Eat at Home 3!

[LilyWDW]

So I am starting to really utilize my freezer to try and make things easier on myself. I am on a GLP1 so I don't eat as much as I used to and I was worried about wasting food. So I got myself some souper cubes and am looking into getting a vacuum sealer. Anyone else do something like this? What do you make that works well?

I also have a Costco trip tomorrow, so will be stocking up on a few meats which I will split into usable amounts for myself. Also picked up a chuck roast on sale yesterday and cut it in half to freeze.

The upside to the GLP1 is that I have only eaten out like 4 times in the past almost 2.5 months when I used to order in 2-3 times a WEEK. My grocery budget is also way down.

 

[barkley]

So I am starting to really utilize my freezer to try and make things easier on myself. I am on a GLP1 so I don't eat as much as I used to and I was worried about wasting food. So I got myself some souper cubes and am looking into getting a vacuum sealer. Anyone else do something like this? What do you make that works well?

I also have a Costco trip tomorrow, so will be stocking up on a few meats which I will split into usable amounts for myself. Also picked up a chuck roast on sale yesterday and cut it in half to freeze.

The upside to the GLP1 is that I have only eaten out like 4 times in the past almost 2.5 months when I used to order in 2-3 times a WEEK. My grocery budget is also way down.

I pre cooks some proteins and freeze them for future use in small batches. I will brown ground beef and freeze it to pull out to season with taco or Italian seasonings, use it for manwich. I will do a roast or chicken up in the crockpot until it's shreddable and portion it out. I get the very small aluminum pans at the dollar store and make up mini meatloafs and casseroles (enough for a couple of servings),

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

I pre cooks some proteins and freeze them for future use in small batches. I will brown ground beef and freeze it to pull out to season with taco or Italian seasonings, use it for manwich. I will do a roast or chicken up in the crockpot until it's shreddable and portion it out. I get the very small aluminum pans at the dollar store and make up mini meatloafs and casseroles (enough for a couple of servings),

I'm thinking about buying 4 of the 1-pound things of hamburger meat at Walmart (about $8 each) and cooking up then putting it right into the freezer. My mom suggested that we give it a try this week. She said it'd probably last a couple of weeks, maybe even a month, in the freezer since it's precooked.

 

[barkley]

I'm thinking about buying 4 of the 1-pound things of hamburger meat at Walmart (about $8 each) and cooking up then putting it right into the freezer. My mom suggested that we give it a try this week. She said it'd probably last a couple of weeks, maybe even a month, in the freezer since it's precooked.

they last a good long time. I let it cool and then premeasured it into ziplock bags (or small plastic containers). you might want to look at the larger packages of ground beef though-$8 a pound sounds crazy high and you generally get a bit of a price break at Walmart (if you are talking their tubes of ground beef) on the larger pounds (so a 3# and a 1# or 2-2#).

 

[LoveDaisy]

I'm thinking about buying 4 of the 1-pound things of hamburger meat at Walmart (about $8 each) and cooking up then putting it right into the freezer.

I don’t shop at Walmart (the one near me is nuts) but I assumed their prices were lower than Whole Foods, that is about what the one be me charges. (Prices vary a little by the %). Always interesting to see what things cost.

 

[DanceDisney23]

I have a head of cauliflower that I think I will turn into a soup for weekday lunches. Or maybe I’ll roast it.

Dinners will be:
Tuscan chicken (thanks @Needsanap!), rice
Noodle casserole
Trader Joe’s birria tacos
Bean soup
Loaded baked potatoes
Ramen
Bacon and scallion quiche, salad

 

[focusondisney]

Changed our plan this week

Tuesday was roasted pepper pasta
Wednesday roast chicken, potatoes & carrots
Thursday grilled hamburgers & French fries
Today had to attend a memorial service this afternoon, so had left over chicken & potatoes
Saturday. Celebrating husband’s 70th birthday, taking our kids & their spouses to our favorite restaurant then cake at home
Sunday husband’s actual birthday, making spaghetti & meat sauce, 1 of his favorite dinners
Monday. Sloppy Joes & green beans
Tuesday. Tuscan chicken with farro
Wednesday chicken noodle soup

 

[bigpinkdaisy]

This week's menu:

Saturday: Sloppy Joes
Sunday: Olive Garden Tuscan Sausage Soup, bread
Monday: Sheet Pan Chicken
Tuesday: Pasta with Vodka Sauce, Salad
Wednesday: Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Thursday: Cheeseburgers, onion rings, fries
Friday: Pizza/Wings

 

[LoveDaisy]

I would also like to do a low buy January and use what’s in my second freezer. I don’t have many premade meals but there is lots of food.

I need to do an inventory but I’m putting g Christmas away today and have strep throat so not sure I’ll get to the inventory today.

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

they last a good long time. I let it cool and then premeasured it into ziplock bags (or small plastic containers). you might want to look at the larger packages of ground beef though-$8 a pound sounds crazy high and you generally get a bit of a price break at Walmart (if you are talking their tubes of ground beef) on the larger pounds (so a 3# and a 1# or 2-2#).

You don't put it in as soon as you cook it? Won't cooking allow bacteria to grow? Also, is a month long enough? That's what my DM said. That's a good idea to try the 2 pound ones. We can cook it then break it up and divide in half. And keep one as a 2 pounder for chili or a meatloaf. Great idea.

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

I don’t shop at Walmart (the one near me is nuts) but I assumed their prices were lower than Whole Foods, that is about what the one be me charges. (Prices vary a little by the %). Always interesting to see what things cost.

It's like 3 minutes from here, so it's the best option. Krogers is about 15 minutes away, so it's too far. There's an Aldi a few minutes away, but we won't go there. We walked in so DW could find some kind of Disney crap she saw in tik tok, and it just felt dirty and like a dollar store. So we haven't been back.

 

[LoveDaisy]

It's like 3 minutes from here, so it's the best option. Krogers is about 15 minutes away, so it's too far. There's an Aldi a few minutes away, but we won't go there. We walked in so DW could find some kind of Disney crap she saw in tik tok, and it just felt dirty and like a dollar store. So we haven't been back.

That’s how I feel about the Walmart by me.

 

[focusondisney]

You don't put it in as soon as you cook it? Won't cooking allow bacteria to grow?

You have to let it cool. Cooking kills the bacteria. As long as you’re not leaving it out for hours, it’s safe. If you put it into a plastic ziplock bag as soon as you finish cooking it, it will melt the bag. And putting very hot food into the freezer or fridge drops the temperature there. Which puts other food around it at risk of thawing & makes the appliance work harder to get back to a safe temperature.

 

[Needsanap]

Great to see all the ideas. I am also trying to clear out my freezer. I’m a buy when it’s on sale type person, vacuum seal it and throw it in the freezer. 15 pounds of chicken legs…I’m on it.

The precooked meals frozen are leftovers, I’m not good at premaking and freezing. We tend to eat those for lunches. But I do freeze almost everything (meat, fruit, veggies). I’m also on a mission for less food waste.

We also have no problems with leftovers and eating the same thing for a couple days.

This week’s menu includes
Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Pork chops
Chicken Alfredo
Salmon
Breakfast
One day is out for a show
One day is a late lunch so no real dinner

Happy planning and cooking all.

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

You have to let it cool. Cooking kills the bacteria. As long as you’re not leaving it out for hours, it’s safe. If you put it into a plastic ziplock bag as soon as you finish cooking it, it will melt the bag. And putting very hot food into the freezer or fridge drops the temperature there. Which puts other food around it at risk of thawing & makes the appliance work harder to get back to a safe temperature.

Thanks for this. I had no idea. As I said, I've never been one to freeze meats, cooked or raw.

 

[LoveDaisy]

Thanks for this. I had no idea. As I said, I've never been one to freeze meats, cooked or raw.

Can I ask why? Is it lack of freezer space? It is a great way to save time, money, and to help meal plan.

 

[LoveDaisy]

@Needsanap can I ask what you use for a vacuum sealer? Do you like it? My very old one died before the holidays so I’m in the market for a new one. Thanks!

 

[Needsanap]

My food saver is old. (Knock on wood). But I use it to prevent freezer burn.

 

[Bellex917]

Tonight: Chicken fajita quesadillas
Tomorrow: chicken pot pie
Tues: chicken parm, spaghetti, salad
Wed: ribs, tots, baked beans, salad
Thur: pasta purses, salad
Fri: either takeout or something from the freezer

 

[LoveDaisy]

It is possible I move these around during the week depending on my work schedule. I’m trying to use things from my freezer so you’ll see me mention what comes from there.

I bought potatoes, greens, pasta and bread at the farmers market this morning so those are planned for this week too.

Sunday - lasagna (premade and frozen), salad, bread from the farmers market.
Monday - baked chicken (frozen) pounded thin and stuffed with stuffing then rolled in bread crumbs (I’ll prep today), scalloped potatoes, and a frozen veggie
Tuesday - flounder baked (frozen my dad caught this a while ago) with a lemon garlic bread crumb, mashed potatoes, and frozen veggie.
Wednesday - one pot chicken (frozen chicken) and rice with a frozen veggie
Thursday - pasta and meatballs (premade and frozen) with salad.
Friday - chicken (premade and frozen chicken tenders) Cesar wraps with frozen French fries.