Freezer Meals

This page features some our of favorite freezer meals.  They aren’t necessarily the cheapest ones you can make, but each was a big hit at our house and can be made for a steal if you get things on sale.  And no matter how you look at it, it’s bound to be cheaper than headed for a drive thru or – gasp – a restaurant because you don’t feel like cooking! 

A quick word about how we do these (although frankly you’ll find better advice via google, LOL).  I buy disposable aluminum pans, fill them up, and cover the top with two layers of heavy duty foil.  I then write the contents and date on the top with a sharpie, and that’s it!  If there are special heating ingredients I write those on there, too, but we found that most are perfect for an hour at 325F (the thaw) and another hour at cooking temp (usually 400F-450F with the last few minutes uncovered.  Ocasionally we still need to microwave the center portions, but hey, it works. 

I’m making a big point to explore more of these meals, and I will continue to update this page with our new favorites.  Here are a couple to start.

PIEROGI CASSEROLE – This is basically lasagna noodles layered with cheese and mashed potatoes with a delish layer of bacon near the top.  We skipped the sour cream and chives (totally forgot about it, frankly) and saved a few bucks.  But I’ve got to warn you about the bacon/garlic/onion layer.  I could EAT THAT WITH A SPOON.  It’s so good!  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pierogi-Casserole/Detail.aspx

COWBOY CASSEROLE – Some of the comments said this was more like dressed up baked beans, but the kids LOVED it and it was hearty enough to serve as a meal – think a new flavor of chili.  We fixed the biscuits/cornbread separately.  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cowboy-Casserole/Detail.aspx