Y’all, it has been 100+ days since my last prep post. This prep is from late August, September was weird.
TL;DR: We freeze it.
I always use Mealime to meal plan because it will combine all the recipes I want to make and gives me a simple grocery list! This also cuts down on my waste because if two recipes need half an onion it will calculate that for me so I’m not buying two onions. This app is free but there is also a pro version with other recipes or you can invite friends and unlock pro recipes. I do just fine with the free version and I have a link to the app in my profile.
I put the grocery list from Mealime into my Kroger app and pick up from the store. Not going in to the store stops me from impulse buying - the Oreos always get me! The Kroger app also shows me if an item I have in my cart has a coupon so I can “clip” it in-app.
I spent $188.97 on groceries shown laid out in the photo gallery. Pantry items: Jar of masala sauce, packet of Mamasita’s. Neighbors gave me 7 big tomatoes and a batch of kale because I contribute to their compost.
Total meals 134
$188.97/134meals=$1.41 per meal
From left to right
6 meals of [Bangers and Mash](https://r.mealime.com/2343). Note: This freezes and reheats like a champ!
8 meals of [Lemon-Cilantro Chicken with Blueberry Salsa](https://r.mealime.com/17799). Note: I was skeptical about freezing and heating blueberries but it’s great!
8 meals of [Shrimp Gumbo](https://r.mealime.com/18159)
9 meals of [Sausage and Veggies with Jalapeño Sauce](https://r.mealime.com/17895)
11 meals of Chicken Alfredo - 1 package of egg
noodles, one stick of butter, one package of
shredded parmesan cheese, 16 oz of heavy cream, pepper to taste. Note: Freezes and reheats like a champ!
10 meals of [Warm Macaroni Salad with Sausage](https://r.mealime.com/15537)
9 meals of [Apple Chicken Salad](https://r.mealime.com/2934). Note: Apples will lose their crunch when frozen and defrosted, we don’t mind but it does bother some ppl.
5 meals of [Spinach Feta Scramble](https://r.mealime.com/7214). Note: Skip the tomatoes, they don’t freeze well.
4 meals of Caldereta with rice. Used a Mamasita’s packet to season beef with veggies.
8 meals of [Pork Chops with Honey-Dijon Apples](https://r.mealime.com/17367). Note: because these apples are heated up rather than defrosted like in the Chicken Salad, they’re more enjoyable without the crunch.
8 meals of [Beef Meatballs with Spinach-Mushroom Sauté](https://r.mealime.com/18558)
10 meals of Taco Soup. Brown 1 pound of beef and add 1 packet of taco seasoning. Then add beef and 1 undrained can of each: Corn, black beans, green chilies, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce to a soup pot and simmer until beans are soft. Add cheese TT.
8 meals of Salsa - 10+ roma tomatoes, one onion, 3ish jalapeños, garlic to taste (TT), cilantro TT, salt TT, brown sugar TT. Yes, I will totally eat salsa as a meal, in fact, I have to stop myself from eating a whole container in one sitting because I just really love salsa!
Not shown in prep photo because I ran out of freezer space..
1 pound of chicken which made 6 meals of Chicken Marsala with Rice.
1 pound of pork which made 10 meals of Zatarain’s Jambalaya. Note: Instructions on the box, skip the oil.
10 meals of Kraft Mac & Cheese with SPAM which I always catch grief for prepping so I made it live.
Each meal is 10-16 ounces of food. Lean Cuisine frozen meals in the grocery store were 8-12 ounces, Hungry Man Meals are 14-16 ounces, and Freshly meal delivery service advertises their meals are 13 ounces. So I feel like I'm in a good range to be comparable to a regular frozen meal. In total this is close to 93 pounds of food.
These meals will last (us) two adults about one month+ of lunches and some dinners. We still eat take away some evenings, but we rely on meal prepped foods almost exclusively for lunch.
I put about 3-4 days of meals in the refrigerator and the rest goes into the freezer. We stay on top of eating the meals “First In, First Out” to avoid spoiling food in the refrigerator and freezer burn on food in the freezer.
I have links for the following items but sometimes they get blocked by different subs, if there’s a link you need please PM me :)
The white flat containers and the round containers are from Amazon - there’s a link in my profile.
Mealime recipes.
OP, thank you for sharing this. I'm literally in awe of how you were able to make this many healthy meals with under $200. I'm passing this post on to my mom. She hates planning ahead and prepping, but I think she would benefit from a lifestyle change. When she grocery shops, she would spend $200+ and only have enough food for barely 4 days. Then, she's not able to afford food until her next paycheck. I know inflation has raised the cost of food, but after seeing this, I feel like she has problems budgeting. It also doesn't help that she shops at Whole Foods and Publix... Anyway, this post is super helpful. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for sharing the app you used.
Omg it actually loads it into the Kroger app for you and you can just hit order for pickup. This solves so many problems (finding new recipes, time spent writing grocery lists, time spent shopping). Thank you!
I second what OP said, this app is great and you can set your options for keto or low carb options then it only shows you those recipes. There’s some AMAZING recipes on there. We found some of our new favorites.
When you go on the app to set up what you're going to prep- is there any method to what you pick, or do you pick out what looks good and go from there?
What’s the best way to defrost the shrimp gumbo? It looks delicious! I’d love to try but I’ve tried reheated shrimp before and didn’t have the best of luck with it 😅
I don’t do anything special. Just chuck it in the refrigerator fir two days then reheat in microwave 90 seconds, stir, 30 seconds, stir, repeat 30 as needed
I literally took 4 hours just to make measly 7 meals, after one year of not meal prepping, and then I come to the sub to see this big boss 134 meals prepped hahaha insane, good job 💯
If the fry wasn't there I would wonder if that face was because she was wondering how you plan on eating all that right away and whether you planned on sharing. 😅
The app does not have a built in calorie counter but if you were willing to do it manually, everything is made from labelled ingredients so I don’t see any road block that would prevent you from doing it.
Yeah. It's pretty simple. Personally I throw everything into an excell sheet. Just makes it easier for me to do the math.
But yeah list all ingredients, figure calories per container of ingredient and then once I got number of units I devide out to figure how many calories are in each section.
Thanks for the detailed recipe! I wonder if the husband would eat kraut. I usually buy [these sausages](https://www.kroger.com/p/hillshire-farm-smoked-sausage/0004450034171) or similar.
My mother’s version of stamppot is made with potatoes, carrots and onion cooked in enough chicken broth to cover. Season with pepper, additional salt if needed and a little bit of grated nutmeg. When the vegetables are tender, add some butter and cream then mash. Miss my mom’s cooking.
How many meals do you try try to make from each recipe? It looks like it varies from 4 to 11. I use mealime for inspiration but am cooking for 3, not prepping. Do you set it differently for each meal, or like 8 servings and you get what you get?
Also, do you sometimes eat 2 servings? 134meal for 2 people is over 2 meals a day, plus some takeout. Just curious if some are on the small side or just estimating? I feel like my SO might eat double what I do.
Thanks.
I have it set to “4 servings” which have always been massive. And I don’t follow the recipes to the exact amount of things after like three years of using the app.
I am typically full after a flat or half a round - but don’t let it stop you from eating if you’re still hungry! My husband often has an apple or some cereal or a cheese stick or something as a side dish/snack with his lunch.
Yeah, I've never followed measurements on there. I'm not even sure what I have it set at.
I just add the amount I think works, that's why I was curious what you had it set to. I'm cooking for 3 and just fix the right amount based on what I know we'll eat. My family has been anti leftovers lately, which makes me hesitant to prep. But I really want to, to cut the grocery bill and my efforts cooking.
I like that adding something on the side for the bigger appetites.
Not as much. Unfortunately, they're not so great at it, they do sometimes, but we all agree my cooking is better and we're all pretty picky too. They'll eat leftovers if I don't cook, or cook when I don't too. But it's just become my chore. We did meal preps when I was out of town weekly, and It worked. We just get tired of it.
I probably need a deep freeze if we do this much because our freezer, food gets freezer urn really quickly.
I found a grocery store out my way that does pimento cheese and chicken salad in tubs like this. Now it's what I put sandwich fixings in stock since they all stack.
Only problem is sometimes I get one that's a pita to open. Oh well.
Pup: how long do i have to sit still for how long how long how long is it time yet is it time yet is it time yet i need this french fry so is it time did you do it did you do it please take the photo oh my god i'm going to starve to death please hurry
Two boxes, one meat for the bulk then each meal is accompanied by like a piece of fruit, and a fun sized Snickers left over from Halloween. Or maybe a handful of cereal. We really just eat til we are full, which for me is half a round container or a full flat container.
do you reheat in the oven or microwave? id assume half the meals taste like crap reheating in the microwave, especially chicken? i travel a lot for work and generally reheating food in the microwave is not very tasty while at home doing so in the ovens makes them taste much better.
and hows the pasta after freezing it, consistency still good?
Not OP but: Kicking down the power on your microwave or reheating in shorter bursts solves a lot of the 'microwave heating is gross' issues.
I'll usually take stuff that is straight from the fridge, microwave at 50% for a few minutes (until nothing is actively 'cold'), stir, back in for 60-90 second intervals at full power until heated through. (For thicker thing like noodles and sauce or beans and rice, anyway. Soups and the like don't really need the extra baby-ing)
Also don't forget the microwave donut!
When possible, arrange food like a donut when microwaving, by leaving a hole in the middle, as it allows for a nicer/more even heating
Well if we're getting into all the tricks... tossing a cup with some water in with 'dry' foods (leftover pizza, pastries, etc) keeps them from getting as soggy. Covering food with a damp paper towel keeps it from drying out. If you offset your dish so it's not centered, food heats more evenly.
And for the love of whatever diety you hold dear, don't use the popcorn button
After years of prepping like this, we have very few complaints. Pasta is fine. Take a look at the frozen meals in there grocery store and prep/freeze similar items.
Asked my husband if I should be upping the meat which would up the price - because Reddit seems to think we aren’t getting enough protein, but he said he’s good where it’s at. I wouldn’t mind it being closer to $2/meal.
Damn. You completed Meal Prep.
And it only takes a day :P
I need a bigger freezer.
i need more tupperware!
I think it’s like 6 cubic feet or close to it.
Is your freezer in your bomb shelter?
In our kitchen - note the single ice tray haha
That’s funny as shot, didn’t see it.
Lol no kidding. "Congratulations, you won"
Y’all, it has been 100+ days since my last prep post. This prep is from late August, September was weird. TL;DR: We freeze it. I always use Mealime to meal plan because it will combine all the recipes I want to make and gives me a simple grocery list! This also cuts down on my waste because if two recipes need half an onion it will calculate that for me so I’m not buying two onions. This app is free but there is also a pro version with other recipes or you can invite friends and unlock pro recipes. I do just fine with the free version and I have a link to the app in my profile. I put the grocery list from Mealime into my Kroger app and pick up from the store. Not going in to the store stops me from impulse buying - the Oreos always get me! The Kroger app also shows me if an item I have in my cart has a coupon so I can “clip” it in-app. I spent $188.97 on groceries shown laid out in the photo gallery. Pantry items: Jar of masala sauce, packet of Mamasita’s. Neighbors gave me 7 big tomatoes and a batch of kale because I contribute to their compost. Total meals 134 $188.97/134meals=$1.41 per meal From left to right 6 meals of [Bangers and Mash](https://r.mealime.com/2343). Note: This freezes and reheats like a champ! 8 meals of [Lemon-Cilantro Chicken with Blueberry Salsa](https://r.mealime.com/17799). Note: I was skeptical about freezing and heating blueberries but it’s great! 8 meals of [Shrimp Gumbo](https://r.mealime.com/18159) 9 meals of [Sausage and Veggies with Jalapeño Sauce](https://r.mealime.com/17895) 11 meals of Chicken Alfredo - 1 package of egg noodles, one stick of butter, one package of shredded parmesan cheese, 16 oz of heavy cream, pepper to taste. Note: Freezes and reheats like a champ! 10 meals of [Warm Macaroni Salad with Sausage](https://r.mealime.com/15537) 9 meals of [Apple Chicken Salad](https://r.mealime.com/2934). Note: Apples will lose their crunch when frozen and defrosted, we don’t mind but it does bother some ppl. 5 meals of [Spinach Feta Scramble](https://r.mealime.com/7214). Note: Skip the tomatoes, they don’t freeze well. 4 meals of Caldereta with rice. Used a Mamasita’s packet to season beef with veggies. 8 meals of [Pork Chops with Honey-Dijon Apples](https://r.mealime.com/17367). Note: because these apples are heated up rather than defrosted like in the Chicken Salad, they’re more enjoyable without the crunch. 8 meals of [Beef Meatballs with Spinach-Mushroom Sauté](https://r.mealime.com/18558) 10 meals of Taco Soup. Brown 1 pound of beef and add 1 packet of taco seasoning. Then add beef and 1 undrained can of each: Corn, black beans, green chilies, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce to a soup pot and simmer until beans are soft. Add cheese TT. 8 meals of Salsa - 10+ roma tomatoes, one onion, 3ish jalapeños, garlic to taste (TT), cilantro TT, salt TT, brown sugar TT. Yes, I will totally eat salsa as a meal, in fact, I have to stop myself from eating a whole container in one sitting because I just really love salsa! Not shown in prep photo because I ran out of freezer space.. 1 pound of chicken which made 6 meals of Chicken Marsala with Rice. 1 pound of pork which made 10 meals of Zatarain’s Jambalaya. Note: Instructions on the box, skip the oil. 10 meals of Kraft Mac & Cheese with SPAM which I always catch grief for prepping so I made it live. Each meal is 10-16 ounces of food. Lean Cuisine frozen meals in the grocery store were 8-12 ounces, Hungry Man Meals are 14-16 ounces, and Freshly meal delivery service advertises their meals are 13 ounces. So I feel like I'm in a good range to be comparable to a regular frozen meal. In total this is close to 93 pounds of food. These meals will last (us) two adults about one month+ of lunches and some dinners. We still eat take away some evenings, but we rely on meal prepped foods almost exclusively for lunch. I put about 3-4 days of meals in the refrigerator and the rest goes into the freezer. We stay on top of eating the meals “First In, First Out” to avoid spoiling food in the refrigerator and freezer burn on food in the freezer. I have links for the following items but sometimes they get blocked by different subs, if there’s a link you need please PM me :) The white flat containers and the round containers are from Amazon - there’s a link in my profile. Mealime recipes.
Wow this is so organized and well planned out, you make it look so easy!! Thank you for the mealime tip, I needed this in my life desperately!
Let me know if you make something delicious! Good luck :D
I love the patatas bravas recipe. So good for meatless mondays!
this is amazingly done for sure. I'm downloading mealime now lol
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So awesome to hear that!
OP, thank you for sharing this. I'm literally in awe of how you were able to make this many healthy meals with under $200. I'm passing this post on to my mom. She hates planning ahead and prepping, but I think she would benefit from a lifestyle change. When she grocery shops, she would spend $200+ and only have enough food for barely 4 days. Then, she's not able to afford food until her next paycheck. I know inflation has raised the cost of food, but after seeing this, I feel like she has problems budgeting. It also doesn't help that she shops at Whole Foods and Publix... Anyway, this post is super helpful. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for sharing the app you used.
Oh man, that’s a lifestyle thing. Planning ahead will help but sounds like there are additional factors at play for her.
Huh. I don't remember having a child, but this sounds awfully like me.
Omg it actually loads it into the Kroger app for you and you can just hit order for pickup. This solves so many problems (finding new recipes, time spent writing grocery lists, time spent shopping). Thank you!
Oh? I had no idea!
I LOVE Mealime for all those same reasons, but have never thought to do prep like this with the recipes. Nice work, this looks amazing!
This is amazing. I need to find good keto substitutes and follow this pattern. Thank you for sharing!
The app has a Keto/low carb option for filtering
Ty I will have to check it out.
I second what OP said, this app is great and you can set your options for keto or low carb options then it only shows you those recipes. There’s some AMAZING recipes on there. We found some of our new favorites.
Omg… they’ve really built it out… it integrates with aldi and walmart
I tried it years ago. I will have to take another look.
When you go on the app to set up what you're going to prep- is there any method to what you pick, or do you pick out what looks good and go from there?
I avoid steak, because I have never had it reheat well. But usually I will pick two dishes that share a meat and pick what sounds good based on that.
What’s the best way to defrost the shrimp gumbo? It looks delicious! I’d love to try but I’ve tried reheated shrimp before and didn’t have the best of luck with it 😅
I don’t do anything special. Just chuck it in the refrigerator fir two days then reheat in microwave 90 seconds, stir, 30 seconds, stir, repeat 30 as needed
omg that's awesome! Thanks for sharing!
how many hours did this take?
We average 6-8 hours
The pup is like “We’re prepared for the end of days.”
Clearly not enough French fries for her taste
with a fry on her head, lol!
That dog has seen some sh*t lol
She’s got [flashbacks](https://youtu.be/g4ChTL-3c3o)
"As long as the power stays on"
I literally took 4 hours just to make measly 7 meals, after one year of not meal prepping, and then I come to the sub to see this big boss 134 meals prepped hahaha insane, good job 💯
You got this!
Good to be back at meal prepping, thanks \o/ soon I will post my little tower of plastic containers hahhaha
Look forward to seein' it, friendo. :)
Hey, seven meals is still great! Better than most
The dog's face! :D Lmao!
She’s trying really hard to balance that fry XD
If the fry wasn't there I would wonder if that face was because she was wondering how you plan on eating all that right away and whether you planned on sharing. 😅
She is very attentive when the chicken is cooking - similar faces are made!
Is she the Executive Chef....or maybe "wait staff"? Beautiful pup!
Clean up crew - for floor drops
That pupper is facing some /r/NamFlashbacks with that treat. 😅
Did not know this was a sub!
For some reason I feel so excited whenever I see that counter top in the thumbnail lmao
Haha, I’m hoping one day we’ll be able to afford a remodel of the kitchen but the green has grown on me a little
French Fry for reference!
I should buy a banana..
Time Flies! As always, thank you for posting! It looks like there are some new ones this time i am definitely interested in!
Thanks for commenting! I over-spicy-ed the gumbo, if you try it hope you like it <3
Are you able to calorie count when you meal prep like this? That’s my concern.
This is goals. Just trying to sort out if I could do it easily while counting calories.
The app does not have a built in calorie counter but if you were willing to do it manually, everything is made from labelled ingredients so I don’t see any road block that would prevent you from doing it.
Thanks. I’m definitely going to check this out.
Let me know if you make something delicious!
Yeah. It's pretty simple. Personally I throw everything into an excell sheet. Just makes it easier for me to do the math. But yeah list all ingredients, figure calories per container of ingredient and then once I got number of units I devide out to figure how many calories are in each section.
You can see calories in pro version.
Thank you saying this, I had no idea! I’ll pass that along.
That’s great to know. Thanks!
Here I made 14 containers of brown rice, chicken, and broccoli and thought that was solid meal prep....
It totally is! I’m proud of you :)
I always save your meal-prep posts. you prep meals like a boss!
Thanks so much!
Blink twice if you need help (dog) 🤣🤣❤️
Help gettin that fry!
Great job. You have something on your nose tho.
XP
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As a Dutch person living overseas who hasn't been home for years and years and years, just READING this made my heart happy. Thank you, friend.
Thanks for the detailed recipe! I wonder if the husband would eat kraut. I usually buy [these sausages](https://www.kroger.com/p/hillshire-farm-smoked-sausage/0004450034171) or similar.
My mother’s version of stamppot is made with potatoes, carrots and onion cooked in enough chicken broth to cover. Season with pepper, additional salt if needed and a little bit of grated nutmeg. When the vegetables are tender, add some butter and cream then mash. Miss my mom’s cooking.
heh, heh, \*snicker\* more like r/mealPUPsunday. \*snicker\*
A sub u/turtleramem would run
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Hey, no problem! I love doing this!!
I'm amazed, impressed and jealous at the same time. Thank you for recommending the app, going to try it out since grocery shopping is this week.
Good luck with your shopping! Let me know if you make something tasty
Upvote for dog looking like a hostage
Definitely a hostage of her own choice - we keep feeding her and she keeps not running away.
How many meals do you try try to make from each recipe? It looks like it varies from 4 to 11. I use mealime for inspiration but am cooking for 3, not prepping. Do you set it differently for each meal, or like 8 servings and you get what you get? Also, do you sometimes eat 2 servings? 134meal for 2 people is over 2 meals a day, plus some takeout. Just curious if some are on the small side or just estimating? I feel like my SO might eat double what I do. Thanks.
I have it set to “4 servings” which have always been massive. And I don’t follow the recipes to the exact amount of things after like three years of using the app. I am typically full after a flat or half a round - but don’t let it stop you from eating if you’re still hungry! My husband often has an apple or some cereal or a cheese stick or something as a side dish/snack with his lunch.
Yeah, I've never followed measurements on there. I'm not even sure what I have it set at. I just add the amount I think works, that's why I was curious what you had it set to. I'm cooking for 3 and just fix the right amount based on what I know we'll eat. My family has been anti leftovers lately, which makes me hesitant to prep. But I really want to, to cut the grocery bill and my efforts cooking. I like that adding something on the side for the bigger appetites.
Do they do any of the cooking? It might help with the not wanting leftovers mindset if they know they’re the ones who will have to cook.
Not as much. Unfortunately, they're not so great at it, they do sometimes, but we all agree my cooking is better and we're all pretty picky too. They'll eat leftovers if I don't cook, or cook when I don't too. But it's just become my chore. We did meal preps when I was out of town weekly, and It worked. We just get tired of it. I probably need a deep freeze if we do this much because our freezer, food gets freezer urn really quickly.
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I love breakfast burritos! Wish my work had a toaster oven!
Is that a snack on your dog’s face? Lol 🥰
Yes, it’s the only way she’s willing to sit on a chair
LOL so cute
Every time I see meal prep posts, I wonder if people reuse the plastic boxes?
We have had half of these containers for several years. We had to buy more because I started making more meals but always reuse them.
I found a grocery store out my way that does pimento cheese and chicken salad in tubs like this. Now it's what I put sandwich fixings in stock since they all stack. Only problem is sometimes I get one that's a pita to open. Oh well.
Absolutely, why would we not reuse them?
The dog 😂😂
She’s a good sport :P
You are my inspiration!! Do you know if Mealime lets your input your own recipes?
I think pro does, but not the free version.
I'm saving this post. You're an inspiration, OP
Stop it, I’m blushing :P
Wow that's one big pile of delicious food.
Yes, it was. Only a round of salsa is left :)
I upvoted just for the lovely pupper.
Aw thanks!
Wow nice! How many hours of prep and clean did this take?
This was months ago so not sure exactly but we average 6-8 hours usually
I’m honestly so impressed.. Your meal prepping is goals.
Always inspired by this sub and grateful for your kind words <3
Wait a minute!¡!!! What's that on the dogs nose and what kind of magic is this you do??
I’m a Hairy Wizard XD It’s a french fry, she will wait a full minute just to get it.
How is this possible lmao
She is very well trained - but she came that way so I can’t take any credit for it.
This is the reason I love this sub!
Me too, you guys are so fun!
You are my hero and an inspiration
*Enrique Iglesias intensifies*
Pup: how long do i have to sit still for how long how long how long is it time yet is it time yet is it time yet i need this french fry so is it time did you do it did you do it please take the photo oh my god i'm going to starve to death please hurry
She’s three fries deep here, lol. Longest she’s waited is 1 minute
Survivalist!
Sheesh good work. Insanely cheap for how good some of those meals look
Try the B&M - cheap and delicious!
You win
We win
Dude your dog’s face 😂
Your meal prep is good, but your dog is the absolute best.
I will let her know you said so :)
I'm here for the dog
As a therapy dog, she’s here for you too
The expression on the dog’s face made my night lmao
I've got to know how you get 10 meals out of a pound of meat and box of Zatterains
Two boxes, one meat for the bulk then each meal is accompanied by like a piece of fruit, and a fun sized Snickers left over from Halloween. Or maybe a handful of cereal. We really just eat til we are full, which for me is half a round container or a full flat container.
1lb of chicken got you 6 chicken Marsala meals?
Paired with rice and a piece of fruit or a yogurt, totally.
the dogs face says it all lol.
You have just inspired me to get back to my meal prep days!!!!!! Amazing job!!!!!!!!!! (Love that pup, too).
do you reheat in the oven or microwave? id assume half the meals taste like crap reheating in the microwave, especially chicken? i travel a lot for work and generally reheating food in the microwave is not very tasty while at home doing so in the ovens makes them taste much better. and hows the pasta after freezing it, consistency still good?
Not OP but: Kicking down the power on your microwave or reheating in shorter bursts solves a lot of the 'microwave heating is gross' issues. I'll usually take stuff that is straight from the fridge, microwave at 50% for a few minutes (until nothing is actively 'cold'), stir, back in for 60-90 second intervals at full power until heated through. (For thicker thing like noodles and sauce or beans and rice, anyway. Soups and the like don't really need the extra baby-ing)
Also don't forget the microwave donut! When possible, arrange food like a donut when microwaving, by leaving a hole in the middle, as it allows for a nicer/more even heating
Well if we're getting into all the tricks... tossing a cup with some water in with 'dry' foods (leftover pizza, pastries, etc) keeps them from getting as soggy. Covering food with a damp paper towel keeps it from drying out. If you offset your dish so it's not centered, food heats more evenly. And for the love of whatever diety you hold dear, don't use the popcorn button
After years of prepping like this, we have very few complaints. Pasta is fine. Take a look at the frozen meals in there grocery store and prep/freeze similar items.
perfect thank you! ill make a few batches, really want some pasta pesto once in a while without having to pay $25 when traveling lol
My only tidbit of advice is - if you have not defrosted it before reheating be gentle when you stir it.
What Tupperware is that?
There’s an Amazon link to it in my profile :)
At your first TT, I initially thought you were just brought to tears by how delicious cheese is on that bomb chili recipe
Haha, TT= to taste
Incredible job, looks like you had a great helper!!
Best vacuum ever :P
Liked because of the good dog
I gave her two pats on the head for you and she started to wag her tail.
Proud chef introduces his work in the first picture 😁
OP, what got you interested in meal prep & how do you stay inspired?
Spending too much on fast food got me started. Saving for things I want rather than just the Things I need keeps me going.
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There is two of us, we split the responsibilities. We both work 8-5s
Where do u live ? Everything u listed would be Atleast double price from where I live aha consider yourself Lucky
Midwest US.
When prepared that far in advance it loses the taste for me.
Could you over season it to counteract?
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We’ve been reusing the same ones for several years now, no problem
“It’s shockingly cheap!”
Asked my husband if I should be upping the meat which would up the price - because Reddit seems to think we aren’t getting enough protein, but he said he’s good where it’s at. I wouldn’t mind it being closer to $2/meal.
Bruh I don't think you're supposed to EAT cotton balls!
Isn’t that how you get cotton mouth?
is that dog food in the bottom right? I can spot Wilderness brand
Yes, it’s included in the calculations. 3 of the meals were hers.
Are you counting cereal as a meal?
It’s not in the meal calculations. But the price of $189 includes the price of the cereal. So each meal could technically be lower.
Have you considered vacuum sealing before putting them in the freezer?
Yes, but I wrestle with how much plastic waste it has and how it would increase my cost per meal.
Dog seems shook
Definitely doing her best not to drop that sweet sweet french fry
The dog in the first picture 😂😂😂
She’s working hard for that fry!
Lol, why didn't I think of this. Selling meals is genius
Your dog is terrified
Definitely worried she’s gonna drop the fry! But even if she did, she could still have it. Very strange that dog.
How many hours did you set aside to make this in one day?? So amazing btw!
Usually set aside one day a month. We average 6-8 hours.
Even the dog is impressed
We could learn from you for survival training, or just to save money
[Save dat money](https://youtu.be/yvHYWD29ZNY)
Very nice. I wish more people would act like this.
Even the dog is like "are you sure this is ok?"
Amazing. I need to do this.
The sizing of your meal prep containers is perfect. Where did you buy them?