Mini Freezer Stash #1

This post was originally published on this site.

Guys! Welcome to our September Mini Freezer Stash!

I absolutely love how my life feels when I have stuff ready to go. Like a crockpot meal set for our busy ballet night, or wholesome homemade muffins to tuck in a lunchbox. Makes me feel like I’m just crushing it at life.

I really wanted this set to feel NOT overwhelming and actually useful.

This Mini Freezer Stash:

  • Takes less than one hour
  • Uses whole food ingredients
  • Has recipes that we *actually* want to eat.

The format couldn’t be easier – you basically assemble stuff in bags and freeze it!

And the recipes this month are some of the top-rated fall faves!

  • Pumpkin Muffins
  • Butter Chicken
  • Tortilla Soup
  • Ricotta Meatballs

If you want, you can get the cute little recipe cards sent to you (free) via email – the form is right here below. I like to print the cards out and attach them to the bags!

I hope you find this as helpful as it’s been for me!


Pumpkin Muffin held in hand with bite taken out.

Makes 16-18 muffins

Blend:

  • 14-oz. can pumpkin puree
  • 3 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract 
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Bake: 375° // 15-17 minutes

Freeze: Store muffins in an airtight container or bag in the freezer (or fridge). To reheat from frozen, microwave 45-60 seconds.

Things to Know:

  • I bake these in a muffin tin lined with avocado oil.

Serves 4

(the picture above shows meatballs – you can make this with meatballs or just chicken thighs as directed below!)

Freeze Together:

  • 1 red onion, roughly chopped
  • 2 tsp. garlic paste
  • 2 tsp. ginger paste
  • 1/4 tsp. turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 14-oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Cook With:

  • 1 1/2 lbs. chicken thighs

Crockpot: Low // 8 hours
Instant Pot: High // 16 minutes
Stovetop: Simmer // 30 minutes

Final Step: Remove chicken from the sauce and shred into large chunks. Puree the sauce (I use an immersion blender). Add ½ cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp. butter to the sauce. Add chicken back in. Serve with rice, naan, and cilantro.

Things to Know:

  • The chicken is listed separately to make it safe for crockpot cooking. You add the frozen portion above, plus a package of chicken thighs, to the crockpot (or whatever method you’re using).
  • Chicken breasts also work.
  • I thaw this by running the bag under warm water for a few minutes and breaking the mixture into chunks.

Serves 6

Freeze Together:

  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced 
  • 2 tsp. garlic paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp. cumin 
  • 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • ¼ tsp. dried oregano 
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes

Cook With:

  • 1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 cups chicken broth

Crockpot: Low // 8 hours
Instant Pot: High // 16 minutes
Stovetop: Simmer // 30 minutes

Final Step: Shred chicken. Add a 14-oz. can drained and rinsed pinto beans. Serve with tortilla strips, lime wedges, and sour cream!

Things To Know:

  • Chicken is listed separately to make it safe for crockpot cooking. You add the frozen portion above, plus a package of chicken thighs and the broth, to the crockpot (or whatever method you’re using).
  • Chicken breasts will also work.
  • I thaw this by running the bag under warm water for a few minutes and breaking the mixture into chunks.
Meatballs in a skillet with red sauce.

Serves 4-5

Mix, Roll, and Freeze:

Freeze on parchment-lined pan; divide into two bags

  • 2 lb. ground turkey
  • 1 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Instructions for one bag:

Bake: 400° // 30 minutes

Final Step: After baking, add 32-oz. of marinara sauce like Rao’s. Bake for 10 mins to warm. Mix 1/4 cup panko, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 2 tsp. olive oil, and parsley, sprinkle on meatballs, and broil until golden and crispy. Serve with pasta or garlic bread and a salad!

Things to Know:

  • Freeze the meatballs on a parchment lined pan so they won’t stick together. Once frozen, transfer to a bag (or two).
  • I bake these in a shallow Dutch oven or cast iron pan with a bit of oil. Then I can add the sauce directly to that same pan.
  • The crispies on top are optional but make it more fun to eat!

If you love this mini freezer stash and want even more freezer meal life-savers, you can get a full packet of 22 dinner recipes right here!

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