Hey everyone, today I have a cozy fall cook with me! Few of these recipes you could also use for freezer prep! Happy fall 2020!

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Cozy Fall 2020 Recipe Ideas: Easy Freezer Meal Prep

As the crisp autumn air rolls in and the leaves change color, it’s time to embrace the cozy vibes of fall. This season is perfect for gathering around hearty meals that warm the soul. If you’re looking to prepare easy freezer meals this fall, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some delightful recipe ideas that will keep you cozy and satisfied throughout the season.

Why Freezer Meal Prep?

Freezer meal prep is a game-changer for busy fall schedules. It allows you to cook larger batches, save time on busy weeknights, and reduce food waste. Plus, having ready-to-go meals at your fingertips makes it easy to savor fall flavors any day of the week.

Cozy Fall Recipe Ideas

1. Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the butternut squash, cinnamon, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the squash is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Let it cool before pouring it into freezer-safe containers for later use.

2. Hearty Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the meat with onion and garlic.
2. Add all remaining ingredients and stir well. Simmer for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Allow to cool before ladling into freezer-friendly bags. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stovetop.

3. Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions and set them aside.
2. In a pan, sauté spinach and mushrooms until tender.
3. In a baking dish, layer noodles, ricotta, sautéed vegetables, marinara, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella on top.
4. Cover tightly with foil and freeze. Bake straight from the freezer at 375°F for about 1 hour or until heated through.

4. Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs until combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture.
4. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 60 minutes. Cool completely before slicing and freezing.

Meal Prep Tips

• Label and Date: Always label your containers or bags with the meal name and date.
• Cool Before Freezing: Let hot meals cool down before storing them to maintain texture and avoid ice crystal formation.
• Serve Ideas: When ready to eat, pair your meals with fresh bread, salads, or seasonal sides to elevate the experience.

Conclusion

As you embrace the cozy vibes of fall, these easy freezer meal prep ideas will fill your kitchen with comforting aromas and save you time during the week. With these recipes, you can relish the flavors of the season while enjoying the convenience of having meals ready to go. Happy cooking and enjoy the warmth of fall!