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
โข Microwave: Defrost 3-4 min, then heat 2-3 min.
โข Oven: Bake at 375ยฐF for 20-25 min. (If using oven make sure to transfer to oven safe dish)
โข 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
โข Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Broccoli
โข 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
โข 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
โข 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
โข 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
โข 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):
โข 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):
โข 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:
โข 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:
โข 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
โข 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean)
โข 1/2 cup almond flour
โข 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
โข 2 cloves garlic, minced
โข 1 large egg
โข 1 tsp onion powder
โข 1 tsp Italian seasoning
โข 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
โข 1/2 tsp salt
โข 1/4 tsp pepper
โข 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 18โ20 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:
โข From Frozen (Stovetop): Heat in sauce over medium for 15โ20 minutes.
โข From Frozen (Oven): Bake at 375ยฐF for 20โ25 minutes.
โข From Frozen (Microwave): Place 3โ4 meatballs in a microwave-safe dish with 2 tbsp of water or sauce. Cover and microwave on high for 2โ3 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:
โข 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
โข 1 jar (16 oz) salsa (your choice of mild, medium, or hot)
โข 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 6โ7 hours or high for 3โ4 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:
โข Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating (From Frozen):
โข Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and defrost for 2โ3 minutes. Then heat on high for 2โ3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
โข 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 5โ7 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!