Meal ideas

Hi, I'm usually a lurker, but get such good information from everyone here. I am currently 26 weeks with g/g frat twins.

I've been thinking about meals after the babies are born and how hectic things will be. I would like to get a good stash of frozen casserole like dishes so that I have one less thing to worry about.

I'm looking for some ideas for frozen meals, and even some recipes. Also, how long can something be frozen? I like pretty basic type meals. I know lasagna, but wouldn't know how to make it or where to begin.

Thank you for all your help and good luck to everyone!

Dessie

 

Hi, I'm usually a lurker, but get such good information from everyone here. I am currently 26 weeks with g/g frat twins.

I've been thinking about meals after the babies are born and how hectic things will be. I would like to get a good stash of frozen casserole like dishes so that I have one less thing to worry about.

I'm looking for some ideas for frozen meals, and even some recipes. Also, how long can something be frozen? I like pretty basic type meals. I know lasagna, but wouldn't know how to make it or where to begin.

Thank you for all your help and good luck to everyone!

Dessie

 

So far I made a double batch of chicken soup and some chili and froze them. We will get a few meals off of each of those.

An easy casserole I make only calls for 3 ingredients. 1lb of cooked diced chicken, 1 can of cream of chicen soup, and 1 box of stove top stuffing.
You make the stuffing as the box says and when it is done, place into a glass casserole dish, put the chicken on top of it and spoon the soup on the top. Bake uncovered at 350 for an hour. Quick, easy and good

 

Do you have one of those open kitchen places near you that lets you go in and make 8-12 dinners that you can then freeze in small or large portions (you choose) to be cooked at a later date? They do all the food prep and clean-up and you basically assemble and package in their kitchen - so you can make that many meals in a quick 2 hour session. I did that with my MIL before she had surgery and she had food for weeks. I will do the same as I get closer to having the babies. And it's very economical when you consider how much food you get per entree purchased. A popular place in my area is Dinner Done - their website is www.dinnerdone.com if my description makes no sense : )

 

Hi there I am in the same boat. First of all things can be frozen for like up to a year... but for best taste in think 3 months is key. Key second do be afraid to tell others you need meals (you know, when they ask "hey what do you need most?") My ladies Bible study everyone is making one thing (and you have to "let" yourself take all the extra help, even though you may feel like you are putting someone out.. if they offer you are not puting them out at all) Third, when it comes to lazagnas add spinach to your recipe... you will more than likely need the extra iron in the weeks you are first home from the hospital. My MIL added spinach to a few recipes for me and even if you dont like it you wont really taste it mixed in other dishes. Other ideas are Meatloafs, soups, chicken casseroles.... etc. I have one recipe off the top of my head

Chicken Enchiladas
Boil one chicken and shred meat
mix with
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken
1 cup sour cream (optional)
1/2 bag shredded cheese (aprox 8oz)
fill about 8 tortillas (roll) and place side by side in a lasagna pan (freeze)
When ready to bake set oven at 400 bake about 30 min and check, when they are warmed through top with cheese and bake until cheese is melted. Serve with refried beans, sour cream, guac. and salsa (of course all optional)

PS if I think of more I will add them later on... you have me on a mission now i may have to run upstairs and get my recipe book!! lol hope you can use this.

 

Here is a recent thread on this subject, with some great recipes, in the cooking forum

 

Here's a good recipe that requires not many ingredients and is tasty!!

Cheeseburger Casserole
1-2 lbs ground beef
1 can golden mushroom soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 bag of extra crispy french fries (or enough to put on top)

Brown ground beef, drain excess fat
Stir meat and soups together, put in casserole dish
Layer french fries on top

Bake @ 375 for 35 min.
(Sometimes this varies according to how done or crispy you want your fries.

Enjoy!!