Crock-pot freezer meals

After spending a long day running errands, taking care of business, and going to school, the last thing I want to come home to is an hour of food prep then cooking a meal that my son likely won’t eat as it is. Spending a few hours on my weekend to prepare a full set of crock-pot meals I can freeze and pull out as I need is super helpful. Here is how I did it.

You Need:

• Zip-lock freezer bags
• Meal ingredients
• Permanent Marker

1. Find all the ingredients for your crock-pot meal. In some cases, such as chili, you may need to do some cooking before you can prepare the meal to freeze.
2. Place everything in your meal-- leave out ingredients such as water, or other liquids to your pouch-- they do not freeze well. This will mean a lot of vegetable chopping, recipe reading, and ingredient listing to ensure a complete meal.
3. Zip-lock the bag shut and write the name of the recipe, what ingredients are still needed, how high, and how long it should cook for on the bag.
4. Freeze your crock-pot meal in a bag and pull out the next time you need a quick meal.

Here's all the veggies and meals I prepped for future meals. I filled them full enough, and froze them laying down just as showed in the picture so I could break them into halves for two meals.

5 Quick and Easy Meals for Busy People

When it comes to quick and easy meals, you want something fast not fast food that is greasy and feels like a ticking time bomb in your stomach. Having a plan of attack for meals that you can make in less than 20 minutes is awesome. Here are the five go-to meals that we are always prepared to make in my home when my little one is hungry and we are rushing to get out the door.

1. Bean Burritos-A bean burrito is a fantastic meal because it can be eaten in the microwave. Heat the beans and tortillas and feel free to add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, taco sauce, salsa, or whatever other ingredients you like. This simple meal can be made using all your favorite burrito toppings.
2. Pancakes and Eggs-Who ever said that you could not have breakfast for dinner? It is a quick and filling meal and your kids will love it because they, more than likely, do not get to eat it before heading off to school.
3. Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce-There is no need to include the meat unless you absolutely feel it is necessary. Once your noodles are boiled, you simple heat some sauce to top and you have a meal. If you do not like tomato sauce, Alfredo is a great alternative that takes the same amount of time to heat.
4. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup-Heat up a can of tomato soup slap a couple pieces of bread in a pan with some cheese between them and you have a tasty and filling meal. Kid's love it because it is grilled cheese and because there is something to dunk their sandwiches in.
5. Salad-Most all households have a head of lettuce or a bag of salad in the fridge. Throw in some leftover chicken, add a nice dressing and you have a nice, light meal that is perfect for spring or when you do not feel like doing much.