Easy Freezer Meals

Here are a few of our favorite (easy) make ahead meals. Often I just make a double batch...we'll eat one for dinner and I'll freeze one for later. Just thought I'd share them, in case you'd like to enjoy them too. And also, if I place them here, I don't have to worry about losing them later! :)

Tortellini

• 5 cups frozen cheese tortellini
• 3 cups frozen broccoli florets
• 3 cups cooked chicken breasts (cubed) - I often leave the chicken out
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups Alfredo

Cook tortellini. Then mix all ingredients together. Can divide into 2 pans to freeze, or make 1 larger meal. If eating right away, bake @ 375 for 25-30 min. If Freezing and baking later: Lightly cover frozen tortellini and bake for 30 min. @ 375 degrees. Remove foil and bake for 20-25 min more.

Pull Apart Chicken (Crockpot)

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I use frozen)
• 3/4 - 1 cup water
• 2 tsp. vinegar
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp. Sugar
• 1 tsp. celery salt

Put all ingredients in crockpot. (Do not need to unthaw chicken.) Cook on low 5-6 hours or high 3-4 hours. During last hour shred with two forks. Serve on buns with favorite BBQ sauce. I use leftover chicken in casseroles or to make enchiladas.

Chimichangas

• cooked beef, pork or chicken (1 lb)
• 16 oz jar salsa
• 16 oz refried beans
• 1 1/2 oz. env. taco seasoning
• 1 lb shredded cheddar cheese

Mix all the above together. Divide mixture into 16 separate tortillas. Fold the ends in and roll tortillas up. Wrap each one individually in foil, so you only need to take out how many you need later. Freeze. To bake, remove from freezer, unwrap and bake frozen chimichganas (on a cookie sheet) for 30-40 min @ 350 degrees. Variation: I mix just taco meat and cheese together and roll in tortillas for the kiddos.

Stromboli (a little bit more time consuming to make, but yummy!)

• 1 cup ham
• 1 cup pepperoni
• 1 cup sausage
• 2 cups cheese (cheddar and/or mozzarella)
• 1 - 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
• 1 Loaf frozen bread dough

Let bread dough rise (on a sprayed cookie sheet) according to directions. After it rises, flour counter surface and roll dough out into a 16x12 in. rectangle. In middle third, add sauce, cheese and meat. Fold into thirds and pinch together to seal. Roll it over onto a greased cookie sheet (so seal is on bottom). Careful not to break dough or it will spill out during baking. Bake for only 20 minutes. @ 350 degrees. Remove from oven, wrap in foil and freeze. To Serve: Remove from freezer and thaw. Bake for an additional 20 minutes @ 350 (or until lightly browned.) I usually make 2-3 of these at a time, we'll eat one right away and freeze the others for later.