Welcome cincymom | Log Out | Contact Us | Newsletter



















Meals to freeze before baby arrives



Disneymommy posted here about all the meals she prepared ahead and froze before her baby arrived. Many people asked her to share the recipes, and she was kind enough to pull them all together for us. Here they are:


Easy Chicken Chilaquiles Skillet
Recipe By : not specified
Serving Size : 4
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast halves -- cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles -- undrained (14.5 oz)
1 can spicy chili beans -- 15 oz
1 1/2 cups Green Giant Select Frozen Gold and White Corn
1/2 cup water
2 cups tortilla chips -- broken slightly
1 cup shredded Mexican Cheese blend

In a medium bowl, combine chicken and garlic salt; toss to coat. Spray large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until browned.

Add tomatoes, beans, corn and water; mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook 10 minutes.

Add chips; stir gently to mix. Cook 5 to 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center and corn is tender, stirring occasionally.

Sprinkle with cheese. Cover, cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Source: "Great Meals Cookbook"

NOTES on the above: I loved this recipe and it froze really well.
**When I froze this recipe, I omitted the chips and cheese and only added them when I thawed the recipe and got ready to serve it. I like my tortilla chips crunchy and not really soft, so I always added my chips right when I serve it.**

Updated Mac & Cheese
Recipe By : not specified
Serving Size : 4
Preparation Time :0:20
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese -- grated
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese -- grated

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until tender but still firm, 9-12 minutes; drain. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk.

Whisk in the mustard, paprika, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until sauce is the consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cheddar and 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Whisk until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.

Add the macaroni to the cheese sauce; stir until well combined. Scrape the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese over the macaroni. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes.

**If you don't have dry mustard, use 1/4 tsp prepared mustard.

Source:"Light & Easy Recipes"
T(bake):"0:20"

NOTES on the above : My husband and I both enjoyed this recipe and it held up very well being frozen.
Mozzarella Manicotti
Recipe By : not specified
Serving Size : 6
Preparation Time :0:20
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
12 large manicotti
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups ricotta cheese
6 tablespoons fresh basil -- chopped or 2 tbsp dried
1 jar spaghetti sauce -- 26 oz
1/2 cup parmesan cheese -- grated or Romano Cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cook manicotti according to package directions. Drain; rinse with cool water. Dry manicotti on paper towels.

For filling, in a medium bowl, mix 3 cups of mozzarella with ricotta and basil. Using a teaspoon, carefully stuff manicotti with cheese mixture.

Spoon 2 cups spaghetti sauce in prepared baking dish. Arrange stuffed manicotti over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella. Bake manicotti 15 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake 10 minutes longer. Serve Immediately.

Source:"Light & Easy Recipes"
T(b):"0:25"

NOTES on the above : This meal also froze very well.
Hearty Black Bean Soup
Recipe By : not specified
Serving Size : 6
Preparation Time :0:30
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 pound dried black beans
4 tablespoons butter
4 stalks celery -- finely chopped
2 medium yellow onions -- finely chopped
4 cloves garlic -- minced
6 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/3 cup Madeira or 2 tbsp red-wine vinegar
3 bay leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
10 slices bacon -- cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons chopped green onions

Bring 5 cups water to a boil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Add beans. Cook for 10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

Melt butter in the Dutch oven over low heat. Add celery, yellow onions and garlic. Cook, stirring continually, until tender, about 8 minutes.

Add the beans, broth, Madeira, bay leaves and black pepper to the pot. Mix well. Bring to boil over medium heat. Cook over low heat stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 hours, adding water if needed to keep the beans covered.

Remove bay leaves. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon. Stir remaining bacon into soup. Ladle half the soup into a food processor. Process until pureed. Return to pot and mix well. Ladle into soup bowls. Top each serving with dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle with green onions and reserved crumbled bacon.

Source:"One Dish Meals"
T(Cook):"3:15"

NOTES on the above : I noticed when I made this that 10 minutes to cook the beans in Step 1 wasn't long enough to really soften them for the soup, so in turn it made the 3 hour cooking time longer. I would follow the package directions on the black beans, maybe cooking them halfway per the bag instructions, since they will finish cooking toward the end - see Step 3.
I thought this froze well and I have enjoyed having it for lunch with cornbread.

Meatballs for Spaghetti
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 15
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 pound ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons parsley
1 teaspoon dried onions
salt
pepper

Mix ingredients to form a ball. Add to sauce with olive oil, cook until brown on each sides. Drain. Add sauce and simmer.

NOTES on the above: Can either be used for spaghetti or on hoagie buns.
I bought a package of hoagie buns and froze these in Ziploc freezer bags as well.
Very easy to freeze, I would just thaw in microwave and then make either spaghetti or thaw the hoagie buns and have a meatball sub with some mozzarella cheese to go with it.

Porcupines
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 10
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1/2 pound ground beef
1/4 cup rice -- uncooked
1/4 cup milk or water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon shortening
1 cup tomato sauce -- (8 oz) can or tomato juice
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
dehydrated onion flakes

Mix beef, rice, milk, onion and seasonings. Form into balls. Fry until lightly brown. Add rest of the ingredients. Add water if necessary.

NOTES on the above : I froze these as well.
When I made dinner, I would normally serve this with a salad and baked potato.

Meat Loaf
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 6
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
2 pound Ground chuck
1 cup croutons
1 1/3 cups milk
2 egg
4 tablespoons onion -- fresh
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspooncelery salt
3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup

Bake at 350 for 2 hours

Notes on the above: This always freezes really well.
Chicken Horderves
Recipe By :MIL
Serving Size : 24
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
3 chicken breast halves -- cubed
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce -- or 3 dashes
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
sour cream

Soak 1 day in sour cream, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 2-3 dashes Worcestershire sauce. Dip in mixture of 1/3 cup parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup Italian crumbs. Put in baking dish (not in single layer) Dribble 1/2 stick margarine on it and bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Notes on the above: We always freeze this meal as well.
Jamie's Chili
Recipe By :Jamie Deen
Serving Size : 8
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 pound mixed ground beef and sausage -- browned and drained
1 medium onion -- diced
1 green bell pepper diced
2 cups chopped celery
2 cans diced tomatoes -- (28-ounce)
1 can whole tomatoes -- (28-ounce) peeled
1 can pinto beans -- (14 1/2-ounce) drained and rinsed
1 can black beans -- (14 1/2-ounce) drained and rinsed
1 cankidney beans -- (14 1/2-ounce) drained and rinsed
1 package chili seasoning mix
Ground cumin
Chili powder
Shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, for garnish


In a skillet brown ground beef and sausage, drain and set aside.

Spray large pot with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the onion, green pepper, and celery and saute briefly. Stir in the diced and whole tomatoes. Add cumin and chili powder, to taste, and cook for about 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add the beans, browned meat, and chili seasoning. Partially cover, and let simmer for 4 hours.

Serve with Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Source: "Food Network"

NOTES on the above: When I made this chili, instead of using sausage, I just used all ground beef. This froze well and makes a ton!!
Lasagna
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 16
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 onion -- big, cut real fine
2 cloves garlic -- big fat
1 pound ground beef
1 pound pork sausage
2 tomato paste -- tiny cans
2 tomato sauce -- little cans
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese -- grated
1 box lasagna noodle
1 cottage cheese
1 package mozzarella cheese -- or Swiss cheese
Oil in a large skillet (couple of tbs)


Cut 1 big onion real fine. Saute with 1 lb ground chuck & 1 pkg of pork sausage. Salt to taste.

When browned add 2 tiny cans tomato paste & 2 little cans tomato sauce. Add 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese & simmer for hours. (If dry add water) Cook lasagna noodles with a little oil.

Grease casserole with a little oil and then add in layers; noodles, sauce, fine cottage cheese, Swiss or mozzarella cheese.

Repeat as needed. Add plenty of cheese on top. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees, much longer if refrigerated.

NOTES on the above: I froze this as well.
Herbed Pot Roast
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 8
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 chuck roast -- boneless beef rump or chuck
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can condensed beef broth -- (10-1/2 oz)
8 carrots -- cut into thirds
8 medium potatoes -- peeled and quartered
1 large onion -- quartered
1 cup water

In a Dutch oven, brown roast in oil. Combine the seasonings; sprinkle over meat. Add broth and bring to boil. Cover and back at 325 degrees for 2 hours, basting occasionally.

Add carrots, potatoes, onion and water. Cover and bake for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender. Thicken pan juices for gravy if desired.

NOTES : I froze this and would eat it for lunch or dinner.
Beef and Bean Burritos
Recipe By : not specified
Serving Size : 4
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
4 flour tortillas -- 10 inch
8 ounces lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 can black beans -- (15 oz) rinsed and drained
1 cup tomatoes with green chilies -- (10 oz) undrained
1 teaspoon chili powder -- 1 to 2 tsp
2 tablespoons green onion -- chopped

Wrap tortillas in foil. Heat in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes to soften. Meanwhile for filling, in a large skillet cook ground beef and onion until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat.

Stir in beans, undrained tomatoes and chili peppers, and chili powder. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or to desired consistency.

When filling burrito with mixture, I like to top it with some shredded cheese.

Notes: Whenever we had tacos for dinner, I would thaw and nuke this in the microwave. It's fast and easy and very tasty for dinner.
Taco Lasagna
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 9
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup green pepper -- chopped
1/2 cup onion -- chopped
2/3 cupwater
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
1 can black beans -- (15 oz) rinsed and drained
1 can Mexican tomatoes -- (14 1/2oz) diced, undrained
6 flour tortillas -- 8-inches
1 can refried beans -- (16 oz)
3 cups shredded Mexican Cheese Blend -- (12 oz)

In a large skillet, cook the beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add water and taco seasoning; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Stir in the black beans and tomatoes. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes

Place two tortillas in a greased 13-in x 9-inch x 2-inch baking dish. Spread with half the refried beans and beef mixture; sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining tortillas and cheese. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Source:"Quick Cooking March/April 2003 Issue"

NOTES : I did freeze this one as well. The middle layer tortillas were a little soft/soggy when thawed, but I still enjoyed the meal.
Mexican Manicotti
Recipe By : Serving Size : 8
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 pound lean ground beef
1 can refried beans -- (16 oz)
2 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoonsdried oregano
1 package manicotti -- (8 oz)
2 1/2 cups water
1 jar picante sauce -- (16 oz)
2 cups sour cream -- (16 oz)
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese or Mexican
Blend Cheese -- (4 oz)
1/4 cupsliced green onions
black olives -- optional

In a bowl, combine the uncooked beef, beans, chili powder and oregano. Spoon into uncooked manicotti shells; arrange in a greased 13x9x2 baking dish. Combine water and picante sauce; pour over shells. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Uncover; spoon sour cream over the top. Sprinkle with the cheese, onions and olives if desired. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.

Description:"Plan ahead.....start the night before"
Source:"Quick Cooking March/April 2003 Issue"

NOTES : I have actually made this recipe 2 different ways. I have followed the directions and made it the night before and I have also made it the same day.
For the same day: I browned the beef with the chili powder and oregano mixed in; drained and then added the beans to warm them up. I cooked the manicotti shells according to the package but left them somewhat al dente, since they will bake in the over for a bit. I cut out the excess water and just added the picante sauce over top. I did not cook this for an hour, but cut the time in half since the manicotti and beef have already been cooked.
I did freeze this meal.

Beef Tamale Pie
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 6
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 pound ground beef
1/2 medium onion -- chopped
2 packages frozen mixed vegetables -- (16 oz)
1 can black beans -- (15 oz) rinsed and drained
1 envelope taco seasoning mix
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup green chiles -- (4 1/2 oz) chopped
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large egg

Cook the ground beef in an 11-inch skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, about 8 minutes; drain. Add the onion and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in 3/4 cup water, the mixed vegetables, black beans and taco seasoning. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8 minutes.

Combine the flour and cornmeal in a medium bowl and mix well. Stir in the chiles, milk, oil and egg. Spread the dough evenly over the ground beef mixture.

Cover and cook over low heat until a toothpick inserted in the center of the crust comes out clean, 30-35 minutes.

Source:"One Dish Meals"
T(Cook):"0:50"
NOTES : I loved this dish and it held up well being frozen.
Beef Pot Pie
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 5
Preparation Time :0:30
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
12 ounces boneless beef sirloin steak -- trimmed of fat
1/2 cup onion -- chopped
1 clove garlic -- minced
1 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable juice
1 package frozen mixed vegetables -- 10 oz
3/4 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried basil -- crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram -- crushed
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornmeal
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons shortening
1/3 cup skim milk
1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt

Cut meat into 3/4 inch cubes. Spray an unheated large Dutch oven with nonstick spray coating. Preheat over medium-high heat. Add meat and cook until brown. Remove meat from pan. Add onion and garlic to pan. Cook and stir until onion is tender. Stir in vegetable juice, frozen vegetables, beef broth, basil, marjoram, and pepper. Stir in the meat. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender

For topper, in a mixing bowl stir together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and 1/8 tsp salt. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir together milk and yogurt. Add to flour mixture. Stir just until combined.

Spoon hot meat mixture into a 2-quart casserole. Immediately drop the topper in small mounds onto hot mixture. Bake in a 450 degree oven for 15-20 minutes or until topper is golden brown.

Source:"New Dieter's Cookbook"
T(Cook):"0:35"

NOTES : This was one of my favorite recipes and it froze well.
Oven-Baked Beef Stew
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 8
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
3 pounds boneless chuck roast -- cut into bite-sized pieces
3 large potatoes -- peeled and cut into quarters
12 small boiling onions
6 large carrots -- cut into 1" pieces
6 celery stalks -- cut into 1" pieces
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups vegetable juice cocktail
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Combine beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, sugar, salt and black pepper in a large ovenproof skillet and mix well. Pour 1 1/2 cups vegetable juice cocktail evenly over the beef mixture.

Combine the remaining 1/2 cup vegetable juice cocktail and cornstarch in a small bowl and mix well. Stir in the beef mixture.

Bake, tightly covered, for 4 hours, leaving the oven door closed the entire baking time.

Source:"One Dish Meals"
T(Bake):"0:04"

Potato Soup
Recipe By :not specified
Serving Size : 4
Preparation Time :0:35
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
3 medium potatoes -- peeled and quartered
2 cups water
1/2 cup onion -- chopped
1/2 cup celery -- sliced
1/2 cup carrot -- sliced
1 clove garlic -- minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme -- snipped, or 1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups skim milk

In a large saucepan combine potatoes, water, onion, celery, carrot, garlic, thyme, bouillon granules, and pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Place, a portion at a tine, in blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and process until nearly smooth. If desired, strain. Return all to saucepan. Stir in milk; heat just to boiling.

Source:"New Dieter's Cookbook"
T(Cook):"0:20"

NOTES : I froze this and would eat it for lunch.
Peanut Butter Bread
Recipe By :366 Low-fat Brand-Name Recipes in Minutes
Serving Size : 24
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups flour -- Gold Medal Better for Bread Flour
1 1/2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast

Add ingredients to pan in order listed. If you machine calls for dry ingredients first, then invert the order of ingredients. Program for "bread" or regular setting. Push "start". Remove bread from machine approximately 4 hours later.

Description:"Bread Machine Breads"

NOTES : Once this was baked and cooled, I froze this and would thaw it when I wanted something like a dessert. I would toast it and top it with peanut butter.
Italian Bread
Recipe By :366 Low-fat Brand-Name Recipes in Minutes
Serving Size : 24
Preparation Time :not specified
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
1 1/8 cups water
3 cups flour -- Gold Medal Better for Bread Flour
1 1/2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried onion
1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
2 tablespoons margarine

Add ingredients to pan in order listed. If you machine calls for dry ingredients first, then invert the order of ingredients. Program for "bread" or regular setting. Push "start". Remove bread from machine approximately 4 hours later.

Description:"Bread Machine Breads"

NOTES : When this had cooled, I sliced it and froze it into servings and would thaw it when we were eating something Italian to go along with the meal.


cincyMOMS.com » Home | Mom to Mom | Calendar | Photos | Contact Us | FAQ
Copyright © 2007   The Enquirer. All rights reserved. Users of this site agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights (Terms updated March 2007)