Freezer Meal Recipe: Rio Rancho Taco Meat

Rio Rancho Taco Meat

This is one of my favorite taco meat versions. It’s also great for burritos, taco salads and nachos. I especially like to make it with my homemade salsa which gives it lots of flavor! It’s quick and easy to make a big batch. Just divide it into meal-sized portions and store in the freezer.

Freezer Meal Recipe: Rio Rancho Taco Meat

Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 lbs. ground beef
  • 1 cup mild or medium salsa
  • 2 Tbs. taco seasoning
  • 1 4 oz. packet ranch dressing and seasoning mix (I like Hidden Valley)
  • 1 1/2 tsp. brown sugar
  • 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. red pepper, ground or flakes (sometimes I just use hot sauce)
  • 3/4 cup water

Instructions

Cooking Day Instructions:

Brown the onion and ground beef in a skillet. Drain any excess grease. Add salsa, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, brown sugar, green chiles, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper. Stir to mix well. Add the water and simmer on low for about 30-45 minutes until mixture has thickened. If the meat mixture is too thick, you can always add more water and adjust the seasonings. Let cool. Freeze in meal-size portions. I like to use my Food Saver or just put the mixture in a gallon bag and shape it flat so it's easier to store in my freezer.

Serving Day Instructions:

Remove meat mixture from the freezer and thaw or defrost in the microwave. Heat through and serve in taco shells or warm tortillas. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream or any of your favorite toppings.

http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2013/05/freezer-meal-recipe-rio-rancho-taco-meat.html

Rio Rancho Taco Meat Mix

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Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

I LOVE how pink these cupcakes are! The candy lemon wedge and straw are such an easy and cute addition. These would be a great spring or summertime treat for all kinds of occations like Mother’s Day, birthday parties, or even a treat for kids to sell at a lemonade stand!

Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

Ingredients

  • 1 pkg Pillsbury Moist Supreme Pink Lemonade Flavored Premium Cake Mix
  • 1/3 cup Pure Vegetable Oil
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 2 (16 oz.) containers Pillsbury Creamy Supreme Pink Lemonade Flavored Frosting
  • Sparkling pink sugar
  • 24 flexible straws (optional, but super cute!
  • 12 candy lemon slices (also optional)

Instructions

1. HEAT oven to 350°. Line 24 muffin cups with paper baking cups.

2. PREPARE cake mix according to package directions using the oil, water and egg whites. Divide evenly among the muffin cups. Bake 15 to 18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from baking pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

3. FILL resealable plastic bag with about half a can of frosting at a time. Make a 1/2-inch cut off one corner of bag. Squeeze frosting in a circular pattern on top of each cupcake. Repeat with remaining frosting until all cupcakes are frosted.

4. SPRINKLE frosting with sparkling sugar. Cut straws 2-inches above flex and 1-inch below flex to make a 3-inch straw. Bend straw; insert into frosting. Cut lemon slices in half. Place at edge of cupcakes.

TIP: Instead of a plastic bag, a decorator bag with a 1/2-inch coupler with no tip added may be used to frost the cupcakes.

http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2013/05/pink-lemonade-cupcakes.html

Thanks for the recipe Pillsbury!

Pink foil cupcake liners

32 Count Foil Bake Cups, Light Pink – $1.99

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Freezer Meal Recipes: Breakfast Burritos

A healthy choice for an on the go breakfast!

Breakfast Burritos

These burritos are great for mornings on the go! I often warm them up for my husband as he’s getting ready for work. You could also send them off with your kids before school. Customize them however you like, there are all kinds of options!

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Breakfast Burritos Fill Burritos

Breakfast Burritos Freeze

 

Freezer Meal Recipe: Breakfast Burritos

Yield: 12-18 burritos

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground pork sausage
  • 1 lb. frozen cubed Ore Ida potatoes
  • 12 eggs, beaten
  • 2 T. milk
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 2 T. butter
  • 2 10 oz. cans green chili sauce
  • 12-16 burrito sized flour tortillas (I used regular size whole wheat tortillas this time and was able to make about 10 burritos.)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

To prep the burrito ingredients:

In a large skillet, brown the sausage. Remove from heat and drain excess fat. Set aside. Brown potatoes in oven by placing them on a baking sheet and broiling according to package instructions until crisp. Meanwhile, mix eggs, milk, salt and pepper together in a medium mixing bowl. Over medium heat, melt the butter in separate large skillet. Add egg mixture to skillet and scramble the eggs, removing from heat once the eggs are cooked but still moist. Warm green chili sauce over medium heat in saucepan until warmed through.

To assemble the burritos and prep to freeze:

Warm the flour tortillas on skillet or in the microwave until soft and flexible. Fill tortillas with 1/3 cup scrambled eggs, 2-3 T. sausage, and 1/3 cup potatoes. Top with cheddar cheese and green chili sauce according to taste. Fold tortillas snuggly into burritos. Wrap each burrito in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze.

On serving day:

Remove burrito from freezer and remove plastic wrap. Wrap in a paper towl and place in microwave on defrost for 3 minutes, then on high for 1 minute. Let cool and enjoy with sour cream or salsa!

http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2013/04/freezer-meal-recipes-breakfast-burritos.html

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Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer Great-Tasting Meals You Can Make Ahead

Don’t Panic – Dinner’s in the Freezer: Great-Tasting Meals You Can Make Ahead {Paperback}

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eMeals Meal Planning Made Simple

Solve the Dinnertime Dilemma and age old question of “What’s for dinner?” with eMeals Meal Planning!


eMeals is the revolutionary way to free up your brain, your budget and your family time!

How It Works:

1. Pick Your Plan. Simply choose a meal plan based on your eating style, your family size and even your favorite grocery store. You get to choose from meals plans like Slow Cooker, Clean Eating, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Low Carb, Classic and more!

2. Get Great Recipes. Each week, your meal plan will arrive in your inbox, complete with 7 simple, creative, family-friendly dinner recipes. Each meal includes an entree and side dishes.

3. Shop & Save. You will also receive a detailed grocery list organized by section and coordinated with the weekly sales at  selected stores.

4. Relax & Enjoy! eMeals takes care of the meal planning, the grocery list and the budgeting, while you take all the credit for healthy home cooked meals your family will enjoy!

Get Started With eMeals Today!

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Buttermilk Oatmeal Bread Recipe

Buttermilk Oatmeal Bread Recipe

Fresh, warm, home baked bread… YUM! This is my new favorite recipe!

Buttermilk Oatmeal Bread Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. yeast
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (If you don't have buttermilk, regular milk will work too)
  • 1/2 canola oil
  • 1/2 brown sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 Tbs. salt

Instructions

1. Proof the yeast (optional) and 1/3 cup warm water. In a separate bowl, combine the oats and boiling water. Let both mixtures stand 8-10 minutes. The yeast should look creamy and foamy.

2. Place all ingredients except salt into a mixer. Knead with dough hook for 2-3 minutes, then let rest for 20 minutes. Add salt and knead with dough hook in mixer on medium for an additional 15 minutes.

3. Turn the dough out into a well oiled bowl. Turn the dough to coat it, then cover and let rise for approx. 1 hour or until it has doubled.

4. Punch down the dough and cut in half. Talk one half and place on a clean, lightly floured surface and press into a rectangle shape. Now roll into a larger rectangle. Fold into thirds, letter-style, then roll up. Pinch the seams closed and place seam side down into your prepared loaf pan. You can also just set on a baking sheet to bake if you don't mind it taking on it's own shape. Repeat with the other half of the dough.

5. Lightly brush with water and sprinkle a few additional oats onto the top of the loaf. Very gently press into place. Let rise in a warm place for an additional 30-60 minutes.

6. Bake in a pre-heated 375 degree oven for 30-40 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and the internal temp reaches 190-200 degrees.

http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2013/04/buttermilk-oatmeal-bread-recipe.html

Thanks, Or Whatever You Do

Fresh Ground Whole Wheat Flour

My husband and I received a Wonder Junior Deluxe Hand Grain / Flour Mill for Christmas. I thought I’d break it in and grind my very first batch of whole wheat flour for this recipe. Cranking that grain mill to make only a small amount of flour took some work! While grinding, I thought of the pioneers and our ancestors who had to work that hard everyday for their food. Though I was super excited to enjoy the fruit of my own labors, it made me really appreciate the many wonderful conveniences we have in our lives today!

What are some conveniences you are grateful for?

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Freezer Meal Recipe: Honey Lime Enchiladas

Honey Lime Enchiladas Recipe

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My littles love this sweeter version of enchiladas because it’s not “picy” which makes it a regular at our house!  Sometimes I sneak in corn, beans and even finely chopped bell peppers as well. It makes a great freezer meal too!

Honey Lime Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Ground Beef (you can also use cooked shredded chicken)
  • 1/2 Cup Onions, finely chopped
  • 4 Tbsp. Honey
  • 4 Tbsp. Lime Juice
  • 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
  • 1/2 Tbsp. Paprika
  • 1/2 Tsp. Garlic Powder
  • 1 10 oz. Can Red or Green Enchilada Sauce
  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 10 oz. Cheese, grated
  • Green onions or chives for garnish, (optional)
  • Tortillas (I like to use whole wheat :))

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 and spray pay lightly with cooking spray.

2. Brown ground beef and onions together in large skillet. Drain excess grease.

3. In a large bowl, combine cooked ground beef, onions, honey, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder.

4. Spoon the mixture into the tortillas. Roll them up and place the seam side down on the bottom of the pan.

5. In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream and enchilada sauce. Pour over tortillas.

6. Spread the grated cheese evenly over the top and garnish with green onions/chives. (optional)

To bake immidiately

Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 min. Remove foil and bake an another 5 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

To Freeze:

After placing cheese on top, cover dish tightly with foil (I use two layers) and freeze for up to two months. To prepare after freezing, remove from freezer, let thaw completely then bake at 350 degrees for 20-35 minutes or until warmed all the way through.

http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2013/03/honey-lime-enchiladas.html

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Pyrex Easy Grab 4-Piece Value Pack

Pyrex Easy Grab 4-Piece Value Pack

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Soup Recipes: Cooking From Your Pantry

Handled Stoneware Soup Mugs - Set of 4 by WalterDrake

Handled Stoneware Soup Mugs – Set of 4 by WalterDrake

We are not just stockpiling food, we are using it in our cooking everyday to feed our families. Find out how you can too in 4 Steps to Becoming the Master of Your StockpileCheck out more of the recipes we like.

Albondigas soup

Ang – Albondigas Soup

Potato Bacon Soup

Becky - Potato Bacon Soup

Summer Squash Corn Chowder Soup Recipe

Jessica - Summer Squash & Corn Chowder Recipe

Beef stew

Kearna - Tomato Green Bean Soup

More Soup Recipes

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Albondigas Soup

This is my favorite Mexican soup! It’s made with fresh vegetables & good any time of the year.

Albondigas soup

 

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Albondigas Soup

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup dry uncooked rice
  • 9 cups beef broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 3 carrots, peeled & diced
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 6 medium potatoes peeled & diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 4 small zucchini
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder (can use 1 clove fresh garlic)
  • 1/4 Tbsp pepper
  • 1 bunch cilantro

Instructions

Combine raw ground beef with dry uncooked rice in mixing bowl, stir together.

Make small balls with meat mixture then place in refrigerator.

In a large stock pan add tomatoes, carrots, onion, potatoes, & celery.

Bring to boil.

Once boiling then add zucchini, cumin, garlic, & pepper.

Add meat balls to stock pan, turn down heat to simmer.

Simmer for 20 minutes.

Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serves 8

http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2013/02/albondigas-soup.html

 

My favorite kitchen tool for this meal is my Herb Kitchen Scissors for only $9.95 & is eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping!

kitchen herb scissors

 

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Valentine’s Day Recipes: Cooking From Your Pantry

Wilton Valentine 9 Piece Color Anodized Cookie Cutter SetFind lots of Valentines Day Cookie Cutters!

We are not just stockpiling food, we are using it in our cooking everyday to feed our families. Find out how you can too in 4 Steps to Becoming the Master of Your StockpileCheck out more of the recipes we like.

how to make candied cranberries

Monica – Candied Cranberries 

Valentine’s Day Strawberry Cheesecake

Becky – Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Jessica – Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

white chocolate cherry shortbread cookie

Melanie -White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Cookies

red hot cream cheese cupcakes

Kearna – Red Hot Cream Cheese Cupcakes

red velvet cake rollMelanie – Red Velvet Cake Roll

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Valentine’s Day Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

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Valentine’s Day Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yield: about 2 dozen cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix (18.5 oz)
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or baking mat. Set aside.

In large bowl, mix together cake mix and baking powder. Set aside. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil and vanilla by hand. Add the egg mixture to the cake mix and stir until dough forms. Stir vigorously until all pockets of dry cake mix are gone. Mix in chocolate chips.

Drop rounded balls of dough (about 2.5 tbs) onto prepared baking sheet. (I like to use an ice cream scoop for a consistent size.) Make sure the balls of dough are taller than they are wide.

Bake for 10 min. Let cool 3 min on baking sheet. Transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Enjoy!

http://fabulesslyfrugal.com/2013/02/valentines-day-strawberry-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

Thanks SallysBakingAddiction for the recipe!

Silicone Baking Mats

Silicone Baking Mat Set (2 pk.) Non Stick Surface- $15.49

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