Week 8: Freezer Meal Fiesta & Pantry Power-Up! 🎉🍽️

Welcome back to Week 8 of our Summer Stock-Up series! Can you believe we’re already at the eight-week mark? Your freezer must be bursting with mouthwatering meals by now. This week we’re diving into some tantalizing flavors with two crowd-pleasing recipes: Barbacoa 🌮 and Low Carb Brown Sugar Dijon Pork Chops 🍖! These are both easy, dump-and-go meals that make dinner prep a breeze and will impress your family and friends. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨

With beef and pork on sale, we’re taking full advantage to create some freezer-friendly feasts! 💰

What We’re Prepping This Week:

🌮 Barbacoa Freezer Packs (THM S)
This Barbacoa recipe is a game-changer! It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect in tacos, burrito bowls, or served over cauliflower rice. Plus, it’s so easy to make – your slow cooker does all the work! 🏡❤️

Why you’ll love this:

• A savory blend of spices and tender beef that tastes like a Mexican restaurant favorite! 🇲🇽🌶️
• Excellent for meal prepping and serving at gatherings. 🎊
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings. 🥑🧂

🥩 Low Carb Brown Sugar Dijon Pork Chops (THM S)
These pork chops are succulent and packed with flavor while keeping carbs in check! The sweet and tangy glaze is simply mouthwatering and makes for a quick dinner option. 😋💕

Why you’ll love this:

• Perfectly balanced flavors that even the pickiest eaters rave about. 🙌
• Another freezer-friendly option that cooks up incredibly fast for meal prep nights. ⏰🍽️
• Ideal served with roasted vegetables or salad. 🥗🍠

Here’s the link to Week 8’s video
https://youtu.be/X-7hKAA7EYU

This Week’s Recipes:

Barbacoa (THM S) 🌮

Perfect for easy prep – just dump and go!

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into chunks, if desired
• 1 medium to large onion, diced 🧅
• 3 tablespoons garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 lime juiced 🍋
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Optional: Jalapeño slices for added heat 🌶️

Freezer Prep Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a gallon freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. 🛍️
2. Seal well and label with cooking instructions: “Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.” 🕒
3. Freeze flat for up to 6 months. ❄️

Serving Day: Thaw the contents overnight, dump in the crockpot, and cook as directed. Shred and serve in tacos, quesadillas, chicmichangas, taco bowls, or over cauliflower rice for a delicious meal! 🌯❤️

Low Carb Brown Sugar Dijon Pork Chops (THM S) 🍖

Sweet and tangy with a kick!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1/4 cup low carb brown sugar substitute (like Swerve) 🍬
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Freezer Prep Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar substitute, Dijon mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. 🥄
2. Place the pork chops in a gallon-sized freezer bag and pour the marinade over.
3. Seal well, label, and freeze for future meals. 📦

Cooking Instructions: Thaw in the fridge, then bake or grill at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. 🔥🍽️

Pro Tips for This Week:

🌿 Flavor-Boosting Options: For the Barbacoa, feel free to add any extra spices you enjoy, like chipotle powder for some heat or any other spices you like in you Mexican meals, for an extra punch of flavor! 🌶️🌟

💵 Meat Sale Alert: With beef and pork on sale this week, consider doubling the recipes! Stock your freezer with enough portions to last for several busy nights. 🥩🍖

🛒 This Week’s Shopping List:

Proteins:

• Beef chuck roast (stock up while on sale!) 🥩
• Boneless pork chops (buy in bulk!) 🍖

Pantry Items:

• All spices for both recipes 🌾
• Low carb brown sugar substitute 🍬
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar

Fresh Items:

• Onions 🧅
• Garlic 🧄
• Limes (for juice) 🍋

Money-Saving Win:

By preparing these flavorful freezer meals during sales, you’re locking in lower prices for your future dinners! 🎉 Plus, you’ll have ready-to-go meals that keep you away from the drive-thru on hectic nights! 🚗💨

As we dive deeper into preparing delicious meals, it’s time to think about the flavor boosters that will elevate your dishes to the next level! 🌟 Stocking up on seasonings and broths is essential for every home cook looking to enhance their meals while minimizing the time spent in the kitchen. Here’s how to ensure your pantry is packed with flavor! 💪

Why Are Seasonings and Broths Important?

Seasonings not only add taste but also transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Broths are the base for soups, stews, and sauces, providing richness and depth. With the right seasonings and a good quality broth, you can create mouthwatering meals without fuss! 🍛✨

Top Choices for Stocking Up:

1. Better than Bouillon 🥣
   • This concentrated paste is a must-have! It’s packed with flavor and can easily be added to soups, sauces, and savory dishes. Opt for the larger jars to save both money and space. Plus, it’s a great option for those who prefer not to keep multiple cartons of broth on hand. Just a spoonful adds a punch of flavor! 🙌
2. Herbs and Spices 🌿
   • Essentials to Stock:
     • Garlic powder and onion powder for quick flavor boosts.
     • Paprika, cumin, and chili powder for warmth and depth.
     • Italian seasoning and dried herbs like basil and oregano for Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
     • A variety of salt and pepper, including sea salt, kosher salt, and fresh-ground pepper for seasoning flexibility. The flaky sea salt game is really starting to peak. I have heard of lots of flavor combos I want to try.🧂
3. Dried Chilis and Peppers 🌶️
   • Keep a selection of dried chilis (like red pepper flakes or chipotle powder) on hand to add heat and smokiness to your meals.
4. Specialty Seasoning Blends 🌍
   • Consider creating a mini selection of your favorite blends—taco seasoning (done in week 1), curry powder, or a BBQ rub—to simplify meal preparation. They’re perfect for quick meals and can add a unique twist to your dishes. 🔥
5. Liquid Stocks or Broths 🧊
   • While Better than Bouillon is fantastic for its versatility, having a few cartons or jars of vegetable, chicken, or beef broth in your pantry is wise for recipes that require more liquid. Opt for low-sodium or organic options when possible, if that works better for your family. 📦

Storage Tips:

• Keep it Cool and Dry: Store seasonings in a cool, dark place in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
• Labeling: If you buy in bulk, label containers with the purchase date to keep track of freshness. 📅
• Rotation: Use the FIFO (first in, first out) method to ensure you’re using the oldest seasonings first. 🔄

Final Thoughts:

Investing time in stocking up on seasonings and broths will pay off when it comes to flavoring your future meals. They’re your culinary allies, ready to turn ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones! 🌟✨ So go ahead and fill your pantry with these essentials, and watch how they elevate your cooking game during this meal prep journey. Happy stocking! 🛒💖

Ready to mix and match flavors in your freezer? These meals will turn busy weeknights into culinary delights and save you valuable time! ⏳❤️

Happy prepping! 🥳 Remember, you’re not just whipping up meals – you’re crafting convenience and joy for your future self. Let’s make healthy eating easy and fun! 🍽️💖