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The Easiest Pulled Pork

October 28, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Need a meal to feed a crowd? Make the Easiest Pulled Pork!

You know I’m not a gourmet cook. I’m not even super eager to try new spices in my recipes, simply because I like to stick with basics that I always have on hand. It’s just easier for me this way and saves brain energy and effort.

The food is still delicious!

One of the first times I made this Easiest Pulled Pork and fed it to our YC soccer teams, one of the coaches told Matt, “I don’t know what your wife does to season that meat, but it is so good!”

Truth: Matt’s wife barely does anything to season the meat. But shh. Don’t tell!

I just find that food can really taste great without going to a lot of trouble and taking a lot of time. Since it was a hit last year, I made pulled pork again for the teams this year. I made 20 pounds of pork, and I’m pretty sure it only took 5 minutes of prep.

How I make pulled porkYum

  1. Put the pork butt in the slow cooker (when I make huge amounts, I use a large roaster instead of a crockpot).
  2. Sprinkle on salt and garlic powder.
  3. Peel a few onions if I have time. Cut them and throw them in with the meat.
  4. Cover and walk away.
  5. Well yeah, plug it in and turn it on low first. Then cover and walk away.

The meat slow cooks for hours then falls apart at the end of the day. It practically shreds itself. Then it can be served on buns with barbecue sauce and that’s that!

Now, those of you with smokers can surely turn out much better-tasting pulled pork than I! But this is a method that any of us can do if we have a slow cooker of some kind. And pulled pork is an inexpensive and easy way to feed a crowd!

The Easiest Pulled Pork

The Easiest Pulled Pork
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 24 servings
Ingredients
  • 6-8 pound pork butt
  • sea salt
  • garlic powder
  • 2-3 onions (optional)
Instructions
  1. Place the pork in a slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle on seasonings liberally.
  3. Peel onions and chop them on top of the meat.
  4. Cook on low for 10 hours.
  5. Use a knife and fork to shred the meat, which pulls apart quite easily after the meat has cooked slow and low!
3.5.3251

Don’t need to feed a crowd, just your family? You can still make this easy meal and then freeze the shredded meat in meal-sized portions to pull out and rewarm as needed. SO EASY!

Feeding a crowd and want to get ahead? Make this meat days or weeks ahead. Put the shredded, cooled meat into freezer bags to save in the freezer until you need it. Then thaw and reheat as needed.

Great Sides to Serve with Your Pulled Pork

  • Buns and Barbecue Sauces
  • Party Potatoes
  • Simple Cream Cheese Corn
  • Simple Baked Beans
  • Raw Veggies with Dip
  • Fruit like grapes, watermelon, or cantaloupe
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73 Freezer Meal Ideas

August 30, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

As we settle into a new school year, we thought it would be helpful to compile as many freezer meal ideas as we could!

No matter what your school year looks like this fall, having prepared food in our freezer for busy days never hurts!

Freezer Meal Ideas

49 Favorite Breakfast Freezer Foods

We’ll start by sharing great breakfast and snack food ideas that can be made ahead of time. Here are our favorites:

  • Applesauce Bread
  • Bacon Cheese Muffins
  • Baked Oatmeal Cups
  • Banana Bread and Muffins
  • Blueberry Streusel Muffins
  • Breakfast Burritos
  • Breakfast Cake Muffins
  • Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Chocolate Swirl Bread
  • Chocolate Swirl Muffins
  • Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
  • Cinnamon Swirl Bread
  • Cracklin’ Oat Bran Cereal (Not as much a freezer food as a food that can be made ahead of time for ease. But you can freeze this if you like!)
  • Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies
  • Crustless Breakfast Quiches
  • Easy Breakfast Casserole (I usually put this together and freeze it un-baked.)
  • Eggnog Muffins
  • Giant Breakfast Cookies
  • Ham and Egg Breakfast Bowls
  • Hashbrowns
  • Honey Cinnamon Muffins
  • Honey Whole Wheat Bagels
  • Lemon Bread
  • Mini Apple Pies
  • Mini Breakfast Pizza
  • Multi-Grain Pumpkin Waffles and Pancakes
  • Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
  • Orange Muffins
  • Pancake Muffins
  • Pancake and Sausage Muffins
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Peanut Butter Pancakes
  • Poptarts
  • Pumpkin Breakfast Cake
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
  • Simple Whole Wheat Pancakes
  • Snickerdoodle Muffins
  • Strawberry Bread
  • Strawberry Cream Muffins
  • Sweet Potato Streusel Muffins
  • Turkey Sausage (I like to make 10-12 pounds at once and freeze it in 1 pound packages.)
  • Vanilla Muffins with Cinnamon Crumb Topping
  • Whole Wheat and Honey Zucchini Bread and Muffins
  • Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls
  • Whole Wheat Waffles
  • Zucchini Carrot Bread

24 Main Dish Freezer Foods

My favorite freezer foods include meals that can be pulled out and baked without any additional prep. Here’s our big list:

  • Barbecue Beef and Cheese Hot Pockets
  • Bean and Cheese Burritos
  • Beefy Enchilada Bake
  • Calzones
  • Cheesy Beef and Rice
  • Cheesy Salsa Enchiladas
  • Chicken Burritos
  • Chicken Fried Steak Strips
  • Chili
  • Corn Dogs and Corn Dog Muffins
  • Italian Pasta Bake
  • Lasagna Casserole
  • Lazy Dogs
  • Meat and Cheese Burritos
  • Pigs in a Blanket
  • Pizza Pockets
  • Popcorn Chicken
  • Sloppy Cornbread Muffins
  • Sloppy Joes
  • Taco Corn Fritters
  • Three Cheese Garlic Chicken Pasta
  • Turkey Sausage
  • Whole Wheat Pizza Crust
  • Frozen Pizza

What ways are you getting ready to stay ahead during the school year?

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Omelet Muffins

April 5, 2020 by Laura 3 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

These Simple Omelet Muffins are super fun to make and eat for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or supper!

Not only do these Omelet Muffins work for any meal of the day, they are low in cost. You can make them ahead of time and rewarm them as needed. They freeze well. Annnnd…you can make them per everyone’s liking.

Add lots of meat. Add no meat at all. Throw in lots of veggies. Try a variety of cheeses. Have fun experimenting!

Some tasty add-in options are:

  • Chopped Ham
  • Bacon Bits (here’s how to make them yourself!)
  • Sausage Crumbles
  • Leftover Taco Meat
  • Shredded Chicken
  • Colby Jack Cheese
  • Mozzarella Cheese
  • Pepper Jack Cheese
  • Smoked Gouda Cheese
  • Blue Cheese
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Diced Sweet Peppers
  • Diced Onion or Dried Minced Onion
  • Mushrooms
  • Sun Dried Tomatoes
  • Fresh Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Black Beans
  • Sea Salt and Pepper to Taste

You really can enjoy a variety of mixtures using any of these add-in ideas or any others you can think of!

Simple Omelet MuffinsYum

Simple Omelet Muffins
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 12
Ingredients
  • 10 eggs
  • 3 Tablespoons milk
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt (more or less to taste)
  • Any variety of chopped meat, diced veggies, and shredded cheeses you like.
Instructions
  1. Whisk together eggs, milk, and salt.
  2. Add in any fillings you like.
  3. Spray 12 muffin cups with oil.
  4. Scoop omelet mixture into prepared muffin cups.
  5. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are set and golden brown.
3.5.3229

 

If you make these ahead of time, rewarm them in the oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees for just a few minutes.

To freeze these Omelet Muffins: Bake them as directed and allow them to cool completely. Put them into a freezer bag and freeze them for up to a month. Thaw and reheat as needed.

I think these would be great to pack and take to work for lunch – a great change of pace from packing a sandwich!

Do you have any other great add-in ideas for these Omelet Muffins?

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

How to Have a Successful Freezer Cooking Day

March 22, 2020 by Laura Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Hoping to get ahead by having a successful freezer cooking day? Here’s how!

Why have a freezer cooking day?

I love to have food pre-made and in the freezer to pull out and use as convenience foods on extra busy days! It’s beyond great to have a casserole in the freezer that I can slide into the oven for dinner without any prep (because I’ve already done the prep!).

In addition, it’s great to have muffins or cookies ready to pull out to bake or serve with just a few minutes’ notice.

If you have extra freezer space, it is worth your time to spend a few hours getting head so you can save time and energy later!

How to Have a Successful Freezer Cooking Day

Here are my top bullet points, with details to follow:

  1. Make a plan
  2. But don’t over plan
  3. Consider how you can multitask
  4. Get out everything possible the night before
  5. Be prepared for a mess, and save energy to clean it up!
  6. Have your evening meal already prepared and ready to serve.

1. Make a plan.

It’s a great idea to jot down a list of food you want to make ahead of time for your freezer so that you can prepare for your freezer cooking hours. Buy the groceries you’ll need, block out the time necessary for your freezer cooking extravaganza, and consider how you can make your time most efficient.

2. But don’t over plan.

But wait! Take it from me, the one who used to almost pass out during her freezer cooking days by trying to execute too much then becoming exhausted and grouchy at the kids (sorry, boys).

Be reasonable when you make your freezer cooking plan. If you only have two hours, your to-do list needs to be able to be fulfilled within just an hour and a half so you still have the energy to clean up afterward (see #5).

It’s easy to become overexcited, thinking of ALL THE THINGS you want to put into the freezer. Yay, you! But make your lofty list, then consider paring down to what is actually doable and reasonable. Perhaps break your lofty list into two or three different freezer cooking time slots.

3. Consider how you can multitask.

When making your list, look at what will help you be the most efficient with your time and energy. For instance:

Perhaps your freezer cooking day can focus on chicken dishes so that you can get out fewer ingredients, cut up several meals worth of chicken at once, and knock out more work in less time.

Or maybe your freezer cooking day is all about baked goods this time. Again, you can get out fewer ingredients so instead of working with meat and vegetables and flour and sugar – you are instead only focused on putting together sides, snacks, and desserts this time.

4. Get out everything possible the night before.

Say you’ve decided to make three batches of muffins, a double batch of cookies, and a pan of oatmeal bars during your freezer cooking session. The night before you are ready to take on the task set out all possible ingredients like baking powder, salt, sugar, flour, etc. Thaw your butter, lay out your recipes (or pull them up on your computer), get out bowls and measuring cups.

Whatever you can do to make the job easier tomorrow, do it today. Thaw meat, grate cheese, prep veggies, get out freezer bags. If you grind flour for baked goods, get that flour ready so you’ll save time tomorrow.

5. Be prepared for a mess, and save energy to clean it up!

In my experience, freezer cooking makes a pretty big mess. It’s worth it though, because of how easy it is to use and serve these prepared foods later! So remember that the mess you’re making now saves many messes later!

But also keep in mind that after you’ve spent an hour or four prepping food for the freezer, you’ll be a bit tired from your work. Plan ahead to save some of your energy and time to wash dishes, wipe down messy countertops, and sweep the floor.

6. Have your evening meal already prepared and ready to serve.

Is it just me, or do you ever not feel like cooking after you’ve spent the day cooking?

It is a good idea to plan ahead for this because, for some reason, everyone will still want to eat the night of your freezer cooking day. Crazy.

My suggestion is to have something in the crockpot already cooking, or better yet, if you’re making some casseroles for the freezer, save one to bake for dinner tonight.

7. It is worth noting that…

If you have big kids, they should be put to work with you on this endeavor! My big kids are my cheese graters, my floor sweepers, and my general go-to taskers. I have gotten very good at handing out small jobs left and right, which makes every big job (including freezer cooking!) so much easier!

Want some freezer cooking ideas?

Here are some great ideas to get you started!

  • 49 Favorite Freezer Breakfast Foods
  • 24 Favorite Lunch and Dinner Freezer Foods

Eat Right Away!

You can buy this awesome eBook that includes all the details, recipes, and grocery lists 20 meals you can make ahead for your freezer. Or become a club member and access it any time!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Back to School Freezer Cooking Plan 2019

August 4, 2019 by Laura 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

It’s this year’s Back to School Freezer Cooking Plan!

Back to School Freezer Cooking Plan, 2019

I have to do it every year. I can’t not do it. I make all the food and I stock up on everything under the sun. My brain somehow cannot handle thinking that we might have to go to the store for toilet paper on the third day of school, so I make sure we have three…cases. Every year. Apparently, we need toilet paper to get us through until Christmas, as if I won’t go to the store for other things before then?

Even though I do think that in some ways my brain is crazy, there is much to be said for my desire to get ahead a little and stock-pile food and essentials before a new school year begins. With a new school year comes fall soccer season, which for our family is intense as we have players, referees, and a collegiate coach under our roof. We live, eat, breathe soccer from August until November. This year we added a brand new 5-year old soccer player to the ranks.

When we found his first pair of soccer cleats on clearance this summer, he was beyond excited. Finally, he can be a soccer player like his big brothers!

And let it be noted that this year we are also toting a Boy Babe to all the games with us while trying to keep him from eating electrical cords and climbing into the fireplace during a homeschool history lesson. So now who’s making fun of my three-case stash of Northern?

I’ve been working since mid-July to fill the freezer and stock-pile essential ingredients and household goods. I’ve taken wonderful advantage of Amazon Prime Pantry and Subscribe and Save. Amazon brings me joy…and groceries. And yeah, lots of toilet paper.

Here’s what I’ve been working on so far to get ahead:

Chicken Cheeseballs with a Kick

I got three pounds of ground chicken on mark-down, so I quickly added this recipe to my freezer-cooking list. These mix up quickly, and having them in the freezer ready to bake for a quick lunch or dinner will be perfect during this busy time of year.

Meat and Cheese Burritos

Burritos. Always burritos. I cannot tell you how good it is for me to have burritos in my freezer for my boys to warm up when they need one (or two).

Pancake and Waffle Mix

This isn’t actually in my freezer, but I did make a huge batch so we can pull it out for quick breakfasts or easy dinners. Man, I love this mix.

Simple Muffin Mix

I also mixed up a huge batch of Muffin Mix so that all we have to do is add liquids and whatever add-ins we want before baking up a batch of muffins. It’s so easy!

Bacon

One of my favorite tricks for saving time is baking several pounds of bacon, then freezing it to pull out and rewarm on the stove. When I do this, we can have hot sizzling bacon with our eggs or pancakes in just 30 seconds.

I also love cutting up bacon and making several pounds of bacon bits to use in salads and in scrambled eggs.

Lasagna

It’s our family’s favorite meal, so having a couple in the freezer will be great!

Hamburger Meat

I cooked 7 pounds of hamburger meat in my Instant Pot. So now I have meat to use quickly as needed. You can see a list here of 33 meals that can be made quickly once there’s meat already cooked and ready.


Cheesy Beef and Rice 

This is one of our favorites. If I have it in the freezer, I can slide it into a 250-degree oven before a game and it will be baked and ready to eat a few hours later when we get home!

Cheesy Salsa Enchiladas

This is also a favorite, and I can do as I mentioned above – bake it while we’re at a game and have dinner ready immediately when we get home!

In addition to all these prepared foods, I have worked to stock up on a supply of most of our essential ingredients so I can “shop from the pantry, fridge, or freezer” as much as possible instead of going to the store.

Want a cheat sheet full of Simple Ingredients to help you have all the real food basics on hand too? It’s free – grab it here!

Also in the freezer:

  • Strawberries, bananas, mango, pineapple, and peaches for smoothies
  • Green beans and peas for quick sides
  • Chicken nuggets and hotdogs #noshame
  • Homemade Ice Cream

Why the Homemade Ice Cream? Because it is as essential as toilet paper. Obviously.

What’s in your freezer these days?

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Burgers

March 26, 2019 by Laura 1 Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

I’m not sure if you’re keeping track or not, but this is the third variation I’ve shared in two weeks using the exact same recipe. Woohoo for easy versatility! Today we’re taking our Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatball recipe and basically smashing the mixture into Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Burgers. Are we smart or are we smart?

The idea came to me as I was working ahead to make a bunch of Parmesan Meatballs for the freezer. Either I got tired of scooping out meatballs, or I got a brilliant idea. It might have been both. After scooping out about 2 1/2 pounds of meatballs, I decided to abort my meatball endeavor. I took my remaining mixture and formed it into burger patties. I froze them, then we pulled them out to fry another day.

Fantabulous!

Might I recommend that you make these Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Burgers with a side of Sweet Potato Fries or Simple Seasoned Potato Wedges?

Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Burgers

Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Burgers
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 Tablespoons dried minced onion
  • ½ cup shredded (or grated) parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Press together burger-sized patties.
  3. Fry in a skillet or on a grill for 8-12 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
  4. Serve right away, or refrigerate or freeze cooked burgers to easily reheat for a meal later.
  5. OR, freeze the prepared raw burgers, thaw as needed, and fry as directed.
3.5.3229

Want Parmesan Meatballs instead? Or would you prefer Saucy Parmesan Meatballs? Nothing like getting 3-meal-varieties from one recipe!

Want More Simple Recipes?

We’ve got a huge list, and it keeps growing!

  • Simple Baked Salmon and Asparagus
  • Simple Crock Pot Chicken Soup with a Kick
  • Simple Skillet Taco Pasta
  • Last-Minute Lentil Chili
  • Simple Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken Legs
  • 20-Minute Taco Soup
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  • Simple Creamy Chicken Stew in the Crock Pot
  • Simple Italian Beef and Broccoli Skillet
  • Simple Bacon Ranch Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple Taco Rice Dinner
  • Simple Last Minute Nacho Plate
  • Simple Chicken Cheeseballs with a Kick
  • Simple Beanie Weanies
  • Simple Crock Pot BBQ Spareribs
  • Simple Pizza Chicken Bake
  • Simple Italian Chicken and Green Bean Bake
  • Last Minute Creamy Bacon Spaghetti
  • Simple Hamburger Soup
  • Simple Parmesan Broiled Fish
  • Simple Overnight Saucy Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple 15-Minute Meal
  • Simple Overnight Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Roast
  • Simple 3-Cheese Crock Pot Pasta
  • Simple Oven Fried Chicken
  • Simple Honey Mustard Chicken Legs
  • The Easiest Mashed Potatoes in the World
  • Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Simple Crunchy Ranch Chicken Strips
  • Simple Crock Pot Shredded Ranch Chicken (for salad or tacos)
  • Simple Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
  • Simple Barbecue Beef Roast
  • Simple Spanish Rice Bowls
  • Simple Roasted Rotiserie Chicken
  • Simple Green Chile Chicken
  • Simple Tex-Mex Creamy Chicken
  • Simple Waffle Omelets
  • Simple Crock Pot Taco Pasta
  • Simple Grilled Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Beef Roast
  • Simple Crock Pot Creamy Stew Meat
  • Simple Cheese Stuffed Burgers
  • Simple Hashbrown Casserole (For Instant Pot, Crock Pot or Oven!)
  • Simple Lasagna Casserole (For Instant Pot or Crock Pot)
  • Simple Chili Mac
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
  • From Burrito Bar to Casserole (a 5-Minute Meal!)
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Roll
  • Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs
  • Super Simple Lasagna
  • The Simplest White Chicken Chili
  • Simple Lentil Nachos
  • Simple Tuna Patties
  • Simple Banana Pancakes
  • Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken
  • Simple Hashbrown and Egg Nests
  • Simple Cornbread Waffles with Chili
  • Simple Veggie Fritters
  • Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs
  • Simple Noodle Soup
  • Simple Three Cheese Spaghetti
  • Simple Crock Pot Salsa Shredded Beef
  • Cheeseburger Hashbrown Cups or Casserole
  • Easiest Beef Roast in the Instant Pot
  • Simple One-Dish Chicken Florentine
  • Simple Creamy Layered Enchiladas
  • Simple Ham and Hashbrown Casserole
  • 5-Minute Cheesy Hamburger and Potatoes
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  • Simple Creamy Chicken Soup
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  • Simple Cheesy Salsa Chicken
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  • Simple Cheeseburger Noodle Crock Pot Dinner
  • Simple 5-Minute Shredded Chicken
  • Simple Popcorn Chicken
  • Simple Popcorn Chicken Tacos
  • Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs
  • Simple Saucy Parmesan Meatballs

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Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Simple Saucy Parmesan Meatballs

March 17, 2019 by Laura 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

If it seems too simple, that’s because it is. Today I am sharing what is so obvious, you probably already thought of it yourself. Still, it is worth taking the time to mention the idea to take the Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs, add sauce, and make the meatballs into a brand new meal of Simple Saucy Parmesan Meatballs!

Oh how I love food that is versatile like this. When we can make one recipe, but turn it into whatever we need it to be – now THAT is a recipe to keep in our back pockets!

Like literally. Print this out and put it in your back pocket. Later, you’ll reach in and say, “Oh! I have something in my back pocket. Could it be a $5 bill I forgot about? No? It’s a recipe for Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs? Well that’s even better than surprise cash!”

Yes, that is exactly the scenario that will happen when you put this recipe in your back pocket.

Now my friends, watch and see how easy it is to make a delightful (and ridiculously obvious) variation to our newly beloved Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs. We shall now add sauce, serve them with our favorite pasta, and make everyone in our family very happy. But no one will quite be as happy as we are because we are the ones cooking the food and we are the happiest about the ease of this recipe idea!

Simple Saucy Parmesan Meatballs

Simple Saucy Parmesan Meatballs
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1-2 pounds of pre-made Parmesan Meatballs*
  • 16-ounces of our favorite pasta sauce (red or white!)
  • 12-ounces cooked pasta
Instructions
  1. Reheat or bake meatballs* as directed.
  2. Pour sauce over meatballs and simmer until heated through.
  3. Serve over your favorite prepared pasta. OR
  4. Serve with rice or potatoes if you like!
3.5.3229

* Here’s our recipe for Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs.

Another of our favorite ways to enjoy these Simple Saucy Parmesan Meatballs? With this 10-Minute Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Along with a salad and veggie, of course.

Want More Simple Recipes?

We’ve got a huge list, and it keeps growing!

  • Simple Baked Salmon and Asparagus
  • Simple Crock Pot Chicken Soup with a Kick
  • Simple Skillet Taco Pasta
  • Last-Minute Lentil Chili
  • Simple Sweet and Sour Baked Chicken Legs
  • 20-Minute Taco Soup
  • Simple Cheesy Baked Chicken
  • Simple Creamy Chicken Stew in the Crock Pot
  • Simple Italian Beef and Broccoli Skillet
  • Simple Bacon Ranch Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple Taco Rice Dinner
  • Simple Last Minute Nacho Plate
  • Simple Chicken Cheeseballs with a Kick
  • Simple Beanie Weanies
  • Simple Crock Pot BBQ Spareribs
  • Simple Pizza Chicken Bake
  • Simple Italian Chicken and Green Bean Bake
  • Last Minute Creamy Bacon Spaghetti
  • Simple Hamburger Soup
  • Simple Parmesan Broiled Fish
  • Simple Overnight Saucy Crock Pot Chicken
  • Simple 15-Minute Meal
  • Simple Overnight Melt-in-Your-Mouth Beef Roast
  • Simple 3-Cheese Crock Pot Pasta
  • Simple Oven Fried Chicken
  • Simple Honey Mustard Chicken Legs
  • The Easiest Mashed Potatoes in the World
  • Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp
  • Simple Crunchy Ranch Chicken Strips
  • Simple Crock Pot Shredded Ranch Chicken (for salad or tacos)
  • Simple Crock Pot Pizza Casserole
  • Simple Barbecue Beef Roast
  • Simple Spanish Rice Bowls
  • Simple Roasted Rotiserie Chicken
  • Simple Green Chile Chicken
  • Simple Tex-Mex Creamy Chicken
  • Simple Waffle Omelets
  • Simple Crock Pot Taco Pasta
  • Simple Grilled Chicken
  • Simple Hawaiian Beef Roast
  • Simple Crock Pot Creamy Stew Meat
  • Simple Cheese Stuffed Burgers
  • Simple Hashbrown Casserole (For Instant Pot, Crock Pot or Oven!)
  • Simple Lasagna Casserole (For Instant Pot or Crock Pot)
  • Simple Chili Mac
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
  • From Burrito Bar to Casserole (a 5-Minute Meal!)
  • Simple Bacon Cheeseburger Roll
  • Simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs
  • Super Simple Lasagna
  • The Simplest White Chicken Chili
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  • Simple Tuna Patties
  • Simple Banana Pancakes
  • Simple Crock Pot Applesauce BBQ Chicken
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  • Simple Cornbread Waffles with Chili
  • Simple Veggie Fritters
  • Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken Legs
  • Simple Noodle Soup
  • Simple Three Cheese Spaghetti
  • Simple Crock Pot Salsa Shredded Beef
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Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs

March 14, 2019 by Laura Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Who gets excited about something silly like Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs? This girl. Indeed, I get very, very excited.

I like beef. I like meatballs. I like anything that can be made ahead of time. No. Scratch that. I LOVE anything that can be made ahead of time. And if it’s also made from beef, well, that makes me one happy girl!

You can make this recipe ahead and store the meatballs in the fridge or freezer UNBAKED. Or you can PRE-BAKE up a huge batch and pull out a few as needed to reheat quickly. This recipe is flexible to meet your family’s needs!

Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs

Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 16-20 meatballs
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 Tablespoons dried minced onion
  • ½ cup shredded (or grated) parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
  1. Mix all ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Scoop any size balls out onto a cookie sheet (I use a large scoop).
  3. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30-45 minutes or until the meat is no longer pink.
  4. Serve right away, or refrigerate or freeze baked meatballs to easily reheat for a meal later.
  5. OR, freeze the prepared meatballs UNBAKED, thaw as needed, and bake as directed.
3.5.3229

I love serving these Simple Make-Ahead Parmesan Meatballs with:

  • A Simple Tossed Salad
  • Easy Steamed or Roasted Veggies
  • The BEST Mashed Potatoes OR
  • Stick of Butter Rice

Meals like this are truly satisfying, extremely delicious, and still very simple to put together!

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Simple (Mostly Real Food) Tator Tot Casserole

January 31, 2019 by Laura 12 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Is it possible? Am I actually going to present you with a Tator Tot Casserole? Yes, and I feel no shame. I have purchased the tator tots and I have put them onto a casserole and I am sharing the recipe with you here today.

I was able to simply adapt the original recipe I was given many years ago to turn it into a mostly “real food recipe.” No cream of mushroom soup here! Still just as delicious. Everything in this casserole is wholesome and good. But the tator tots on top? I dumped them right out of the bag and I ignored the ingredient list and well, that is all. I just did.

Remember that one time I experimented and came up with a way to make Homemade Tator Tots? Who even was that girl anyway? She sure was ambitious! And fun and creative. But now? Well, I just don’t spend my time making tedious recipes anymore. And typically I don’t use packaged ingredients in recipes. But I got a hankering for my childhood favorite Tator Tot Casserole and I just went for it!

Tator tots aside, everything else in this recipe is created from whole foods and great ingredients. They are likely ingredients you already have on hand, which makes this a simple and fun meal to serve your family.

This recipe freezes well, so while you’re making one Tator Tot Casserole, you might as well make two or three. Then you can freeze the extras for a meal on a busy day!

Simple Tator Tot Casserole

Simple (Mostly Real Food) Tator Tot Casserole
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 1½ - 2 pounds hamburger meat
  • 1 medium onion or 3 Tablespoons dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Sea salt to taste (we find it takes quite a lot of this good salt to provide good flavor in this meal!)
  • 4 cups cooked green beans
  • 3 cups sour cream
  • 3 cups shredded cheese (we use Colby jack)
  • 3 cups tator tots
Instructions
  1. Brown hamburger meat with onion, garlic, and salt.
  2. Mix cooked meat with green beans and sour cream and spread mixture into a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  3. Spread shredded cheese over the mixture.
  4. Top with frozen tator tots.
  5. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.
3.5.3229

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Simple Creamy Layered Enchiladas (For Oven or Crock Pot)

October 9, 2018 by Laura 1 Comment

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

How simple are these Creamy Layered Enchiladas? Well, I was able to throw them together in just five minutes before running out to church on a recent Sunday morning. So I’d say they’re pretty simple!

This recipe is simple in and of itself, but if you happen to have hamburger already cooked and waiting to be used, then you really can throw the rest of this together in just five minutes. (Or use pre-cooked chicken if you prefer!)

There are two great options for cooking this casserole: Crock Pot or Oven.

I use the Crock Pot on days I don’t want to heat up the house with the oven or on Sundays when I want to have our meal ready and waiting when we get home from church. I use the oven when I have these enchiladas made up ahead of time in a casserole dish. Then all I have to do is slide it into the oven and let it bake while I get other work done!

Simple Creamy Layered Enchiladas

Simple Creamy Layered Enchiladas (For Oven or Crock Pot)
 
Save Print
Author: Laura
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • sea salt to taste
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 1½ cups sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 8 whole wheat flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
Instructions
  1. Brown meat. Stir in salt, salsa, sour cream, and ½ cup of cheese.
  2. Lay 4 tortillas in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. Spread half of meat mixture over tortillas.
  4. Layer again with the 4 remaining tortillas.
  5. Spread remaining meat mixture over tortillas.
  6. Top with 1½ cups cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered at 350° for 20-25 minutes.
  8. OR Layer ingredients into a crock pot. Cook on Low for 6-7 hours or on Hi for 4 hours.
3.5.3229

 

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Join Simple Meals!

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