Freezer Friendly Post Partum Meal Prep

Taco Pasta Meal Prep

Post Partum Meal Prep: Taco Pasta 

Makes 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 8oz protein pastaย 
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup bone brothย 
  • 1 cup sour cream or Plain Greek yogurtย 
  • Chopped cilantro- optional

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain.

2. Cook Meat: Brown ground meat with onion. Add taco seasoning and bone broth; simmer 2 minutes.

3. Add Veggies: Stir in black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer 3-4 minutes.

4. Creamy Option: Off heat, stir in sour cream or yogurt.

5. Combine: Toss pasta with the sauce. Stir in cheese until melted.

6. Portion: Cool, then divide into 4 freezer containers. (Optional: top with chopped cilantro)

Reheating

โ€ข Microwave: Defrost 3-4 min, then heat 2-3 min.

โ€ข Oven: Bake at 375ยฐF for 20-25 min. (If using oven make sure to transfer to oven safe dish)

โ€ข Stovetop: Heat with a splash of broth until warmed.

Serve with cilantro, avocado, or lime if desired!

Creamy Pesto Pasta Meal Prep

Post Partum Meal Prep: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Broccoli

Ingredients (Makes 4 Servings)

  • 8oz pasta (e.g., chickpea or lentil pasta)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
  • 1 ยฝ cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
  • 1/2 cup pesto (divided: โ…“ cup for sauce, 3 tbsp for topping)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp bone broth (optional, for thinning the sauce if needed)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

โ€ข Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Broccoli

โ€ข Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

โ€ข In a blender, combine the blended cottage cheese, โ…“ cup pesto, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of bone broth (if needed) to thin the sauce. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Ingredients

โ€ข In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, broccoli, and creamy pesto sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.

5. Portion for Meal Prep

โ€ข Divide the pasta mixture into four freezer-safe meal prep containers. Drizzle 1 tbsp of pesto on top of each serving for extra flavor.

6. Cool and Freeze

โ€ข Let the pasta cool completely before sealing the containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

1. From Frozen (Microwave):

โ€ข Remove the lid and cover with a microwave-safe cover. Microwave on defrost for 3-4 minutes, then heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

2. From Frozen (Oven):

โ€ข Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Transfer the meal to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through.

3. From Refrigerated:

โ€ข Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes.

Freezer Meatballs

Post Partum Meal Prep: Freezer-Friendly Meatballs

Makes ~30 meatballs

Ingredients:

โ€ข 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)

โ€ข 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean)

โ€ข 1/2 cup almond flour

โ€ข 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 

โ€ข 2 cloves garlic, minced

โ€ข 1 large egg

โ€ข 1 tsp onion powder

โ€ข 1 tsp Italian seasoning

โ€ข 1/2 tsp smoked paprika 

โ€ข 1/2 tsp salt

โ€ข 1/4 tsp pepper

โ€ข 2 tbsp chopped parsley 

Instructions:

1. Preheat: Oven to 400ยฐF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently.

3. Form: Roll into 1.5-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.

4. Bake: Cook for 18โ€“20 minutes until internal temp reaches 165ยฐF.

5. Cool & Freeze: Let cool, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or container.

Reheating:

โ€ข From Frozen (Stovetop): Heat in sauce over medium for 15โ€“20 minutes.

โ€ข From Frozen (Oven): Bake at 375ยฐF for 20โ€“25 minutes.

โ€ข From Frozen (Microwave): Place 3โ€“4 meatballs in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tbsp of water or sauce. Cover and microwave on high for 2โ€“3 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through.

Perfect for pasta, subs, or as a protein-packed snack!

Salsa Chicken Meal Prep

Postpartum Freezer Friendly Meal Prep: Salsa Chicken (Crockpot)

Makes: ~4 servings

Ingredients:

โ€ข 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts 

โ€ข 1 jar (16 oz) salsa (your choice of mild, medium, or hot)

โ€ข 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)

Instructions:

1. Prepare: Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.

2. Add Ingredients: Pour the salsa over the chicken and sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly on top.

3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6โ€“7 hours or high for 3โ€“4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

4. Shred: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir to combine with the salsa mixture.

5. Portion: Divide the shredded salsa chicken into four meal prep containers. Let cool before sealing for storage.

Storage:

โ€ข Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating (From Frozen):

โ€ข Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and defrost for 2โ€“3 minutes. Then heat on high for 2โ€“3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

โ€ข Stovetop: Heat in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth. Cover and stir occasionally until fully warmed (about 5โ€“7 minutes).

Ways to Use Salsa Chicken:

1. Tacos: Serve in tortillas with shredded lettuce, cheese, and sour cream.

2. Burrito Bowls: Add to a bowl with rice, black beans, avocado, and salsa.

3. Quesadillas: Use as a filling with cheese, then grill until crispy.

4. Salads: Toss over a bed of greens with corn, black beans, and ranch dressing.

A simple, versatile, and freezer-friendly meal prep option!

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