EASY MONTHLY FREEZER MEAL PREP RECIPES COOK WITH ME LARGE FAMILY MEALS WHATS FOR DINNER MY HOME …

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Easy Monthly Freezer Meal Prep Recipes: Cook with Me for Large Family Meals

Meal preparation can be a game changer, especially for families with busy schedules. The concept of monthly freezer meal prep allows you to spend a little time in the kitchen once a month, creating nutritious and delicious meals that can easily be reheated during those hectic weeks. In this article, we’ll explore easy monthly freezer meal prep recipes perfect for large families, while answering the age-old question: “What’s for dinner?”

The Benefits of Freezer Meal Prep

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s discuss why freezer meal prep is not just convenient but also beneficial:

1. Time-Saving: Spend one day cooking and have a month’s worth of meals ready to go.
2. Budget-Friendly: Buy in bulk and reduce the temptation of last-minute takeout.
3. Healthier Choices: Control the ingredients and portion sizes, making it easier to adhere to a healthy diet.
4. Less Stress: Eliminate the daily "what’s for dinner?" question and make mealtime more enjoyable for everyone.

Easy Freezer Meal Prep Recipes

1. Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 10-12 tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and 1 cup enchilada sauce.
2. Place a generous scoop of the mixture in each tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in a freezer-safe dish.
3. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
4. Cover tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze.

Cooking Instructions: Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.

2. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef strips
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 4 cups cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine beef strips, ½ cup soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Sauté beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Add broccoli and the remaining soy sauce and beef broth.
3. Cook until broccoli is tender. Allow it to cool, then portion into freezer bags.
4. Freeze in individual portions or meal-size portions.

Cooking Instructions: Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet until hot. Serve over rice.

3. Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 2 cans black beans, drained
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 cup corn

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and bell pepper until soft.
2. Add the beans, tomatoes, corn, chili powder, and cumin. Stir well and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Allow to cool and transfer to freezer bags or containers. Label and freeze.

Cooking Instructions: Thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Perfect with crusty bread or over rice!

4. Pasta Primavera

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (your choice)
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. In the last 3 minutes, add the mixed vegetables.
2. Drain and set aside. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Combine pasta and vegetables with the garlic, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Cool and portion into freezer bags. Don’t forget to reserve some cheese to add fresh upon reheating!

Cooking Instructions: Thaw and toss in a skillet until heated through. Add freshly grated cheese if desired.

5. Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef or lamb
• 4 cups mashed potatoes (pre-made or frozen)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground meat in a skillet with the onion until cooked through. Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and mixed vegetables.
2. Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Smooth out and create a decorative pattern if desired.
3. Allow to cool before covering and freezing.

Cooking Instructions: Thaw, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Monthly freezer meal prep is an efficient way to enhance your family’s meal times and simplify your cooking process. By preparing large quantities of nutritious meals upfront, you can enjoy quality time with your family instead of stressing over dinner every night. These easy freezer meal prep recipes are just the beginning—feel free to customize them to your family’s taste and preferences. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s make mealtime a breeze!