs from Costco for $150! Amazing...this one. The glaze as it cooks plus the gravy you make after it cooks...simply scrumptious! A flavor explosion! This recipe does require you to cook the sauce/glaze for a few minutes before pouring it over the pork roast in the slow cooker, or in the freezer … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Mushrooms & Carrots
This recipe is part of our 6th Costco Meal Plan: 20 Slow Cooker Freezer Packs from Costco for $150! You want your house to smell like a gourmet restaurant...make this! There's something about the way the beef and mushrooms cook together...mmmmmmmmm... This is a fantastically delicious recipe for beef roast that has just a few ingredients and can be made with quite a few … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli
This recipe is part of our 6th Costco Meal Plan: 20 Slow Cooker Freezer Packs from Costco for $150! Pasta E Fagioli. Or "Pasta and Beans" in Italiano. This is a delicious and simple twist on the classic Italian soup. PLEASE...pay close attention to the directions on when to add the pasta into the slow cooker. It's not when you think it is! :) Couple notes about this … [Read more...]