I actually made this before the baby was born. And of course, froze the extras. Because there were lots of extras. And we are eating those leftovers tonight! Chuckwagon Chili Simple and full of flavor! 1 cup dried red kidney beans 1.5 lb. ground beef 1 onion, chopped15 oz can diced tomatoes 6 oz can tomato paste1 Tbsp garlic powder3 Tbsp chili powder 2 tsp … [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.
Italian Stuffed Shells
I originally intended on making these Mexican Stuffed Shells from Tricia's March Menu. Just not feeling that "unstuffed" or "Mexican" vibe this afternoon. Ended up making Italian Stuffed Shells. And a whole lotta 'em. And a dairy-free version, too. Recipe below is the doubled version. Will make at least 2 9x13 pans. And costs just over $10! Got another meal … [Read more...]
How to Cook & Freeze Dried Beans
Beans. Beans. The Magical Fruit. Beans. Beans. They make you... Alright, Alright. I couldn't help it. I'm surrounded by little boys who think that saying the word "toot" is the FUNNIEST thing...EVER! There really isn't anything funnier than a little boy giggling after saying "toot." That word invokes a special giggle. And I can't help but laugh … [Read more...]
Sausage Eggwiches
Well. We've been dealing with a bit of a crisis around here. Remember my "Stock the Freezer" list? Well, I've been busy the last few weeks stocking up our fridge freezer and our deep freezer. So last night I noticed that the power light on the generic brand deep freezer (wish was just about stuffed to the gills!) was out. Uh oh. Checked all the electric, fuses, etc. … [Read more...]
A1 Beef Stew
This was the perfect meal to come home to after an afternoon adventure/walk to the park! It was just cold enough outside to be chilly, but not so cold that we didn't enjoy ourselves! Arriving home to this soup was lovely! Warmed our tummies right up! Here is the "doubled" version of the recipe! The total cost is not under $5...but since it is two meals worth...we divide … [Read more...]
Beef and Bean Chimichangas
Today is Thursday. That means I'm doubling up the dinner recipe and putting half in the freezer! I plan to do this every Thursday until baby boy #3 arrives. I chose Thursday because its my "lightest" day and I can spend some extra time in the kitchen. This recipe from Carrie at Carrie's Cooking called for a ground beef, green peppers and onions mix...so I decided that I'd … [Read more...]
BBQ Mini Meatloaves and Meatloaf Bites
I intended just to make mini meatloaves tonight. With a "blop" of BBQ sauce on each mini-loaf. But there was extra meat mixture left after filling the "12 muffin tin", so I went to grab my "6 muffin tin" for the rest of the meat...but ended up pulling out the mini-muffin tin instead...to make "meatloaf bites!" The boys LOVED the meatloaf bites! We did NOT eat all 12 mini … [Read more...]
The Official “Stock the Freezer” List
Welcome to The Official "Stock the Freezer" List from $5 Dinners!!! Because of the many events occurring in my life (mainly expanding belly bump and upcoming release of my first cookbook), I have decided to "stock the freezer" for post-baby. Baby is due to arrive in the middle of November...and my book is slated for release just after the new year. Life will be a little … [Read more...]
How to Stockpile & Freeze Blueberries
When blueberries are on sale for $1 a PINT, of course I’m gonna buy a few extras…and by a few, I mean 9! Yes, I bought 9 pints of blueberries last week! I tossed 1 pint into the week’s fruit salad. The other pints I froze…just like the raspberries. I rinsed and dried them, and then laid them out in baking dishes and put them into the freezer. Once frozen, I … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Waffles
Here's our "breakfast for dinner" this week. I ended up doubling this recipe and freezing a batch! Still working on my "Freezer Stock Up" list for post-baby...Hoping to get it posted next week :) Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Waffles These waffles are perfection! 1 1/2 cups wheat flour3 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp baking soda2 tsp pumpkin pie spice1 pinch … [Read more...]