I recently shared a peek at one of the freezer meals I made last weekend and so many people asked me to share the recipes that I wanted to get this post up ASAP! Today I’m sharing the recipes on my list to make and my strategy for trying to get organized for life with a newborn and toddler at home. I hope to have 5-8 freezer meals stocked up and ready to go – many of these will provide dinners for at least two nights which is great! I also LOVE to have filling breakfasts on hand, this was a lifesaver for us in those first few weeks of parenthood when we were so sleep deprived and needed energy.
HOW I’M DOING IT:
Instead of taking a solid day to make and prep everything my goal is to make 2 meals per weekend until the baby arrives. I just don’t have the time to dedicate to a full day of cooking right now! I started at 6 weeks out from my due date. It’s also easier for me to add the ingredients to my weekly grocery list instead of doing a giant haul for JUST freezer meals. But if you have a spouse or partner who is home on the weekends and can dedicate an entire day to just knocking this out – that may be easier, whatever works for you!
WHAT I’M MAKING:
Here’s my list – I still need to add a few things! I tried to keep it relatively healthy but also comforting & filling. I’ll also be making my lactation cookies and freezing the dough – I’ll share that recipe soon!
Stuffed Shells: I made these last weekend and used Trader Joe’s Autumn Harvest Sauce.
Tuscan Bean Soup: I made this a few weeks ago and froze half of it.
Quinoa & Black Bean Burritos: I added roasted butternut squash! Will probably add guacamole from the Trader Joe’s packets and spinach when I eat them.
Hoisin Glazed Turkey Meatballs: I’m making the meatballs and the glaze and freezing separately.
Spinach & Artichoke Quinoa Bake: My MIL made this for us after we had Piper and it’s so good!
Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Spaghetti: Because it’s indulgent and DELICIOUS!
Breakfast Burritos: Here’s how I’m planning to make these: scrambled eggs, salsa, cheese, black beans. Wrap and freeze!
SUPPLIES I’M USING:
Glass containers we have on hand.
Heavy duty aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Freezer bags.
Sharpie + painters tape to make labels.
Disposable aluminum baking dishes that I can easily pop into the oven.
OTHER WAYS I’M MEAL PREPPING
As I mentioned in my 3rd trimester to-do list one of the tasks I’m hoping to cross off soon is a vague meal plan for 2 weeks. It will be super fluid and change as needed but basically will serve as a resource for quick, easy meals that I can put together and not have to think about what to make for dinner. I’ve shared it below.
I’m planning a big grocery store trip the week before my due date, pending how things are going I will go earlier or later! I’ll get lots of freezer meals from Trader Joe’s, pantry items and the ingredients on my meal plan along with LOTS of snacks.
I’m reading The First 40 Days which is an educational cookbook all about nourishing the new mother.
2-Week Postpartum Meal Ideas
Breakfasts:
Freezer stash (burritos + sandwiches)
Bagels
Toast with almond butter & bananas
Baked Oatmeal & Overnight Oats
Greek yogurt, store bought granola & fruit
Smoothies
Lunches:
Sandwiches (stocking up on organic deli meat + cheeses)
Power plates: Salami, cheese, olives, almonds, hard boiled eggs crackers, veggies + hummus
Leftovers
Dinners:
I’m going to attempt to roast a big batch of veggies every week along with picking up bagged salads to be sure we are getting enough vegetables!
Freezer stash + Carry Out favorites (Thai + Pho)
Turkey burgers + Frozen fries + Salad
Slow cooker white bean chicken chili
Grilled cheese + Soup from the pre-made section at Whole Foods or boxed soup from Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s frozen turkey bolognese sauce + whole wheat pasta
Trader Joe’s frozen vegetable fried rice + sheet pan tofu
Trader Joe’s fresh ravioli + roasted brussels sprouts + parmesan cheese
Kale Cesar Salad (Mix of bagged romaine + kale) + Whole Foods Rotisserie Chicken + Fresh bread
Naan Pizza (we add Greek olives) + Salad
Korean Beef Bowls + Green Beans
Sheet Pan Salmon + Veggies + Frozen Rice
Buddha Bowls
Postpartum Snack List
Lara Bars
Trader Joe’s Trail Mix
Energy Balls (going to make this recipe when we get home from the hospital & have ingredients on hand)
Cottage Cheese
Dried Mango
Lactation Cookies
Apples
Can you repost the link to the spinach and artichoke quinoa bake? It’s not working for me.