Soup for Days! Huge Soup Freezer Meal Prep!

[@TracieL1234]

For your vegetable beef soup, if you brown the stew meat in a little oil with garlic and onion, then put the rest of the ingredients, it makes a huge difference in flavor

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I’ll try that next time😁😁

[@maltesemom9750]

Have you heard of souper cubes?? I bought mine off of Amazon. They are silicone ice cube trays made to freeze soup in. They have measurements in each cube, 1/2 cups, or 1 cup. I freeze my soups in them, pop them out, and vacuum them in my food saver bags. I have frozen soups in my freezer that are 2 years old and heat up perfectly, no freezer burn. I love these souper cubes because of the portion size, and they don't take up a lot of room in the freezer. The souper cubes come in bigger measurements also. I prefer 1/2 1 cup servings.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Yes! I actually have some and I love them! However, I don’t have enough for this amount of soup lol, so I use these containers😁

[@barbiek3987]

What I use are the Jumbo silicone muffin liners. They hold roughly 1/2 Cup of liquid. I put the liners into a Jumbo Muffin pan, sitting on a small cookie sheet, so they're easy to carry and place in the freezer. Once frozen I pop them out and place them in freezer baggies. I love freezing stuff in silicone muffin liners.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

@@barbiek3987 fantastic idea!!😁😁

[@barbiek3987]

@@TalesFromAnEmptyNest thanks! I also use the standard size silicone muffin liners, that hold 2 oz, for liquids such as Buttermilk and Heavy/Whipping Cream. Or Lemon Greek Yogurt I use in a Lemon Cheesecake. All that dairy does freeze well, and once thawed can easily be used in baking/cooking. The secret though, is making sure you LABEL the baggies so you know what it is!

[@cybersean3000]

When I make soup for the freezer, I first freeze it flat in a ziploc freezer bag. That way I can store them in the freezer like folders in a file cabinet. It saves on space.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Great idea!😁

[@dale3404]

This is so timely. As soon as hurricane season is over, I plan to fill the freezer with soups. When I cook anything, I line up the ingredients by the recipe. Several times, I’ve discovered something missing. 😢. I don’t like big chunks, either. I want a bit of everything in each bite. Bear Creek soups are a good substitute for homemade. I like your idea of doctoring it up. I, too, cook chicken and shred it for future use. I love chicken pot pit, and double the recipe, freezer hall for future use.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Getting ready cook and missing an ingredient is the worst!! These soups have been so convenient to just grab when I don’t feel like cooking😁😁

[@juanitapowell1948]

We use Bear Creek potatoe soups but we use a bag of cube frozen potatoes & add 2 or 3 cans of clams...lazy man clam soup.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Bear Creek is so dang good! So many yummy add in options too😁

[@teddie_schaefer1963]

Ok I need to try the lazy man's clam chowder!!😂😂😂

[@lisagrafton2529]

I'm 62 years old and only recently discovered the delicious flavor of thyme in chicken dishes, especially chicken noodle soup!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I sometimes add it to my chicken and dumplings 😁

[@MakingItMyOwn]

I really love these food prep videos sis. Once I get moved, this is going to be something I do regularly. It’s going to make my life a lot easier. Thank you for these!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks sis!! Maybe I’ll do a few of these for you for a house warming gift😁😁😁

[@lisagrafton2529]

I'd describe some of your soups as "semi homemade"! What a blessing to have 40 servings of soups in the freezer!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Definitely!😁

[@peggyash4419]

I have discovered that a good veggie chopper [ I can do lg or sm dice] saves me hand cramping/pain, and lots of time... there are many good options for them out there...👍

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I agree! Thanks for sharing!😁

[@belindamiller119]

Celery leaves are edible and can help with sickness

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Mine are usually wilted so I never use them. I’ll have to pick better celery😁

[@user-hq3gn5xy3m]

Wow super efficient! Love the variety well done!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks so much!😁

[@loribabineaux2945]

Many years ago I checked cookbook out of the library and it was a slow cooker cookbook. In it there was a recipe for French onion soup that they made in the Crock-Pot. It started with a stick of butter and all of the onions in the Crock-Pot on low overnight. I was amazed when I tried it. Your onions are perfectly caramelized in the morning. You just add the broth to that and the toast and cheese as you serve it up.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I’m definitely gonna have to try that!😁😁

[@jacquelinemilton6387]

Put celery w leaves in ice water for a few min

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

😁😁

[@DonnaLane-pw4rg]

I have a tip for you, do you hate crying cutting up onions? Put the onion's in the refrigerator and let it sit for 30 minutes then cut your onions under running water and there no sulfur which is what makes you cry. Try it you'll be glad you did ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Interesting!😁😁

[@vi9763]

I really suffer cutting up onions. What do you mean by cutting them under running water? I'd like to try your idea, I'll try anything. Thanks

[@DonnaLane-pw4rg]

@@vi9763 Peel off the outside skins of the onions, under water, put a cutting board in the sink and cut the onion in half the water cuts the affects of the sulfur In the onion and you won't have any tears! Lol let me know how it works out for you, My grandmother taught us this hack and all 9 grandchildren do this when choosing onions. Even the 3 grandsons do this. She made sure that we learned these things, how to:: Cook, clean, iron, and sew she used to say Mama's and grandmothers won't always be here to help you with things that are really necessary for your survival That's how it's been done for centuries In the southern region of the United States of America

[@vi9763]

@DonnaLane-pw4rg Thanks for the explanation. I'll try it. Unfortunately, the southern roots in our family were, for the most part, lost among the generations moving about. Other than some treasured recipes. Have a great day

[@kathywiseley4382]

It also helps to leave the root end uncut. That's the area that releases the fumes.

[@NeitaSorensen]

Where do you get your soup containers

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I get them off Amazon. Here’s the link for the ones I got😁 amzn.to/3NoEjro

[@kandycebeeks7056]

I like doing crock pot freezer soups like this. One bag/dump soups/stews….I try to do freezer bags of chopped fresh vegetables for those lazy days too.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Yes! I do that especially with onions and peppers a lot😁

[@NancyRiley-u8o]

I'm really loving your meal prep ideas. Love me some potato soup,I'll have to try your way. Where can I find the bear creek soup pack? 😊😊

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thank you! I find it at Walmart😁

[@dale3404]

Also, Publix.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

@@dale3404 we don’t have Publix and I feel so left out😭😂

[@dale3404]

@@TalesFromAnEmptyNest I am so sorry. 🙁 Maybe someday that will change. 😊

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

@@dale3404 fingers crossed lol

[@cm9770]

Sprinkle onions with baking soda while you cook em and they'll turn to a golden mush in no time ..just learned that this year and I'm almost 50.. Actually, you can use it on other veggies and meats too.. -CHANGING 🙌🙏

[@cm9770]

*LIFE-CHANGER.. KZbin makes my keyboard freak out 🙄

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Oh fantastic! I’ll have to try it!!😁😁

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

😂😂

[@dwolfe581]

Where did you get those containers?? Perfect size!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I get them from Amazon! These are the ones I get😁 amzn.to/3YrQpGE

[@RoseBud-fk4qg]

I aways make more then freez the extras, the onions , green peppers cut up more then in put extras for the freezer.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I do that a lot too. I like to buy veggies at Sam’s and prep and freeze those😁

[@vernabryant2894]

I cook my beef meat in the pressure cookèr first and then add the vegetables and cook.

[@valerierobinson8872]

Where do you get the containers you put your soups in to store?

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I get them off Amazon. Here’s the link if you need it😊 amzn.to/4erSOH6

[@trudepettigrew7339]

Mmmm, I've been craving some taco soup. I did make the stampede soup and we really enjoyed it. All these look delicious.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Oh yay!! They are all so good!😁😁

[@kaylakitty3814]

The cheeseburger soup looks nice and hearty. Taco soup is also one of my favorite soups.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

That cheeseburger soup didn’t last the week😂😂

[@mariedamon5655]

Wow these all looked so yummy.definately going to try these thank you x

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thank you😁😁

[@joreeves7444]

Wow sweet 😊. Where to purchase the containers and can they be reusable?

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

They are reusable. I got them on Amazon. This is the link to the ones I have amzn.to/3YmTPun

[@joreeves7444]

@@TalesFromAnEmptyNest thank you.🫶

[@MelroseLifeataGlance]

Love your recipes. I didn't know I could make beef vegetable soup without browning the beef first. I'm so glad I found your channel.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks! I cook mine for a very long time so I have no issues worrying about if the meat gets done🙂🙂

[@violasbakedandcookeddeligh1596]

Looks like another labor of love!! Will finish watching when I return home from vacation in a few weeks 😊Just purchased 1 day of wifi.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Enjoy your trip!! I’m so jealous!! I hope you have a fantastic time!!😁😁😁

[@violasbakedandcookeddeligh1596]

@@TalesFromAnEmptyNest Thanks Tammy! We really are 🥰

[@lynnecampbell923]

I LOVE SOUPS I LOVE YOUR RECIPES I ORDERED CONTAINERS I WILL BE MAKING YOUR PECIPES

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Yay!! They have really been saving me on busy nights!😁😁

[@deblangille2818]

I love your videos so happy I found you I love freezer meals

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Glad you like them!😁

[@blueeyes2058]

I would wait until fully cooked to add canned grn beans, carrots and corn and just let it cool. If you cook corn took long it gets tough.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I haven’t had problems with the corn getting tough or the other veggies getting mushy. Thanks for watching😁

[@aesnider1]

I love the Bear Creek soups!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

They’re so dang good!!😁😁

[@jacquelinemilton6387]

The leaves of the celery HV alot of flavor

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Mine are usually wilted😫

[@ZitaZone]

I think it's great how you prepared these meals. You could call some of them semi-homemade which makes it's so much easier. Great video

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thank you!😁

[@BlueSky-n2q]

I usually prep fresh vegetables when they are in season and they are on a really good price and I will determine what I am making for the week and I will have several bags of different cut veg so I have for instant carrots for stir fry, casserole , or soup and I just need to get them out of the freezer and cook .

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Sounds great!🙂

[@Harl-pic]

Thank you great ideas I love make ahead meals, smart.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks for watching!😁

[@jomama1055]

Thanks You!!!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

You're welcome!😁😁

[@krismatthieu8767]

Can you substitute potato starch for the corn starch?

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I’ve never used potato starch, so I’m not sure and I don’t want to tell you something wrong. Maybe check to see if Google can help🙂

[@krismatthieu8767]

@@TalesFromAnEmptyNest I try to do low carb and gluten free. I use potato starch for my gravy on Thanksgiving but the whole family prefers THAT over my regular gravy! 🤦🏼‍♀️😂

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

@@krismatthieu8767 😂😂😂

[@BlueSky-n2q]

Please what brand of chicken salt you use I always end up getting wrong brand and it doesn't taste good

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I don’t use chicken salt. If you mean the bouillon, I use knorr🙂

[@themercurialmoxie]

Love this! ❤

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks!😁

[@barbaraharrold5361]

Looks good:)

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks!😁

[@DonnaLane-pw4rg]

Lol Jewish penicillin! I keep this on hand during fall and winter because I have one who battles with tonsillitis and sore throats

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Lol my goodness! Glad you have something that helps with all that!😁😁

[@karencobley1862]

for the french onion soup - have you tried doing the onions in the slow cooker ? i do a pot a couple of times a year and portion up and freeze for casseroles/soup/ gravies - whatever you want the richness of slow fried onions - i don't add worstershire sauce to it tho' i think i got the original from good food on u tube

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I will have to try that! Thanks!😁

[@barbiek3987]

Using the slow cooker sounds like a great idea. Could you please share how you do them? Thanks

[@Kayenne54]

I looked up corn syrup. In the USA, it's glucose from corn starch. So I suppose it adds sweetness? Re: onions for soup; a Chef type person experimented with faster methods for "cooking down" onions; she added water to begin with, not lots just enough to moisten all the chopped/sliced onion, and once that was cooked off, proceed with recipe. She reckons it was a lot faster to get the onions translucent. Worth a try when making such a big batch. I'd be interested to see if it works for you.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I’m not sure if it’s sweetness since it’s just one teaspoon for the entire pot, but who knows lol. I just followed the original recipe and it comes out so good! I’ll have to try that onion method😁😁

[@BlueSky-n2q]

Yes your tomato sauce that came in a can looks alot like our version of plain tomato soup,our tomato sauce comes in a bottle

[@kathrynramirez3131]

New to your channel and wondered where I can find your cheeseburger bacon and taco soup recipe?

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Those original videos are linked in the description box below the video. The written recipe will be in the description box of those videos😁😁

[@windyhollow22]

Thank you for sharing such delicious recipes. It’s a great idea to make ahead. Where do you get the containers?

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I got them from Amazon. They’re in my Amazon store linked below the video if you want to check the size. They are under the meal prep tab😁

[@ghislaineberube2852]

These look ssoooo good. These are the ultimate comfort foods and I have all the spices and vegetables already. Thank you. Can’t wait to get started. Mmmm, maybe the cheeseburger ……

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks! That cheeseburger soup is a family favorite around here😁😁

[@susanhoward5046]

Thank you for sharing these recipes w all of us !! ❤

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Glad you like them!😁😁

[@pjd2709]

Thank you so much for the soup recipes, they look great!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thank you!😁

[@Kathyrawhide]

Ok...it's tge same rue with the sugar, or Karo syrup for Creamed carrots recipe. She just modified it for other veg. I'm sure her mom had to use up what she had with so many relatives to feed when they were all home & singing, pickin and grinnin...very often my mom would set aside packets to go into rues with instructions abd additives. Taping them to the amout of flour, or near a stack of veg, or list if fresh veg. So I understand crock pot rules very well as we owned a ranch feeding alot of people and family at different time frames so usually soup was standard at every house, with the extras like dessert, toppings and a salad all out on the bakers rack. With a stack of rolls, bread, chips or tortilla

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

😁😁😁

[@carlaluhn6806]

💖💖💖 I LOVE soup

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Me too!!😁😁

[@LindaNicholson-p5d]

I found your channel today. WOW!!! your recipes sound and look awesome. I love the way you describe everything and give us suggestions on things. I will definitely be here giving you thumbs up

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thank you so much and welcome to the family!😁

[@BlueSky-n2q]

I find some vegetables don't taste good once frozen and then reheated in soup or prepared frozen meals. Does any one else find that?

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I find that more with fresh vegetables. That’s one reason I use a lot of canned vegetables in freezer soups. I find they hold up better in the freezer🙂

[@britniberry3026]

How do you cook the chicken in the crockpot? Do you use broth?

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I trim up a big pack of chicken breasts and throw it in the crockpot with my seasonings and no more than 1/2 cup of chicken broth. You don’t want it to dry out, but you don’t want it too liquid either. I just cook it for several hours on high until it shreds easy😁

[@Hope-ot1xy]

@@TalesFromAnEmptyNestabout how many hours? I’m new to using a crockpot.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

@@Hope-ot1xy I cook mine for probably 4 hours on high. You will know it’s ready when you can shred it easily with a fork😊

[@Hope-ot1xy]

@@TalesFromAnEmptyNest thank you so much! Looking forward to making these soups!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

@@Hope-ot1xy you’re welcome😁

[@Kayenne54]

I'm sure you know, but there are Crockpots now which have the "Brown/Sauté" function, amongst many other options. Slow cook/pressure cook as well, with a neat pressure release valve which now keeps your hands away from the steam release. No, I don't work for Crockpot, but I should lol. My adult son came to visit and was raving about it, having forgotten I was the one who told him. 😁😁 He trained in his younger days as a Sous Chef so knows his way around a kitchen. I do the "Savoury Taco Minced Beef" in about 35 minutes, btw. So the newer models are amazing for a day of cooking in batches. Easy to clean too. P.S. I am definitely going to incorporate your soup recipes into my next Batch cooking day. Thank you so much.

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thank you! I’ll have to check on those fancy new crockpots lol😁😁

[@Kayenne54]

​@@TalesFromAnEmptyNest Also the juices are all in there too; nothing lost. The inventors must have had lots of cooks giving them feedback on how to improve a great product 🙂

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

@@Kayenne54 maybe so!😁

[@brendawiley4967]

Thanks

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

@@brendawiley4967 😁

[@genevaj6469]

Love this 🙏😊💐💐💐🙏

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thank you!😁

[@CustisHines-oq8sr]

I have never in my 60 years of living seen anyone make beef soup with raw meat in with the vegetables, why would you not at least sear the beef first to start the cooking process?!!!!!!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Because this is the way I’ve always done it. Feel free to do it however you want🙂

[@vi9763]

I'm new to your channel. I've been going through some of your videos. I'll be back for sure 😊

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks and welcome to the family!😁😁

[@Chocamatoes]

Lovely ❤❤❤❤❤

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks!😁

[@DonnaLane-pw4rg]

The Karo is a thicking agent

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Seems like 1 tsp wouldn’t do much thickening lol😁😁

[@DonnaLane-pw4rg]

@@TalesFromAnEmptyNest When combined with the other ingredients it works well

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

@@DonnaLane-pw4rg thanks for the info😁😁

[@requiem3160]

Love me some good soup! Definitely want to do one of these, too. Awesome work!

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Thanks so much!😁😁

[@ROGERTULL]

YOU NEED TO GET CHICKEN SALT FROM AUSTRALIA, MANNA FROM HEAVEN, FOOD OF THE GODS IT IS

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

I will have to look into that!😁

[@BlueSky-n2q]

Yes your tomato sauce that came in a can looks alot like our version of plain tomato soup,our tomato sauce comes in a bottle

[@TalesFromAnEmptyNest]

Oh how interesting!😁