Operation Grab and Go Freeze Meals

When it comes to breakfast and lunch recently, I’ve been going out to eat far too often. And if we’re being really honest here, that’s really just a nice way of saying I have been supremely lazy.  The worst part is that the meals I’m buying (especially breakfast) aren’t even very good!  It’s 100% laziness/ convenience.

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In order to (hopefully) remedy this problem, I’ve decided I am going to spend a day (this Sunday) stocking my freezer with quick and easy options. I’ve never really done any sort of batch cooking or frozen meal prep before, so I’m pretty much flying blind here.  Rather than jumping into the deep end to sink or swim, I’m attempting to create a plan of attack.  I will be sure to report back next week on my success (or lack thereof!)

SO…My goal: make the six recipes below on Sunday afternoon.  I have no idea if this is a realistic goal or not, but I’m going to give it the ole college try.

Breakfast Recipes
Heat and Eat Quiche Breakfast Sandwiches also from Cassie
Green Monster and Smoothie Quick Packs inspired by Samantha at The Peanuts Gang (I also want to make her French Vanilla Banana Muffins at some point, but I’m not sure if those will make it to the freezer!)
Steel Cut Oats

Lunch Recipes
Freezer Black Bean Burritos from Cassie at Back to Her Roots
Freezer Black Bean Burgers from Mom on a Mission
White Chicken Chili (I believe one of my Weight Watchers cookbooks at home has a recipe.)

The Plan:

As it stands right now, I’ve got a grocery list, and I’m planning to shop sometime tomorrow.  This way, I can make the black beans for the burgers and burritos in the crock pot overnight on Saturday, and the steel-cut oats can cook in the crock pot during the day Sunday while I cook the rest of the stuff.  Hopefully once I’ve got all my ingredients and work space in front of me, I can come up with an efficient way to make everything quickly.

Other Thoughts:

I considered making waffles to reheat in the toaster and pancakes for the microwave, but those aren’t quite as “grab-n-go” as the sandwiches.  I also thought about of casseroles and pasta dishes as they generally freeze very well, but getting dinner on the table in the evening isn’t usually much of an issue for me. I really love cooking, and most of the time it’s a de-stresser for me so when I’ve had a really rough day is often when I look forward to cooking really complicated meals. (I’m sick; I know.)

Breakfast is a big issue for Nik since he doesn’t give himself time to make and eat breakfast before leaving. He needs options he can heat up and eat on his way out the door. I struggle more with lunch especially when I don’t have leftover to take. So pre-portion breakfast options that Nik can warm up in the microwave on his way out the door and lunch options I can reheat in the microwave at work were my priority, and unfortunately casseroles and pasta dishes don’t work super great for either of those meals.

If this works out well, I can definitely see it becoming something I do regularly.