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10 DIFFERENT Freezer Meals With Only 25 Ingredients! (Instant Pot and Slow Cooker!)

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Six Sisters' Stuff
Six Sisters' Stuff
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Freezer meals have gained popularity in the United States as a convenient solution for busy families. They allow for meal prep in advance, saving time during hectic weeknights. This dish combines protein, grains, and vegetables, making it a balanced option that can be easily reheated. Variations abound, with different proteins and flavors reflecting regional tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

  • chicken
  • rice
  • black beans
  • corn
  • bell pepper
  • onion
  • garlic
  • cumin
  • chili powder
  • salt
  • pepper
  • olive oil
  • cheddar cheese
  • sour cream
  • cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. 2Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. 3Sauté chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. 4Add minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. 5Stir in cooked rice, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken; mix well.
  6. 6Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  7. 7Top with shredded cheddar cheese evenly.
  8. 8Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. 9Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. 10Let cool slightly before serving.
  11. 11Garnish with sour cream and cilantro before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

sour cream

Healthier: Greek yogurt

Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Techniques

sautéingbaking

Equipment

skilletbaking dishmeasuring cupsspatulaknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilksoy

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, red onion, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
  2. 2In a separate small bowl, mix together the lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Pour the lime dressing over the bean and vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
  4. 4Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined.
  5. 5Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lime juice as desired.
  6. 6Let the salsa sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. 7Serve the black bean corn salsa chicken as a topping for tacos, on a bed of lettuce, or with tortilla chips.
  8. 8Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Equipment

large mixing bowlsmall mixing bowlspoon for mixingknifecutting board

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 tbsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp liquid smoke
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. 2Rub the pork shoulder with sea salt evenly on all sides.
  3. 3Place the pork shoulder in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven.
  4. 4Drizzle the liquid smoke over the pork, ensuring it is well coated.
  5. 5Add the water to the bottom of the pan to create steam during cooking.
  6. 6Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid.
  7. 7Bake in the preheated oven for about 6 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  8. 8Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before shredding.
  9. 9Shred the pork using two forks, mixing it with the juices in the pan for added flavor.
  10. 10Serve the Kalua Pork garnished with chopped green onions.

Equipment

roasting panaluminum foilforksDutch oven
dairy-freegluten-free

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. 2In a bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, apple cider vinegar, and honey to create the marinade.
  3. 3Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
  4. 4Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
  5. 5Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
  6. 6Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  7. 7During the last few minutes of grilling, brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken for extra flavor.
  8. 8Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  9. 9Serve the zesty BBQ chicken with your favorite sides.

Equipment

grillmixing bowlmeasuring spoonsmeasuring cupsplastic bag or shallow dish

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 can (12 oz) root beer
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1 cup coleslaw (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your slow cooker on low heat.
  2. 2Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder and season it with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  3. 3Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the slow cooker and pour the root beer over it.
  4. 4Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the pork is tender and easily shredded.
  5. 5Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  6. 6Drain excess liquid from the slow cooker, leaving a small amount for moisture.
  7. 7Mix the shredded pork with barbecue sauce until well coated.
  8. 8Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired.
  9. 9Assemble the sandwiches by placing a generous amount of pulled pork on the bottom half of each bun, and top with coleslaw if using.
  10. 10Serve immediately and enjoy your root beer pulled pork sandwiches.

Equipment

slow cookerforkscutting boardknife
vegetarianveganplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 packet chili seasoning mix

Instructions

  1. 1In a medium pot, combine the drained kidney beans and diced tomatoes.
  2. 2Sprinkle the chili seasoning mix over the beans and tomatoes.
  3. 3Stir the mixture until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
  4. 4Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  5. 5Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. 6Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Equipment

medium pot
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup salsa (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. 2Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  4. 4Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  6. 6Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until pliable.
  7. 7Assemble tacos by placing a portion of the meat mixture on each tortilla.
  8. 8Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa as desired.
  9. 9Serve immediately and enjoy!

Equipment

skilletspatulameasuring spoonscutting boardknife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. 3Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
  4. 4Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them completely.
  5. 5Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  6. 6Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  7. 7Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
  8. 8Serve hot with your choice of sides.

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking dishoven

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated.
  2. 2Add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the chicken mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. 3Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. 4Starting from one end, carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  5. 5Once all tortillas are rolled, you can slice them into pinwheels or serve them whole.
  6. 6If desired, you can place the roll-ups in a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to warm them through and slightly crisp the tortillas.
  7. 7Serve with additional buffalo sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Equipment

mixing bowlbaking dishknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Medium

Originating from Italy, meatball sliders reflect the Italian tradition of using simple, hearty ingredients to create satisfying meals. Traditionally served as a street food or casual family meal, these sliders have gained popularity worldwide, often enjoyed at parties and gatherings. Variations abound, with different meats, sauces, and toppings, making them a versatile favorite.

Ingredients

  • ground beef
  • ground pork
  • bread crumbs
  • parmesan cheese
  • egg
  • garlic
  • parsley
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • olive oil
  • marinara sauce
  • slider buns
  • mozzarella cheese
  • basil
  • red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. 2In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  4. 4Form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
  5. 5Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish and pour marinara sauce over them.
  7. 7Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  8. 8Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs.
  9. 9Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. 10Slice the slider buns in half and toast them lightly in the oven if desired.
  11. 11Place a meatball on each slider bun and top with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if using.
  12. 12Serve warm and enjoy.

Ingredient Alternatives

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

slider buns

Healthier: whole grain buns

Cheaper: hot dog buns

Whole grain buns offer more fiber, while hot dog buns are often cheaper.

mozzarella cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat, while provolone is a cost-effective option.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

Techniques

mixingbrowningbaking

Equipment

large bowlskilletbaking dishovenspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowmilkeggswheat

Also Known As

Meatball SandwichesMini Meatball Subs

Baked Ziti is a beloved dish in Italian-American cuisine, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. Its roots can be traced back to Southern Italy, where pasta dishes are a staple. This comforting casserole showcases the harmony of pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce, making it a favorite for potlucks and weeknight dinners alike. Today, variations abound, with some adding vegetables or different meats, reflecting personal tastes and regional influences.

Ingredients

  • ziti pasta
  • marinara sauce
  • ricotta cheese
  • mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • ground beef
  • onion
  • garlic
  • olive oil
  • basil
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • egg
  • fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Cook ziti pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3Drain the pasta and set aside.
  4. 4Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. 7In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, and a pinch of salt until combined.
  8. 8In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture.
  9. 9Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top, then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
  10. 10Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  11. 11Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  12. 12Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

ricotta cheese

Healthier: cottage cheese

Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and provides a similar texture.

ground beef

Healthier: ground turkey

Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while provolone can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated Pecorino Romano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Techniques

boilingsautéingbaking

Equipment

large potskilletbaking dishmixing bowlmeasuring cupsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Ziti al FornoBaked Pasta

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