Freezer Friendly Meals

Winter & Snow

Three Freezer Friendly Recipes

When I was about 8 months pregnant with my first baby, I received some great advice on preparing meals in advance and freezing them for when baby arrives. These recipes are family favourites and they freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Also great for preparing in advance and reheating in the cold winter months!

Some great products that will make storing and reheating a breeze:
Vent & Serve & Freezer Mates
Purchase these items 



Chili

4 stalks of celery
1 yellow onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1 can diced tomatoes (800ml)
1 can tomato paste (350ml)
1 can of kidney beans
1 lbs ground beef
2 diced steaks
1 package of chili seasoning
1 package of hot taco seasoning
salt and pepper

Mix all the ingredients and cook in slow cooker for 8 hours on low.

Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ketchup
3/4 cup beef broth
1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Mix in butter, finely chopped onion and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and cook until clear. Add ground beef and frozen veggies, cook until meat is well browned. Pour off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add ketchup and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Spread the ground beef in an even layer on the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish. Top with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
4. Bake in the 350 degrees preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Lasagne

1 lbs ground beef
1 container of Ricotta cheese
1 cup of Parmesan Cheese
Mozzarella cheese - or your favourite cheese blend
1 jar of your favourite tomato based pasta sauce
1 pack of frozen spinach
1 pack of lasagne noodles

1. Brown the ground beef and drain from fat. Stir in pasta sauces and let simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Drain the thawed spinach and mix with Ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
3. Cook lasagne noodles according to package instructions.
4. Build your lasagne with a layer of noodles, a layer of beef, a layer of noodles and a layer of the ricotta and spinach mixture.
5. Spread mozzarella cheese over the final layer.
6. Bake in the oven at 350 for 30 minutes.