I didn’t follow last weeks menu plan exactly, again. I think this is becoming a trend. Wednesday night came, and we didn’t have any leftovers!
So I threw together a quick Turkey Chili from the freezer. I used about 3 cups of turkey, 2 cups of beans, 2 cups of diced tomatoes, all from the freezer. I added an envelope of Cincinnati style chili seasoning (because that’s what I had) and some water. I even put everything in the pan while it was still frozen! Turned it on low to defrost, then simmered for a few minutes.
I had experimented with freezing whole baked potatoes. We had some left one night, so I put them in the freezer. I warmed them in the oven while the chili was defrosting. I served the chili over the potatoes. The potatoes were good for serving something on top of, but they appeared to be off in texture, so I wouldn’t freeze whole baked potatoes for eating plain. But I would freeze leftover baked potatoes they we wouldn’t be eating right away for something like this again.
Everyone loved the chili over baked potatoes.
The two recipes that I tried from the $5.00 Dinner Mom Cookbook were excellent! Everyone has requested that I make them again.
Now for this weeks plan…
SaturdayBeef Chow Mein (yes, this was the double decker cans from the store)
SundayHomemade Sub Sandwiches
MondayLasagna, Brocolli
TuesdayLo Mein
WednesdayBaked Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Cauliflower
ThursdayPasta Alfredo with chicken, Green Beans
FridaySalisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Turnips, carrot sticks
For more Menu Plan Monday ideas, visit I’m an Organizing Junkie.
That's good to hear that freezing the potatoes went well. I never thought about freezing them before.
Your menu sounds delicious!
I enjoy MPM because I can get lots of inspiration for creating economic and healthy meals for my family.
You have a great week!
I think you can freeze potatoes that have been mashed and restuffed but freezing them whole or in chunks ends up being mealy like.
Yes, like I said, the texture changed, so I wouldn't serve them as plain baked potatoes. But with serving something like chili over the top, you can't notice the texture change. Since we weren't going to be able to eat the baked potatoes before they went bad, freezing was a way to save the potatoes, and money.
I enjoy MPM for all the ideas, too!