Favorite "Freezer Meal" (Once a Month Cooking) recipes

With the hectic holiday season fast approaching, this is the PERFECT time to consider Freezer Cooking (Once a Month) Cooking--even if you find life moving too fast to cook up 30 days worth of meals..I encourage you to begin with cooking/freezing 2 weeks worth of meals.

The beauty of Freezer Meals (or Once a Month Cooking) is that you simply decide what meal you would like for dinner, pull it out of the freezer in the late morning, allow to thaw and simply reheat it in the evening!

Here are a couple recipes our family really enjoy:


Goulash


Ingredients for Cooking Day:
1 lb. ground beef
1 large can tomato sauce - 29 oz.
1 can (4oz) mushrooms
1 can corn (drained)
1 cup elbow macaroni
1chopped green pepper
1/2 onion chopped
1 clove garlic chopped.
May add oregano or Italian seasonings if desired
4 oz. Velvetta Cheese

Directions for Cooking Day: Cook elbow macaroni half the recommended time. Brown meat with bell pepper, onion, garlic. Add rest of ingredients and cook over low heat till Velvetta melted. .Cool and freeze in freezer bag (or glass dish)  We will often double and triple this recipe  and freeze.

Directions for Serving Day: Defrost and heat. Serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.


Pizza Pasta Casserole

Ingredients for Cooking Day:
1- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef

1 large onion, chopped
2 (28 oz each) spaghetti sauce (or make your own)
1 pkg (16 oz) spaghetti noodles
4 cups (16 oz) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
8 oz sliced pepperoni

Directions for Cooking Day:
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. While pasta is cooking, brown ground beef with onion, in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain fat. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Divide noodles evenly . Mix each portion of noodles with 4 oz. mozarella cheese and one egg. Spray 2-- 9"x13" baking casseroles with non-stick cooking spray, and place noodle mixture into bottom and sides of dish. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees till firm yet not crispy. Place 1/2 of spaghetti mixture into each "noodle crust". Top with Pepperoni and Mozarella. Cool. Cover with aluminum foil and freeze.

Directions for Serving Day: Thaw in fridge . Bake at 350F for 35-40 minutes or until heated through.
Makes 2 meals--can easily be double and tripled for more freezer recipes!

For more GREAT Freezer recipes, be sure to check out these 2 resources!

Frugal Mom's Guide to Once a Month Cooking

Hillbilly House Wife Freezer Cooking Made Simple