BUDGET FAMILY MEALS FOR THE FREEZER // EASY MEAL PREP ON A BUDGET

[@SeeMindyMom]

🤔🤔What’s your favorite affordable freezer meal? Leave us a comment ⬇️⬇️⬇️with your ideas! 😊

[@maceyjohnson9162]

Chicken Enchiladas!!

[@judymc4213]

I make mini meatloaves. I bake them in muffin tins, then cool and freeze. I unthaw and heat through. Add a salad and veggies...dinner done!

[@lorieann8522]

I freeze ground turkey as patties for turkey burgers, ground turkey meatballs (that are cooked) for a quick meal, homemade GF pancakes and waffles, vegetable stock, and soup. I also freeze fresh in season vegetables and fruits for later. Due to allergies and medical needs with specific meal plans needed, I just have things on hand to help make an easy dinner than a specific meal put together.

[@GlamourNNail]

The Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken by happy money saver. I usually make it in the instant pot but it can be made in the crockpot.

[@TaraannBudgetsandSelf-Care]

My family loves cheeseburger pie. I make about five of them each month and we eat one that night and I freeze the others to cook up during the month. To save money I use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey or chicken.

[@colinkaak9874]

I add 1 tbsp. of beef base to ground turkey to make it beefier. ( Better than Bouillon brand).

[@lindseymorgan6625]

Per pound? Definitely going to try that.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Good tip!

[@kathyk9519]

That's so smart of you. I'm going to try that. Thx

[@BergenholtzChannel]

I was just going to leave this same comment!

[@marietamura4534]

I've always done that as well.

[@anajalo5981]

Hey Mindy, a couple times now you've mentioned knowing the average prices of certain foods at certain stores and showed us how even sale prices at one store are still higher than the generic at another store. For the last two weeks I've made a list of the prices of the same food at three different stores and was amazed at the differences! Aldi had 10 lb bags of frozen chicken leg quarters for $5.70, which looked great, but the discount store Save-A-Lot had the exact same brand, same bag for $3.90. Walmart ground turkey (even in the larger tubes) was around $2.30 / lb, but Aldi has one pound frozen tubes for $1.99. Thanks for making me take a closer look at prices!

[@bigredohio]

My Mother used to make a weird concoction that was famous amongst our family members. You make a baked mac & cheese. While it is baking and setting up you heat three large cans of Bush's brown sugar baked beans with a diced kielbasa in it. Pour over baked mac and put under broiler til it caramelizes lightly. Cornbread made the one pan able to feed all 12 of us.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That would not be weird in these parts, pretty sure I’ve seen that at potlucks around here! Great way to feed a lot of people! 😊

[@shelzp7272]

@LindaBran Yep, didn’t our moms always have some kind of cornbread, quick bread, rolls on that table to feed all their kids!

[@TaraannBudgetsandSelf-Care]

I really have to thank you. Our budget is much smaller now that I need to buy baby formula for my grandson. And you have been a Godsend to my family.

[@luckaty]

Video idea, your take on spaghetti recipes, I love the taco spaghetti idea, which is what made me think of this suggestion, how about a video about different kinds of spaghetti? A spaghetti bake, vegetarian spaghetti as well as a variety of different proteins such as chicken (ground and whole pieces) shrimp, turkey, meatball, loose ground beef (usually called bolognese)… etc. a variety of pasta types that still fall under the “Spaghetti” variety of meals, pasta is such a delicious and versatile way to feed a family on a budget and I feel it would make a fun video and offer even more ideas.

[@personalemail2167]

Bless your beautiful, creative heart! Husband and I are doing keto and my kids aren’t a fan of the recipes for the most part….so thank you for these freezer style kids meals on the cheap!!!!!!

[@carmarasmussen8118]

I have been binge watching your videos and am learning so much from you! How about doing a collab with Christine at frugal fit mom? That would be EPIC! 😉

[@SeeMindyMom]

Christine and I chat from time to time, she is very helpful! 😊

[@monicas2461]

I was watching your previous videos. I was watching the “all the hauls happened” from your vlog channel. I like that your hauls don’t make me feel bad for not buying things. I’m happy to have a new video to watch!!!

[@monicas2461]

I like the recipe that you chopped and combined everything for a freezer meal! I have chronic pain and my energy level varies a lot. I could prepare it ahead on a day I’m feeling well so I don’t have to worry about food when I’m tired. Thank you for sharing!

[@marlenestamm9461]

I add carrots to my chili for the sweetness instead of sugar. Plus like you said get my veggies.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Great tip!

[@marlenestamm9461]

Celery adds salt. Alot of my family is diabetic so sugar an salt is bad for them so we find natural ways around them when we can. Most of my soups always has onions, carrots an celery in them. We made cheddar broccoli soup the other night an had some salad shrimp from another recipe so with the celery onions and carrots an shrimp it turned out very well. People here in Texas calls my chilli Yankee chilli cause of what I put in mine. Lol. I'm from NJ. But meet an married 20 years ago a guy that was living here an feel in love with this state.

[@marlenestamm9461]

A good place to find freezer and instapot meals ideas in six sisters on KZbin.

[@valerierouse9812]

The Monterey spaghetti reminded me of an “oven ready” meal from hello fresh that you do chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, honey mustard then top with French fried onions and bake. It should be illegal. So good!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Oh that does sound good! HF owns GC so maybe I’ll see something like that in my green chef box some day!

[@msamy3883]

Poultry tends to have more water due to the chilling it has to undergo in the packaging process. It is usually dunked in ice water to bring the temperature down into a safe level.

[@jillgott6567]

Thank you for the tip of using Worcestetshire sauce in ground turkey. I love this type of meal planning where you take the same ingredients to make different meals.

[@bridgetteurbano1440]

I have everything for the chili recipe! And a half open container of sour cream and potatoes that are old. The baked potatoes with chili idea sounds perfect for lunch this week!

[@lisaguenther6634]

Hi MINDY! I bought several turkeys right before Thanksgiving on sale! These were large turkeys at the time they didn’t have any small ones so what I did was I made some freezer meals with the leftovers. I made turkey supreme and turkey pot pies. I also get to make turkey noodle soup and turkey for sandwiches. I save part of the turkey breast and turkey drippings and was able to make another traditional turkey dinner! Love the freezer meals for those busy times! I enjoyed this video thank you!

[@SeeMindyMom]

That’s a great idea, Lisa, investing in those turkeys while they were in “season”. 😊

[@christeenprice5637]

Awesome recipes, thanks for sharing ❤️👍❤️👍❤️

[@susanprather5962]

Oh, good tip about adding worcestershire sauce to ground turkey. I will try that.

[@adrianasalazar860]

This is my favorite content from you. Your ideas are great

[@shaunahogsmeade6162]

Love the idea of a taco spaghetti! Miranda's lentil sloppy joe is a go-to frozen meal prep for me. Perhaps lentils would be a good meatless substitute for the ground turkey in the taco spaghetti?

[@SeeMindyMom]

Yes! I think that would work!

[@heatherganey9527]

Check out the prudent homemaker. She has a some great meatless meal ideas.

[@shaunahogsmeade6162]

@@heatherganey9527 Hmm I can't seem to find a channel called the Prudent Homemaker. Is it named something else?

[@heatherganey9527]

@@shaunahogsmeade6162 it’s a website. Sorry I didn’t make that clear earlier. Budget bytes is also a good one. She does a great job at breaking down costs.

[@shaunahogsmeade6162]

@@heatherganey9527 Oh, thanks! :)

[@shelbylynnwilliams8520]

Thanks so much for this video. When making chicken pot pie I make 2, 1 for the freezer& 1 for that night’s supper.

[@mallorycrosby9413]

I’ve been doing that Worcestershire trick for years! Didn’t know other people did the same!

[@melissajohnson4821]

U can also use a little powdered beef bullion in the ground turkey

[@Kim-dv1sq]

I just rewatched this video while I make my menu plan and grocery shopping list. You are my "go to" when I need to refresh the meal ideas:).

[@kaykrausman8012]

Great idea about using the Worchestershire sauce!

[@kk2e856]

Excellent video! I loved how you bought bigger sizes and made use of them across more than one recipe and didn’t let anything go to waste. Fewer ingredients for 4 meals, love it! Thank you for sharing!

[@SeeMindyMom]

So glad you liked it!

[@momrocks9971]

Love the editing, seeing the recipes made quickly. Great ideas! We have also found that ground turkey is one of the few affordable proteins right now. So glad to see these recipes.

[@charlottekearn5185]

Yes, so many things you can do with chili, we like to put chili on tortilla chips along with cheese to make nachos. If you put too much chili on them the chips get soft, so have a fork on hand to eat your nachos that way. It's super delicious though. There are only 2 of us so our grocery budget is a little cheaper than yours, which is a good thing. I love premade freezer meals.

[@RN-mn3jn]

These are fabulous!! I generally am cooking only for myself. I have no problem eating the same meal eveyday a week for my work lunch. I will make these and divide the servings out for my lunches.

[@susanshanks2407]

Onion soup mix is a great alternative to make bland meat taste more like beef.

[@nancycarney]

Watched this video again to make the Italian Beef and Rice Skillet. I did use ground turkey and frozen peas and carrots. We ENJOYED it so very much. Thank you!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I’m so glad! Thanks for letting me know!

[@donnavee3943]

First off, I adore you. I never miss a video but I have to mention this because I think it's funny. I don't think I've ever heard you use the word "when" you choose to say "whenever" every single time 😄 it's kind of cute but I have to smile now "whenever" I hear you say it. Thank you for another great video. I'll have to start tagging you on IG. My family loves so many of your recipes. You and Mandy (In the making) have saved my family from boredom. They love the 7-up biscuits so thank you!

[@arthrodea]

Try adding some beef bouillon to ground turkey to give it a beefy flavor. (will probably want to cut back on salt)

[@brookephelps3135]

I have to try that Monterey spaghetti!! And taco spaghetti?? Wow, genius lol. Thanks for sharing Mindy! 🙂

[@cathyeller5722]

I'm about to cry you came to my rescue with the spaghetti noodle recipes. I have most of the ingredients that you used. I wrote down the recipes and will be having all of them in a row. Just like you presented them. I even have the ground turkey we bought last year when it was on sale for .89 a pound. I never thought about taco spaghetti husband will love that one. I really appreciate all you do, thanks.

[@SeeMindyMom]

So glad I could give some ideas, Cathy!

[@cathyeller5722]

@@SeeMindyMom He loved the taco spaghetti, I used to cans of petite tomatoes a package of taco seasoning, and noodles.

[@tawanajackson5545]

These look easy and I can do them on the week that I'm not having a treatment for the week that I am. Thanks Mindy ♥️♥️♥️

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

I definitely need to make some freezer meals! I love these affordable ideas Mindy ❤️. My favorite freezer meal to make is lasagna and I also like making soups and freezing them for later. Maybe I’ll make a video on this in the future. Thanks for the inspiration 😊

[@deborahpullen9940]

As a single, when I make soup (every couple of weeks), I freeze half because I get bored eating the same things every day.

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

@@deborahpullen9940 that is so smart!

[@erinrich4343]

Thank you for that tip about adding worstershire sauce! I also prefer ground beef to turkey.

[@juliescheidler7763]

Thanks for the tip about putting Worcestershire sauce in the ground turkey, I'll try it next time I use turkey.

[@hollypepen4012]

I can't eat beef, so my family subs ground turkey often :) my husband and I actually had crockpot turkey chili last night :) will have to try the Monterey Spaghetti!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I’m excited to try that one out soon. It will probably be the first one I pull from the freezer in the next couple weeks!

[@mdketzer]

Those all looked good! Definitely going to try the Mexican Spaghetti, I will probably try the others as well but I will use the spinach instead of peas and carrots!

[@phoeniciacloud1515]

I LOVE the new “like” button! I didn’t see the little party 🎉 before! Oh it’s so fun 🤩.

[@kimthomson3761]

I use ground chicken and ground turkey in alot recipes. My husband is not suppose to have alot of red meat so I substitute ground chicken or turkey. Worcestershire does definitely make a difference. Can I just say u are the only KZbinr that I follow that can actually say worcestershire properly lol. I make a Mexican Skillet Chilli in my cast iron frying pan and most people can't tell I have used ground chicken. It is made with black beans, pinto beans, red & yellow or orange peppers, onion and of course corn (I use frozen corn) you can spice it up if u like by adding cayenne pepper or some jalapeño peppers. As for spices there is garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, oregano and I add in some smoked paprika. I make my own tomato sauce so that is used for the base and I add a half a jar of my favorite salsa. I always get great reviews when I make it. All these re items u made sound delicious.

[@cherylland8110]

Great recipes-thanks for sharing. Personally, I gave up eating beef about 20 years ago and I always use ground turkey or ground chicken. I will add Worcestershire sauce or beef base when I definitely want it to have a more “beefy” taste. I will definitely be making the 2 spaghetti recipes!

[@comiketiger]

Grest ideas! I think I could enjoy these. God bless all here.

[@EMILY86A]

I hope we don't get anymore snow. This Oklahoma weather is killing me. I need to try the taco spaghetti. It sounds good.

[@valerieh8526]

We love the Monterrey chicken! I don’t really care for spinach, but for whatever reason, I stick to the recipe with that one and include it. Maybe the cheese makes a difference? Regardless, it’s a good recipe!

[@valerieh8526]

Commenting on my own comment - there’s no chicken! 😂😂 We make a version from the Plain Chicken site that has super similar ingredients. Doh!

[@BettyHorn]

You just gave me an idea for dinner with your rice casserole. Thanks!

[@dorisayson9872]

I like when you tell us the prices of the items you are using. My local Dollar Tree is now $1.25 for each item so we could get better prices in some items at Walmart for $1 or less like you are showing. I’m definitely more careful about what I buy at Dollar Tree now that the prices have gone up. I used to just throw whatever into my cart because I thought oh it’s only $1 but not anymore lol 🛒

[@brandibishop2142]

Love your videos!’ Such great recipes I love chili as well my dad makes the best sweet and spicy chili it’s so delicious I love making frito chili cheese wraps like sonic used to have I love sonics version too ❤️👍

[@kathyk9519]

These are interesting meals. I love the Monterey Spaghetti! That looks so good. I'll try the other recipes after the Monterey Spaghetti! Thanks for sharing 😊👍

[@cathyfeigert5660]

These look really delicious!

[@cindydaniel6125]

Very affordable and they looked yummy.

[@Angel-Lightfeather]

I just add beef bouillon liquid to give beefy flavour .

[@charlenebordelon4858]

All looked yum!

[@beckyhines3814]

It all looks good! Thanks

[@sarahhumphrey767]

Hi mindy mom! I love watching your videos and all of the recipes that you make, I wonder if I could make a suggestion in including the recipe/ingredients as a link that opens up in an Internet browser to follow your step-by-step directions. I would like to be able to open those links and I usually save them in my browser to pull up for dinner ideas later in the week. At least that is what I have been doing with another recipe KZbinr 😊 I see some pretty inspiring recipes on here but as time goes by I don’t remember which video of yours it was that I saw it Thank you for your recipe inspirations!

[@lisaharr1477]

Yummmmmmmmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyy ! Thanks Mindy !

[@janetdwyer1867]

I am new live in Rhode island I was sent to your channel love your volgs.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Welcome, Janet! Glad you found me! 😊

[@amethyst2790]

Definitely gonna try the Italian beef and rice recipe and the copycat Wendy’s chili. 👍🏼

[@bigredohio]

Hello Miss Mindy. Happy Monday.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Happy Monday, Linda!

[@princessjanuarymarie3197]

cool

[@RevBTB]

always great content! love your vids!

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thank you so much!

[@kaelynnmartin6521]

Did y’all know that you CAN leave the plastic wrap on the casserole IF you leave the foil in place? Restaurants do this all the time, especially when you want to keep all the moisture in the dish

[@nancycarney]

Yummy...Yummy...Yummy! 🙂

[@lindsayjohnson1072]

Watched . Liked.. and shared. As always

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, Lindsay!

[@maceyjohnson9162]

1) do you still like/use that cheese shredder that suctioned to the counter? 2) what’s the best way to clean my Dutch oven? ❤️❤️❤️

[@mfarley252]

Mindy, for the chili--how much water/broth should you add to the crockpot on cooking day? you may have said and I just missed it :) All of these look delicious! Will definitely give it a try

[@SeeMindyMom]

Just 1/2C broth on cooking day. 😊

[@jmljasmine]

I wish my kids were at all adventurous. One won't eat anything with any seasoning. Has me stuck making everything day of so I can pull her portions out before seasoning is added ..

[@lisaremy4817]

Hi Mindy, great idea having some easy do ahead meals. I noticed you didn’t use your new grater, do you still like it? I was going to order it however if it’s not good, can you let me know? I can’t wait to try the Monterey spaghetti. Everything looked yummy. 😊

[@SeeMindyMom]

Yes I do like it! But I typically only get it out for larger quantities.

[@jenrothke3368]

If you have a costco handy, Daisy Sour Cream is 3.99 for 3 lbs! I keep waiting for it to go up, but it's holding steady!

[@Steffisland]

Hi ❤️ are you able to do low calorie budget friendly meals?

[@SeeMindyMom]

I don’t follow any kind of restriction. You might find something like that on another channel. 😊

[@jrae6608]

Copy cat Wendy’s chili is great

[@laurabennetts8149]

Yummmy!👍👍👍🐥🐥🐥🐣🌹🌺🌸

[@DSherman50]

While I appreciate your budget conscious nature, I’d occasionally like to watch some meals prepared without the low cost or “budget” banner in front of mind. What would you make for date night, or even an ordinary night with the kids? Surely it can’t be budget all the time.

[@SeeMindyMom]

The video right before this was date night dinner. The one before that was lunch preps. I did a box dinner (hamburger helper dupes) video recently, a crockpot video, and an instant pot video. You must not actually watch my channel regularly as less than half my content is budget cooking. 🤷‍♀️

[@rosemarydoran9907]

Great sounding recipes. I think I am the only person on the pllanet who doesn't care for chili!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I actually didn’t like it until I was in college!

[@rosemarydoran9907]

@@SeeMindyMom I think with me it's the texture of the beans and the taste of the chilli seasoning. But I like many Mexican dishes as long as it isn't too spicy.

[@Tennesseegurly]

Chili is not my favorite either

[@hello-vs4me]

Don't have any room in freezer for freezer meals

[@schill2002]

I will say I am shocked your fam only eats 8oz of spaghetti/pasta in a meal. I get you had the salad and fruit, but does it really fill your kids up? Especially 3 kids? Or are they just making a snack 90 minutes later? Mine like fruit and veggies of course, but only the meat and whole grains seem to fill them up 🤔

[@SeeMindyMom]

I also added 2 cups of corn to one recipe and 2 cups of peas and carrots to the other. You can add more pasta, just increase the water in the taco spaghetti as it is a one pan meal.