Make Ahead Meals

These days most families are extremely busy. Whether you have school aged children or a busy work schedule you are most likely too busy throughout the week to find time to make a wholesome nutritious meal. With a little prior planning and some extra plastic containers or zip lock bags you and your family can eat wonderful meals through the week with little effort whatsoever. Spend some time on the weekend making a few one dish meals (perhaps double the servings so you can enjoy it the day it was made as well but still have left-overs). Freeze or refrigerate your meals for later on in the week. Here are some of our favorite meals that can easily be made ahead.

Meals that can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days:

Braised Beef Shanks & Macaroni (Prepare the beef shanks ahead of time. Right before serving make the macaroni.)
Sausage Stuffed Chicken (Prepare the chicken. Remove from braising liquid, reserving liquid, and refrigerate until ready to eat.)
Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce
Enchiladas Verde
Green Chile Casserole
Asian Chicken Casserole
Turkey Casserole

Meals that can be frozen for up to 2 weeks:
(Note: To freeze these meals place in a heavy freezer bag, remove all the air and seal. To defrost, place bag in cold water — rotate the bag periodically until food is defrosted. Alternatively, open the bag and defrost in the microwave — be sure to place the bag in a bowl to prevent spillage as it defrosts.)

Minestrone Soup
Hurricane Chili
Chicken Stew & Pasta & Beans
Potato & Leek Soup
Country Stew
Chicken Chili
Chicken Juan de Fuca (Colorado)
Turkey & Rice Soup