When you first started social distancing, you probably had visions of baking bread from scratch, cooking elaborate meals you never had time for previously and organizing your whole house. You were finally going to have so much time on your hands to get done all the things you've been wanting to do!
Then reality sunk in. Sure, you aren't leaving your house except for the essentials, but you are trying to work from home (or are still heading into work), homeschooling your kids, looking after your elderly neighbors or relatives who can't get out, cleaning your house and trying to stay on top of all the extra laundry—all while trying to stay sane.
All the time that you thought you were going to have is leaving you exhausted. For families with kids, this time has been compared to the newborn phase. Remember that sleep-deprived, zombie state you lived in for at least the first 3 months of your child's life? You are exhausted, you don't know what day it is and start crying at any moment.
Just like they were in those newborn days, freezer meals are clutch.
A little prep will go far with these recipes for satisfying, nutritious, make-ahead meals for those days when you don't want to spend any more time thinking or doing.
Make-Ahead Honey Mustard Chicken
This recipe can easily be doubled to enjoy for dinner tonight and one to pop in the freezer for later.
Mac and Cheese
Looking for comfort food right now? Homemade mac and cheese is where it's at. This recipe delivers the ooey gooey cheesiness of comfort food that your body is probably craving right about now.
Crockpot Chicken Quesadillas
A Crockpot is a lifesaver for meals. Combine that with prepping a freezer bag ahead of time with all the ingredients for the Crockpot is pure genius. Dump and cook!
Classic Stuffed Peppers
Whip up this easy dish, and pop it into the freezer. Simply place the prepared peppers in a dish covered with tinfoil and wrap in plastic wrap. When you're ready to enjoy it, reheat the dish straight from the freezer.
Zucchini Pie Casserole
Bake this veggie-infused casserole, let it cool then freeze to enjoy another day.
Enchilada Casserole with Black Beans and Quinoa
This vegetarian dish will be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables
Full of good-for-you veggies and topped with three different cheeses, this meatless dish will be a hit any day of the week.
Crockpot Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are one of those classic kid-friendly recipes. You can't go wrong with it! To freeze and cook later, simply add all ingredients to a freezer bag. When you're ready to cook, thaw in refrigerator overnight then follow cooking instructions in the recipe. Easy!
Roasted Pork with Sweet Potato, Pear and Apple
Prep the ingredients and place it all in a freezer safe dish. When you are ready to cook it, pop it out of the freezer right into the oven. A delicious dinner will be ready in 45 minutes.
Instant Pot Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps
These easy lettuce wraps can be cooked from fresh or frozen. Make a double batch for one tonight and one for later.
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